Medical Coding & Billing

Medical coding and billing specialists act as liaisons between medical offices and insurance providers. By accepting this role, you become a translator for the practice, converting the physician’s medical terminology into codes processed by insurance carriers.

Like many other careers in the medical field, medical coding and billing specialists are in high demand and job opportunities are growing. However, unlike medical assistants and phlebotomists, these specialists primarily handle administrative duties and have limited direct interaction with patients.

Read on below to learn the details of our Medical Coding & Billing Program to determine if a future as a Medical Coding & Billing specialist is right for you!

Learning Objectives

The focus of this course is to develop an understanding and provide a practical approach to coding, the language of medical billing and the basis of any healthcare reimbursement management career. Emphasis will be placed on learning about the medical coding systems available for submitting a medical bill, including the Current Procedural Terminology (CPT), Healthcare Common Procedural Coding System (HCPCS) Level II coding system, and the International Coding of Diseases (ICD-10-CM) used to facilitate proper coding in claim submission.

Program Information

Class Structure

MHCC's Medical Coding & Billing Program spans approximately 8 months. This consists of 7 didactic (in-class) modules and 1 externship module where you will apply your learning in a practicing medical facility or billing agency. Modules 1 through 6 are 80 hours each, module 7 is 40 hours, and module 8, externship, is 160 hours. The full program is 680 hours.

Schedule

MHCC offers two sessions of our Coding & Billing Program. Session 1 is scheduled for Monday through Friday from 1 PM to 5 PM while Session 2 is scheduled for Monday through Friday from 6 PM to 10 PM. Each session does require attendance 4 hours per day, 5 days per week. Module 7 is focused on the American Academy of Professional Coders Certified Coding Exam and does require attendance on 2 Saturdays to participate in mock exams. Externship hours are determined by the host facility but are generally Monday through Friday from 8:30 AM to 5:30 PM.

Instructional Method

This class is taught in a hybrid format with 99% of instruction delivered through an Internet based video chat connection. Module 7 focuses on preparing you for the American Academy of Professional Coders Certified Coding Exam and does require attendance on 2 Saturdays. In addition, most externship training is done in-person at the host medical facility or billing agency.

Admissions Requirements

General Requirements

All students must meet the following general requirements.

a) Students are required to be at least 18 years of age.

b) All classes are taught in English. Students must be able to read, speak and write in English at least at a high-school level.

c) The purpose of this program is to support the vocational, career objectives of our students. Students must be able to legally work in the United States.

d) Students must submit a copy of a picture ID (state driver’s license or an identification card is acceptable).

High-School Diploma / GED

A high-school diploma or GED is not required for the Medical Coding & Billing Program.

Proof of Verbal and Quantitative Competency

Applicants to MHCC must show proof that he/she possesses a required minimum competency in verbal and quantitative skills to be successful in the program. This is established by completing the WONDERLIC BASIC SKILLS TEST (WBST), a standardized test recognized and approved by the United States Department of Education to measure basic reading and arithmetic skills. Minimum passing scores accepted by MHCC for all students is 175 for the verbal section and 175 for the quantitative section. The test can be completed on campus, or we can email you a link to take the test from home.

Medical Requirements

VACCINES: Medical facilities also generally require that workers and externs are vaccinated against certain highly communicable viruses. MHCC requires proof of vaccination (yellow vaccine card) or proof of immunity by way of lab result titers for Hepatitis B, Varicella, Measles, Mumps, and Rubella at the time of enrollment to facilitate placement into an externship site.

Distance Learning Readiness Assessment

Applicants enrolling in a distance education or hybrid program, must complete the “Distance Learning Readiness Assessment” to determine preparedness for succeeding in a distance learning instructional environment. This assessment can be found HERE.

Technology Requirements - Bring Your Own Device

Applicants must have and be able to bring to class a laptop computer or tablet device capable of supporting the web-based technology programs utilized in the program’s daily coursework. Macintosh and PC devices are recommended. Google Chromebooks are not compatible with some programs. Speak with an admissions counselor to review the specifications of your device to ensure it is acceptable. It is strongly recommended that applicants have access to a printer to print and complete daily course assignments.

Students must have access to a high-speed internet connection at the location from which they plan to attend classes remotely.

Licensure & Certification

Neither licensure nor certification is required to work as a Medical Coder & Biller. Certification through an agency, such as the American Academy of Professional Coders (AAPC), however, is strongly recommended. Our program does attribute 40 hours of the curriculum to prepare you for the Certified Professional Coder (CPC) exam administered by the AAPC. A passing score and CPC certification will only make you more desirable to your prospective employers and boost your earnings potential after completion of the program.

Fees & Payment Options

PROGRAM COST:

The full cost of the Medical Coding & Billing Program is $7,500.

WHAT IS INCLUDED:

Everything required for the course is included in the tuition except for the technology devices (laptop and printer) needed to attend the video chat lectures and to complete your daily assignments.

Upon enrollment MHCC will provide to you with the following:

One T-shirt,
Online subscription to Cengage Unlimited's online learning resources,

Coding manuals - CPT, ICD-10, and HCPCS,
Online subscription to Optum's Encoder Pro coding database.

Upfront Payment

Students can save $1,500 off of our regular tuition price by paying $6,000 at the time of enrollment. No other fees or charges will be assessed.

20-Month Payment Plan

Pay for your tuition over time with a Payment Plan. This option offers easy-to-manage payments without interest or administrative fees. Pay a $250 registration fee at the time of enrollment, then pay the remaining balance in equal installments over 20 months starting in your first month of enrollment. All applicants qualify.

Click the icon above to learn more!

42-Month Extended Loan

Climb Credit provides qualifying students with longer term payment plans to fund their education. Interest and administrative fees will be assessed. Interest rate is based on the borrower's credit score. Co-borrowers are welcome. Not all applicants will qualify.

Qualifying applicants will pay a $250 registration fee at the time of enrollment, then pay the remaining balance over a

42-month loan term.

Qualifying applicants will be able to choose their repayment plan. These include the following options:

Pay interest and principal beginning in the first month of enrollment; or
Pay interest only for the term of enrollment plus 3 months (11 months), then pay interest and principal beginning in the subsequent month through the remainder of the loan.