What Are The Best Online Medical Billing And Coding Classes?
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by
Angela Foster·
It’s tempting to enter the medical billing and coding fields. The jobs in these fields are not just abundant but secure. If you’re considering a career in these fields, the first thing you want to ask yourself is this question: “What are the best online medical billing and coding classes?”
This means you need to consider certain aspects such as your educational needs, financial needs, and personal interests. At the end of the day, it’s a choice you have to make for yourself.
What Are The Best Online Medical Billing And Coding Classes?
Choosing the best online medical billing and coding classes can be a bit daunting if you don’t know what to look for. A reputable program will provide you with a solid start in this exciting field, but it is also vital that you choose one that fits your learning style and schedule appropriately.
AAPC provides a lot of options for you to choose from. This is an established institution with a solid reputation, having been around since 1990.
You can choose from the various certification courses AAPC has to offer. The price points of the certification courses vary as well. You can choose an online medical billing and coding class that can qualify you to sit for a certification test or you can choose to enroll in a full course load of different specialties. (1)
5. University of Cincinnati (UC)
UC makes it to the list of the best online medical billing and coding classes based on the structure of the program. While it isn’t self-paced, UC boasts an asynchronous program that’s fully remote. Unlike the other programs in some colleges and universities, UC’s prerequisite for its medical billing and coding program is a high school diploma or equivalent. (2)
4. Florida A&M University or FAMU
FAMU is known best for its learning pace You can learn at your own comfortable pace with their asynchronous format. The medical coding program is offered through the University’s Office of Continuing Education and provides accreditation only online. (3)
3. Keiser University-Ft Lauderdale
Keiser University-Ft Lauderdale makes it on the list based on its high graduation rate of 69%. In considering what are the best online medical billing and coding classes, it’s important to look into how many students have successfully completed the classes. The 18-month program offered by the University is six months shorter as compared to other programs.
2. Indiana University-Purdue University Indianapolis (IUPUI)
IUPUI is known to best when it comes to professional development. Students aren’t just eligible to take the Certified Coding Associate or CCA exam. They can also apply it towards a bachelor’s degree in Health Information Management, which is also offered by the University. (4)
1. Hutchinson Community College
Hutchinson Community College tops the list of the best online medical billing and coding classes based on affordability or budget. Tuition at Hutchinson Community College is affordable, even for out-of-state students. In-state students pay about $116 per credit hour and out-of-state students pay around $147 per credit hour, making the total cost for tuition roughly $5,220 or $6,615 for the certification in state, respectively. (5)
Requirements Of Online Medical Coding Programs
You should also consider the requirements of the online medical coding programs. Some colleges and universities require a high school diploma or GED.
Also, some institutions require certification in health information technology before you can enroll. Some colleges and universities require that you apply to at least five of their accredited programs before you can apply for admission. If you meet the requirements, you will receive your associate degree, but it may take you several years to complete your degree.
Once you have obtained your bachelor’s degree, you are now qualified to apply for the Registered Health Information Technician (RHIT) certification examination. This exam is administered by the American Health Information Management Association (AHIMA). The CHIT exam must be passed before you become certified as a professional who can work in the healthcare industry.
In order to take these examinations, you must pass the RHIT certification requirements. There are three requirements: Possessing a bachelor’s degree; having completed two years of education in a healthcare-related field with at least 500 hours of related training, and passing the AHIMA exam.
Once you have completed the requirements you will be given a credential. There are no minimum hours of training needed for certification. However, if you choose to continue your education or wish to earn additional credits you must notify the schools you applied to that you do require additional training.
Choose Wisely
You should carefully examine any medical billing or coding school before enrolling in their programs. Make sure they have an accreditation with the Commission on Accreditation for Health Informatics and Information Management Education (CAHIIM). Also, make sure the program focuses on the tasks you are looking to master and that it is not over-simplifying the process.
You should also look at the other courses and material that are included in the medical billing and coding classes. This may include information about local and state laws as well as the rules and regulations associated with obtaining a license.
Some classes will only include textbook information and other coursework not related to the medical field while other classes will feature actual lab work and real-life cases. In order to successfully complete this degree, you will need to be very organized.
While the list of the best online medical billing and coding classes can help you a lot, it wouldn’t hurt to check out a few more schools before making your decision.
If you feel as though you may be missing something critical, you should take the time to see what your options are. Find a school that fits your schedule, your goals, and your needs.
Do your research online as well so you can avoid any scams or false starts. Avoid deciding haphazardly. When you choose to pursue a career in medical billing or coding, you will find that your work is not only professionally rewarding but financially sound as well.
