| Ames | Ankeny | Bettendorf | Burlington |
| Cedar Falls | Cedar Rapids | Clinton | Council Bluffs |
| Davenport | Des Moines | Dubuque | Iowa City |
| Marion | Marshalltown | Mason City | Sioux City |
| Urbandale | Waterloo | West Des Moines |
Points to Ask Medical Coder and Biller Schools
Once you have a general idea what a medical coder and biller does, along with what training options are offered, you must begin the process of comparing schools. But since there a large number of training options available at community colleges and vocational, technical and trade schools within the IA area, you must have a ready list of questions to analyze each one. And when you add all of the online programs that offer medical coding and billing classes, the project can become rather formidable. As we have already addressed, expense and location are going to be relevant issues, especially if you have a modest budget and will be commuting to classes from your Iowa home. And verifying that the program and school are accredited should be part of your vetting process as well. So let's take a look at a few of the other questions that you should ask the programs you are reviewing so that you can compare each one and make the appropriate choice.
Is the Training Accredited? It's vital that the program and college you choose are accredited by a recognized accrediting agency, for instance the Accrediting Commission of Career Schools. If it's an online college, it may also earn accreditation from the Distance Education and Training Council, which focuses on online or distance education. Not only will accreditation help guarantee that the education you receive will be of the highest quality, it might help secure future employment also. A number of Iowa medical facilities will only employ entry level candidates that have completed an accredited medical billing and coding training course. And financial assistance and student loans are in many cases only available for schools that have obtained an accreditation.
What is the School's Reputation? Prior to enrolling in a medical billing and coding program, find out what its reputation and ranking are among other colleges. This is particularly important if you have no experience in the industry, since potential employers will primarily be evaluating you based on the quality of your training. As we have covered, confirming that the program is accredited is an initial step. Checking with college rating organizations, for instance U.S. News and World Report, can verify the quality of the school also. Another option is to contact some Iowa medical organizations that you may have an interest in working for and ask which colleges they suggest. Keep in mind that even if the college itself does not have an outstanding reputation, its medical coding and billing program may still be highly regarded.
Is there an Employment Referral Program? Obtaining employment in Iowa after graduating in your new profession might be difficult without the help of a job assistance program. Check if the colleges you are reviewing have job assistance programs and what their job placement rates are. A high and rapid placement rate is an excellent indication that the billing and coding school has a significant network of healthcare employers where they can place their graduates. It also indicates that the college's graduates are in high demand in the marketplace.
Where is the College's Location? If you are anticipating commuting to class from your Iowa residence, then the location of the program will be of significant importance. Naturally if you choose an online medical coding and billing program, then the location of the college will not be a factor. One thing to keep in mind is that if you attend classes at a community or junior college, many charge a higher tuition for students that reside outside of their districts. So you may prefer to first consider those schools that are within your local area.
What is the Total Expense? Medical coding and billing training programs can differ in cost based on the type of credential acquired and the amount of training provided. But remember, tuition is not the only expense for your education. Expenses also include such items as the cost of supplies, books and commuting. Financial assistance may be obtainable to help reduce some of the expense, so make sure to check with the school's financial assistance department to see what is available in Iowa. Naturally if you decide to attend an online school, a portion of these added costs, particularly for commuting may be reduced or even eliminated.
Are Classes Available that Fit your Schedule? A number of students continue working while attending school and need a convenient class schedule. If you can only go to classes at night or on weekends in Iowa, make sure that they are offered at those times. If you can only enroll on a part time basis, make certain that the program you decide on provides that alternative. Also, find out what the protocol is for making up classes missed because of work, illness or family responsibilities.