toll free 800.826.9228
Medical Billing and Coding Online Course
Your Career: Medical Billing and Coding Course
You can prepare for a fulfilling career in this fast-growing healthcare field! Payments in the healthcare system depend on proper coding, so job opportunities abound. Work at a hospital, medical office, insurance company, or even work from home.
Best of all, you can train from home…on your own terms! You pick the time you study, and manage the pace of your first-rate training built to suit your career needs. Why Blackstone? With decades of experience, Blackstone is the leader in flexible career training programs.
As a Blackstone distance education student, you can enjoy an Online Student Center. You select the course delivery method that best fits your educational preferences and your learning style. You’ll have access to all the support you need as you complete this course.
Through the Medical Billing and Coding program, you’ll gain the knowledge you will need to obtain an entry-level position in the medical billing and coding field. Upon graduation, you will have a working knowledge of coding systems – CPT and ICD-9-CM so that you can assign the proper codes in medical computer systems. You’ll become comfortable with the basics of medical terminology, pharmacology, billing, coding, medical office practice, and more. The Blackstone Medical Billing and Coding course even teaches you how to find a job!
Now is the time to launch your new medical billing and coding career. Click for free information >>
Medical Billing and Coding Career
Why Choose a Career in Medical Billing or Coding?
The Job of the Future
Medical billing and coding professionals work in every medical office, clinic, hospital and insurance firm, or work from home, making important contributions to the delivery of quality healthcare. Among the fastest growing careers, advancement opportunities in health information technology continue to improve.
Careers in Medical Billing and Coding
Depending on the size of the facility, billing and coding can be the job of one person or it may be distinguished as two separate jobs.
The job of the medical biller entails knowing the methods of billing patients, understanding various collection methods, completing medical claims forms, and coding. Medical billers must know how to explain charges and communicate effectively with patients and insurance companies.
Medical coders assign a code to each diagnosis and procedure on claim forms that are submitted to health insurance companies. Codes exist for all types of medical encounters, services, tests, treatments, and procedures provided in a medical office, clinic, or hospital. Classification manuals and software programs assist medical coders in doing their job efficiently.
Medical Billing and Coding Career Opportunities
Medical billers and coders (often called health information technicians) can utilize their skills in a variety of healthcare facilities including hospitals, nursing homes, medical group practices, clinics and home health agencies. Other settings that may employ health information technicians are insurance firms, public health departments, government agencies and educational institutions. Some opportunities also exist for home employment.
Employment Outlook in Medical Billing and Coding
As insurance and governmental regulations become more complex and the U.S. population ages, the demand for medical billing and coding professionals continues to rise. Health information technology is one of the 20 fastest growing occupations in the United States. This career field is expected to grow much faster than the average for all occupations through 2014, due to rapid growth in the number of medical tests, treatments, and procedures which will be increasingly scrutinized by third-party payers, regulators, courts and consumers.
What You Can Earn Working in the Medical Billing and Coding Field
Many factors are considered when calculating salary for medical billing and coding specialists such as where you live, your job title, education level and years of experience. Becoming certified in your field can add to your career value and increase your salary. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, medical billers and coders earned up to $45,260 annually, with the middle 50 percent earning as high as $35,990.
(U.S. Dept. of Labor Statistics, 2008-09 Occupational Outlook Handbook)
Medical Billing and Coding Course Curriculum Detail
The comprehensive Blackstone Medical Billing & Coding online course curriculum covers a broad range of topics.
Unit I: Blackstone Skills for Success
Chapter 1
Covers learning styles; instrinsic versus extrinsic motivation; self-efficacy and self-determination; visual, auditory, and kinesthetic learners; and field dependence versus field independence.
Chapter 2
Covers study skills, including choosing a place to study; scheduling time, goal setting; monitoring your study sessions; and avoiding procrastination.
Chapter 3
Covers learning strategies, including SQ3R; note-taking skills; memory tricks; references; and how to take multiple choice tests.
Unit II: Introduction to Computers, Keyboarding and Office Technology
Chapter 1
Covers how computers are used in the office today, the different types of computers, and the parts of a computer system.
Chapter 2
Covers basic keyboarding skills using the Mavis Beacon Teaches Typing CD.
Chapter 3
Covers the Internet, the World Wide Web (WWW), URLs, the different types of Internet connections, search engines, email, and other uses for the Internet.
Chapter 4
Covers other types of office technology including office telephones, the different types of telephone calls, fax machines, photocopiers, multipurpose machines, transcribers, digital cameras, and wireless communication.
