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What is the objective of Medical billing and coding programs?

I have seen many medical billing and coding programs in the Internet. What is the objective of these programs (what do they train?). Are there good opportunities for medical billing and coding specialists? What is the basic requirement to join a medical billing and coding program?

Public Comments

1. There actually are Not too many jobs for the medical biller or coder (or medical assistant) despite what those private $$ schools proclaim. The medical biller actually bills the patient and/or (health) insurance company to try to get payment for services rendered, however, many billing offices are being outsourced overseas including Asia/India. My cousin just got laid off from her medical billing job of five years due to that increasing trend. The medical coder actually (is supposed to) puts the correct code according to the diagnosis (such as provided by the physician. It's also tough to get a job as a coder since the person is supposed to have at least a couple years experience doing coding tasks, certification(s) in the field and graduated from an accredited program to possibly get employed. The medical facility or billing office can get a hefty fine if the diagnosis is not coded correctly which is why places would like a lot of experience beforehand. Some diagnoses have very similar codes to others. Please note that the placement services offered at those schools really don't have many more leads than the newspaper or job site. It's more or less to try to entice the student to sign up.
2. The main objective of medical billing and coding training is to prepare yourself for getting employment in healthcare and insurance facilities with an emphasis on insurance billing, coding, medical records, and administrative front office responsibilities. Usually students of these programs get trained in using Medisoft software, ICD-9 and CPT books, as well as the Microsoft Office Suite products. Regarding job opportunities there are quite enough opportunities out there. Most of the training firms like http://www.mticollege.edu/medical_bc_specialist.html provide placement assistance too.