Medical Billing and Coding

Online Medical Billing & Coding Training in 2 Years*

Interested in a career in the medical field? Are you the type of person who enjoys helping others?

A career in Medical Billing and Coding may be just the right fit for you. In this career-focused program, students learn the skills to market themselves to future employers in the fast-paced fields of medical insurance billing, medical coding, and various medical front office responsibilities.

Laurus College offers a 24-month* Occupational Associate Degree program in Medical Billing & Coding. Our program is designed to provide the practical training, technical skills and industry support it takes to excel in the Medical Billing & Coding world.

*Program length when completed in normal time

In our well-rounded Occupational Associate Degree program, you'll take part in a career-oriented education that focuses on learning how to accurately compile, process and maintain medical records and patient information.

This course examines decision making, strategic thinking, and communications for complex issues. Students will demonstrate the ability to recognize different approaches to developing written action plans for solving today’s issues in the modern age.
Credits: 5

This course serves as an introduction to the necessary core skills needed to be successful at an academic, professional and personal level. Students will identify core skills, values and interest to assist in their path to success. Topics covered in this course may include time management, effective study skills, written and oral communication, improving critical thinking to enhance problem-solving skills. Other topics may include job search techniques and job etiquette, and on-the-job behavior. Students will work towards building their professional development through various assignments and topics throughout the course. Students will explore Laurus College resources for success inside and outside the classroom.
Credits: 5

Students in this course explore written and oral communication as a skill to be mastered and applied. Instruction covers communication strategies and conventions of written expression including idea generation, paragraph development, and essay construction. The writing portion of this course concentrates on the development of clear and organized sentences, paragraphs, and compositions, and their applications to real world documents such as cover letters, resumes, and memos. Students examine grammar, vocabulary and the writing process, and may apply the skills learned to multiple forms of writing. Students also explore oral communication skills used in a business setting, and how to effectively communicate written ideas. Other topics may include presentation skills, etiquette, interpersonal skills and delivery techniques. Students will be expected to deliver oral and written presentations to the instructor and classmates.
Credits: 5

Students in this course explore written and oral communication as a skill to be mastered and applied at a more sophisticated level. Instruction covers complex communication strategies and conventions of written expression focusing on concept development, report construction. The writing portion of this course concentrates on the development of clear and organized complex structures and their applications to real world documents. Students will be expected to deliver oral and written presentations to the instructor and classmates.
Credits: 5

This math course is a thorough review and study of algebraic concepts, functions, and operations, utilizing a balanced approach of basic algebraic theories with practical applications and conceptual understanding. Students review mathematical concepts including addition, subtraction, multiplication, fractions and decimals as it applies to business operations. Students gain an understanding of basic mathematical and algebraic concepts and functions needed for the world of business including but not limited to account balancing, payroll, depreciation, profit and loss calculations, interest calculations, problem solving, probability theory, and decision making.
Credits: 5

Students gain an understanding that many medical terms are made up of interchangeable word parts that are used over and over in different combinations. Students in this course learn about different subsystems of the human body and their accompanying terms, as well as examine the structure of word parts and functions of each subsystem. Students also examine how the terminology relates to pathology, diagnostic procedures, treatment procedures, and pharmacology.
Credits: 5

This course introduces students to the various types of health insurances and the forms used in medical billing. Students will gain an understanding of the differences between insurance plans and policies. Upon completion of this class the students will accurately know how to complete the forms used for billing as well as have an understanding of the life cycle of an insurance claim.
Credits: 5

This course teaches the skills required to properly code a diagnosis. Students will learn the differences between the different types of ICD codes, such as disease, injury, and routine health care screening codes. They will learn how to properly indicate each diagnosis code on the CMS-1500 form and they will able to code for justification of medical necessity.
Credits: 5

This course teaches the skills required to properly assign codes to office visits, procedures and surgeries performed, as well as medications and supplies used by physicians. They will learn how to bill for multiple procedures performed as well as for unusual circumstances. Students will be introduced to the requirements for correct reimbursement as well as the rules for additional justification.
Credits: 5

