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Get the Skills to Be a Medical Office Professional
Get into a profession that makes a difference in people’s lives with Laurus College’s Medical Billing & Coding degree program
Online Medical Billing & Coding Training in 2 Years*
Interested in a career in the medical field? Are you the type of person who enjoys helping others?
A career in Medical Billing and Coding may be just the right fit for you. In this career-focused program, students learn the skills to market themselves to future employers in the fast-paced fields of medical insurance billing, medical coding, and various medical front office responsibilities.
All the Things You’ll Learn
The standards for accuracy in health insurance claims processing are becoming more exacting at the same time that health insurance plan options are rapidly expanding. These changes, coupled with modifications in regulations affecting the health insurance industry, are a constant challenge to medical office personnel.
Among the topics covered in the Medical Billing and Coding Occupational Associate Degree program are:
Medical Terminology
Health Insurance
Diagnosis Coding
Electronic Medical Billing
Medical Billing Processes
Medical Front Office
Health Care Facility
Medical Management Supervision
Human Resource Issues
Course List
This course examines decision making, strategic thinking, and communications for complex issues. Students will demonstrate the ability to recognize different approaches to developing written action plans for solving today’s issues in the modern age. Credits: 5
This course serves as an introduction to the necessary core skills needed to be successful at an academic, professional and personal level. Students will identify core skills, values and interest to assist in their path to success. Topics covered in this course may include time management, effective study skills, written and oral communication, improving critical thinking to enhance problem-solving skills. Other topics may include job search techniques and job etiquette, and on-the-job behavior. Students will work towards building their professional development through various assignments and topics throughout the course. Students will explore Laurus College resources for success inside and outside the classroom. Credits: 5
Students in this course explore written and oral communication as a skill to be mastered and applied. Instruction covers communication strategies and conventions of written expression including idea generation, paragraph development, and essay construction. The writing portion of this course concentrates on the development of clear and organized sentences, paragraphs, and compositions, and their applications to real world documents such as cover letters, resumes, and memos. Students examine grammar, vocabulary and the writing process, and may apply the skills learned to multiple forms of writing. Students also explore oral communication skills used in a business setting, and how to effectively communicate written ideas. Other topics may include presentation skills, etiquette, interpersonal skills and delivery techniques. Students will be expected to deliver oral and written presentations to the instructor and classmates. Credits: 5
Students in this course explore written and oral communication as a skill to be mastered and applied at a more sophisticated level. Instruction covers complex communication strategies and conventions of written expression focusing on concept development, report construction. The writing portion of this course concentrates on the development of clear and organized complex structures and their applications to real world documents. Students will be expected to deliver oral and written presentations to the instructor and classmates. Credits: 5
This math course is a thorough review and study of algebraic concepts, functions, and operations, utilizing a balanced approach of basic algebraic theories with practical applications and conceptual understanding. Students review mathematical concepts including addition, subtraction, multiplication, fractions and decimals as it applies to business operations. Students gain an understanding of basic mathematical and algebraic concepts and functions needed for the world of business including but not limited to account balancing, payroll, depreciation, profit and loss calculations, interest calculations, problem solving, probability theory, and decision making. Credits: 5
Students gain an understanding that many medical terms are made up of interchangeable word parts that are used over and over in different combinations. Students in this course learn about different subsystems of the human body and their accompanying terms, as well as examine the structure of word parts and functions of each subsystem. Students also examine how the terminology relates to pathology, diagnostic procedures, treatment procedures, and pharmacology. Credits: 5
This course introduces students to the various types of health insurances and the forms used in medical billing. Students will gain an understanding of the differences between insurance plans and policies. Upon completion of this class the students will accurately know how to complete the forms used for billing as well as have an understanding of the life cycle of an insurance claim. Credits: 5
This course teaches the skills required to properly code a diagnosis. Students will learn the differences between the different types of ICD codes, such as disease, injury, and routine health care screening codes. They will learn how to properly indicate each diagnosis code on the CMS-1500 form and they will able to code for justification of medical necessity. Credits: 5
This course teaches the skills required to properly assign codes to office visits, procedures and surgeries performed, as well as medications and supplies used by physicians. They will learn how to bill for multiple procedures performed as well as for unusual circumstances. Students will be introduced to the requirements for correct reimbursement as well as the rules for additional justification. Credits: 5
