Medical Billing and Coding Program

The Medical Billing and Coding program is designed to prepare students for a career in medical billing and coding. This program covers the technical knowledge, healthcare information, and related business topics necessary to pass the NHA certification exam.

Program Description

Medical billing and coding is the process of identifying diagnoses, medical tests, treatments, and procedures found in clinical documentation and transcribing this patient data into standardized codes to bill government and commercial payers for physician reimbursement. Certified Billing and Coding Specialists (CBCS) are essential to all areas of healthcare and have an expansive range of opportunities for employment.

CBCS Training Program

The CBCS training program provides theoretical and practical training experiences. Instruction is provided by an experienced CBCS currently working in the field. The program covers the following topics:

• Reviewing patient records for timeliness, completeness, and accuracy
• Organizing and updating information in clinical databases or registries
• Using classification systems to assign clinical codes for insurance reimbursement and data analysis
• Electronically recording data for collection, storage, analysis, retrieval, and reporting
• Preventing fraud/abuse by auditing billing
• Maintaining confidentiality of patient records

Program Details

• The program is 17 weeks long, with classes held on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 6-9 p.m.
• The total cost of the CBCS course is $4,500, which includes all live instruction, materials, and the CBCS certification exam.
• Financial assistance is available through Sallie Mae loans, payment plans, MyCAA, and Workforce Solutions funding.

Admissions Requirements

To enroll in the program, students must:

• Have a high school diploma or General Education Diploma (GED)
• Not have any felony or misdemeanor related to the sale of drugs
• Be committed to the rigorous 17-week course schedule

Career Opportunities

Medical billing and coding specialists can work in various healthcare settings, including hospitals, physician offices, surgery centers, and long-term care facilities. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, medical records specialists are in high demand.

Frequently Asked Questions

• Is there a difference between medical billing and medical coding?: Yes, medical coders translate patient care into current procedural terminology (CPT) codes, while medical billers create a claim based on the codes provided by the medical coder.
• What are the requirements for a medical billing and coding career?: Entry-level positions typically require completion of a certificate and passing one of the certification exams or an associate degree program in medical billing and coding.
• How long does it take to become a medical biller and coder?: It can take between one and three years to become a medical biller and coder, depending on whether you earn a certification or an associate degree.
• What is the difference between certification exams (CPC, CCA, and CBCS)?: Each certification exam has its own set of competencies and is offered by a different organization. The CPC exam is offered by the American Academy of Professional Coders, the CCA exam is offered by the American Health Information Management Association, and the CBCS exam is offered by the National Healthcareer Association.

University of The Incarnate Word

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Overview:

University of the Incarnate Word (UIW) is a private Catholic university located in San Antonio, Texas. Founded in 1881 by the Sisters of Charity of the Incarnate Word, UIW is the largest Catholic university in Texas and is known for its commitment to serving the community and providing a transformative educational experience.

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Services Offered:

UIW offers a wide range of services to its students, including:

Academic Support:

Advising, tutoring, writing and learning center, career services, testing services, TRiO program, and first-generation student support.

Student Life:

Residence life, student life activities, student advocacy, wellness and sports programs, counseling, and health services.

Financial Aid:

Aid and award process, cost estimation, calculators, scholarship resources, work study, loan assistance, forms, tuition and fees information, verification process, consumer information, and FAQs.

Military and Veterans Center:

Admissions, support services, and resources for military personnel and veterans.

International Student and Scholar Services:

Support and resources for international students.

School of Professional Studies (SPS):

Admissions and student success services.

Health Professions Student Services:

Specific services for students in the Feik School of Pharmacy, School of Osteopathic Medicine, Rosenberg School of Optometry, and School of Rehabilitation Sciences.

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Student Life and Campus Experience:

UIW offers a vibrant campus life with a variety of student organizations, clubs, and activities. Students can participate in athletics, intramural sports, music and arts programs, community service initiatives, and social events. The university also has a strong sense of community and a welcoming atmosphere.

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Key Reasons to Study There:

Strong Academic Programs:

UIW offers over 100 undergraduate majors, minors, and concentrations, and over 20 graduate and doctoral programs.

Commitment to Diversity and Inclusion:

UIW is a Hispanic Serving Institution and ranks No. 1 in the nation among faith-based universities graduating Hispanic students with bachelor’s degrees.

Faith-Based Education:

UIW provides a Catholic educational experience that emphasizes values, ethics, and service to others.

Excellent Faculty:

UIW has a dedicated faculty committed to student success and providing a high-quality education.

Strong Alumni Network:

UIW has a large and active alumni network that provides support and opportunities for students.

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Academic Programs:

UIW has 11 schools and colleges, including five health professions schools:

College of Humanities, Arts, and Social Sciences

Dreeben School of Education

Feik School of Pharmacy

H-E-B School of Business and Administration

Ila Faye Miller School of Nursing and Health Professions

Rosenberg School of Optometry

School of Mathematics, Science and Engineering

School of Media and Design

School of Osteopathic Medicine

School of Rehabilitation Sciences

School of Professional Studies

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Other:

UIW is a leader in transformational education and inspires students to ignite change. The university is also recognized for its commitment to social mobility and has been named a Best College by U.S. News & World Report.