Students examine how medical software is applied to activities such as appointment scheduling, building patient files, adding guarantor information, account billing, and basic financial management. Students learn about the flow of information and the role of computers in a medical office. Students gain an understanding of how software can be used to manage billing routines and processes, including filling out billing worksheets and posting payments and adjustments. Students study report generation regarding financial summaries, patient billing, reference lists, statement routines, and general ledgers and distributions. Finally, students explore more advanced functions such as unique payments, aging reports, patient data, and period closes with and without purges.
Credits: 5

This course provides students with knowledge of health care time accreditation, history of health care, and the continuum of care used in the field. Students wishing to enter the medical field need to have an understanding of how the various health facilities, providers, and staff deal with delivering the standards of health care in the United States. It may include topics such as the theoretical and practical applications of those techniques and unique approaches to health information management. This course may allow students to focus on a variety of career opportunities in the health care and health information management organizations, networks and other professional advancement opportunities.
Credits: 5

This course introduces students to a full range of office management topics: office environment, employees, systems and functions. It may also include usage and handling of office files and records, staying tasked oriented, professional organization, ability to work well with others, problem solving skills-requiring students to apply knowledge and skills learned to complete or solve a problem. Finally, students may learn simple solutions and latest updates on marketing techniques.
Credits: 5

This course provides students with comprehensive knowledge of social economics, accreditation, legal and regulatory issues, and the intellectual property and internet law. Students wishing to enter the field of business need to have an understanding of how the various legalities affect sales, leases, and E-contracts not only in United States but possibly the global economy. Topics may include the practical and legal applications of legal limitation and liability. This course could empower students with critical-thinking skills and a vast knowledge of wealth in the realm of legal decision making.
Credits: 5

This course introduces students to the perspectives of management operations and techniques used by organizations and payers to improve operations at said institutions and facilities. Topics may include the strategic implementation of programs and tools for reducing costs and improving quality of basic operations in management and staff. The course may include the use of performance improvement tools for supply chain management, scheduling, and other healthcare issues.
Credits: 5

This course introduces students to the evolving reimbursement methodologies of the healthcare system. Topics may include health care accounting and financial statements, managing cash, billing, and collection. Students may also learn how to determine cost and use cost information in decision-making, budgeting, and performance measurement, as well as new laws and regulation that affect health care financial reporting and performance, and the revenue cycle. Finally, the student may learn about bond ratings, auditing and internal control of facility budgets and revenue.
Credits: 5

This course introduces students to a variety of topics that may include health informatics, human resources planning, organizations, recruitment and all important retention of healthcare professionals, acknowledgement of incentive influences as motivation, changing demographics, culture diversity and other factors facing human resources.
Credits: 5

This course introduces students to a variety of examples, demonstrations, and explanations of key frameworks and models for clinical supervision. Topics may also include the development of staff supervisory relationships and focus on areas identified as problematic for supervision.
Credits: 5

This course introduces students to the various styles and methods of communication used for motivations and development of personnel and staff members. Students examine strategic planning, personnel management, conflict management as well as learning about staff coaching and delegation techniques. This course also examines the time and stress management to allow them to handle the daily routine and stress levels of staff multitasking and patient flow with effectiveness and minimal tension. Topics may include interviewing and budgeting along with mini-workshops that can improve leadership skills and fine tune financial and organizational skills. Finally, students learn how to submit forms for various insurance agencies.
Credits: 5

The Medical Front Office hosts a variety of responsibilities including the art and etiquette of emailing, greeting and directing patients, and answering telephones. Other duties may include obtaining insurance verification, collecting co pays, deductibles and authorization, admitting and scheduling patients, arranging for hospital admission and laboratory services. This course may cover these topics.
Credits: 5

This course focuses on professional communication in the 21st workplace. Students in this course will hone their communication skills by working on various assignments and projects, including: face-to-face conversations, collaborative work groups, presentations, and interviews. Lectures include topics in nonverbal communication, cultural differences, organizational fit, and networking within specific industries through face-to-face interactions and via social networking sites, such as Facebook and LinkedIn. By the end of the course, students will have prepared industry specific portfolios and taken part in mock interviews specific to their field of study.
Credits: 5

* General Education Course

Where You Could Be After Completing This Program

Grads with Medical Billing & Coding training may find employment in a wide range of interesting and rewarding positions, including:

Medical Records & Health Information Technicians
Medical Receptionist & Information Clerk
Insurance Policy Processing Clerk
Medical Coding Specialist
Patient Services Coordinator
and more!

