- FAQS (general)
- Radiology
- Respiratory
- Dental
- Nursing
- Medical Billing
- Medical Coding
- Medical Transcription
- Medical Office Manager
- Medical Office Assistant
- Paralegal
- Legal Transcription Careers
FAQs (general)
- What is the cost of the course and what methods of payment are accepted?
- Is it secure to send my credit card information over the internet?
- What happens if I get disconnected from the internet?
- Can I take the online course from various locations and computers?
- What happens if I have technical difficulties or the system malfunctions during the course?
- Can I take your online course with the AOL browser?
- Do I need to use a PC for my online course? What if I have a Macintosh?
- Do I need to have sound on my computer to take the online classes?
- How do I get a username or password? What do I use it for? What should I do if I forget it?
- Who can I call with questions?
- How do I order a home study course?
- Do I need to take an exam after reading a course?
- What is a passing grade for an exam?
- How many times can I take the final exam if I fail it?
- What do I do once I have completed an exam?
- Once I complete an exam, can the answer sheets be faxed to you?
- When I return my tests for grading do I also return the course booklets?
- What kind of certification do I receive?
- What if I’ve completed and passed a course but haven’t received my certificate(s)?
- What is your refund policy?
- How long does it take to receive my certificate of completion?
- Once you receive my test score, do you notify the state about my course completion(s)?
- Do the courses have any time requirements?
- What is the difference between a “booklet” course and “text book and exam”?
- How do you determine how many C.E.U.’s a course is worth?
Q1. What is the cost of the course and what methods of payment are accepted?
The cost of each course is located in the course catalog. We accept checks and credit/debit cards (Visa, MasterCard, American Express, and Discover).
Q2. Is it secure to send my credit card information over the internet?
Yes. 360training.com uses a secure server to process all transactions, since credit card transactions are very sensitive in nature.
Q3. What happens if I get disconnected from the internet?
If you get disconnected from the internet, you will need to log back into your account. In this case, you will return to the beginning of the lesson you were working on.
Q4. Can I take the online course from various locations and computers?
Yes! Our online courses are set up for students to access their account from any computer that is compatible.
Q5. What happens if I have technical difficulties or the system malfunctions during the course?
If you experience any problem while taking the course, please call 888-360-TRNG (8764) or email support@360training.com for assistance. 360training.com provides customer service 24/7.
Q6. Can I take your online course with the AOL browser?
You can take the course with any browser of your choosing, but we do not support the AOL browser. This means our technical support team is not able to help you in the event of a problem while taking a course with the AOL browser. We do suggest that you use another browser while signed on with AOL. To do this, log in to AOL and minimize the program. While still connected to the internet, click on the START button in the lower left hand corner of your screen. Click PROGRAMS, then click INTERNET EXPLORER, the program icon will have a blue “e”.
Q7. Do I need to use a PC for my online course? What if I have a Macintosh?
If you have a MAC you can still sign on to take any of our online classes. Many of our customers have taken their courses on a MAC and had no problems whatsoever. However, be aware that our technical support team may be unable to assist you should you encounter technical difficulties. They do not have MACs and therefore may be unable to replicate any problem you may encounter. If you have a MAC, you will need the latest version of internet explorer as well as the latest version of the Macromedia Flash Player.
Q8. Do I need to have sound on my computer to take the online classes?
While sound is another feature of our online courses, it is not necessary for a customer to have sound in order to learn the course material or complete the course. All information played in audio is also displayed in text by the course player.
Q9. How do I get a username or password? What do I use it for? What should I do if I forget it?
The username and password is something selected by the student. It should also be something that they can easily remember. We suggest the student use their email address. Students will use the same username and password each time they attempt to log in to the virtual university page to access their course. This information is entered in the returning students section on the home page of the virtual university. If a student forgets their password, they can call 888-360-TRNG (8764) to request this information.
Q10. Who can I call with questions?
Our customer support number is (866)-605-3664. We offer 24/7 support!
