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How to Enroll In the Right Medical Billing and Coding Online Training Classes Phoenix Arizona

Phoenix Arizona Woman Medical Billing and Coding specialist working at her deskNow that you have made a decision to become part of the healthcare field by learning to be a medical billing and coding clerk in Phoenix AZ, it's important that you choose the right school to ensure that you receive the necessary education to ensure your success. As you no doubt know, healthcare is among the fastest growing fields in the United States, and increasingly more options are available both online and on campus to receive the training that you need. But just where do you start? Many potential students start by searching for colleges that are within driving distance of their homes and then comparing tuition. Or they might search the internet looking for online classes and select the least expensive one. But while cost and location are important issues when making your determination, they should not be the only ones when comparing medical billing and coding schools. Such qualifiers as reputation and accreditation should be considered as well. So let's take a look at what medical billers and coders do and the training and certification options available.

It Takes Just a Few Minutes to Start Your Career in Medical Billing and Coding

Medical Coding Job Summary

Phoenix Arizona patient medical records

Medical coders are on the forefront of the billing systems for Phoenix AZ medical practices and healthcare organizations. They have the responsibility to analyze the medical records of patients and assign universal codes to all services provided. These services can be for medical, diagnosis or dental procedures, or any medical supplies or equipment used. There are various codes that are used in the conversion, including:

  • CPT codes (Current Procedural Terminology).
  • ICD codes (International Classification of Diseases).
  • HCPCS codes (Healthcare Common Procedure Coding).

Medical coders use information from sources such as physician and nursing notes, patient charts, and radiology and lab reports. Medical Coders must know not only what total services were provided for accurate reporting, but must have a functioning knowledge of all private payer and government regulations that affect coding as well. Incorrectly coded claims may lead to services not being covered, services being paid for at a decreased rate, or the physician or facility being penalized for fraudulent or improper billing. Since improper coding can actually cost Phoenix AZ doctors and hospitals multiple thousands of dollars in revenue annually, a proficient medical coder is a necessary asset to the healthcare team. They can operate in any kind of healthcare facility, including family practices, hospitals, clinics and critical care centers. It is not uncommon for professional medical coders to operate at home as an independent contractor or offsite employee.

Medical Billing Job Functions

Phoenix Arizona patient health insurance claim forms

As important as the medical coder's role is, it would be for nothing without the contribution of the medical biller whose labors produce revenue. Medical billing clerks are extremely important to Phoenix AZ healthcare facilities and are essentially responsible for keeping their doors open. Sometimes the coder and biller can be the same man or woman within a healthcare facility, but they can also be 2 independent specialists. When the coder has performed his or her duty, the biller uses the codes supplied to complete and submit claim forms to insurance companies, Medicare or Medicaid. After they have been adjusted by the applicable organization, patients can then be charged for deductibles or additional out of pocket costs. On a regular basis, a medical biller can also do any of the following:

  • Check medical insurance benefits for patients and help them with billing concerns or questions
  • Follow up on submitted patient claims and appeal those that have been denied
  • Work as a mediator between the medical provider, the insurance companies and the patients for proper claim settlement
  • Generate and control Accounts Receivables reports
  • Produce and take care of unpaid patient collections accounts

Medical billing clerks not only work for family practices, but also Phoenix AZ hospitals, urgent care facilities, medical groups or nursing homes. They can work in every kind of healthcare facility that relies on the incomes generated from billing patients and third party payers.

Medical Biller and Coder Education and Certification

It's imperative that you receive your education from a reputable school, whether it's a community college, technical or trade school. Even though it is not required in many cases to obtain a professional certification, the school you choose should be accredited (more on the advantages of accreditation later). The majority of programs just require that you have either a high school diploma or a GED to qualify. The most expedient way to become either a medical biller or coder (or both) is to attain a certificate, which normally takes about one year to complete. An Associate Degree is also an option for a more comprehensive education, which for the majority of schools requires 2 years of studies. Bachelor's Degrees for medical billing and coding are not widely offered. Once your education has been concluded, although not mandated in most states, you may desire to acquire a professional certification. Certification is an effective way for those new to the field to show potential employers that they are not only qualified but dedicated to their occupation. A few of the organizations that make available certifications are:

  • American Academy of Professional Coders (AAPC).
  • Board of Medical Specialty Coding (BMSC).
  • The Professional Association of Healthcare Coding Specialists (PAHCS).
  • American Health Information Management Association (AHIMA).

Completing an accredited medical billing and coding program, in conjunction with earning a professional certification, are the most effective ways to accelerate your new profession and succeed in the rapid growing Arizona healthcare field.

Medical Billing and Coding Online Programs

Phoenix Arizona Female Enrolled in Online Medical Billing and Coding coursesIf you are looking for flexibility and the convenience of attending classes from home, then enrolling in an online medical billing and coding college may be a great option. They can be especially appealing to students in Phoenix AZ who anticipate going to school while still working or have other obligations that make attending classes on campus difficult. And as an additional advantage, online programs are in many cases cheaper than the traditional classroom alternatives. Costs for such items as tuition, study materials and commuting may be decreased or eliminated. But be cautious, as not all online courses are reputable. That's why it's essential to establish that any online school you enroll in is accredited to guarantee a superior education. We will cover the advantages of accreditation in the next section. Just be sure to establish that any online instruction you are considering is accredited by one of the national accrediting agencies, such as the Council on Higher Education Accreditation. So if you are dedicated enough to commit yourself to this mode of learning, then attaining your certificate or degree online may be the ideal choice for you.

Find Out How to Become a Medical Coder in Phoenix

Choose the Right Phoenix Online Medical Billing and Coding School

Choosing the right medical coding and billing online degree or certificate program is a critical first step to help guarantee your success in this rewarding sector of healthcare. Medical coding and medical billing are two of the fastest growing jobs in the health sector. Because of this, there are numerous trade schools, junior colleges and companies that provide instruction and training in medical billing and coding. As we have discussed, you can opt to attend classes either online or on campus. It's also essential that the college you choose has an accredited program with an outstanding reputation within the healthcare industry. With the proper education, you can realize your career objective to become a medical billing and coding clerk in Phoenix Arizona.


Phoenix Medical Billing And Coding Courses Online | Phoenix Online Medical Billing And Coding Classes