FAQ’s about Medical Insurance Billing & Coding

• What does a Medical Insurance Billing & Coding Associate do?

  Doctors provide patient care while insurance companies pay all or part of the cost of medical procedures. You serve as an important link between the two. You handle medical records, and process medical claims and billing so patients and doctors can get reimbursements from the insurance companies. You play a vital role on the medical team. Best of all, there’s no previous medical experience required.

• Where does a Medical Insurance Billing & Coding Associate work?

  Doctors’ offices, hospitals, clinics, and other medical facilities. Some experienced Medical Billing & Coding associates work from home, working for an independent provider or forming their own home-based medical billing firm.

• What is the job outlook for Medical Insurance Billing & Coding professionals?

  The demand for coders has never been greater—and this need is expected to continue for years to come. According to the U.S. Department of Labor, employment of health information specialists is expected to grow much faster than the average for all occupations through 2014. The #1 reason why is because the U.S. population is aging, and the number of medical tests, treatments and procedures is growing.

• How much money does a Medical Insurance Billing & Coding associate make?

  According to the American Academy of Professional Coders, a CCA certified Medical Insurance Billing & Coding associate makes between $33,000 - $47,512 a year on average. Home-based billing & coding consultants regularly earn $70,000+. Top performers take home $1,000 a day.

• What type of abilities and personality are best suited for the Medical Insurance Billing & Coding field?

  Because accuracy is so important in your job, you should ideally be a detail-oriented person. It also helps to be a team player, with a professional attitude. You don’t have to be an expert user, but you should be comfortable working on a computer.

• What skills are covered?

  You’ll learn to:

  1. accurately use diagnostic and procedural medical terminology related to human anatomy and physiology and common diseases
  2. understand and employ the proper management and execution of various medical insurance plans and programs
  3. prepare insurance claims manually and by computer, using the Clinical Modification System (ICD9-CM), the Current Procedural Terminology, Fourth Ed. (CPT4), and Health Care Procedure Coding System (HCPCS)
• What credentials do I earn?

  Allen School Online graduates qualify to take the Certified Coding Associate (CCA) Certification Exam from the American Health Information Management Association (AHIMA). This national exam is the gold standard in the medical field. Earning the CCA will immediately demonstrate your competency to potential employers. Certified Coders, on average, earn $5,000 more per year than non-certified coders, according to the American Academy of Professional Coders.

• I want to apply to Allen School Online, what do I need to do?

  It’s easy. There’s no lengthy paperwork to worry about. To be considered for enrollment, simply complete the brief online request form. If you have questions or need help, call 1-888-865-5595.

FAQ’s about online courses

• Why take an online course?

  Online learning is convenient, flexible, and in many cases more affordable than a campus-based education, especially when you factor in the value of your time. Studying from the convenience of home, on your schedule, opens up whole new worlds of possibility without disrupting your current life.

• I’m working now, so I don’t have much time.

  No need to abandon your current job security or income. Take your course during your lunch and dinner breaks, while the baby is sleeping or at other times that fit in your schedule. Plus, with the Allen School’s Fast-Track to Success program, you’ll graduate 6 months sooner than other schools.

• Don’t you learn more in a classroom than online?

  Studies show that many students actually learn better online than in a traditional classroom setting. One reason is you’re not just passively listening to a lecture; you’re actively engaged in and interacting with the course. Also, students have more time to think about their answers, and everyone has an equal opportunity to participate. It’s not possible for 2 or 3 students to dominate the classroom and get the majority of the teacher’s attention.

• Any other advantages?

  Unlike learning from textbooks, online courses are constantly updated so you’re learning the most up-to-date skills employers are looking for.

• I’m a slow learner/I’m a fast learner.

  You set the pace. Don’t worry about being held back by slower students or rushed by faster students. It’s just like having a personal tutor who works with you at your speed—making sure you thoroughly understand something before moving on.

• I’ve never taken an online course. Is it just text on a computer screen?

  Far from it. The Allen School’s online format provides a richer learning environment than traditional classrooms. A typical classroom is passive—the instructor just stands there and "lectures." Online is active! There’s audio, video, text, fun practice games and interactive elements to engage you every step of the way. You’ll not only learn, you’ll have fun doing it!

• Will it be lonely learning on my own?