Unit III: Anatomy and Medical Terminology 1: An Introduction
Chapter 1
Explains how medical terms are constructed and analyzed to determine meaning; discusses types of medical terms; explains the function of combining vowels and how terms are pluralized.
Chapter 2
Covers prefixes relating to number, size, color, negation, position and direction, as well as those with the same meaning or opposite meaning.
Chapter 3
Covers common roots and combining vowels as well as suffixes which indicate the word's part of speech; also discusses suffixes related to pathologic conditions, diagnoses, and surgical incisions.
Chapter 4
Introduces the body cavities, body planes, and directional terms.
Unit IV: Anatomy and Medical Terminology 2
Chapter 5
Discusses the anatomy and physiology of the skeletal system, including the bones; the axial and appendicular skeletons; and the joints and ligaments; also provides a list of relevant medical terms.
Chapter 6
Covers the muscular system, including the types of muscles and their functions, and related diseases and disorders; lists relevant medical terms.
Chapter 7
Provides and overview of the integumentary system, including the skin, hair and nails; discusses diseases and disorders as well as lists relevant medical terms.
Chapter 8
Covers the respiratory system—including the nose, pharynx and lungs—as well as diseases and disorders related to this system; lists relevant medical terms.
Unit V: English Usage and Written Communication
Chapter 1
Covers the parts of speech, including nouns, verbs, pronouns, adjectives, adverbs, prepositions, conjunctions, and interjections.
Chapter 2
Covers the parts of a sentence, including the subject, predicate, direct and indirect objects, subject complements, phrases, and clauses.
Chapter 3
Covers pronoun/antecedent agreement and pronoun usage; explains how pronouns are used in sentences; covers subject/verb agreement.
Chapter 4
Covers sentence types and sentence punctuation.
Chapter 5
Covers fundamentals of written communication, including using active versus passive voice, writing unified and coherent paragraphs, and writing topic sentences for paragraphs. Discusses common types of business communication, including business letters and memorandums.
Unit VI: Anatomy and Medical Terminology 3
Chapter 9
Covers the cardiovascular system, including the structure of the heart, function of blood vessels, and related disorders and diseases; lists relevant medical terms.
Chapter 10
Discusses the function and parts of the urinary system, including kidneys, ureters, bladder, and urethra; covers related diseases and disorders as well as medical terminology.
Chapter 11
Introduces the digestive system, including the oral cavity, pharynx, esophagus, stomach, intestines, and accessory organs; covers related diseases and disorders as well as medical terminology.
Chapter 12
Covers the peripheral and central nervous systems, their function, related diseases and disorders, and medical terminology.
Unit VII: Anatomy and Medical Terminology 4
Chapter 13
Discusses the glands that make up the endocrine system as well as related diseases and disorders; also lists relevant medical terms.
Chapter 14
Provides an overview of the anatomy of both the eyes and the ears (the sensory system); covers related diseases and disorders as well as medical terminology.
Chapter 15
Covers the blood, lymphatic, and immune systems and their functions; discusses relevant diseases and disorders as well as medical terminology.
Chapter 16
Provides an overview of both the male and female reproductive systems; covers related diseases and disorders as well as medical terminology.
Unit VIII: Introduction to Pharmacology
Chapter 1
Covers consumer safety and drug regulations; discusses drug laws, the FDA, DEA, and laws affecting healthcare workers.
Chapter 2
Covers drug names and references; discusses classifications, drug names, legal terms relating to drugs, and terms indicating drug actions, drug references, and drug cards.
Chapter 3
Covers sources and bodily effects of drugs; discusses how drugs are processed by the body; explains absorption, distribution, metabolism, excretion, and other variables, and unexpected responses to drugs.
Chapter 4
Covers medication preparation and supplies; discusses standard drug forms and supplies.
Chapter 5
Lists and discusses abbreviations and systems of measurement.
Unit IX: Professional Development and Medicolegal Ethics
Chapter 1
Discusses concepts of professional development including attitude, self-esteem, professional attire, business etiquette, verbal and nonverbal communication, introductions, time and stress management, and continuing education.
Chapter 2
Discusses medicolegal ethics in healthcare; covers the code of ethics; discusses aspects pertaining to the healthcare record including the purpose of ownership, how to correct mistakes, the difference between privileged and nonprivileged information, and the importance of timeliness.
Unit X: Introduction to Insurance Billing and Coding 1
Chapter 1
Covers the roles and responsibilities of the health insurance specialist; discusses employment opportunities, basic skill requirements, and professional certification.