Q11. How do I order a home study course?
You can place an order over the phone, fax or mail in the order form, or you will be able to add the course to your shopping cart by clicking on the Enroll/Order Now button.
Q12. Do I need to take an exam after reading a course?
Yes. Each course has Multiple Choice/True & False questions. The number of questions will vary from one course to another.
Q13. What is a passing grade for an exam?
Passing score is 75% or greater for Respiratory Therapists, Registered Nurses, and Dental students. A passing score of 70% or greater is required for Radiolologic Technologists and students taking any of our Meditec courses.
Q14. How many times can I take the final exam if I fail it?
You will be notified of failure each time a test is received with a substandard completion. You have three (3) total attempts to pass the final examination. Please note, if your renewal date has passed and you still have not successfully passed your course, you may not receive the full amount of credits. WE CANNOT BACKDATE YOUR COMPLETION DATE.
Q15. What do I do once I have completed an exam?
For home-study courses: Once the course is completed, all scantrons and course evaluations must be sent to the 360training.com corporate office in Austin (all healthcampus.com courses are powered by 360training.com). The certificate will be issued as long as the course was passed and we have all applicable information. Please print your information on your exam clearly to avoid delays and mail your answer sheet(s) to: healthcampus.com 13801 Burnet Rd, Suite 100 Austin, TX 78727
For online courses: Your online course will be instantly graded after completing the final exam. If you should fail the final exam, you are allowed two (2) additional attempts to pass it and the course will give you instructions on how to proceed. Upon successfully passing the final exam, your printable certificate of completion will be available right away on your profile.
Q16. Once I complete an exam, can the answer sheets be faxed to you?
Yes, but we prefer they be sent via mail. Please only fax in your answer sheet if you are in a severe time crunch. There is $10 charge for faxed-in tests because they cannot be run through our scantron machine and must be manually graded. Please contact our customer support team at 888-360-TRNG (8764) or email support@360training.com if you would like to fax in your answer sheet.
Q17. When I return my tests for grading do I also return the course booklets?
No. You may keep the booklet(s) as a reference.
Q18. What kind of certification do I receive?
Upon successful completion of your course, you will receive a Certificate of Completion listing your name, license number, completion date and the course title.
Q19. What if I’ve completed and passed a course but haven’t received my certificate(s)?
Please contact us at 888-360-TRNG (8764) or email support@360training.com and we’ll gladly resend your certificate(s).
Q20. What is your refund policy?
Satisfaction is guaranteed. A full refund (less any shipping and handling) will be given if all course materials are returned unused within 30 days. REFUND WILL BE VOID IF YOU HAVE ALREADY SENT IN YOUR TEST, PASS OR FAIL, NO EXCEPTIONS.
Q21. How long does it take to receive my certificate of completion?
That depends on how we receive your test. Online (availability depends on your profession) is quickest with immediate grading. Fax is usually 1 to 3 business days, and mail may be up to 10 business days. Please note, these timeframes may change depending on current volume.
Q22. Once you receive my test score, do you notify the state about my course completion(s)?
When your test has been graded, you will receive a certificate of completion for the course(s) you took with us. You are responsible for reporting those credits to your licensing board on your own, with the exception of AARC (Respiratory), Florida Radiology, Florida Nursing and Florida Dental students, who are reported by 360training.com. It is very important to make sure to specify your license type if your course completion will be reported by us.
Q23. Do the courses have any time requirements?
We prefer that you send your answer sheet back to us within a year from ordering your course. If you have had your course for an outstanding period of time, there is a possibility that your licensing board has changed the amount of contact hours that particular course is worth. Contact hours for each course are assigned by the licensing board, not us.
Q24. What is the difference between a “booklet” course and “text book and exam”?
A “booklet” is a packet that includes all of the necessary information for you to take the course. They are generally shorter courses than text book courses. Text book courses come with text book and a packet of questions for you to answer. They generally take a little longer to complete than the booklet courses, but many students like these courses to build up their personal library.
