Coding and Medical Billing

Coding and Medical Billing

The ATS is a special hybrid program combining billing, coding, business and communication skills designed to prepare students for careers in physicians' offices, group practices, ambulatory care centers and outpatient care sites. Medical coders and billers and health information management students are among the occupations with the highest employment prospects in the state according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics.

Students in the new ATS degree will prepare in science, mathematics/accounting and communication skills. This background will allow them to become an important part of the health care team. Because of their strong background and focus in medical coding and software-based accounting practices, they will provide a specific service to the employer which will directly impact the financial success of the facility. Students who graduate from this program will be eligible to sit for numerous accreditation / certification examinations in medical coding as sponsored by the American Health Information Management Association and the American Academy of Professional Coders.

The ATS in coding and medical billing is a "sister" program to BGSU Firelands' AHIMA accredited health information technology program. Both programs are supported by a network of clinical practice sites in the area, providing internship opportunities which are critically important to the success of the student. The programs are also supported by a dedicated information laboratory which provides students with real-life experiences and applications directed toward the use of electronic health record and electronic billing and data systems.

Curriculum

The curriculum for the medical coding and billing program combines the shared allied health course work in the applied health sciences with the coding and billing course work from the Health Information Technology program. Further enhancing the business aspect of this degree is a solid background in accounting and business management practices. Many of the courses have laboratory assignment requirements utilizing state of the art software applications for medical coding and billing which enhance and stimulate the student learning process. Online distance education is available for much of the required technology course work.