Chapter 2
Gives an introduction to health insurance; defines health insurance; discusses disability and liability insurance and the major developments in health insurance, health insurance coverage statistics, and third-party reimbursement methods.
Chapter 3
Discusses managed health care and its history; presents six managed care models; discusses the accreditation of managed care organizations, government managed care ventures, and the effects of managed care on administrative procedures in a physician's practice.
Chapter 4
Explains the life cycle of an insurance claim including the development of the claim, the new patient interview and check-in procedure, an established patient return visit, and post clinical check-out procedures; explains how insurance companies process claims and how insurance claim files are maintained.
Chapter 5
Covers the legal and regulatory considerations; explains confidentiality of patient information; discusses the retention of patient information and health insurance records, the Federal False Claims Act, and the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act of 1996.
Chapter 6
Covers ICD-9-CM coding, including HCFA ICD-9CM coding guidelines, primary and principal diagnosis coding, principal versus secondary procedures, and coding qualifying diagnoses; explains the basic steps for using the index and the organization of the tabular list; discusses considerations to ensure accurate ICD-9-CM coding.
Chapter 7
Covers CPT coding; discusses the CPT coding system, format, symbols, conventions, and index; explains the basic steps for coding procedures and services.
Unit XI: Introduction to Insurance Billing and Coding 2
Chapter 8
Covers the HCPCS Coding System; explains how this system is organized; gives HCPCS national (Level II) codes and how these codes are assigned; explains how HCPCS national (Level 11) modifiers are assigned.
Chapter 9
Discusses HCFA reimbursement issues; explains the Medicare fee schedule, and HCFA regulations that impact reimbursement.
Chapter 10
Covers coding from source documents; explains how to apply ICD-9-CM coding guidelines; discusses CPT/HCPCS billing considerations; gives coding clinical scenarios; discusses how medical and operative reports are coded.
Chapter 11
Gives essential HCFA-1500 claim form instructions, general billing guidelines, and optical scanning guidelines; discusses the reporting guidelines and restrictions covering the following claim form items: diagnoses, date entry, procedures, modifiers, charges, diagnostic reference numbers, and units; explains why the billing entity's employer tax identification number (EIN) should appear on the claim; explains the four processing steps that must occur before a completed form can be mailed to the insurance company; discusses how to set up a tickler filing system for completed claim forms.
Chapter 12
Discusses how commercial claims are filed; explains how to determine the status of primary and secondary commercial claims; explains how to complete commercial primary and secondary fee-for-service claims and commercial primary supplemental fee-for-service claims accurately; explains how to create a comparison chart as an aid to mastering the details of completing claim forms.
Unit XII: Introduction to Insurance Billing and Coding 3
Chapter 13
Covers Blue Cross and Blue Shield plans; explains the function of the national Blue Cross and Blue Shield (BCBS) Association; lists four distinctive features that make the BCBS plans different from other commercial medical insurance programs; compares and contrasts the advantages of being a BCBS participating provider versus being a non-participating provider; describes the features of BCBS basic benefits; lists typical services found in Major Medical coverage; explains the benefits of special accidental injury riders/clauses.
Chapter 14
Covers Medicare; discusses medical eligibility, enrollment, Part A and Part B coverage, participating providers and nonparticipating provider restrictions; gives step-by-step claim form instructions; discusses situations where Medicare is the secondary payer.
Chapter 15
Covers Medicaid; presents the legislative background of Medicaid and Federal eligibility requirements; discusses Medicaid services and the relationship between Medicaid and Medicare; discusses situations where Medicaid is the secondary payer.
Chapter 16
Covers TRICARE; presents TRICARE administration, options, programs and demonstration projects and service centers; discusses preauthorization, limited charges, supplemental plans, and billing information; gives primary claim instructions and secondary payer claim instructions.
Chapter 17
Covers workers' compensation; discusses Federal compensation programs and state-sponsored coverage, eligibility, and classification of on-the-job injuries; explains the OSHA Act of 1970 and the special handling of workers' compensation cases, first report of injury, progress reports; gives claim instructions.
