Medical coders are in high demand.
A medical coder is a person who specializes in assigning codes to patients' medical records for billing and insurance purposes. Using specialized software, the coder may use several different coding systems, depending on the medical situation involved. Trained medical coders are in high demand. The Bureau of Labor Statistics expects this trend to continue for the near future.
Fortis College
Although the main campus of Fortis College is in Ohio, this school has campuses in 10 different states. The medical coding specialist program provides hands-on training in essential aspects of medical coding, such as office management, medical terminology, and coding techniques. Students train in various medical settings, including hospitals and physician offices. The course includes computer basics and medical billing software. Upon program completion, the student earns a certificate of completion and is ready to seek entry-level work in the medical coding field. Program cost depends on which campus the student attends and hands-on facilities located there.
Fortis College
555 E. Alex Bell Road
Centerville, OH 45459
937-433-3410
fortis.edu
Allied Schools
Allied Schools offers an online medical coding program that provides training consisting of two courses. Advanced medical terminology is the first course. The second is medical coding. Together they give students the ability to get an entry-level job as a medical coder. After completing these courses, the next step is to take the Certified Professional Coder (CPC) exam, given by the American Academy of Professional Coders. Students who pass this exam receive CPC certification. This school guarantees that everyone who completes the Allied program will pass the exam, or get a refund on the cost of the course. Program cost as of June 2010 is $888, and students typically complete the program in three to six months.
Allied Schools
22952 Alcalde Drive
Laguna Hills, CA 92653
888-925-4282
alliedschools.com
Ashworth College
Ashworth College combines the online medical coder program with the billing and claims program, giving students additional opportunities for employment and increased income. The course consists of 21 lessons, covering medical terminology in depth, also necessary aspects of Medicare and Medicaid, private insurance, billing, and four lessons specifically on coding. Cost of this program is $894, with a monthly payment plan of $29 available as of June 2010. This includes all course texts, materials, and help as needed. This is a self-paced course, but students generally complete it in four to eight months.
Ashworth College
430 Technology Parkway
Norcross, Georgia 30092
800-957-5412
ashworthcollege.edu
Tags: medical coding, Allied Schools, Ashworth College, Fortis College, medical coder, medical terminology, coders high