Students examine how medical software is applied to activities such as appointment scheduling, building patient files, adding guarantor information, account billing, and basic financial management. Students learn about the flow of information and the role of computers in a medical office. Students gain an understanding of how software can be used to manage billing routines and processes, including filling out billing worksheets and posting payments and adjustments. Students study report generation regarding financial summaries, patient billing, reference lists, statement routines, and general ledgers and distributions. Finally, students explore more advanced functions such as unique payments, aging reports, patient data, and period closes with and without purges. Credits: 5
This course provides students with knowledge of health care time accreditation, history of health care, and the continuum of care used in the field. Students wishing to enter the medical field need to have an understanding of how the various health facilities, providers, and staff deal with delivering the standards of health care in the United States. It may include topics such as the theoretical and practical applications of those techniques and unique approaches to health information management. This course may allow students to focus on a variety of career opportunities in the health care and health information management organizations, networks and other professional advancement opportunities. Credits: 5
This course introduces students to a full range of office management topics: office environment, employees, systems and functions. It may also include usage and handling of office files and records, staying tasked oriented, professional organization, ability to work well with others, problem solving skills-requiring students to apply knowledge and skills learned to complete or solve a problem. Finally, students may learn simple solutions and latest updates on marketing techniques. Credits: 5
This course provides students with comprehensive knowledge of social economics, accreditation, legal and regulatory issues, and the intellectual property and internet law. Students wishing to enter the field of business need to have an understanding of how the various legalities affect sales, leases, and E-contracts not only in United States but possibly the global economy. Topics may include the practical and legal applications of legal limitation and liability. This course could empower students with critical-thinking skills and a vast knowledge of wealth in the realm of legal decision making. Credits: 5
This course introduces students to the perspectives of management operations and techniques used by organizations and payers to improve operations at said institutions and facilities. Topics may include the strategic implementation of programs and tools for reducing costs and improving quality of basic operations in management and staff. The course may include the use of performance improvement tools for supply chain management, scheduling, and other healthcare issues. Credits: 5
This course introduces students to the evolving reimbursement methodologies of the healthcare system. Topics may include health care accounting and financial statements, managing cash, billing, and collection. Students may also learn how to determine cost and use cost information in decision-making, budgeting, and performance measurement, as well as new laws and regulation that affect health care financial reporting and performance, and the revenue cycle. Finally, the student may learn about bond ratings, auditing and internal control of facility budgets and revenue. Credits: 5
This course introduces students to a variety of topics that may include health informatics, human resources planning, organizations, recruitment and all important retention of healthcare professionals, acknowledgement of incentive influences as motivation, changing demographics, culture diversity and other factors facing human resources. Credits: 5
This course introduces students to a variety of examples, demonstrations, and explanations of key frameworks and models for clinical supervision. Topics may also include the development of staff supervisory relationships and focus on areas identified as problematic for supervision. Credits: 5
This course introduces students to the various styles and methods of communication used for motivations and development of personnel and staff members. Students examine strategic planning, personnel management, conflict management as well as learning about staff coaching and delegation techniques. This course also examines the time and stress management to allow them to handle the daily routine and stress levels of staff multitasking and patient flow with effectiveness and minimal tension. Topics may include interviewing and budgeting along with mini-workshops that can improve leadership skills and fine tune financial and organizational skills. Finally, students learn how to submit forms for various insurance agencies. Credits: 5
The Medical Front Office hosts a variety of responsibilities including the art and etiquette of emailing, greeting and directing patients, and answering telephones. Other duties may include obtaining insurance verification, collecting co pays, deductibles and authorization, admitting and scheduling patients, arranging for hospital admission and laboratory services. This course may cover these topics. Credits: 5
* General Education Course
Here’s How You’ll Grow with Us
Upon completion of the Medical Billing and Coding Occupational Associate degree, students should be able to:
Demonstrate an understanding of medical terminology and the importance of spelling
Identify both CPT (Current Procedural Terminology) code and ICD-10 (Diagnostic Coding) guidelines, and how to look up codes
Show proficiency in filling out various forms with regard to billing such as CMS-1500 claim form, appeals letters, and denial letters
Read EOB’s, aging reports, and financial policies within the medical office
Identify different types of insurance plans, and insurance terminology
Understand HIPAA guidelines including HIPAA privacy and HIPAA security rule
Demonstrate the importance of time management skills, communication, scheduling, and teamwork
Is a Career in Medical Office Right for You? Find Out!