Unit XIII: Medical Office Practice 1
Job 1: Records Management - Organizing Work Files
Job 2: Written Communication - Revising Patient Information Sheet
Job 3: Records Management - Preparing New Patient Files
Job 4: Computerized Scheduling - Blocking and Scheduling Patient Appointments
Job 5: Appointments - Scheduling Telephone Appointments
Job 6: Completion of Encounter Form
Job 7: Transcription - SOAP Notes
Job 8: Transcription - SOAP Notes and EEG
Job 9: Appointments - Creating Appointment Patient List
Job 10: Appointments - Preparing New Patient Appointments Schedule, Drafting Letter to Patients to Inform of New Doctors' Hours
Job 11: Transcription - History and Physical Examination Record, Continuation Sheet
Job 12: Research and Written Communication Skills - Researching Drug Information
Unit XIV: Medical Office Practice 2
Job 13: Computerized Medical Insurance Billing - Preparing CMS-1500 Insurance Reimbursement Form
Job 14: Insurance Claims - Preparing CMS-1500 Forms: Medical and Blue
Job 15: Research and Written Communication Skills - Creating a Travel Itinerary
Job 16: Transcription - Preparing Preoperative History and Physical Examination Report and Operative Report
Job 17: Written Communication - Completing Finished Copy from Rough Draft
Job 18: Communication Skills - Making a Referral to a Specialist
Job 19: Administrative Procedures - Faxing a Referral
Job 20: Transcription - Two History and Physical Examination Records
Job 21: Transcription -Two Operative Reports
Job 22: Scheduling - Appointment Requests
Unit XV: Medical Office Practice 3
Job 23: Computerized Medical Records Management - Input New Patient Records, Edit Patient Records, Prepare Reports
Job 24: Records Management - Transcribing Emergency Patient Office Visit, Creating New Patient File, Completing Encounter Form
Job 25: Employee Payroll - Completing Work Record, Preparing and Proving Totals on Payroll Register
Job 26: Transcription - History and Physical Examination Record, Progress Notes, Letter
Job 27: Transcription - Operative Reports
Job 28: Transcription - Telephone Messages
Job 29: Research - Researching Electronic Medical Records
Job 30: Computerized Procedure Entry
Job 31: Insurance Claims and Managed Care - Preparing CMS-1500 Forms: Medicare and Blue
Job 32: Standard Precautions: Preparing Occupational Exposure Incident Report
Job 33: Communications: Proofreading and Preparing Final Copies from Draft Copies: Discharge Summary and History and Physical Examination Record
Job 34: Office Administration - Ordering Office Supplies and Preparing a Purchase Order
Job 35: Coding - Diagnostic and Procedural Coding
Unit XVI: Practical Applications of Coding 1
Chapter 1
Provides an introduction to medical coding including careers; required skills; fraud and abuse; tools of the trade; and the types of coding.
Chapter 2
Covers ICD-9-CM coding, including history and use; V, E, and M codes; categories, subcategories and subclassifications; coding conventions; basic steps; coding for infections, diabetes, obstetrics, neoplasms, injuries, complications and late effects. Also discusses the implementation of the ICD-10-CM.
Chapter 3
Covers HCPCS II coding, including history; format; hierarchy; code revisions; the index; accuracy tip; and a medication flow chart.
Chapter 4
Covers CPT coding basics, including symbols; unlisted codes; illustrations; anesthesia; surgical guidelines; radiology and pathology guidelines; category II and III codes; errata; and tips for selecting the correct code.
Chapter 5
Covers evaluation and management codes, including guidelines and criteria; selecting the E/M code for the most common procedures; CMS 1995 and 1997 E/M guidelines; and the CPT code book.
Chapter 6
Covers coding for anesthesia and general surgery, including a review of body systems and procedures performed. Discusses the application of physical status modifiers.
Chapter 7
Covers coding for the integumentary (skin) system, including assigning ICD-9-CM diagnosis codes and CPT procedure codes. Discusses official coding guidelines and provides common terms related to disorders of the skin and dermatology procedures.
Chapter 8
Covers the proper application of coding rules and conventions for the ICD-9-CM and CPT systems as applied to orthopedics. Explains the most common disease and disorders of the musculoskeletal system, including fractures, dislocations, sprains and strains, and bone infections.
Unit XVII: Practical Applications of Coding 2
Chapter 9
Covers the many facets of the modern cardiology practice and applicable coding guidelines. Includes basic cardiac anatomy and terminology as well as non-invasive and invasive procedures.
Chapter 10
Discusses obstetrics and gynecology, including a review of female reproductive anatomy and physiology as well as OB/GYN terminology, and assigning the proper ICD-9-CM and CPT codes.
Chapter 11
Covers specialized coding in radiology, pathology and laboratory procedures. Discusses diagnostic imaging, ultrasound, radiation oncology and nuclear medicine.
Chapter 12
Reviews the Medicine chapter in the CPT and covers identifying the variety of service categories in the CPT. Discusses the modifier rules for the codes in these series.
