What to Ask Medical Coding and Billing Colleges
Now that you have a general idea just what a medical biller and coder does, along with what training options are available, you must begin the process of evaluating schools. But since there are numerous training options available at community colleges as well as trade, vocational and technical schools within the GA area, you need to have a ready list of questions in order to assess each one. And when you add all of the online programs that offer medical billing and coding classes, the task can become somewhat daunting. As we have already covered, location and cost are going to be relevant issues, particularly if you have a modest budget and will be commuting to classes from your Georgia residence. And verifying that the school and program are accredited must be part of your vetting procedure as well. So let's take a look at several of the additional questions that you should ask the colleges you are looking at so that you can evaluate each one and make the right choice.
Is the Program Accredited? It's essential that the program and school you pick are accredited by a respected accrediting organization, such as the Accrediting Commission of Career Schools. If it's an online college, it can also earn accreditation from the Distance Education and Training Council, which focuses on distance or online learning. Not only will accreditation help ensure that the training you receive will be of the highest quality, it could help with your future employment as well. A number of Georgia medical facilities will only hire entry level applicants that have completed an accredited medical billing and coding training course. And financial aid and student loans are often only available for programs that have obtained an accreditation.
What is the School's Reputation? Prior to enrolling in a medical billing and coding school, find out what its ranking and reputation are among other schools. This is especially important if you have no experience in the field, since potential employers will mainly be relying on the quality of your education. As we have discussed, verifying that the program is accredited is a first step. Checking with school rating organizations, such as U.S. News and World Report, can verify the quality of the school as well. Another option is to contact some Georgia healthcare organizations that you may be interested in working for and find out which colleges they recommend. Bear in mind that even if the college itself does not have an exceptional reputation, its medical coding and billing program may still be well regarded.
Is there a Job Referral Program? Obtaining employment in Georgia after graduation in your new field may be difficult without the help of a job assistance program. Ask if the colleges you are looking at have job placement programs and what their job placement rates are. A high and rapid placement rate is an excellent indication that the coding and billing college has a significant network of healthcare employers where they can refer their graduates. It also implies that the school's graduates are sought after in the marketplace.
Where is the College Located? If you are planning on commuting to class from your Georgia residence, then the location of the college will be of significant importance. Obviously if you choose an online medical coding and billing program, then the location of the school will not be a consideration. One thing to keep in mind is that if you go to classes at a community or junior college, many charge a higher tuition for students that reside outside of their districts. So you might prefer to first research those colleges that are within your local area.
What is the Total Expense? Medical coding and billing certification courses can differ in cost based on the type of credential acquired and the length of training provided. But remember, tuition is not the only cost of your education. Expenditures also include such things as the cost of supplies, books and commuting. Financial assistance might be accessible to help reduce some of the expense, so be sure to get in touch with the college's financial aid department to see what is offered in Georgia. Naturally if you decide to attend an online college, some of these additional costs, such as for commuting may be reduced or even eliminated.
Are Classes Available that Fit your Schedule? Many students keep working while going to school and need a convenient class schedule. If you can only attend classes in the evenings or on weekends in Georgia, confirm that they are available at those times. If you can only attend on a part time schedule, verify that the school you select provides that option. Also, ask what the process is for making up classes missed because of illness, work or family emergencies.