Medical Coding

One quarter but you can space it out into 3 quarters if needed.

The courses are pre-recorded videos (there may be some that are just audio dependent on the course lesson but most are prerecorded slides/presentations). None of it is interactive via webcam. We do utilize the course discussion board; this creates a strong feel of community and open discussion with the other students and instructor; and you will have access to the instructor via email as well. The courses are structured for you to complete assignments on a weekly basis, you need to submit assignments by a certain deadline but you will never be required to be online at your computer at a certain time.

Medical coders work specifically with the financial and technical aspects of the medical world. They check medical records of patients, along with doctors’ notes, records of testing, and possible diagnoses to corroborate that work was carried out.

Medical codes tell a sort of story about the patient’s visit. Whether a patient was seen for a routine exam, or a doctor ordered an xray for a workplace injury, each procedure and service receive a specific code.

The coding specialist must translate this information into precise medical codes for each one of thousands of possible services, which need to be valued for reimbursement purposes.

If the coder is uncertain about a particular patient’s records, they then need to speak with medical staff or other staff members to receive more details.

Medical billers are responsible for creating a claim based on the codes a ;medical coder provides; the primary difference, however, is that medical coders translate medical services into codes, while medical billers translate the claims from these codes into reimbursements from insurance and patients.

You can find medical billers and coders in a variety of settings. Typically, they’re found behind the scenes at clinics, hospitals and nursing homes, but they may also find work in pharmacies. With such a wide range of possible employers, it’s a great opportunity to find a career close to home.

Because so much of the work is done with computer systems, many billers and coders are given permission to work from home one or two days a week. Medical billing or coding can be a great choice for those who seek a more flexible working environment.

At a small facility, there’s a good chance that billing and coding will be done by the same person or a close group of associates.

How long would it take to complete the three pre-req courses?

One quarter but you can space it out into 3 quarters if needed.