Chapter 13
Covers proper billing techniques and the collection of payment in the outpatient setting. Includes patient registration and preparation of the ledger card. Discusses ambulatory patient groups, cycle billing, monthly billing and computerized billing, and collection techniques.
Chapter 14
Focuses on the completion of the CMS-1500 claim form for commercial and government insurance carriers. Also covers various types of insurance, including Medicare, Medicaid, HMOs, CHAMPUS, TRICARE, CHAMVA, Blue Cross/Blue Shield, and Workers’ Compensation.
Chapter 15
Covers the typical payment cycle for physician office services and defines multiple processes that affect financial results. Includes auditing, appeals and the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA).
Chapter 16
Provides an overview of in-patient hospital-based billing. Covers hospital based ICD-9-CM coding and guidelines. Discusses the inpatient prospective payment system.
Unit XVIII: How to Find a Job in Healthcare
Chapter 1
Covers job-search correspondence, including resumes and cover letters.
Chapter 2
Discusses job-search techniques such as networking and using online employment search engines.
Chapter 3
Discusses job interviews; explains how to dress for an interview, what to bring to an interview, what to expect during an interview; discusses common questions asked during an interview and how to follow up after an interview
Medical Billing and Coding Course Materials
Blackstone will provide you with the following tools for success in your online Medical Billing and Coding course, which are all included in your tuition:
Blackstone Medical Billing and Coding Study Guides
Eighteen separate units designed by Blackstone Career Institute will guide you through the Medical Billing and Coding online course. These study units are broken into smaller sections, which will allow you to better process and retain the material in the readings. Each study unit chapter includes objectives, an overview, teacher's notes, and a self-check.
Essentials of Pharmacology for Health Occupations, 4th Edition (custom), by Ruth Woodrow, Delmar Publishers
Organized according to classifications, this book provides an extensive framework of drug information in a concise format. The Internet as a reference tool is examined, and includes links to reliable websites. The new edition is updated with 200 new drugs, information about the uses and effects of herbs, and the USP Quality Review list of similar drug names.
Understanding Health Insurance: A Guide to Professional Billing, 8th Edition, by JoAnn C. Rowell, Delmar Publishers
This text is a comprehensive source for teaching the subject of health insurance and reimbursement. The book contains chapters on introductory information on the health insurance field, managed health care, legal and regulatory issues, coding systems, reimbursement methodologies, coding for medical necessity, and common health insurance plans. Each chapter contains exercises to illustrate content and reinforce learning. Numerous opportunities are provided throughout the book for manual completion of CMS-1500 claims. A CD-ROM at the back of the book allows for electronic data entry of CMS-1500 claim form information. End of chapter review questions in objective format (e.g., multiple choice) test learners on their understanding of book content. Appendices I and II provide case studies that are also included on the Student Practice CD-ROM. Additional appendices provide instruction in dental claims processing and completion of the UB-92 (claim used for inpatient and outpatient hospital claims). This edition of the book contains the most up to date information regarding health insurance claims processing and coding and reimbursement issues.
ICD-9-CM, Volumes 1,2 & 3 + HCPCS Level II
2009 Edition, by Carol J Buck, Saunders Publishers
CPT 2009
2009 Edition, American Medical Association Publishers
Medical Office Practice
- 7th Edition, by Phillip Atkinson, Delmar Publishers
This simulation is an introductory hands-on practice set that introduces students to administrative concepts and routines in a medical office, including scheduling appointments, transcription, and insurance-forms preparation. It contains supplies, forms, procedures and cases for over 30 activities drawn from practicing physicians' records. Includes an audiotape which provides select voices in medical office dictation. A computer disk contains templates, documents and simulated activities for scheduling appointments, records management, and completing an insurance claim.
Understanding Medical Coding
- by Sandra L Johnson, Delmar Publishers
This comprehensive text is written by educators and experienced coders to help learners master the complexities of medical coding. The 12 modules address a variety of medical specialties including dermatology, cardiology, primary care, and orthopedics, and tackle the common coding problems encountered in the real world. Coding exercises provide practice for learners and enable them to test their knowledge.
