A search for online medical billing and coding schools reveals thousands of results. So where to begin? As with most professions, organizations devoted to cultivating excellence in the field are the best places to start. While they often do not accept advertising or endorse schools, they provide important information designed to help you make an informed decision. They also provide certifications and validate a school’s excellence by granting accreditation to qualified programs. It is an opportunity for you to begin to become familiar with the practices of your new field.
The American Health Information Management Association (AHIMA – http://www.ahima.org) was founded in 1928 as an organization dedicated to improving the quality of information in an effort to improve healthcare. They provide continuing education for professionals and educational opportunities for consumers. That might be a good place to learn about the medical profession and the information that supports it. They give guidance to schools that want to become providers of endorsed educational programs designed to prepare students to seek AHIMA certifications. They provide a list of schools that offer a medical coding online degree that have met their requirements.
The American Academy of Professional Coders (AAPC – http://www.aapc.com), founded in 1988, provides education and professional certification to physician-based medical coders. It brings medical billing and coders together in an effort to codify the efforts of those who work in the field. Of the more than 100,000 members worldwide, more than 64,000 are certified, thus it might be advantageous to join such an organization while you pursue your studies. They certify coders for the physician’s office, hospital outpatient facilities, payer perspective coding, interventional radiology cardiovascular coding, medical coding auditor, and specialty credentials. In addition to the certifications, the AAPC offers continuing education, a monthly newsmagazine, publications, and conferences.
In 1995, the Medical Association of Billers (MAB – http://www.physicianswebsites.com) was formed in Las Vegas, Nevada. It is internationally recognized as a support organization for billers and coders. The organization offers support and training in Education and Training in International Classification of Diseases (9th Revision) Clinical Modification (ICD-9-CM), International Classification of Diseases (10th Revision), Current Procedural Terminology (CPT), HCPCS National Level II Coding, and Reimbursement Trends. They are involved in improving curriculum design and instructional methodology in addition to working with students, faculty, and staff as they endeavor to improve themselves and the field.
In 1998, in an effort to establish a professional medical billing association that would encourage and rely on member participation, the American Medical Billing Association (AMBA – http://www.ambanet.net) was created. Its focus is on providing support for small and home based professional billers thus providing a healthy environment designed to take advantage of one of the most positive aspects of being a medical biller and coder – the ability to work independently. By offering a place for professionals to network and share information, members are helped to become successful business people as well as independent Third Party Medical Billers. Members are encouraged to work with each other and share ideas so that all may experience success.
The International Association of Registered Health Care Professionals (iARHCP – http://www.arhcp.org) provides the Registered Medical Coder (RMC) and the Registered Medical Manager (RMM) certification tests. Both of these programs are government licensed educational programs. In addition, they allow veterans, the handicapped, and seniors to test for free.
As medical billing and coding became more defined, it became clear that nurses and other medical professionals would be excellent coders if they decided to change careers while staying within the medical profession. The American Association of Clinical Coders and Auditors (AACCA – http://www.aacca.net) was founded in 2003 to meet this need. Certifications are offered in Fraud & Abuse – Medicare and Medicaid; Medicare Risk Adjustment for Medicare Advantage Plans (HCCs); HEDIS – Healthcare Quality Programs; and Recovery Audit Contractors (RACs). As healthcare professionals, these individuals are uniquely qualified to ensure the accuracy and veracity of medical coding and billing. The organization tests Registered Nurses and other clinical personnel to prepare them to be medical billers and coders and work with medical documentation. AACCA certification exams include Certified RN-Coder and/or Certified RN-Auditor. If you are already an RN, this organization can help you get started.
In your search for online schools for medical coding, starting with these professional organizations will give you the information you need to be able to begin your own investigation. These organizations are interested in making sure that students are able to get the best training available so they can become productive members of the field of medical billing and coding. Looking for guidance from these organizations will allow you to do the best possible job in identifying the best educational experience possible.