Medical Coding & Billing Career Paths in New Jersey & Pennsylvania as a Medical Assistant
Medical coding and billing involve ensuring procedures and treatments are linked to payments. Through our medical assistant program at our campuses in Philadelphia, PA, Cherry Hill, NJ, and West Atlantic City, NJ, Prism Career Institute offers training in medical billing and coding concepts, as well as various other tasks. Additional education and certification will be required to pursue a career in medical coding or billing.
What Is Medical Coding & Billing?
While the specific duties of medical coders and billers vary by employer, facility, and specialty, they typically work behind the scenes rather than directly with patients in clinical roles. They process the patient data and insurance information required to keep revenue streams moving throughout the facility. Specialists who handle medical records and health information typically perform the following duties:
- Assign clinical codes for insurance reimbursement
- Review patient records for accuracy
- Organize and update clinical databases
- Electronically file claims
Medical billers and coders must be familiar with Current Procedural Technology (CPT) codes, Healthcare Common Procedural Coding System (HCPCS) Level II codes, and International Classification of Diseases, Tenth Revision, Clinical Modification (ICD-10-CM) codes. Each code set allows professionals in this field to transform documentation into a billing claim for medical services and diagnoses.
Additional Training for Medical Coders & Billers
As part of our medical assistant program, we cover medical billing and coding tasks. However, all professionals will require additional certification to pursue employment in facilities where it’s required. These professional certifications may include:
- Certified Professional Coder (CPC)
- Certified Professional Biller (CPB)
- Certified Coding Associate (CCA)
- Registered Health Information Technician (RHIT)
Students can take the Certified Billing and Coding Specialist (CBCS) exam through the National Healthcareer Association (NHA). Once certified, professionals typically need to complete continuing education requirements and renew their certification regularly.
Please note: We do 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.
Finding a Healthcare Career Path That’s Right for You
From caring for patients to performing billing tasks, medical assistant responsibilities encompass a wide range of activities that are vital to the smooth operation of a facility. As such, graduates of our program have the opportunity to explore several career paths that appeal to diverse skills and personal preferences.
As part of our program, students complete a medical assistant externship in a healthcare facility where they gain first-hand experience as a professionals in the field. Plus, our career services department is here to guide students in their search for employment. Whether you need help exploring careers in your preferred specialty or crafting your resume, our career counselors are available to assist.
Find Out What You Can Do with a Medical Assistant Diploma in New Jersey & Pennsylvania
At Prism Career Institute, we proudly offer well-rounded, career-focused training. Thanks to their first-hand knowledge of healthcare procedures and administrative tasks, medical assistants may pursue medical coding and billing career paths and others.
Daytime classes are offered at our Philadelphia, PA, campus and at our Cherry Hill, NJ, and West Atlantic City, NJ, campuses. The evening program is offered in Cherry Hill and West Atlantic City Township. Both program options combine classroom learning with hands-on experience to provide a well-rounded education. See our catalog for program details. To get started, apply online or contact Prism Career Institute for more information today.