Dorland's Pocket Medical Dictionary, 28th Edition - Book and CD-ROM
Since 1898, Dorland's Pocket Medical Dictionary has set the world standard as the most convenient, user-friendly portable reference on medical terminology. It provides the accurate, clear, up-to-date definitions people expect from Dorland's...in a highly compact, easy-to-use format. Now it's better than ever! Delivers 2,500 new entries - 37,000 in all - encompassing all of the most important new medical terms and definitions, including new drug names and 230 new illustrations. Presents the most complementary and alternative medicine coverage available in any small medical dictionary. Offers an expanded full-color insert illustrating the structure and function of the human body. Includes a CD-ROM with Dorland's Electronic Medical Speller, Version 4.0 at no added cost, allowing you to quickly and easily add 400,000 medical terms to your computer's spell checker. Uses a new two-color design to make reference easier.
Mavis Beacon Teaches Typing ®
Mavis Beacon Teaches Typing ® delivers the customized training you need in a motivating, engaging format. Work at your own pace with lesson content that keeps you interested. This flexible program is an ideal choice for any would-be fluent typist, including students, e-mail enthusiasts, and office professionals. If you use the keyboard, you'll benefit from Mavis Beacon.
Access to Blackstone's Online Student Center
Along with your traditional course items, you will gain unlimited access to Blackstone's Online Student Center, where you can take exams and receive instantaneous Grade Reports, chat real-time with other students, participate in online discussions, and receive up-to-the-minute news about Blackstone.
In addition, Blackstone will also provide you with:
Thorough Testing
Eighteen multiple-choice exams, four homework assignments, and a required keyboarding assignment assist us in assessing your understanding of the concepts taught. In addition, there are many self-checks that students can complete throughout the program.
Documents
You will receive an official transcript and a Medical Billing and Coding diploma upon successful completion of the entire program. A copy of your transcript will also be on permanent file with Blackstone and is available for a nominal fee.
Ample Time
You have up to two years to complete the Blackstone Medical Billing and Coding program. If additional time is needed, a six-month extension can be purchased.
Individual Grading
Your mailed exams and homework assignments will be individually graded by Blackstone’s staff. If you submit your exams through the Online Student Center, you will receive an electronic Grade Report instantly.
Support
Your success is important to us! Any time you need assistance, please contact us. We will be more than happy to assist you with any questions or problems you encounter with the course materials or exams.
Paid Postage
Blackstone will pay the postage on all packages we mail within the contiguous United States. AK, HI and international students must call for rates prior to enrollment at 800-826-9228.
No Finance Charges
Blackstone offers a payment plan with low monthly payments and 0 percent financing.
Student Tuition Protection Policy
We offer a student tuition protection policy that covers cancellations and refunds. Review our policy using the tuition tab at the top of this page.
Medical Billing and Coding Course Tuition
A quality education is an investment in your future in the Medical Billing and Coding field. Blackstone's programs are designed to be affordable while providing excellence in education and student services.
Payment Options:
- Payment in Full - $1,298.00*
- Payment Plan - One down payment of $59.00 and 21 monthly installments of $59.00 with 0% finance charge for a total of $1,298.00*
*Total cost of $1,298.00 includes a $150.00 registration fee and a $25.00 non-refundable administrative fee.
Monthly Payment Plan:
Pay a low down payment upon enrollment as your first monthly payment and your remaining fees in monthly installments - interest free!
Go to our Financial Assistance section to review other financing options for military members and their families.
Although we endeavor to keep prospective students updated on any upcoming tuition changes, fees are subject to change without notice at any time prior to your enrollment. Please contact Blackstone if you have any questions regarding the current program tuition.
Your tuition fee includes:
- All instruction, exam evaluation, and grading of homework assignments
- Access to our state-of-the-art Online Student Center
- Full student services and support during your program, including unlimited e-mail, fax, and telephone support
- All new, latest edition textbooks
- Comprehensive and up-to-date study guides prepared by faculty and reviewed by subject matter experts
- Exam grade reports with references for questions answered incorrectly
- One official school transcript
- An embossed Medical Billing & Coding diploma upon completion of program requirements
...And, depending on the online career course you take - Multimedia CD-ROMs
- Course supplements
- Charts
- Audiotapes and CDs
- Transcription Equipment
The exact materials list for each program is available in the Materials tab at the top of this page.
International Student Policy
International, Alaskan, Hawaiian and Canadian students are required to participate under the full payment plan only. There is an additional charge for shipping/handling of all materials. Please refer to the International Training page for requirements or call 800.826.9228 prior to enrollment. AK, HI, Canadian and international students may be required to pay extra duties required by customs authorities at the time of receipt of study material. Here is a helpful online Currency Converter.
Methods of Payment
You may use your Visa, Discover, Master Card, or American Express Card to securely enroll online. You may also pay for your program by money order or check. A returned check fee of $25.00 will apply.