Q25. How do you determine how many C.E.U.’s a course is worth?
The amount of C.E.U.’s a course is worth is determined by the approving board (licensing board).
Radiology
- Who can I call with questions?
- What is a passing grade for an exam?
- How many times can I take the final exam if I fail it?
- What do I do once I have completed an exam?
- Once I complete an exam, can the answer sheets be faxed to you?
- What happens if I have technical difficulties or the system malfunctions during the course?
- What if I’ve completed and passed a course but haven’t received my certificate(s)?
- How long does it take to receive my certificate of completion?
- Do the courses have any time requirements?
- What are the State Requirements for renewing my license?
- Why Continuing Education?
- How Many Credits Do I Need?
- What Is Category A?
- For Florida licensees, do you report course completions to the Florida Department of Health (DOH)?
- Why are some contact hours for Radiology different for Florida and ASRT (ARRT)?
- How can I make sure the credits for my Florida license will be reported once I complete my course?
- How long should I keep my certificate of completion?
Q1. Who can I call with questions?
Our customer support number is (866)-605-3664. We offer 24/7 support!
Q2. What is a passing grade for an exam?
Passing score is 70% or greater for Radiolologic Technologists.
Q3. How many times can I take the final exam if I fail it?
You will be notified of failure each time a test is received with a substandard completion. You have three (3) total attempts to pass the final examination. Please note, if your renewal date has passed and you still have not successfully passed your course, you may not receive the full amount of credits. WE CANNOT BACKDATE YOUR COMPLETION DATE.
Q4. What do I do once I have completed an exam?
For home-study courses: Once the course is completed, all scantrons and course evaluations must be sent to the 360training.com corporate office in Austin (all healthcampus.com courses are powered by 360training.com). The certificate will be issued as long as the course was passed and we have all applicable information. Please print your information on your exam clearly to avoid delays and mail your answer sheet(s) to: healthcampus.com 13801 Burnet Rd, Suite 100 Austin, TX 78727
For online courses: Your online course will be instantly graded after completing the final exam. If you should fail the final exam, you are allowed two (2) additional attempts to pass it and the course will give you instructions on how to proceed. Upon successfully passing the final exam, your printable certificate of completion will be available right away on your profile.
Q5. Once I complete an exam, can the answer sheets be faxed to you?
Yes, but we prefer they be sent via mail. Please only fax in your answer sheet if you are in a severe time crunch. There is $10 charge for faxed-in tests because they cannot be run through our scantron machine and must be manually graded. Please contact our customer support team at 888-360-TRNG (8764) or email support@360training.com if you would like to fax in your answer sheet.
Q6. What happens if I have technical difficulties or the system malfunctions during the course?
If you experience any problem while taking the course, please call 888-360-TRNG (8764) or email support@360training.com for assistance. 360training.com provides customer service 24/7.
Q7. What if I’ve completed and passed a course but haven’t received my certificate(s)?
Please contact us at 888-360-TRNG (8764) or email support@360training.com and we’ll gladly resend your certificate(s).
Q8. How long does it take to receive my certificate of completion?
That depends on how we receive your test. Online (availability depends on your profession) is quickest with immediate grading. Fax is usually 1 to 3 business days, and mail may be up to 10 business days. Please note, these timeframes may change depending on current volume.
Q9. Do the courses have any time requirements?
We prefer that you send your answer sheet back to us within a year from ordering your course. If you have had your course for an outstanding period of time, there is a possibility that your licensing board has changed the amount of contact hours that particular course is worth. Contact hours for each course are assigned by the licensing board, not us.
Q10. What are the State Requirements for renewing my license?
Please view the Radiology CE Requirements page- http://www.healthcampus.com/radiology/state-requirements.cfm
Q11. Why Continuing Education?
In today’s health care environment, being a professional means more than just doing your job well. Technological advances and shifts in our nation’s system of health care demand that the professional radiologic technologist pursue continuing education just to keep up. Continuing education gives radiologic technologists a way to maintain competency and prevent professional obsolescence. It benefits technologists, the public they serve and the profession as a whole.
