Certificate in Medical Billing and Coding
What is a Medical Billing and Coding Specialist?
Medical billing and coding specialists are an essential part of the healthcare administration field specializing in record keeping and following up on patient treatment and payments. With upcoming federal legislation requiring electronic record keeping of patients, medical billing and coding specialists are guaranteed to be in high demand through the next decade. Medical billing offers a unique opportunity to enter the healthcare industry after a very short period of study, and opens up numerous opportunities. A degree or certificate in this field can also be used to set up a home based business that can greatly improve your income.
Certificate in Medical Billing and Coding Programs
Penn Foster Career School
National American University
About the Degree
Since the demand for medical billing & coding specialists is so high, a simple certificate in this field after a high school education is more than enough for entry level positions and guarantees handsome earnings. A certification program in medical billing & coding or health information technology lasts anywhere between three months to a year, and includes courses in medical ethics, medical terminology, anatomy, auditing claims and insurance law. These programs can also be taken online, allowing you to save your time and money.
Career Prospects
After completing a certification program, students must then sit for an exam conducted by American Health Information Management Association (AHIMA). Upon successfully clearing the exam, students become Certified Coding Specialists (CCS), Certified Professional Medical Auditors (CPMA) or Accredited Record Technicians (ART). Average wages for people starting work in these positions currently stand at $50,000; which the Bureau of Labor Statistics estimates will increase by more than 35% in the coming years. More experienced specialists in this field easily make $90,000 per year, and if you are running your own business, earnings can exceed $150,000.