NOTE: To Employed Individuals
Some students may be eligible for full or partial reimbursement of their tuition by their employers. Your company may be able to take advantage of The Employee Education Assistance Act (IRS Code, Section 127). Check with your supervisor or personnel department.
Student Tuition Protection Policy
Review Blackstone Career Institute's cancellation and refund policy below.
Blackstone Career Institute is confident that the course you have selected will be everything we advertise. To assure you of this, we provide this cancellation and refund policy. A student may cancel the program by notifying the school in any manner; a written request is recommended. If you cancel within 5 days from the signature date on your Enrollment Agreement, all monies will be refunded. (If you are taking the program under GI Bill benefits, you have a minimum 10-day waiting period before submitting a signed affirmation, and you will receive a prompt refund of the total amount paid.) If you cancel after 5 days from the signature date of your Enrollment Agreement, but prior to receipt by the school of your first exam (or, if you are using GI Bill benefits, then after the 10-day affirmation period), you are obligated to a registration fee of 15% of the tuition or $150, whichever is less, and the administrative fee. (Students using GI Bill benefits are liable to the school for a registration fee of 10% of the tuition or $50.00, whichever is less.) If you cancel after submitting the first exam, you are obligated to pay the school the registration fee, the administrative fee, plus a percentage of tuition as follows:
A. Up to and including 10% of the exams, 10% of the tuition.
B. After submitting more than 10% up to and including 25% of the exams, 25% of the tuition.
C. After submitting more than 25% up to and including 50% of the exams, 50% of the tuition.
D. After submitting more than 50% of the exams, you owe the school the full tuition.
If you choose to cancel and have paid the school more than the amount as calculated above, all excess payments will be refunded upon receipt of all unused book(s) and learning material(s) in ‘resalable condition.’ All materials, books, CDs, and hardware will be inspected for use. If you have written in your book(s), highlighted, bent, folded, or otherwise damaged any of the returned materials, they will be considered not resalable and will require a refund reduction equal to the replacement cost of those materials. B.C.I. is not responsible for lost, damaged, or misdirected mail; retain verification of your return shipment. No CODs or postage-due returns will be accepted. A reinstatement fee of $35.00 will be required for the reactivation of any enrollment if requested within 180 days from initial cancellation. Refunds are processed within 30 days to the payee of record. No refunds will be issued after 15 months from the enrollment date.
Tuition Comparison
While the cost of attending a private career training school today can be over $10,000 a year, the total
cost of Blackstone's distance education Medical Billing and Coding program is only $1,298.00! This low tuition cost includes everything you will need to complete your Blackstone program and upon
successful completion, receive your career diploma. In addition, Blackstone offers two ways
to complete your career program coursework: traditional correspondence-based study or
through the Blackstone Online Student Center, which allows you access to your coursework
and exams online. You select the method that best fits your educational preferences and your learning style all for one low tuition cost. When you factor in the value of your time, our
traditional or online distance education program becomes an even better investment.
Because you can complete your Blackstone career program in less time than other programs,
you realize the return on your investment a lot sooner.
Blackstone Career Institute offers the Medical Billing and Coding career program at a competitive tuition cost. Below you will see how Blackstone compares to other traditional and online career schools.
| Tuition Cost* | Other Fees ** | Total Program Cost | |
| Blackstone Career Institute | $1,298 | $0 | $1,298 |
| The Georgia Center for Continuing Ed. Online | $1,595 | $0 | $1,595 |
| Andrews School | $3,800 | $0 | $3,800 |
| Brighton College | $3,670 | $0 | $3,670 |
| Allied Schools (Medical Billing only) | $1,476+ | $25+ | $1,501+ |
| Allied Schools (Medical Coding only) | $1,876+ | $25+ | $1,901+ |
* Cost is for the entire program tuition as of 5/18/2009 and is subject to change. Costs were collected from each school's Web site.
** Other fees can include textbooks and materials, registration fees, credit application fees, technology fees, online fees, and shipping and handling fees.
At Blackstone Career Institute there are no application fees. A down payment of $59.00
is required at the time of enrollment and will be credited toward your program tuition releasing your first package of lessons. You can pay by credit card, check, or money order. Enroll now, online!
Call us toll free at 1.800.826.9228 to speak with a student service representative if you have questions or would like to enroll directly!
Medical Billing and Coding Career Resources
Career Resources include sites that specifically relate to your career in Medical Billing or Coding. Find organizations to join and increase your networking abilities. Many of these organizations and associations have their own newsletters or magazines, job databases, and certification exams. You will also find links to other relevant web sites for your career path and books, software or journals that can help as you build your medical and professional knowledge.
