Medical Billing & Coding Certificate Requirements

Medical billing and coding certificate programs prepare a student for the national coding certification exams. There are two types of national billing exams. One is just for billing given by the National Healthcare Association (NHA) or a combination billing and coding exam given by the American Academy of Professional Coders (AAPC). AAPC and American Health Information Management Association (AHIMA) give coding national exams after passing the certificate program requirements.

Compliance, Law, & Ethics

• Prior to learning the billing a student must understand the ramifications of the seriousness of this field. These are massive fines up to $10,000 per error for billing incorrectly and the student/employee can be held responsible for this fine.

Medical Terminology

• Prior to learning coding and billing the student must understand the Latin terminology that is used in the medical profession. If the student does not understand the terminology the medical provider is either verbally discussing or in writing the student will not be able to code.

Diagnostic Coding

• Diagnostic coding is based on the initial sign or symptom the patient is having or the final diagnosis or conclusion the medical provider has determined based on an exam, procedure, or tests as in the flu.

Procedural Coding

• Procedural coding is the type of service rendered, as in surgery performed, blood or X-ray testing and injections administered. An example is heart surgery.

HCPCS Coding

• HCPCS codes are the codes used for billing supplies and must be well learned as many items like wheelchairs are similar.