Medical Billing and Coding

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Medical Billing and Coding

Medical Billing and Coding is an expanding field that offers medical staff tremendous growth potential.   USA's program prepares students to sit for the Certified Professional Coders (CPC) examination.   This is a gold-standard credential offered through the American Association of Professional Coders. 

Beginner Track courses begin as soon as the application packet is complete and student is accepted into the program.

Experienced Track courses begin on July 8, 2024.
Course and Enrollment Information Begin Your Application

The USA Center for Continuing Education (CCE) offers an intense preparatory Medical Billing and Coding Program that readies students to sit for the Certified Professional Coders (CPC®) Exam.  The CPC® credential is facilitated through the American Academy of Professional Coders (AAPC). The USA Center for Continuing Education is a licensed partner of the AAPC whose objective it is to prepare students to launch a career in Medical Billing and Coding.

Job Forecast

Medical Billing and Coding Job Outlook according to the United States Bureau of Labor Occupational Outlook Handbook indicates a seven percent average growth projection with a national median pay of $46,660 per year.

*Source: O-Net 2021 - Based on national average.

Students who successfully complete the USA CCE Medical Billing and Coding Program will receive a program certificate, but to become a certified coder, the student must take and pass the CPC® Examination.

To enter the program:
1.    Go to the Application Process tab and follow the instructions.
2.    Once we have received the application, transcript, and application fee we will go over your information for acceptance into the program.  We will work with students to determine which track is most appropriate based on education and work experience. (See the Program Outline tab for the two tracks.)

 

There are two tracks that students may take.

Beginner’s Track is for students entering the program without having taken Human Anatomy and Physiology nor having a working knowledge of medical terminology. A basic knowledge of both of these are vital to pass the CPC® Examination.  Course requirements are:

            MBC101          Medical Terminology (Online)

            MBC102          Human Anatomy & Physiology (Online)

            MBC103          Introduction to Medical Coding

            MBC104          Comprehensive Coding I

            MBC105          Comprehensive Coding II

The beginner’s track may be completed in eight months.

Experienced Track is for students who have successfully completed Human Anatomy & Physiology and have a working knowledge of medical terminology prior to entering the program.  Course requirements are:

            MBC203          Introduction to Medical Coding

            MBC204          Comprehensive Coding I

            MBC205          Comprehensive Coding II

The experienced track may be completed in five months.

Payment Options

Once accepted into the program, there are two options:

Option 1-Pay-as-you-go: First sign up for the one-time enrollment fee.  Then you may enroll in the first course in your track. 

Option 2-Bundled Payment:  Save approximately $400 by purchasing the package! Register directly by clicking on the Beginner or Experienced Healthcare Professional Package link.  This is an all inclusive package and covers the entire cost of the program.  

The estimated cost of the program varies from around $3100 to $3600, depending on which track the student takes, whether or not the student chooses the bundled package or pay-as-you-go option. 

Books and Materials

The cost for the AAPC coding books are included in the cost of the program (needed for Introduction to Coding, Comprehensive Coding I and II).  The learning materials for Medical Terminology and Human Anatomy & Physiology are included in the cost of the courses.

For more information, please contact the Center at 251-460-7200.

▼   Medical Terminology: A Programmed Systems Approach

Mobile's medical community is the most rapidly growing area in the state. All employees in the medical field will appreciate this timely and much needed course. This study of basic medical terminology includes prefixes, suffixes, word roots, combining forms, abbreviations and symbols. A programmed learning, word building system will be used to learn word parts used to construct or analyze new terms. This provides you the opportunity to decipher unfamiliar terms and check their spelling, definition, usage and pronunciation. Abbreviations will be introduced as related terms are presented.

(This is an online course.  Students may begin once application packet is complete.)

▼   Anatomy and Physiology for Medical Managers and Coders

 

This course is designed to orient students to basic human anatomy and physiology. Emphasis is placed on organ systems with associated pathophysiology. Upon completion, students will be able to correctly identify the major organ systems and subsystems, describe major diseases associated with each system, identify major medical tests to diagnose pathophysiologies discussed including the skin in health and disease and the musculoskeletal, nervous, sensory, endocrine, circulatory, lymphatic, respiratory, digestive, and genitourinary systems.

(This is an online course. Students may begin once application packet is complete.)

▼   Introduction to Medical Billing & Coding

Introduction to Coding is about the business of medicine, specifically coding as a profession. It also introduces students to the tools of their trade; CPT, ICD-10-CM and HCPCS Level II books. The laws governing the medical field and the importance of compliance with them is included in this course.

Course is held on campus.

▼   ​Comprehensive Coding I

This comprehensive coding course is an in-depth study of ICD-10-CM coding and guidelines, and specific sections of CPT and HCPCS Level II code books. The specific CPT sections include Evaluation and Management, Medicine, Radiology and Pathology with their section guidelines and modifiers.

Course is held on campus.

▼   ​Comprehensive Coding II

Comprehensive Coding II is an in-depth study of coding in all surgical specialties and anesthesia. It also includes any associated ICD-10-CM and HCPCS Level II coding and modifiers.

Course is held on campus.

 

Certificates will only be granted to those who have enrolled in and successfully completed the program and have paid all applicable registrations and fees. Course prerequisites must also be followed.

Please note completion of the University of South Alabama's Center for Continuing Education Certificate in Medical Billing and Coding does not confer the designation of being a certified coder. The CCEs certificate program is designed to prepare you to sit for the Certified Professional Coder (CPC) exam.

The Certified Professional Coder (CPC®) is a registered trademark of the American Academy of Professional Coders (AAPC®) and is an entity independent of the USA Center for Continuing Education. The CCE is a licensed educational partner of the AAPC. Registration and requirements for the CPC® exam and certification can be found at their website www.aapc.com.

 

Medical Billing & Coding Program Refund Policy

In the event you withdraw from a class, we are happy to refund your fees according to the policy below.

Students Who Bundled Payment-

100% refund for all withdrawals made ten (10) or more business days (Monday-Friday) before the first day of class.

50% refund for withdrawals made inside the ten (10) business days (Monday-Friday) before the first day of class.

25% refund for withdrawals made before the last day of the Introduction to Medical Coding class.

No refund for withdrawals made after the last day of the Introduction to Medical Coding class.

Students Who Pay-Per-Course-

100% refund for all withdrawals made ten (10) or more business days (Monday-Friday) before the first day of class.

50% refund for withdrawals made inside the ten (10) business days (Monday-Friday) before the first day of class.

No refund beginning the first day of class.

Exceptions: For online courses no refunds are available once the student has access to the course.

All Medical Billing & Coding Students-

The one-time enrollment fee is nonrefundable.

The cost of any used materials (including books, software, memberships, exam vouchers, etc.), shall be deducted from refund.

 

Full Certificate Program Options

Online programs are offered through our content partners.  Information for these programs can be obtained by clicking on the links below.  Students who wish to pursue an online course do not need to go through the application process.

Medical Billing and Coding Program in partnership with Education to Go is an ideal program for students new to a medical career. If you’re seeking entry into the healthcare industry, this comprehensive program will provide you with all of the information you need to earn a certification in medical billing and coding. 

Professional Medical Billing and Coding Program in partnership with Career Step offers features like time management tools and creative study aids that easily begin your journey to a new career.