  As an Allen School Online student, you’re part of a highly connected online community that includes friends and faculty from all over the country. Everyone is connected and everyone participates. You get customized instruction and one-on-one feedback from your teacher. Plus, through e-mail and discussion groups you can stay in close contact with your classmates and counselors, and build lasting relationships.

• How does it work?

  You can complete everything online, including registration, financial aid and book-buying. You’ll learn in small, interactive classes limited to 20 students. Courses have 6 weekly units, which include online multimedia presentations, hands-on learning activities, online discussions with your classmates and instructor, and quizzes to see how you are doing each week. You will receive one-on-one guidance and feedback from your instructor every week.

• What is required to study via distance learning?

  You will need access to a computer with High-speed internet service.
  Here are the basic system requirements:
  
  Microsoft Windows:
  

  1. Windows 2000 or XP
  2. 64 MB RAM
  3. High-speed (broadband) internet service
  4. SoundCard & Speakers

  Macintosh OS:

  1. MacOS 9.1 or OS X
  2. 32 MB RAM (64 Recommended)
  3. High-speed (broadband) internet service
  4. SoundCard & Speakers

• When do classes meet?

  You will be able to complete your coursework whenever it is convenient for you during each weekly unit. The activities and due dates are clearly posted so that you can plan to complete your coursework around your schedule. You will even have the option to join an optional weekly live lecture with your instructor (where she will be present to answer questions), or review the recorded lecture at a later date.

• How do I turn in written assignment?

  Assignments are turned in via a drop box in the online classroom.

• How are exams conducted?

  All tests are administered online.

• What’s included?

  All course materials are provided. Throughout each course, you will receive all the course materials you need online, including lectures, questions, and assignments.

• What if I need help?

  Allen School Online’s faculty and support staff is available by phone during regular office hours and by e-mail 24 hours a day. Technical support is available 24/7/365. Online tutoring help is also available.

• I want to apply to Allen School Online, what do I need to do?

  It’s easy. There’s no lengthy paperwork to worry about. To be considered for enrollment, simply complete the brief online request form. If you have questions or need help, call 1-888-865-5595.

FAQ’s about Allen School

• What makes the Allen School different?

  The Allen School has been changing people’s lives for over 45 years. More than 60,000 women and men have trusted the Allen School with their futures. Plus, only the Allen School offers the Fast-Track to Success program that lets you complete your studies in 9 short months versus 15 months at other schools.

• How does it compare to other online schools?

  The Allen School has been around longer and has a proven track record in the medical field, placing over 80% of its graduates. Allen School Online students are members of a fun, vibrant community. At the end of the course, you’re invited to come to New York City for a cap & gown graduation ceremony and meet your classmates.

• Is there any advantage to attending a New York school?

  The Allen School is New York’s leading allied health school, and one of the most respected schools in the country for medical careers. That’s important to employers. As the saying goes, if you can make it here, you can make it anywhere.

• Is the Allen School accredited?

  The Allen School is accredited by the Council on Occupational Education (COE) and licensed by the New York State Department of Education.

• What are the Allen School’s admission requirements?

  All applicants are considered on their individual merits. Prospective students must hold a high school diploma, GED or equivalent.

• How much is tuition?

  Since over 90% of Allen School students receive financial aid, we feel it’s better to discuss fees on an individual basis. Just call toll-free 1-888-865-5595. When comparing tuition costs, here are the most important things to keep in mind:

  1. Make sure the school is accredited.
  2. Make sure the certification you earn will get you a job.
  3. Make sure you’re comparing apples to apples. Some schools list total tuition while other schools show tuition by credit hours, which make it appear less expensive.
• Is Financial Aid available?

  Yes, financial aid is available for students who qualify. Allen School Online participates in both the Federal Pell Grant program and the Direct Loan program. Our financial aid officers work to get you the highest financial aid permitted by law. Simply call the Office of Financial Planning for further information toll-free at 1-888-865-5595.

• What’s your refund Policy?

  As long as you notify us prior to the first day of instruction that you won't be able to attend a scheduled class, we will refund 100% of the tuition you have paid for that course. If you are forced to leave a class midstream, there are a number of options available to you, both academically and financially, depending on how far along you have progressed in the class.

• I want to apply to Allen School Online, what do I need to do?

  It’s easy. There’s no lengthy paperwork to worry about. To be considered for enrollment, simply complete the brief online request form. If you have questions or need help, call 1-888-865-5595.