Medical Billing and Coding AAS
Your pathway to caring for others
The Medical Billing and Coding AAS degree prepares students for medical billing and coding careers in medical offices, hospitals, clinics, health maintenance organizations (HMOs), extended care facilities, insurance companies and health data organizations.
Program Options
Medical coding students develop skills and knowledge to transform written descriptions of diseases, injuries, conditions and medical procedures into alpha-numeric classifications. Currently, reimbursement for health care services is dependent on the assignment of universally recognized codes to describe diagnoses, services and procedures. The codes are used to provide information for reimbursement of insurance claims, indexing statistics, research and tracking patient care. In addition to coding, professional reimbursement specialists must learn the medical billing process to conform to individual insurance requirements, electronic billing procedures and responsibilities associated with electronic data management.
Learn medical terminology, medical pathology, anatomy and physiology, basic pharmacology, medical law and ethics and medical finance practices. Students will also study word processing, spreadsheet applications, and learn how to use electronic medical records system while using ICD, CPT and HCPCS guidelines to complete ambulatory and hospital billing. This high-demand occupation provides many opportunities for people who like attention to detail and take pride in their work. Jobs in this growing field offer variety, challenge and the personal reward of helping others.
The estimated program length is based on full-time enrollment. It is the student’s responsibility to discuss sequencing and work out their individual schedule with a counselor or an AHE program advisor. Any developmental coursework a student may be required to complete could potentially increase the program length. Allied Health students must maintain a minimum “C” grade in all required courses, including any developmental coursework, in order to be awarded any AHE certificate or degree.
While the Medical Billing and Coding AAS degree is not intended to transfer to a university, students will be eligible to apply for admission to Skagit Valley College’s Bachelor of Management, Healthcare Management BAS.
| Degrees | Credits | Estimated Program Length | Admission Dates |
|---|---|---|---|
| Medical Billing and Coding AAS | 93 | 7 quarters | Fall Quarter |
Degree Options
Medical Billing and Coding, AAS
Certification/Licensure Options
Medical Billing & Coding students enrolled in the AHE 240 class will be taking the American Association of Professional Coders national examination to become a Certified Professional Coder Apprentice (CPC-A). AAPC credentialed coders have proven mastery of all code sets, evaluation and management principles, and documentation guidelines. Employers prefer to hire certified workers who have passed the national exam.
American Association of Professional Coders
www.aapc.com
Program Entry Requirements
- Apply to the Admissions Office for an application to Skagit Valley College (SVC).
- Make an appointment to take your Accuplacer test. It is strongly recommended that candidates be a high school graduate or have passed the General Education Equivalency (GED) exam to enroll in the program.
- Students may enter this program during Fall Quarter only and attend classes on a part-time or full-time basis, however, some courses may only be offered once a year. It is recommended that you have a good working knowledge of computers, are detail-oriented, analytical, have excellent organizational skills and a penchant for accuracy. You should also be able to work independently with little supervision.