Medical Coding and Billing Career Paths in NJ and PA for Medical Assistants
When you complete training to become a medical assistant, you can explore a wide range of career opportunities in the healthcare field. One option is a medical coding and billing career, although additional education and certification are required. At Prism Career Institute, we provide a medical assistant training program at our campuses in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, and Cherry Hill and West Atlantic City, New Jersey, which includes medical billing and coding concepts. Learn more about the medical coding career path you can pursue as a medical assistant.
What Is Medical Coding and Billing?
A medical coding and billing specialist is a healthcare worker who assigns codes to medical diagnoses and procedures and bills for them. These specialists process patient data and insurance information to keep revenue streams proceeding in the facility. They tend to work behind the scenes with administrative duties, not directly with patients in clinical roles. The specific duties of medical coding and billing specialists depend on their employers, the facilities where they work, and their specialties, but they generally include:
- Assigning clinical codes for insurance reimbursement
- Reviewing and updating patient records
- Organizing and revising clinical databases
- Filing claims electronically
- Requesting payment from patients
- Managing medical billing software
Medical assistants who are interested in working in the administrative side of their career can become medical coding and billing specialists by pursuing additional training and certifications.
Additional Training and Certifications for Medical Coders and Billers
In the medical assistant training program at Prism Career Institute, students get some training in medical billing and coding concepts. However, medical coders and billers need to be familiar with code sets that help transform documentation into billing claims for medical services and diagnoses. To learn about all these essential code sets in-depth, medical assistants need to complete medical coding certifications that provide additional training in assigning codes, filing claims, etc. There are a range of certifications available, including:
- Certified Coding Specialist (CCS): This certification demonstrates tested skills in data quality and accuracy and a mastery of coding proficiency.
- Certified Professional Biller (CPB): This credential exhibits skills related to maintaining the revenue cycle, including patient and payer billing and collections.
- Certified Professional Coder (CPC): This certification demonstrates proficiency in medical coding in a physician office setting.
- Certified Coding Associate (CCA): This certification exhibits skills in interpreting healthcare data for medical coding and evaluating medical claims.
- Certified Billing and Coding Specialist (CBCS): This certification establishes that a professional is proficient in medical billing and coding.
To obtain the required certification as a billing and coding specialist, candidates must complete the necessary coursework, take the certification exam, and achieve a passing score. Once a professional is certified, they generally must complete continuing education requirements and renew their certification regularly.
Finding a Healthcare Career Path That’s Right for You With Our Medical Assistant Program
At Prism Career Institute, we are proud to provide aspiring healthcare workers with well-rounded, career-focused training programs. Our medical assistant program combines in-classroom learning on essential topics with hands-on training via an externship. The 150-hour medical assistant externship allows students to work and learn under the guidance of a healthcare professional, helping them gain real-world experience and explore different healthcare roles. Students of this program may take the Certified Clinical Medical Assistant (CCMA) exam through the National Healthcare Association (NHA) after their externship is complete.
Completing our comprehensive medical assistant program can prepare students for a variety of roles in the healthcare field, including medical coding and billing specialists. Along with quality education, students at Prism Career Institute get access to our:
- Career services department that assists with resume and interview prep, job searches, and more
- Financial aid opportunities for qualified students
- Flexible scheduling with daytime and evening class options
- Small classroom environments that allow for individualized attention
- Experienced and compassionate instructors
These are just some of the benefits that students in the medical assistant program at Prism Career Institute can take advantage of. Learn more about admissions to the program or read through our frequently asked questions for more information.
Please note: Prism Career Institute does not offer any medical coding or billing certification programs. Some training in this area is included as part of our medical assistant program, focusing on maintaining electronic health records.
Apply to the Medical Assistant Program at Prism Career Institute Today
If you’re curious about working as a medical coding and billing specialist and don’t have a healthcare background, starting as a medical assistant can help provide a solid foundation before getting your certification. The daytime medical assistant program at Prism Career Institute is offered at all three of our campuses, while the evening program is offered at the Cherry Hill and West Atlantic City campuses in NJ. To learn more about how our medical assistant program can help you with a medical coding career path, contact us today.