Medical Assisting - Diploma

The health care industry in the United States is growing at a tremendous rate, partly because Americans are living longer and requiring more medical attention in their elder years. As the demand for health care increases, medical assistants will likely continue to have a high rate of employment. In fact, medical assisting is projected to be one of the fastest-growing occupations through 2014.

Health care is a competitive field, so you need qualities that stand out. Health care employers are looking for applicants who have the required education in addition to work experience and training in both clinical and office tasks. At Kaplan Career Institute, we offer the professional education and hands-on experience that can help you become a medical assistant.

The curriculum for this program provides a well-rounded education. You will have an opportunity to master keyboarding, word processing, and medical office procedures. Clinical courses will focus on developing the skills you need to assist the physician in a medical office setting, such as:

• Anatomy and physiology
• Basic health insurance
• Cardiopulmonary resuscitation and electrocardiography
• Clinical procedures and therapeutic care
• Electronic transcription
• Medical coding and terminology

Medical Billing & Coding - Diploma

Changing government regulations and the growth of managed care have increased the amount of paperwork involved in processing medical tests, treating patients, and filing claims with insurance companies. As a result, medical billing and coding specialists are in high demand in all types of health care facilities. If you pay close attention to details, work well under pressure, and would like to pursue a career in health care, earning a diploma in medical billing and coding from Kaplan Career Institute can get you started in one of today's fastest-growing career fields.

Medical billing is vital to the smooth functioning of the medical office. Medical billers calculate the total amount due from a patient, prepare invoices to be sent out, and follow up to ensure that payment has been received. One of the most important responsibilities of medical billers is contacting insurance companies to negotiate payment or reimbursement on behalf of patients and doctors. Medical billers may have some interaction with patients to answer questions about health care finances.

Medical coding involves recording designated codes in patients' medical records. Each type of procedure or treatment has its own designated code that health insurance companies use to determine the reasons the patient was seen and what procedures and treatments were performed. The role of the medical coder is to ensure that each procedure is properly coded in accordance with industry standards.

Accreditation

• Accrediting Council of Independent Colleges and Schools (ACICS)
• Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs (CAAHEP)