Health Claims Examiner/Medical Biller
— Diploma Program
Objective
The Health Claims Examiner/Medical Biller (HCE/MB) program is designed to provide students with the knowledge and skills necessary to work successfully as an Entry-level Claims Examiner or Medical Biller in a Medical Office, Clinic, HMO, other Health Care Setting, Insurance Company, or Independent Billing Company.
Program Information
Length: Approximately 4 quarters Total Credit Hours: 800
HCE/MB students develop their knowledge and skills through a variety of media. A majority of time is spent becoming proficient in completing and processing various health claim forms utilized in the insurance industry.
Students become familiar with and use industry-related reference materials such as: the Physicians' Current Procedural Terminology (CPT), International Classification of Diseases (ICD.9.CM) and HCFA Common Procedure Coding Systems (HCPCS). Students gain practical experience by processing insurance claims including verification of coverage and contract interpretation. Students are introduced to the computer and have the opportunity to manipulate industry-related software and familiarize themselves with today's computerized work environment.
The training program is divided into eight learning units called modules. Students must complete all eight modules and can start with any one module, then continue their rotation until all eight modules have been completed. Each module stands alone and is not dependent upon previous training. Upon successful completion of all eight modules, students participate in a 160-hour externship. Completion of the program is acknowledged by the awarding of a diploma.
Opportunities
Upon completion of the program, students will be prepared as entry-level health claims examiners or medical billers. Health Claims Examiner/Medical Biller graduates may also secure a job in other areas within this field, such as Claims Processor, Dental Biller, or Insurance Biller.
Admission Requirements
Aberdeen College accepts students with one of the following qualifications: a High School Diploma, passing the General Education Development (GED) test, passing the California High School Proficiency Examination (CHSPE), or passing the Wonderlic Basic Skills Test (WBST) (Page 30 for explanation). The applicants should also have reached compulsory age to be accepted by Aberdeen College. The compulsory age is 16 years old and above as defined by the State of California Department of Education.
Externship
Upon successful completion of all classroom training, Health Claims Examiner/Medical Biller students participate in a 160-hour externship. The externship enables students to have the opportunity to demonstrate and reinforce the knowledge and skills presented and practiced throughout the training program. Externs work under the direct supervision of qualified personnel at the externship site and under general supervision of college staff. Externs are evaluated by supervisory personnel and the evaluations are placed in the student's permanent record. Students must complete their externship training to fulfill graduation requirements.
Equipment
Aberdeen College students are trained on the appropriate equipment consistent with the demands of the job market.