Program Info
Program Description
A certificate designed to provide entry-level skills for medical billing and medical coding specialists. The Program provides instruction necessary for reimbursement of health care services, including review of medical records, assigning diagnostic and procedural codes, verification of insurance, claim preparation, and posting and balancing of accounts. Students will be able to recognize, evaluate, and interpret inconsistencies, discrepancies, and inaccuracies in the billing and coding processes. Physician billing as well as facility billing procedures are developed.
- Demonstrate the process of producing procedural and diagnostic claims for the major insurance carriers.
- Demonstrate the correct process of insurance procedures in the areas of physician and facility billing.
- Communicate effectively with clients, providers, and insurance agencies.
The employment outlook for medical billers and coders is good, but very competitive especially for entry-level positions. Information about career placement is available through the Career Services Office which also assists students in finding employment.
All health care employers are now requiring criminal background checks and drug screens of their new applicants.
Upon completion of the Medical Insurance Specialist program students are eligible to take the certification examination for Certified Medical Administrative Specialists (CMAS). Students may also consider taking the Certified Medical Billing Insurance Examination (CMBI) offered by the American Association of Professional Coders. These credentials may be necessary for employment in administrative medical office duties.
HFC continuously attempts to improve each program, and as a result courses and requirements may be modified. Curriculum, course content, and admission criteria are subject to change by action of the College faculty and administration.
Admission Requirements
Adherence to the program requirements outlined in the Student Handbook.
Achievement of a minimum grade of C or better in all required core and required support courses.
Program Requirements
| Course Name | Credit Hours |
|---|---|
| HIT-151: Basic Medical Coding:Theory and Practice | 4.00 |
| MOA-165: Physician Billing Concepts | 4.00 |
| MOA-168: Facility Billing Concepts | 4.00 |
| HIT-230: Ambulatory Coding | 3.00 |
| MOA-181: Medical Collection and Legal Issues | 3.00 |
| MOA-205: Insurance Coding and Reimbursement | 3.00 |
| Course Name | Credit Hours |
|---|---|
| AH-100: Medical Terminology | 4.00 |