Medical Billing and Coding distance education program
The Medical Billing and Coding program is now offered 100% online. As a medical biller and coder, you can assign the proper processes and codes to patient diagnoses, handle insurance forms and coding, complete end-of-month operations in a medical office, accurately code procedures and diagnoses, and compose legal collection letters as part of collection procedures and practices. Without this profession, healthcare providers would not receive proper payment for the treatment they provide.
This program will also provide you with developing communication skills necessary to effectively communicate with other health care team members, patients, and physicians. Demonstrate respect for the human dignity and the rights of all individuals with awareness of cultural differences. Utilize critical thinking and decision-making skills when providing clinical and administrative service in the healthcare settings.
To participate in this certificate program, you must apply during application period
The application period is March 15 - May 31 yearly
Prerequisite is English 101 with a grade of "C" or better
This program is unique because it gives the student the opportunity to complete two courses will transfer to the Medical Assisting program here at AHC. If you have taken the Medical Assisting program or the Billing and Coding program here at AHC, you will have two less courses to take if you choose to pursue a path to the other medical program.
Suggested Course Sequence
The "Suggested Course Sequence" is an example of how to complete the requirements plus any additional general education that may be needed. If you would like to create a personalized Student Education Plan (SEP), schedule a meeting with a counselor.
Fall Semester (Year 1)
Course #
Course Title
Units
A study of medical terminology, anatomy, physiology, pathophysiology, diagnostic testing and treatment modalities. The course is not open to students who are currently enrolled or have received credit for MB 305.
The course explores administrative office tasks including secretarial and accounting procedures, written and oral communications, appointment scheduling, and records management. Topics include insurance, banking, professional fees, billing, and collection of fees. Administrative legal and ethical issues are addressed. Computer applications are employed for most functions in the medical field. The course is not open to students who are currently enrolled or have received credit for MB 352.
Total Units:
9.0
Spring Semester (Year 1)
Course #
Course Title
Units
Corequisite: MB 361 Completion of first semester medical billing or equivalent medical assisting courses.
The course covers practices and principles of health insurance using medical terminology for completion of medical forms. It is an introduction to various types of medical billing practices including the pegboard system, computerized billing, basic insurance forms, collections, and basic legal aspects of billing. The course is not open to students who have received credit for MA 360.
Corequisite: MB 360 Admittance to the medical billing program and/or completion of first semester medical billing or equivalent medical assisting courses.
The course covers practices and principles of health insurance and health care finance coding procedures. International Classification of Diseases 10th Revision Clinical Modification (ICD 10-CM), current Healthcare Common Procedure Coding System (HCPCS) and Current Procedural Terminology (CPT) guidelines for coding and reporting are utilized in practical application scenarios. The course is not open to students who have received credit for MA 361.
Total Units:
7.0
Program Requirements:
"Program Requirements" specify the courses required for this program. See suggested course sequence for additional information.
A total of 16 units is required for the certificate.
Required core courses (16 units):
| Course Number | Course Title | Units |
|---|---|---|
| MA 305 | Body Systems and Disease | 5.000 - 0.000 |
| MA 352 | MA Administrative Procedures | 4.000 - 0.000 |
| MA 360 | Medical Billing & Insurance | 4.000 - 0.000 |
| MA 361 | Coding for Medical Insurance | 3.000 - 0.000 |
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Contact Information
Dean: Thomas Lamica
Department Chair: Megan McComas
Department Program Technician: Tawnya Karstrom
LOCATION
Santa Maria Campus, W building (W-11)
Telephone extension: 3384
healthsciences@hancockcollege.edu
