Medical Billing and Coding Education in Alaska - AK
How to Become a Speicialist in Medical Coding or Medical Billing in Alaska
1. Have your high school diploma or GED
It goes without saying that you will need a high school diploma or equivalent for any post secondary medical billing and coding training program. While in secondary school taking biology, math, chemistry, health, and computer science courses will help your admission into a post secondary medical billing and coding school.
2. Enroll in an approved program to earn your Alaska medical billing certificate or a comprehensive program for both medical billing and coding certification in Alaska.
NHA (National Healthcare Association) offers a home-based study program for medical coding. Additionally AMA (American Medical Association) also offers e-learning for medical coding training. When reviewing what a school's medical coding program offers, make sure there are courses in medical terminology, anatomy and physiology, health data requirements and standards, clinical classification and coding systems, data analysis, healthcare reimbursement methods, database security and management, and quality improvement methods. For medical billing programs, your coursework should include the principles of medical billing, medical billing practices and proper submission, the health insurance industry, legal and regulatory issues, as well as reimbursement methodologies.
3. Become certified
Alaska doesn't require licensure to work as a medical coding and billing specialist. Getting your professional credentials will aid in advancement or in commanding a higher salary. Some employers do prefer to hire graduates who have graduated with medical billing and coding certification in Alaska.
The American Academy of Professional Coders (AAPC) offers coding credentials. The Board of Medical Specialty Coding (BMSC) and Professional Association of Healthcare Coding Specialists (PAHCS) both offer credentialing in specialty coding. NHA offers a Certified Billing and Coding Specialist credential (CBCS).