(225) 928-7770
CLOSE
Baton Rouge Lafayette Covington Slidell
CLOSE

Billing and Coding Training Explained

What would we do without computers? Nearly everyone uses them to keep in touch, stay on schedule, get where we’re going, and learn new things. You’re reading this article on a computer, tablet, or smartphone, aren’t you? Most people use computers at work as well. Almost every industry relies on computing technology in some way. It’s essential for the sharing and recording of information.

Vital for Vitals

In healthcare, the importance of computers can be equivalent to life and death. The accurate recording and storing of patient information protects their health and privacy. These tasks—referred to as billing and coding—are essential to a medical practice’s efficient operation. Every medical facility needs employees dedicated to this digital information. Specialized and sought-after, trained individuals can have excellent job prospects in south Louisiana.

Confused About Coding?

Think back to your last time in a doctor’s office. Every piece of information was written down or entered into a computer. Every person you talked to, every vital taken, and every question you answered. After your appointment, a medical coder transforms these words into numbers and letters to attach to your file. Think of coding like translating English into a computer language for medical software.   

Baffled About Billing?

Once all your visit information is coded, a medical biller uses it to create a claim for your insurance company. After your insurance pays the doctor their share, the office bills you for the rest. The medical biller serves as a liaison between the service provider, the insurance company, and you as a patient.

Billing and Coding Training

These billing and coding tasks are often the responsibility of a medical office assistant. Because of the specificity of these skills, professional training is crucial to be competitive in the job market. Billing and coding classes are part of the Medical Office and Health Information Technician program at Delta College. In addition to billing and coding, this program teaches many other essential tasks:  

  • Review records for timeliness, completeness, and accuracy
  • Organize and maintain data for databases and registries
  • Track patient outcomes for quality assessment
  • Electronically record data for collection, storage, analysis, retrieval, and reporting
  • Protect patients’ health information for confidentiality and security

The Medical Office and Health Information Technician program is offered at all four Delta College campuses. Get your billing and coding training where it’s most convenient for you. Visit the best location for you below to learn more and schedule a tour.