Medical Billing and Coding
Your pathway to caring for others
The Medical Billing and Coding degree and certificate, prepares students for medical billing and coding careers in medical offices, hospitals, clinics, health maintenance organizations (HMOs), extended care facilities, insurance companies and health data organizations.
Program Options
Medical billing and coding students develop skills and knowledge to transform written descriptions of diseases, injuries, conditions and medical procedures into alpha-numeric classifications. Currently, provider reimbursement for health care services is dependent on the assignment of universally recognized codes to describe diagnoses, services and procedures. The codes are used to provide information for reimbursement of insurance claims, indexing statistics, research and tracking patient care. In addition to coding, professional reimbursement specialists must learn the medical billing process to conform to individual insurance requirements, electronic billing procedures and responsibilities associated with electronic data management.
Students will learn medical terminology, medical pathology, anatomy and physiology, basic pharmacology, medical law and ethics and administrative procedures. Students will also study word processing, spreadsheet applications, and learn how to use electronic medical records system while using ICD, CPT and HCPCS guidelines to complete ambulatory and hospital billing. This high-demand occupation provides many opportunities for people who like attention to detail and take pride in their work. Billing and coding jobs in the healthcare industry offer variety, challenge, and a sense of accomplishment as they play a vital role in ensuring that healthcare providers and facilities are reimbursed accurately and efficiently for their services.
All students in the Medical Billing and Coding degree/certificate program take the same practicum training and administrative skill coursework. Students may enter this program during Summer, Fall, Winter, and Spring Quarters and attend classes on a part-time or full-time basis. The estimated program length is based on full-time enrollment with a Fall quarter start. All Foundation courses must be completed prior to entry into Core courses. Medical Billing and Coding Core courses start Winter Quarter. It is the student’s responsibility to discuss sequencing and work out their individual schedule with a counselor or an AHE program advisor. Any developmental coursework a student may be required to complete could potentially increase the program length. Allied Health students must maintain a minimum “C” grade in all required courses, including any developmental coursework, in order to be awarded any AHE certificate or degree.
While the Medical Billing and Coding degree or certificate is not intended to transfer to a university, students will be eligible to apply for admission to Skagit Valley College’s Bachelor of Applied Science Management, Healthcare Management BAS.
| Degrees | Credits | Estimated Program Length | Foundation Course Dates | Core Course Dates |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Medical Billing and Coding, AAS | 93 | 7 quarters | Summer, Fall, Winter, Spring Quarters | Winter Quarter |
| Medical Billing and Coding Certificate | 88 | 7 quarters | Summer, Fall, Winter, Spring Quarters | Winter Quarter |
Degree Options
Medical Billing and Coding, AAS
Certificate Options
Medical Billing and Coding Certificate
Certification/Licensure Options
Medical Billing and Coding students enrolled in the AHE 240 class will be taking the American Association of Professional Coders (AAPC), CPC national examination to become a Certified Professional Coder Apprentice (CPC-A). AAPC credentialed coders have proven mastery of all code sets, evaluation and management principles, and documentation guidelines. Employers prefer to hire certified workers who have passed the national exam.
American Association of Professional Coders
www.aapc.com
Program Entry Requirements
- Apply to the Admissions Office for an application to Skagit Valley College (SVC).
- Make an appointment to take your Accuplacer test. It is strongly recommended that candidates be a high school graduate or have passed the General Education Equivalency (GED) exam to enroll in the program.
- Students may enter this program during Summer, Fall, Winter, and Spring Quarters and attend classes on a part-time or full-time basis, however, some courses may only be offered once a year. Students may enter the program Core courses in Winter Quarter.
It is recommended that you have a good working knowledge of computers, are detail-oriented, analytical, have excellent organizational skills, and a penchant for accuracy. You should also be able to work independently with little supervision.
Prerequisite Courses May Be Required
Prerequisite courses in the structure and function of the human body, basic medical terminology, computers skills, and CPR for Healthcare Professionals may be required for admission to some program courses. Please consult the individual program planning sheets or an advisor for more information.
Immunizations
Medical facilities require immunizations for all personnel, regardless of work location (on- site or remote). Medical Billing and Coding students participating in a practicum experience and/or a volunteer externship require the same immunizations. The immunization cost is the responsibility of the student. Immunizations must be completed before registering for certain classes or enrolling in their practicum. The following are required for the practicum experience:
- Negative TB test or chest X-ray (1 every 12 months)
- Tetanus/diphtheria vaccination (within last 10 years)
- 2 MMR (measles/mumps/rubella) vaccination or positive titer
- Hepatitis B vaccination (series of 3 immunizations)
- Annual Flu Vaccine for current year
- 2 Varicella (chickenpox) or positive titer
Additional immunizations may be required if recommended by instructor or required by volunteer externship:
- Pneumonia Vaccine
- Pertussis Vaccine (Tdap)
Background Check and Drug Screening
All students must pass a multi-state, multi-zip code criminal back ground check as well as a drug/illegal substance screening. This requirement is based on medical industry standards and Washington State laws protecting vulnerable populations (RCW 43.43.880 and 43.43.842). Drug screens and background checks are required by clinical agencies where students complete their practicum experience. Students should be aware that certain gross misdemeanors and felonies may disqualify them from participating in practicums and unable to complete their certificate or degree program. Future employment opportunities in the health care field may also be affected. Students will complete the background check and drug screening process when enrolled in AHE 103. Students who are unable to pass these screenings will be removed from the program.
Practicum Experience
Medical Billing and Coding students begin an online practicum experience during their last quarter of study. Successfully completing the practicum will allow them to advance from the apprentice (A) designation on their AAPC CPC-A credential to the full CPC credential after passing the national exam. Opportunities for placement in a volunteer externship may be available.