Career Opportunities

The Standard Occupational Classification (SOC) system is used by Federal statistical agencies to classify workers into occupational categories for the purpose of collecting, calculating, or disseminating data. The Medical Billing and Coding (O.A.) program offered at Laurus College can help prepare graduates for a variety of careers that include, but are not limited to the list of careers that may be listed under the following SOC codes (for more information on a particular SOC code, visit www.onetonline.org).

With so many professional opportunities available to people with the right qualifications, Laurus can prepare you for a career that will take you to that next level in life.

Meet the Medical Billing & Coding Faculty

Amy Hawkins

Instructor

Charla Gonzales-Sanchez

Instructor

Erica Gray

Instructor

Norma Walker

Instructor

Rebecca Sandoval

Director

Sheryl Munoz

Instructor

Is a Rewarding Career as a Medical Biller Right for You?

For immediate questions, call 805-267-1690

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The standards for accuracy in health insurance claims processing are becoming more exacting at the same time that health insurance plan options are rapidly expanding. These changes, coupled with modifications in regulations affecting the health insurance industry, are a constant challenge to medical office personnel..

As part of the curriculum, students will have the opportunity to develop skills in:

Medical Terminology
Health Insurance
Diagnosis Coding
Electronic Medical Billing
Medical Billing Processes
Medical Front Office
Health Care Facility
Medical Management Supervision
Human Resource Issues

Is a Career in Medical Billing & Coding Right for You? Find Out!

Take the "Laurus College Medical Billing & Coding Readiness Quiz"

This fun, online quiz takes 3 minutes to complete and you'll get a personalized report. Identify your strengths and social style plus the training and positions you’re best suited for.

Take the Quiz

Learning Goals

Upon completion of the Medical Billing and Coding Occupational Associate degree, students should be able to:

Demonstrate an understanding of medical terminology and the importance of spelling
Identify both CPT (Current Procedural Terminology) code and ICD-10 (Diagnostic Coding) guidelines, and how to look up codes
Show proficiency in filling out various forms with regard to billing such as CMS-1500 claim form, appeals letters, and denial letters
Read EOB's, aging reports, and financial policies within the medical office
Identify different types of insurance plans, and insurance terminology
Understand HIPAA guidelines including HIPAA privacy and HIPAA security rule
Demonstrate the importance of time management skills, communication, scheduling, and teamwork

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The best way to see if Laurus College is the right fit for you is to see it for yourself.

We're happy to set up a tour at any of our on-site locations or schedule a virtual tour with you.

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Program Information

Program Length

The Medical Billing and Coding (O.A.) program is 100 quarter credits and can be completed in two (2) years if the student attends all terms consecutively.

Instructional Methods

The Medical Billing and Coding (O.A.) program is practical application and involves intense online interactive learning. All classes are lecture based with learning activities and practical application laboratory for students to enhance their skills and abilities. Interactive virtual classrooms are part of the instructional process at Laurus College. Instruction may be supplemented with guest speakers in class.

Communication and Critical Thinking Skills

Students in the Medical Billing and Coding (O.A.) program complete challenging projects and assignments by using creative problem solving skills. Students communicate ideas through written and oral presentations in various courses throughout the program.

Completion Requirements

Students wishing to obtain the Medical Billing and Coding (O.A.) from Laurus College need to meet all program completion requirements. Students must have completed a minimum of 100 quarter credits, and be in good academic standing with a cumulative GPA of 2.0 or better to be eligible for the Medical Billing and Coding (O.A.).

Medical Billing and Coding

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Online Medical Billing & Coding Training in 2 Years*

Medical Billing & Coding Courses

Where You Could Be After Completing This Program

Career Opportunities