Is it better to get a diploma or associate's degree in medical billing-coding?

Answer 1

A degree will open more doors for you, however I know of individuals who have a certificate in medical billing and who are doing very well. Still, once you have entered the workforce in this area, those with a degree will fair better in terms of marketability and promotions. I am not aware of colleges or universities that offer a degree specifically in medical billing. At times you may find courses in medical billing within a program of study like medical assisting. If medical billing is something you really want to do, and a certificate will get you there then fine, Still, do not dismiss a college education. Lastly, try to stay away from these private schools that are very expensive. You should be able to find a medical billing certificate program at your home county community college through their non-credit office of continuing education.

Hello,

I think the answer to your question really depends on what you will be trying to do after you have earned either a certificate, degree or certification.

Based on my own experience (being employed, working from home as a telecommuter and now I currently own my own medical billing company) if you are going to be seeking a job then you should be looking for something more substantial than just a certificate.

If you will be pursuing medical coding then I would definitely say go for a degree that would allow you to knowledgeable sit for , take and pass the national certification exam because that is what most if not all employers are looking for. Not to mention that your salary will be so much more than someone that is still training to sit for the national exam through AHIMA or the AAPC.

If you are seeking to get a job as medical biller only then a certificate course would suffice because it shows employers that you have taken the initial steps to learn the entry level portion of medical billing and are willing to expand on that knowledge by working for them.

Getting a diploma/degree in medical billing will give you leverage against the competition that you will face in the work world from those that have no background or practical experience. However, even if you go the route of just studying to become a medical biller only it would really, really benefit you if you were to continue your education and go for a degree in coding and then become nationally certified.

The field of medical billing and medical coding are the types of professions that require you to be continuously learning so you should also look to broaden your horizon and keep yourself ahead of the pack. You can do that by taking addition courses, seminars, workshops, etc. for things like HIPAA, Workman's Comp., Dental billing, DME billing, Medicare/Medicaid billing, etc.

I hope that helps a little,

http://medicalbillingbooks.tripod.com/medical-billing-training-courses.html

Answer 2

I have never heard of a degree particular to this field. Some degrees have a course or two particular to medical billing and coding as part of a degree program. For example, medical assistant, or a health science degree. In addition, there are many community colleges that offer medical billing and coding through their Office of Continuing Education. These are typically non-credit courses that prepare an individual for licensure. One way you can get certification for this field

is by enrolling in either a traditional training center or online schools as they are are being offered both ways.