Medical Billing and Coding Specialist
Program Description
The associate of science degree in medical billing and coding specialist is a combination of clinical, administrative, and general education courses designed to prepare graduates to obtain an entry-level position in the medical billing and coding field.
Possible Employment Opportunities *
- Medical Biller
- Medical Coder
- Medical Records
- Medical Insurance Specialist
Credential Earned
Associate of Science Degree in Medical Billing and Coding Specialist
Related Certifications
- (NCICS) National Certified Insurance and Coding Specialist by (NCCT) National Center for Competency Testing
- CPC by AAPC (2 years of experience in the field is highly recommended)
Duration of the Program
Core Courses
Medical Terminology Lecture / Lab
This course offers an introduction to medical terms through an analysis of their construction, including prefix, suffix, root, connecting, and combining forms. Students acquire an understanding of medical meanings applicable to the structure, function, and diseases of the human body. Abbreviations and their appropriate usage are represented.
Administrative Office Procedures
Students learn office procedures such as filing, handling mail, and preparing budgets. Students also learn stress management strategies and the importance of workplace ethics and effective communication in diverse environments. This course explores changes and challenges in the 21st-century workplace and the role of the administrative professional within that setting.
Current Procedural Codes/CPT I
This course will emphasize the rules and guidelines in the CPT coding manual. It will benefit those who work or want to work in the medical field, whether it is as a medical biller, medical coder, medical collector, or medical office administrator. The class format is designed to help the beginner coder learn and understand the concept of coding using the CPT-4 coding manual.
Diagnostic Coding/ICD-9 & 10
This course is an introduction to basic diagnostic coding and introduces students to the characteristics and conventions of ICD-9-CM and ICD-10-CM (International Classification of Diseases, 9th and 10th Edition, Clinical Modification), and other diagnosis coding systems or code sets (DSM-IV, ICD-0, etc.). Focus is placed on using diagnosis codes correctly and official coding guidelines, and includes extensive practice coding exercises.
Medical Insurance
This course prepares students in many of the procedures associated with billing for medical services. Students will examine many different types of insurance programs, profit and nonprofit third-party payers, workers compensation package, and disability coverage.
Related Programs
Campuses Available
- N/A
Admission Requirements
High school diploma or a recognized equivalent.
Healthcare Provider Programs
Applicants for healthcare provider programs including the Medical Billing and Coding Specialist Associate in Science Program, Medical Billing and Coding Specialist Diploma Program, and Medical Assistant Technician Diploma Program must complete a Student Attestation of Understanding That Criminal and / or Health Background May Limit or Prevent Employment in Healthcare Provider Fields form. This student attestation form was designed to disclose certain requirements or limitations to prospective students interested in training for a Healthcare Provider field. This requirement is established in consideration of Fla. Admin. Code 6E-1.0032 (6)(g) (2012).
Possible Employment Opportunities *
- Medical Biller
- Medical Coder
- Medical Records
- Medical Insurance Specialist
* These examples are intended to serve only as a general guide of possible employment opportunities. There are many factors that determine the job an individual may obtain and Florida Technical College cannot guarantee its graduates any particular job. Some positions may require a license or other certifications. We encourage you to research the requirements for the particular position you desire.