Medical Billing and Coding Training Program

This grant-funded Medical Billing and Coding training program introduces participants to health insurance, healthcare settings, medical coding, and reimbursement. Participants will become familiar with CPT®, ICD-10-CM Code Set, and HCPCS Level II codebooks, the health insurance industry, legal and regulatory issues, reimbursement methodologies, and principles of medical billing including claim preparation, submission, payment processing, and follow-up.

The program prepares students for industry-recognized Billing and Coding certifications from the American Academy of Professional Coders (AAPC): Certified Professional Biller (CPB) and Certified Professional Coder (CPC).

The program includes three phases:

1. Online classroom training (approx. 20 weeks)
2. Online internship (approx. 9 weeks)
3. In-person externship with hands-on training (approx. 10 weeks)

Participation requires a 40-hour weekly commitment during business hours (Mon-Fri, 8 AM-5 PM) over 39-44 weeks.

Eligibility requirements:

• Residents of California living within 30-45 minutes of Lancaster, CA
• Age 18 or older
• High school diploma or GED
• U.S. Citizen or Permanent Resident/Green Card holder
• Familiarity with Microsoft Office is beneficial
• Ability to pass a national criminal background check
• Bilingual Spanish is preferred but not required

Training benefits include preparation for medical billing/coding certifications, learning specifics related to federally qualified health centers (FQHCs), and a total stipend of $31,200 distributed over 44 weeks, health marketplace reimbursement up to $600 per month (participant cost), and an internet stipend of $35/month.

Job duties for Medical Biller and Coder Specialist include providing accurate coding and billing services in compliance with payer guidelines and HIPAA, abstracting clinical data, coding diagnoses and procedures, managing claims and denials, posting payments, researching credit balances, and providing customer service.

The program emphasizes inclusivity, equal opportunity, and requires COVID-19 vaccination and other health screenings for participation.

Note: This is a temporary training program; employment after completion is not guaranteed.