Frequently Asked Questions
Thank you for inquiring about Career Coders Online classes.
Below are some frequently asked questions about
Career Coders and the online classes we offer.
HOW IS CAREER CODERS ONLINE CLASSES DIFFERENT FROM OTHERS?
We are live classroom instruction. You SEE and HEAR the
instructor live. Students like the personal approach verses
professors posting written lecturers.
Unlike many major schools, we do not have admission representatives
that work on commission to attend our school. Career Coders will not
call you because of your interest in our school (unless requested by
the student). We do not want students to feel forced to
make an educated decision to attend our school. We only want
students that WANT to attend our school.
WHAT IF I CAN’T ATTEND THE LIVE CLASS?
Students who unable to attend the live class can watch the taped class. Tapings are posted on the website after each class for students to access.
CAN I ASK QUESTIONS DURING THE ONLINE CLASS?
Yes. The student can type in questions during the presentation and the instructor will answer your questions. At the end of the class, the instructor will answer any additional questions the students have.
WHAT ABOUT QUESTIONS AFTER CLASS OR HELP WITH HOMEWORK?
Career Coders is committed to the success of their students. You can email instructors directly for questions and you can speak to them one-on-one via phone call. We also offer group phone conferences.
CAN I TAKE MORE THAN ONE CLASS AT A TIME?
Yes. Some students like to take one class at a time, while others like to take more than one. It is an individual decision.
HOW LONG ARE THE CLASSES AND HOW OFTEN DO THEY MEET?
All classes are 10 weeks. All classes meet twice a week for the duration of the class on either Monday/Wednesday or Tuesday/Thursday and are evening classes.
WHAT CLASS DO YOU OFFER AND WHAT IS THE COST OF YOUR CLASSES?
The Class Descriptions tab will describe all classes offer by Career Coders and the cost of each class.
I HAVE NEVER TAKEN AN ONLINE CLASS
Do not let it intimidate you. Career Coders does everything for you. You will have one-on-one training on how to navigate around the classroom.
WHAT IS REQUIRED OF THE STUDENT?
You must be motivated, self-directed and have a positive attitude. If you get behind in class, it is difficult to catch-up. The more you put into it, the more you will get out of it.
I DO NOT HAVE ANY MEDICAL BACKGROUND
No medical background needed because we will teach you everything you need for the field.
I DID NOT GRADUATE FROM HIGH SCHOOL
A high school diploma is not required to attend Career Coders. To receive your certification, High School diploma or GED is required.
I HAVEN’T BEEN IN SCHOOL FOR MANY YEARS CAN I DO THIS?
Absolutely! We make it easy and fun. We are here to help you be successful. You are never too old. You have made the first step by looking into a new career.
CAN I CONTACT SEVERAL OF YOUR STUDENTS AND TALK WITH THEM?
Yes. Call or email Career Coders and we will supply you this information. I encourage potential students too thoroughly check out any school they will be attending.
HOW DO I REGISTER FOR CLASSES?
Click on “ENROLLMENT APPLICATION”. Two forms (Forms A, B) are required to be completed, signed and faxed or sent to Career Coders along with your deposit. Applications must be received at Career Coders at least 2 weeks before the start of class.
WHEN DO YOUR NEXT CLASSES START?
Click on “Class Schedule” and this will give you the information of all class schedules.
WHAT TO I EXPECT AFTER PAPERWORK AND DEPOSITS HAVE BEEN SUBMITTED?
You will receive confirmation of paperwork and payments, along with the following information: passwords to Career Coders classroom and online classroom, computer compatibility information, email to set up online training before start of class, and book requirements.
ANY SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS FOR COMPUTER SOFTWARE?
To participate in Career Coders Online Classes, you need to have a computer with Internet access (high-speed preferred). There is no software required. Career Coders will help you check your computer for compatibility.
DO I NEED A WEBCAM AND HEADPHONE?
Webcams and microphones are optional but I encourage students to purchase them. I like to see my students, just as you like to see and hear the instructor. It helps me develop a relationship with students and to put a face to a name. Headphones can help take out distractions around you to focus on the class presentation.
WHAT BOOKS ARE REQUIRED FOR EACH CLASS?
Books required are listed under the class description. Click “ONLINE CLASSES” for this information. Some books will be used for other classes and will not need to be repurchased such: ICD-9, CPT, and HCPCS books.
HOW DO I OBTAIN BOOKS FOR CLASSES?
Click on “ONLINE BOOKSTORE” to order books for classes. The books will be shipped directly to the student. The books listed identify what class it is needed for.
CAN I USE MY OWN BOOKS OR BUY A DIFFERENT BRAND?
All books must be current year books. You can use other brands i.e., Ingenix, AAPC, etc., however during lectures, pages may be referenced at times. If you are using a different book, it may be harder to follow the directions.
WHAT CLASSES DO YOU RECOMMEND TO GET INTO THE MEDICAL BILLING AND CODING FIELD?
This depends on the career path you choose. The following information describes how the class would be useful in the field.
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Introduction to Medical Billing and Coding is the main class you will need to enter into the field.
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Medical Terminology and Anatomy is recommended to help understand proper coding, some employers require it. It is required for CPC Testing.
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CPC Certification is for anyone that wants to become a Certified Coder through The American Academy of Professional Coders. The first two classes or knowledge would be required to take this class.
Some of the following classes do have pre-requisites. Click “ONLINE CLASSES”, the class descriptions refer to pre-requisites required
WHAT ARE YOUR INSTRUCTORS QUALIFICATIONS?
All Career Coders instructors have gone through a qualification process. Instructors have specialized and/or have worked in the areas they are teaching. All Medical Billing and Coding are taught ONLY by certified coders. The CPC Certification classes are taught only by instructors that are certified PMCC instructors through The American Academy of Professional Coders.
