Medical Billing and Coding (C)

Certificate · Program Code: 190 ∙ Credit Hours: 34-36 · Contact Hours: 42-49

Associate Dean: Gretchen Carroll

This certificate is designed for students interested in working in medical billing and coding departments of larger physician practices. With increasing emphasis on accountability in healthcare and the increasing complexity of federal coding requirements, demand for individuals trained in this field is expected to remain high.

This certificate prepares students at an appropriate level for understanding medical billing and coding in private physician and dental practices, and is useful as an additional certificate for individuals in the Medical Office Assistant or other Allied Health programs. Students who intend to seek work in medical billing and coding departments in hospitals should consider the AAS degree in Medical Billing and Coding.

There are two main certification organizations for this profession: the American Health Information Management Association (www.ahima.org) and the American Academy of Professional Coders (www.aapc.com). Students are encouraged to investigate and pursue certification opportunities.