Following is a list of resource categories available to Medical Billers and Coders. Click on the category you would like to explore.
- Medical Billing and Coding Associations
- Medical Billing and Coding Resources
- Job Resources for Billers and Coders
- Reference Sites for Medical Professions
- Books and Journals for the Billing and Coding Profession
Medical Billing and Coding Associations
American Academy of Professional Coders
Medical Association of Billers
American Medical Billing Association
American Health Information Management Association
National Association of Healthcare Consultants
Medical Billing and Coding Resources
EMR Medical Billing Software & Practice Management System • Healthpac offers a comprehensive practice management & medical billing and coding software package. The radiology information system & EMR softwares from Healthpac can be customized to meet your needs.
Medical Billing and Coding .net • Learn about the career, what billers and coders earn, and certification.
Medical Coding and Billing .com • A practical career guide, history of the profession, offic and practice management, job advancement, working from home, and networking.
Practice Managers Resource and Networking Community • Research website for Medical Billers.
CoderNet • Relevant articles, message board job postings, and a book store.
KnowledgeStorm • Medical Coding and Transcription searches
ExpertPages.com • Internet directory of Billing and Coding experts and expert witnesses for Gederal and State court trials.
dmoz: Open Directory Project • Medical Billing and Coding Directories and Resources through their search engine
Business.com Directory • Links to companies that provide billing, coding, and accounting services to healthcare providers
MedBanner • View banners for Medical Billing and Coding companies that link to their sites on the web.
Ritecode.com • CPT code sites on the Internet
Job Resources for Medical Billers and Coders
Medical Billing Jobs and Site Updates • This site describes the job of a Medical Biller and lists the different occupational titles that a biller can consider
Healthcare Job Bank • Search jobs, post your resume, or sign up to receive job listings automatically by email
AHIMA JobBank • Create an account or become a member to search their job listings
Aardvark Forms • Search for Medical Billing and Coding jobs, as well as books, software and forms
Staffpoine • Search medical jobs by category and location, post your resume, or set up a free account to receive email alerts of the latest job openings
Biohealthmatics.com • Browse billing and coding jobs by state with over thousands listed
HealthServicesJobs.com • Post your resume and create your portfolio, research the latest trends in your industry, and search for jobs
Absolutely Healthcare • Browse healthcare and medical jobs, post your resume, obtain licensing information, review salary data, and set up a job search agent.
Reference Sites for Medical Professions
Online Medical Dictionaries • One-stop source of information about all medican and scientific terms
Medical Dictionary • Definitions of medical terminology, pharmaceutical drugs, healthcare equipment, healthcare conditions, medical devices, specialty terms and medical abbreviations
American Medical Association Atlas of the Body
Discoveryhealth.com Human Body Atlas
Acronyms and Initialisms for Health Information Resources
National Libary of Medicine • The world's largest medical library by the National Institutes of Health
Current Medical News Sources • Reliable information and timely news stories about medical research
Reuters Health • World's leading provider of medical and healthcare news
MedicineNet.com • Reliable doctor-produced health and medical information
Medem • Award-winning Medical Library represents the full range of patient education information on healthcare
Books, Journals and Software for
the Billing and Coding Profession
Amazon.com • Check out the various titles available by typing in “Medical Billing and Coding” into the search bar
Medical Billing and Coding books, envelopes, forms, newsletters, and software
FetchBook.Info • Find new and used books at bargain prices
The Medical Billing Handbook • Tips from billers, coding software demos, how to run your own business and gain accounts
MedicalCoding.Net • Medical Coding books, data files, and software
CodeCorrect • Find all the latest billing and coding software
The Medical Association of Billers • Medical reference information, medical practice management, billing, coding, and patient resources
Train for your new career with accredited online training programs and courses. Enroll today!
Blackstone Career Institute is a Direct Learning Systems School. ©1999-2009 Direct Learning Systems, Inc.
Blackstone Career Institute is accredited by the Accrediting Commission of the Distance Education and Training Council, Washington D.C., regionally accredited by the Middle States Commission on Secondary Schools, Philadelphia, PA and licensed by the State Board of Private Licensed Schools, Department of Education, Commonwealth of Pennsylvania.
BCI provides an excellent foundation for anyone interested in earning a career diploma from home. With more than a century of expertise, Blackstone offers a committed, responsive faculty and a quality education, all at an affordable rate.