Medical Billing and Coding Schools in Houston: Start Your Career

If you're looking to start a career in medical billing and coding, Houston is a great place to do it. The city is home to numerous schools that offer programs in medical billing and coding.

These programs are usually offered at vocational schools, community colleges, and universities. Some of these schools even offer online courses, making it easier to balance school with work or other responsibilities.

In Houston, you can find programs that are accredited by the Commission on Accreditation for Health Education Records (CAHER) or the American Health Information Management Association (AHIMA).

Medical billing and coding is a critical aspect of the healthcare industry, involving the process of converting medical procedures, diagnoses, and treatments into universally recognized alphanumeric codes used for billing purposes, insurance claims, and maintaining patient records.

Medical billing is the process of sending a bill for payment to an insurance company or another payer. Medical coding is the transformation of healthcare diagnosis procedures, medical services, and equipment into universal alphanumeric codes.

Accurate medical billing and coding are essential for healthcare facilities to receive proper payment for their services and to maintain compliance with healthcare regulations.

Medical billing and coding is a critical aspect of the healthcare industry. It involves the process of converting medical procedures, diagnoses, and treatments into universally recognized alphanumeric codes.

These codes are used for billing purposes, insurance claims, and maintaining patient records. Accurate medical billing and coding are essential for healthcare facilities to receive proper payment for their services and to maintain compliance with healthcare regulations.

Medical billing and coding is a distinct process from medical coding, which involves transforming medical diagnoses, treatments, and procedures into alphanumeric codes. Medical coding is used for a variety of purposes, including billing, quality reporting, and research.

To become a medical biller and coder, you typically need to earn a high school diploma or equivalent, and then pursue an undergraduate certificate in medical billing and coding. Certification is not always required, but it can help enhance job prospects and credibility in the field.

Here are some key skills you'll learn in a medical billing and coding program:

By learning these skills, you'll be well on your way to a career in medical billing and coding.

Health care delivery systems are complex and multifaceted, involving various settings, types of patients, and caregivers. These settings can include hospitals, clinics, and private practices, each with its own unique needs and requirements.

Health care delivery systems are also regulated by accreditation agencies and regulatory agencies, which ensure that care is provided in a safe and effective manner.

Students learn about the different types of care, including the reimbursement structure by type of care, which is a crucial aspect of medical billing and coding.

Health care delivery systems involve various types of caregivers, including doctors, nurses, and other medical professionals, each with their own roles and responsibilities.

In the healthcare industry, understanding healthcare law is crucial for medical billing and coding professionals. Healthcare law includes a study of confidentiality, which is essential for protecting patient information.

Confidentiality is a key aspect of healthcare law, and it's governed by local, state, and federal standards and regulations. This means that medical billing and coding professionals must be aware of these regulations to ensure they're handling patient information correctly.

Medical billing and coding professionals must also be familiar with key healthcare legislation, which includes laws that govern the use and control of health information. This knowledge is essential for compliance and avoiding potential issues.

Healthcare law also involves the study of ethics, which is critical for making decisions that prioritize patient care and well-being. By understanding ethics in healthcare law, medical billing and coding professionals can ensure they're making decisions that align with the principles of healthcare ethics.

Applying local, state, and federal standards and regulations for the control and use of health information is a critical aspect of healthcare law. This requires medical billing and coding professionals to stay up-to-date on changing regulations and laws.

Medical billing and coding schools in Houston offer a range of education and training programs to help you launch your career in this field.

You can earn a Medical Coding and Billing Certificate at CHCP, which has dual value and can be transferred to either the Health and Medical Administration Services AAS Degree Program or the Coding and Revenue Cycle Management AAS Degree Program.

Both the Medical Billing and Coding Diploma Program and the Medical Billing and Coding Associate Degree Program are designed to prepare you for entry-level roles in medical billing and coding.

The Medical Billing and Coding Certificate Program at DeVry University is offered 100% online, giving you the flexibility to study when and where it works best for you. The program is accredited by The Higher Learning Commission (HLC), which ensures that you receive a high-quality education.

Here are some of the skills you can expect to learn in a Medical Billing and Coding program:

In addition to these skills, some programs may also include certification preparation, such as preparation for the AAPC Certified Professional Coder (CPC) certification exam.

A diploma in medical billing and coding can be a great way to get started in this field. It prepares you for entry-level roles and includes certification preparation.

You can expect to learn field-specific skills, such as medical terminology, ICD-10 and CPT coding systems, and healthcare regulations. Some diploma programs also include soft skills, like organization and professionalism.

Here are some key skills you'll learn in a medical billing and coding diploma program:

• Medical terminology

• ICD-10 and CPT coding systems

• Healthcare regulations

• Insurance processes

• Patient privacy

• Electronic health record management

• Billing software

These skills will help you pursue entry-level roles in medical billing and coding. However, keep in mind that certification may be required for some positions, and a diploma program may not provide the same level of preparation as an associate degree or certification program.

As a student in our Medical Billing and Coding program, you're eligible for a complimentary 1-year AAPC student membership. This is a great opportunity to get involved with the American Academy of Professional Coders and start building your professional network.

Students in our Medical Billing and Coding – Health Information Coding program receive a complimentary 1-year AHIMA student membership. This membership will give you access to valuable resources and support as you pursue your education.

Having a professional membership can make a big difference in your career, and we're happy to provide this benefit to our students.

Our medical billing and coding schools in Houston offer a comprehensive curriculum that prepares students for a career in medical billing and coding. Core courses include Introduction to Computers and Medical Law, Ethics, and Records Management.

