| Those wishing to get a start in the fields of | | | | include Accounting, CPT Coding, Computers in |
| medical billing or coding should attend an | | | | Health Care, Health Information Management, |
| educational program from on of the medical billing | | | | Human Biology, ICD-9-CM Coding, Legal Aspects |
| and coding schools that are available. There are a | | | | of Health Care, Medical Office Procedures, Medical |
| variety of different programs, ranging from | | | | Terminology, Medical Reimbursement, |
| certificate programs that take less than two | | | | Pathophysiology, and Pharmacology. |
| years to two year associates degree programs | | | | Some programs require courses in Algebra, |
| to four year bachelors degree programs. | | | | Communication, Psychology, or Sociology. Some |
| It is always wise to choose a program that is | | | | programs may have math or English prerequisites |
| accredited by one of the organizations that | | | | that need to be completed prior to admission. |
| provides this service, as this guarantees you will | | | | The required externship is usually a placement in a |
| learn the skills you need in order to get on with | | | | health facility. Many times this sort of placement |
| your career. For this type of program, you should | | | | requires candidates to complete a criminal |
| look for AHIMA or CAHIM accreditation, depending | | | | background check, immunizations, and a physical |
| on the type of program you choose. | | | | prior to placement. Some of the distance |
| The exact courses you need to take in order to | | | | education programs have a virtual externship, |
| earn a certificate from medical billing and coding | | | | which is completed online just like the other |
| schools varies by school, but there are some | | | | courses. |
| types of courses that are usually included | | | | The externship varies in length depending on the |
| regardless of the program. This training also | | | | program, with some programs requiring 30 to 60 |
| usually include some sort of practicum or | | | | hours to be completed. This externship is very |
| externship in order to give you some real world | | | | important as it gives a chance for students to |
| experience in the field as well. | | | | experience what they would typically do if they |
| Some of the courses that are usually required | | | | were to have a job doing medical billing or coding. |