IS YOU SCHOOL ACCREDITED?
Career Coders is an approved school through Colorado Department of Private and Occupational Schools. We are also a member and in excellent standing of the Northern Colorado Better Business Bureau. The school is bonded to protect the student.
DO CREDITS FROM CAREER CODERS TRANSFER?
No. Some schools will accept transcripts from Career Coders as proof of completion.
DO YOU OFFER FINANCIAL AID?
Career Coders does not offer diploma or degree programs, therefore we are unable to offer Financial Aid. Students will need to obtain personal loans. Career Coders also accepts VISA and MASTERCARD.
I HAVE BEEN WORKING IN THE MEDICAL BILLING AND CODING FIELD. CAN I TAKE JUST THE CERTIFICATION CLASS?
Yes. The CPC certification class is not a basic class. You must have a good coding foundation for this class. Take the pre-exam for the certification course to test your knowledge.
DO YOU OFFER AND OTHER CERTIFICATIONS BESIDES THE CPC?
After completion of the Introduction to Medical Billing and Coding, students qualify to take the CMRS certification test. This test is offered online by American Medical Billing Association and offered as a discount to Career Coders students. Click on “CMRS Certification” tab for more information.
IS THE CERTIFICATION A NATIONAL OR STATE CERTIFICATION?
Both the CPC Certification through American Academy of Professional Coders and the CMRS through American Medical Billing Association are national certifications. No state license is required.
WHAT IS REQUIRED TO KEEP MY CREDENTIALS?
Each organization has different requirements for credentials and it will depend on how many credentials you have. Go to the following websites to answer these questions:
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American Academy of Professional Coders
http://www.aapc.com/ -
American Medical Billing Association:
http://www.ambanet.net/AMBA.htm
CAN YOU GUARANTEE A JOB AFTER COMPLETION OF YOUR COURSE?
No. First of all, no school can guarantee a job after completion. This is what I tell students; getting a job is totally up to you. You have all the qualifications to get into the field. How do you present and sell yourself at the interview, attitude, dependability, ethics, and truthfulness will get you the job. Sometimes it is being at the right place at the right time, knowing someone, etc. If you send out two resumes and expect to get a job, it probably will not happen. It is a competitive world out there, not in just this field but in all fields. I tell students to get in the door, even if it’s not the job you want. Most employers hire from within. If you are determined to find a job, you will. It is up to you.
WHERE DO I START LOOKING FOR JOBS?
Local newspapers are excellent sources or newspapers from towns/cities close to you. Use your computer to find this information. Book mark all the local towns and cities and watch the employment ads. Other sources are Craig's List, local hospitals, Career Builder and large medical facilities. Some organizations do not advertize in newspaper and you will only find employment information on their websites.
WHAT KIND OF JOBS COULD I QUALIFY FOR AFTER TAKING YOUR CLASSES?
Receptionist, Referral Specialist, Billing Specialist, Data Entry, Scheduler, Collections Specialist, Patient Representative, and many more. Everyone calls the same job different names. Do not look for “Medical Billing and Coding Jobs”. The types of positions listed above fall under the category of Medical Billing and Coding jobs.
WHAT TYPE OF FACILITIES COULD I WORK AT?
Physician offices, Physical Therapy Offices, Home Health Agencies, Hospice Centers, Out-Patient Facilities, Hospital Billing Departments, Hospital Admissions, Nursing Homes, Independent Billing Companies. Any company that work with ICD-9, CPT and HCPCS codes would hire you with your knowledge base.
CAN YOU HELP ME WITH MY RESUME?
I would be more than happy to help my students with their resume. We also give you access to resume information in the classroom. Students can email me their resume and I will review it with them.
I HAVE BEEN TOLD MEDICAL BILLING AND CODING IS GOING AWAY?
AAnyone that says this is not very familiar with the Medical Billing and Coding field. Can you imagine doctors filling their own claims, working appeals and denials, checking in their own patients for visits, entering all the data, calling for referrals, etc.? I hope this answered your question. What is going away is Medical Transcription. Many people confuse Medical Billing and Coding with Medical Transcription. They are two different fields.
DO MEDICAL EMPLOYERS REQUIRE BACKGROUND CHECKS?
Yes and No. Most hospital facilities will run background checks, and more physicians’ organizations are following suit. If you have been convicted of a felony, it may be difficult to obtain a job in this field.
WHAT DOES IT MEAN TO BE “BONDED” BY AN EMPLOYER?
Employers may ask if you are “Bondable.” Employers bond (insure) employees to protect the employer from losses of theft or damage. Again, they are looking for any felonies, theft convictions, embezzlements, etc. If you are not bondable, you may not be employable.
CAN I WORK FROM HOME?
It is possible to work from home but do not count on it, especially just starting in the field. Employers want to get to know you, your work ethic, etc before they would ever let someone work from home. Also, HIPAA rules and regulations have made a difference with people working at home. I believe in being honest with people. If a company claims that if you take their course, you can work from home, I would be skeptical. If a company tried to sell you software to work from your home, it is a scam. Be very careful of these tactics.
WWHY SHOULD I ATTEND CAREER CODERS?
I would hope that you would attend my school because we not only
offer high quality programs but we also offer high quality
instructors that have been in the field, understand the field, and
deliver a superior academic program.
We do not want just anyone attending our school. We want
only those students that are dedicated to making a positive change
in their career, have a positive attitude and want to make a
difference. If you want a quality education, you have come
to the right place.
If my students are successful, I am successful, and successful
students are happy students.
Melody Irvine, President of Career Coders