Students learn practical skills such as practical application of CPT-4, ICD-10/ ICD-10 PCS, and HCPCS codes, as well as record keeping for both hospital and physician offices. They also learn to follow procedures in content and filing of patient medical records.

The curriculum also covers a general knowledge of anatomy, physiology, medical terminology, reimbursement methodologies, and customer service principles. This well-rounded education helps students work successfully in various environments, including insurance companies/offices, physician offices, hospitals, outpatient medical facilities, and long-term care medical facilities.

The total program hours are 48, broken down into 48 hours of lecture, 0 hours of laboratory, and 0 hours of externship. The program credits are 3.

Here's a breakdown of the course modules:

In addition to the core courses, students also learn medical terminology, CPT, HCPCS, and ICD code systems, and healthcare delivery systems. They also learn organization, anatomy and physiology, healthcare law and ethics, medical coding, medical billing, electronic health record management, insurance claim handling, filing systems, and professionalism with patients and other medical personnel.

Career opportunities in medical billing and coding are on the rise, with a projected 5% growth from 2023 to 2033, and an average of 41,300 job openings each year. This field is expected to grow faster than secretaries and administrative assistants, which is experiencing a 10% decline.

Medical billers and coders can consider careers such as reviewing patient medical records, assigning accurate codes, and ensuring coding guidelines and regulatory standards are followed. They can also work as liaisons between insurance companies, healthcare providers, and patients, or oversee billing processes and financial records.

Graduates of medical billing and coding programs may earn a salary that varies based on location, employer, experience, education, and certifications. In Texas, for example, the mean hourly and annual wages for medical records and health information technicians are slightly below the national average.

As a career in medical billing and coding continues to grow, you'll have plenty of opportunities to make a difference in the healthcare industry. The field is projected to grow 5% from 2023 to 2033, with 41,300 job openings each year, on average.

You'll have a range of career paths to choose from, including medical secretary and administrative assistant roles. These roles are expected to have 41,300 job openings each year, on average, over the next decade.

As a medical billing and coding professional, you'll have the opportunity to work in various settings, such as hospitals and insurance companies. You'll be responsible for organizing, coding, and managing health information data, ensuring accessibility and clarity in medical records.

Some of your key responsibilities will include reviewing patient medical records, assigning accurate codes, and ensuring coding guidelines and regulatory standards are followed. You'll also have the opportunity to teach others to assign medical codes to diagnoses, procedures, and healthcare services.

Here are some potential career paths to consider:

These are just a few examples of the many career opportunities available in medical billing and coding. With the right training and experience, you can pursue a rewarding and challenging career in this field.

If you're considering a career in medical billing and coding, you're likely wondering about the salary potential. Medical biller and coder salaries can vary based on your location, employer, previous work experience, education, and certifications.

In Texas, the mean hourly and annual wages for medical records and health information technicians are slightly below the national average. However, with the right certifications and training, you can increase your earning potential.

According to the BLS, most employers prefer to hire medical records and health information technicians who have national certification through the AAPC. This credential is earned by passing an exam, which an online program in medical billing and coding will often help prepare you for.

To give you a better idea of the salary range in different parts of Texas, here's a breakdown of the top cities for employment in the field:

As you can see, salaries vary significantly depending on the city and location.

To get started with medical billing and coding in Houston, you'll need to apply for a program through a reputable school. Our next 8-week session begins soon.

You can apply for medical billing and coding courses through the College of Health Care Professions (CHCP), which offers a straightforward application process. Simply fill in the application form, noting your program choice, location preference, and contact details.

Admission prerequisites include a high school diploma or GED, a minimum Scholastic Level Exam score of 10 (13 for the online program), and the ability to read and write in English.

To make the application process easier, here are the admission criteria:

Once you've submitted your application, a CHCP advisor will be in touch to guide you through the remaining steps.

After completing your Medical Billing and Coding Certificate, you'll be ready to pursue industry certifications that can boost your career. At DeVry, you can prepare for AHIMA's Certified Coding Specialist (CCS) exam with their Medical Billing and Coding - Health Information Coding Certificate or the AAPC's Certified Professional Coder (CPC) exam with their Medical Billing and Coding Certificate program.

You'll have two online medical billing and coding programs to choose from, allowing you to select the path that best fits your schedule and career goals. DeVry offers a range of courses to help you learn the skills you need to succeed in the field.

You'll learn medical terminology, including the foundations of words used to describe the human body and its conditions, terminology for medical procedures, the names of commonly prescribed medications and common abbreviations. You'll also study the principles and guidelines for using the International Classification of Diseases system (ICD-10-CM) to code diagnoses and procedures.

Here are some of the key skills you'll learn with a Medical Billing and Coding Certificate:

With your certificate, you'll be well-prepared to take the next step in your career, whether that's pursuing a certification or advancing to a new role in the medical billing and coding field.

To start your medical billing and coding career, you'll need to meet the admission criteria. You'll need a high school diploma or GED, and a minimum Scholastic Level Exam score of 10 (13 for the online program). You'll also need to be proficient in reading and writing in English.

Our next 8-week session begins soon, and you can get started with a one-on-one conversation with your designated Admissions Representative. This will give you a chance to ask questions and get a feel for the program.

To apply, simply fill out the application form and provide details about your preferred program, location, and contact information. Once submitted, a CHCP advisor will be in touch to guide you through the remaining steps.

Here are the key dates to keep in mind: