Diploma 

Changing government regulations and the growth of managed care have increased the amount of paperwork involved in processing medical tests, treating patients, and filing claims with insurance companies. As a result, medical billing and coding specialists are in high demand in all types of health care facilities. If you pay close attention to details, work well under pressure, and would like to pursue a career in health care, earning a diploma in medical billing and coding from Kaplan College could help get you started in one of today's fastest-growing career fields.*

 What is Medical Billing? 

Medical billing is vital to the smooth functioning of the medical office. Medical billers calculate the total amount due from a patient, prepare invoices to be sent out, and follow up to ensure that payment has been received. One of the most important responsibilities of medical billers is contacting insurance companies to negotiate payment or reimbursement on behalf of patients and doctors. Medical billers may have some interaction with patients to answer questions about health care finances.

What is Medical Coding?

Medical coding involves recording designated codes in patients' medical records. Each type of procedure or treatment has its own designated code that health insurance companies use to determine the reasons the patient was seen and what procedures and treatments were performed. The role of the medical coder is to ensure that each procedure is properly coded in accordance with industry standards.

 What Will You Study? 

The curriculum includes classroom lectures and lab training in:
  • Health insurance including paperwork, legal issues, and insurance fraud and abuse
  • Dental claims and the anatomy and physiology of the tooth and oral cavity
  • General office procedures including use of office machines, keyboarding and computer applications, and an introduction to the World Wide Web
  • Medical coding and terminology


You will be required to complete an externship at an approved facility in the Vista community. The externship gives you an opportunity to gain medical billing and coding experience needed for entry-level employment in doctors' offices, clinics, hospitals, home health care services, nursing and residential care facilities, and insurance companies.

 Certification Exams 

This program can help prepare you for the Certified Professional Coder (CPC) examination sponsored by the American Academy of Professional Coders (AAPC).† The CPC certification signifies to employers that you have achieved a level of knowledge and expertise in coding of services, procedures, and diagnoses for physician practices.

 

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* Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Department of Labor, Occupational Outlook Handbook, 2006-2007 Edition.

 
† However, the College cannot guarantee a student's eligibility either to take this exam or become certified. A student's eligibility may depend on his or her work experience, completion of high school (or its equivalent), not having a criminal record, meeting other licensure or certification requirements, or the program or College itself having appropriate accreditation or licensure. Externship sites may themselves require a criminal background check or medical examination.