by Updated on | $ Online Program: $1,000-$4,000 | $ $ Degree Program: $20,000-$30,000 |
The job of medical billing specialists is to submit and track claims with insurance providers.
The medical billing work further includes data entry and clerical tasks, plus support to other medical office staff; however, the main responsibility is managing interactions with insurance companies and patients.
Medical billing and medical coding are usually paired in the training as the medical coding guides the billing of patients and insurance providers.
Typical Costs
Most medical billing programs are provided online and usually cost $1,000-$4,000 in total.
The Allied Schools, for example, offers an online medical billing program for $2,298.
Other medical billing programs are paired with medical coding.
For example, Career Step, an online medical training centre, is offering two medical coding and billing programs that cost $2,095-$2,495.
The medical billing is studied as part of larger healthcare management associate degree programs at some schools.
The degree programs usually take 18 months to two years to complete, and their price is $20,000-$30,000.
The health administration services degree program of Colorado Technical University costs $27,260 and can be completed in 18 months.
What Is Included
- The medical billing training covers learning how to process paper claims, managing insurance claims and medical office billing.
- Students further learn commonly used medical billing software, CMS 1500 forms, and a standard claim form.
- Medical billing training includes learning how to manage workers’ compensation claims.
- Medical billing specialists need training in medical coding.
- The coursework includes learning ICD-9 and ICD-10, as well as the procedural technology (CPT) codes.
- The Medical Biller blog provides information on what should be included in the medical billing curriculum.
Additional Costs
- Getting a certification is not mandatory for a medical billing career; however, it helps in obtaining higher-paying positions.
- The American Health Information Management Association provides certification testing for two levels of health information management certification: administrator and technician.
- Technicians could be certified out of school, while administrators tend to have several years of work experience before getting a certification.
- The tests cost $229-$299, based on whether the test-taker is a member of AHIMA – the American Medical Billing Association secures Certified Medical Reimbursement Specialist certification for $325.
- All certifications have to be renewed annually.
- The students should expect textbook, software and technology fees that are not included in tuition.
- Based on the coursework, the textbooks cost $200-$750 per quarter of study.
Discounts
- To get financial aid for degree-based programs like those at junior or community colleges, the qualified students can apply online.
- The American Health Information Management Association awards scholarships annually for students seeking careers in health information management.
- Sarah Lincoln Bush Health System secured scholarships to medical coding students.
- At the same time, Allied Schools offers a $200 discount for training in medical billing in case the tuition is paid in full at time of enrollment.
Shopping For Medical Billing Training
- Health Information Careers provides information on the right coding program.
- Medical Coding and Billing offers tips for finding an accredited school.
- There are various reputable companies that provide legitimate and rigorous medical billing training; however, be cautious about programs that guarantee jobs or at-home work, which sounds too good to be true.
- HomeWithTheKids.com presents common medical transcription/billing/coding scams.