By: Cat Pastoor
College of DuPage students now have access to high demand healthcare field credentials, opening pathways to diverse job opportunities and higher wages through the College’s Medical Billing and in Physician Coding certificate programs.
The short-term certificates can be completed in two semesters, and program curricula are aligned and partnered with the American Academy of Professional Coders’ (AAPC) standards for medical billing and coding credentials.
It’s a demanding, interesting, challenging field that’s always changing. It’s a field that loves credentials and can lead to sustainable remote work.
Andrea Brus, Assistant Professor of Health Information Technology
Students in the Medical Billing program learn to identify billable information in clinical documentation and translate that information into standardized codes for accurate billing and medical insurance claims. Upon successful completion of the program, students are prepared to take the AAPC’s Certified Professional Biller (CPB) credentialing exam.
Students in the Physician Coding program learn to use the Coding Procedural Terminology (CPT) coding system to submit claims for reimbursement for physician services and procedures. Courses explore basic anatomy, pharmacology, medical terminology, CPT coding conventions, legal concepts related to coding and reimbursement methodologies. The program also provides hands-on practice with coding exercises and scenarios to provide learners with the skills and confidence needed to enter the coding profession.
Labor statistics show that the demand for coders and billers is expected to rise in the coming years. According to Andrea Brus, Assistant Professor of Health Information Technology, the need for credentialed employees is already high.
“There is a huge labor shortage in medical coding,” Brus said. “I did just get an update from the AAPC that said there’s 50,000 open coding positions right now.”
A Medical Billing or Physician Coding certificate is just the beginning of a branching career path that can lead to roles in practice management, auditing, documentation improvement and compliance. Billers and coders work in physician offices, insurance companies and government agencies, and many employers offer opportunities to work remotely. Employees can broaden their horizons even further by specializing in specific medical fields with AAPC credentials.
“It’s a demanding, interesting, challenging field that’s always changing,” Brus said. “It’s a field that loves credentials and can lead to sustainable remote work.”
Learn more about COD's Health Information Technology Program