Take the "Laurus College Medical Office Career Training Readiness Quiz"
This fun, online quiz takes 3 minutes to complete and you’ll get a personalized report. Identify your strengths and social style plus the training and positions you’re best suited for.
Grads with Medical Billing & Coding training may find employment in a wide range of interesting and rewarding positions, including
Medical Records & Health Information Technicians
Medical Receptionist & Information Clerk
Insurance Policy Processing Clerk
Medical Coding Specialist
Patient Services Coordinator
and more!
The Standard Occupational Classification (SOC) system is used by Federal statistical agencies to classify workers into occupational categories for the purpose of collecting, calculating, or disseminating data. The Medical Billing and Coding Occupational Associate Degree Program offered at Laurus College can help prepare graduates for a variety of careers that include, but are not limited to the list of careers that may be listed under the following SOC codes (for more information on a particular SOC code, visit www.onetonline.org):
SOC List
Compile, process, and maintain medical records of hospital and clinic patients in a manner consistent with medical, administrative, ethical, legal, and regulatory requirements of the health care system. Process, maintain, compile, and report patient information for health requirements and standards in a manner consistent with the healthcare industry's numerical coding system.
Compile data, compute fees and charges, and prepare invoices for billing purposes. Duties include computing costs and calculating rates for goods, services, and shipment of goods; posting data; and keeping other relevant records. May involve use of computer or typewriter, calculator, and adding and bookkeeping machines.
Locate and notify customers of delinquent accounts by mail, telephone, or personal visit to solicit payment. Duties include receiving payment and posting amount to customer's account; preparing statements to credit department if customer fails to respond; initiating repossession proceedings or service disconnection; and keeping records of collection and status of accounts.
Answer inquiries and provide information to the general public, customers, visitors, and other interested parties regarding activities conducted at establishment and location of departments, offices, and employees within the organization.
Perform secretarial duties using specific knowledge of medical terminology and hospital, clinic, or laboratory procedures. Duties may include scheduling appointments, billing patients, and compiling and recording medical charts, reports, and correspondence.
Obtain information from insured or designated persons for purpose of settling claim with insurance carrier.
Teach or instruct vocational or occupational subjects at the postsecondary level (but at less than the baccalaureate) to students who have graduated or left high school. Includes correspondence school, industrial, and commercial instructors; and adult education teachers and instructors who prepare persons to operate industrial machinery and equipment and transportation and communications equipment. Teaching may take place in public or private schools whose primary business is education or in a school associated with an organization whose primary business is other than education.
Process applications for, changes to, reinstatement of, and cancellation of insurance policies. Duties include reviewing insurance applications to ensure that all questions have been answered, compiling data on insurance policy changes, changing policy records to conform to insured party's specifications, compiling data on lapsed insurance policies to determine automatic reinstatement according to company policies, canceling insurance policies as requested by agents, and verifying the accuracy of insurance company records.
With so many professional opportunities available to people with the right qualifications, Laurus can prepare you for a career that will take you to that next level in life.
The best way to see if Laurus College is the right fit for you is to see it for yourself. You can tour our facilities by coming in to any of our campus locations, or we’re happy to set up a virtual tour with you. Book a Tour Now or Get more info.
You already have a life. We appreciate that!
If you’re juggling work and a family, you’re busy. Our unique learning model gives you greater freedom and flexibility to learn on your own schedule.
That means you’re in control of your learning experience. All you have to do is take that first important step, because there’s a lot of demand for skilled medical billing and coding professionals. Training with Laurus for a career in medical billing and coding, with all our dedicated support from Day 1 till the day you land that dream job, is a great move.
Develop the ability to process health insurance claims by learning the many aspects of medical insurance, including plan options, carrier requirements, various regulations, extraction of relevant information from source documents, accurate claim form completion, and diagnosis and procedure coding.
If you’re ready to move up in life and create a brighter future with a fulfilling medical office career, now is the right time to be discovering Laurus College.
Through programs led by industry professionals, Laurus has helped motivated people get the skills, experience, and ongoing support to pursue successful careers.
The Laurus Advantage
Practical, Career-Focused Training that prepares you for an in-demand career.
Supportive Learning Environment where instructors care about your success.
Flexible Scheduling Options that include both day and evening classes.
Technology Included – Students attending classes in an Associate or Bachelor's Degree program are given the opportunity to receive hardware and software specific to audio production needed to complete their program.
Job Search Assistance through our Career Services Department, including resume & portfolio creation, interview preparation and live workshops.
