More Information About Medical Billing & Coding

What should I know when considering a degree in Medical Billing & Coding ?

• Most medical billing clerk jobs require only a high school diploma, but some college experience is attractive to employers.
• There is not expected to be a huge need for medical billing clerks because of the introduction of automated computer systems.
• Medical billing clerks spend most of their time working on a computer and are required to sit for long periods of time.

What does a medical billing clerk do?

Medical billing clerks are responsible for compiling and keeping track of patient invoices and then mailing them out to customers. Most of their time is spent coordinating between patients, doctors and insurance companies, to make sure the right people get paid. Computers and specialized billing software allow many clerks to calculate charges, prepare bills, and mail them out in one step. Computer software also allows bills to be sent electronically. Billing clerks are typically employed in an office environment, although many are allowed to work from home. Because billing clerks use computers on a daily basis, workers may have to sit for extended periods of time and perform repetitive motions.

What is the job outlook for a medical billing clerk?

The need for billing clerks is likely to decrease because computers are increasingly taking over the tasks done by billing clerks. Billing clerks usually advance by taking on more duties in the same occupation, and others choose to move into related fields, such as accounting, human resources, or sales. Turnover in this profession is relatively high because it is considered an entry-level position.

How much money will a medical billing clerk make?

Medical billing clerks usually make hourly wages that average between $10.00/hr to $18.00/hr. Nevertheless, the average yearly salary is $36,000 with a range from $33,000 to $42,000, depending on experience and location. Medical and retirement benefits vary by work place.

How does someone become a medical billing clerk?

Billing clerks need at least a high school diploma, but many employers prefer to hire workers who have completed some college courses, if not a two to four year degree. A number of community and career colleges offer certificate programs in medical billing. Workers with an associate's or bachelor's degree are likely to start at higher salaries and advance more easily than those without degrees. Billing clerks usually receive on-the-job training on top of any schooling they have done. Medical billing clerks should be organized and detail oriented, with the ability to work with numbers.

What are the leading schools offering programs in Medical Billing & Coding ?

• Iowa Central College Formed in 1966, Iowa Central College is a community college offering Associate Degree training in Business, Information Technology, and Criminal Justice fields via campus course study and online education. The main campus is located in Fort Dodge, Iowa with flexible course schedules and additional programs via online learning resources. ( More Info )
• Virginia College Online Programs Virginia College Online Programs offers online degree programs in Accounting, Business Administration, Healthcare Management, Criminal Justice and Homeland Security. ( More Info )
• LA College Online Since 1981, LA College has been providing a quality education that is career-focused. During the first years, the school focused on courses that prepared students for data processing and computer skills. In 2006, however, the American Way Education, LLC acquired the facility and added several courses and online degree programs for students worldwide. ( More Info )
• American InterContinental University Founded in 1970, American InterContinental University (AIU) offers curricula that provide students with career preparation in business, design and media arts, engineering, education, and information technology. AIU is accredited by the Commission on Colleges of the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools to award Associate, Bachelor's and Master's degrees. ( More Info )
• Lincoln Online Lincoln Online is the online division of Career Education Institute. Lincoln Online offers Associate of Applied Science Degrees in Health Information Technology and Criminal Justice. Lincoln Online is accredited by the Accrediting Council for Independent Colleges and Schools (ACICS) and licensed by the State of Georgia's Nonpublic Postsecondary Education Commission. ( More Info )
• RETS College Online RETS College Online offers a range of courses in business, medical and technology related fields. Programs include Criminal Justice, Billing & Coding and Entrepreneurship. The focus is on practical education and preparing students to being working directly upon graduation. Courses can be taken entirely online. ( More Info )
• National American University Online National American University Online offers flexible distance learning programs for Associate and Bachelors degrees in Business Administration, Criminal Justice, Health Care, and Information Technology. ( More Info )
• Sullivan University Although Sullivan University is based in Louisville, Kentucky, the school offers many complete programs online through its Global E-Learning capabilities. With the e-learning courses, the school provides advisors and a live support staff for students unfamiliar with the process as well. ( More Info )
• Ultimate Medical Academy Online Learning Ultimate Medical Academy Online Learning prepares students for entry-level careers in healthcare, through online medical billing and coding training. Courses can be completed from the convenience of home, without sacrificing quality education. ( More Info )
• Charter College Online Charter College Online is a career-oriented school which focuses on programs in Business and Healthcare. The school offers all of its classes in a convenient online format. Some of the school's programs include Business Applications, Computerized Accounting and Medical Office Administration Coding & Billing. ( More Info )
• Kaplan Continuing Education - Health Care Certificates Kaplan Continuing Education - Health Care Certificates offers accredited certificate programs in Medical Coding and Pharmacy Technician. These programs enable you with the knowledge and the credentials for a career in Healthcare and Human Services fields. ( More Info )
• Ashford University Founded in 1918, Ashford University specializes in Teacher Education and Organizational Leadership. Students choose from associate and bachelor degrees in business, psychology, criminal justice, and teaching. The accelerated classes will offer you a swift path to program completion. ( More Info )
• Colorado Technical University - Online Colorado Technical University's online degree programs include Bachelors and Associate degree programs in Business, Criminal Justice and Information Technology. CTU's online programs also offer unique professional certification program that enables students to advance their careers while studying to get their degree. ( More Info )
• ICS Canada ICS Canada offers career training in Business, Design, Education, Vocational, Healthcare, Legal Studies, and Information Technology fields through flexible distance learning. ( More Info )