Since 1995, continuing education has been mandatory for radiologic technologists registered by the American Registry of Radiologic Technologists (ARRT). The Registry began auditing technologists’ CE records in 1997, randomly checking registration renewals for compliance. The American Society of Radiologic Technologists produced this reference guide to answer the most common questions about the requirements and to ensure that you understand how to earn, track and report the CE credits you earn.
Q12. How Many Credits Do I Need?
All radiologic technologists must earn 24 CE credits every two years. This two-year period is called a biennium. Your biennium is assigned by the Registry and is linked to your birth month and the year of your initial ARRT examination. It begins on the first day of your birth month and ends two years later on the last day of the month before your birth month. Radiologic technologists who completed their first ARRT certification examination between 1994 through 2002 begin their first two-year CE reporting period on the first day of their birth month in the second year after passing the examination.
A certain number of your CE credits must be earned by participating in Category A activities. In general, Category A activities are those evaluated and approved by a Recognized Continuing Education Evaluation Mechanism (RCEEM).
Q14. For Florida licensees, do you report course completions to the Florida Department of Health (DOH)?
Yes. Each month, we send a report to the FL DOH that lists all students who successfully completed a course with us. Reports are sent to the FL DOH in the month FOLLOWING course completion. For example, if you complete a course with us in January, your course completion will be reported to the FL DOH in February.
Q15. Why are some contact hours for Radiology different for Florida and ASRT (ARRT)?
We renew our courses every few years with the ASRT and the Florida Department of Health. We have different renewal dates for the two boards (Florida being a bit later in most cases). When we renew a course with Florida, they usually change the C.E.U.’s to reflect what ASRT has approved for that same course.
Q16. How can I make sure the credits for my Florida license will be reported once I complete my course?
The best way to make sure you’ll be reported to the FL DOH is by correctly noting your FL license number, including any letter prefixes. If you have a Florida license but do not reside in Florida, it is especially important that your FL license is noted. Example- FL BMO 12345
Q17. How long should I keep my certificate of completion?
We recommend keeping your certificate of completion for at least 5 years after it’s been issued. Some licensing boards may perform audits to licensees and it will be very beneficial to have your certificates of completion available in that event.
Respiratory
- Who can I call with questions?
- What is a passing grade for an exam?
- How many times can I take the final exam if I fail it?
- What do I do once I have completed an exam?
- Once I complete an exam, can the answer sheets be faxed to you?
- What if I’ve completed and passed a course but haven’t received my certificate(s)?
- How long does it take to receive my certificate of completion?
- Do the courses have any time requirements?
- What are the State Requirements for renewing my license?
- How often do you report respiratory therapist completion to the AARC?
- What is the difference between a “booklet” course and “text book and exam”?
- How long should I keep my certificate of completion?
Q1. Who can I call with questions?
Our customer support number is (866)-605-3664. We offer 24/7 support!
Q2. What is a passing grade for an exam?
Passing score is 75% or greater for Respiratory Therapists.
Q3. How many times can I take the final exam if I fail it?
You will be notified of failure each time a test is received with a substandard completion. You have three (3) total attempts to pass the final examination. Please note, if your renewal date has passed and you still have not successfully passed your course, you may not receive the full amount of credits. WE CANNOT BACKDATE YOUR COMPLETION DATE.
Q4. What do I do once I have completed an exam?
Once the course is completed, all scantrons and course evaluations must be sent to the 360training.com corporate office in Austin (all healthcampus.com courses are powered by 360training.com). The certificate will be issued as long as the course was passed and we have all applicable information. Please print your information on your exam clearly to avoid delays and mail your answer sheet(s) to: healthcampus.com 13801 Burnet Rd, Suite 100 Austin, TX 78727
Q5. Once I complete an exam, can the answer sheets be faxed to you?
Yes, but we prefer they be sent via mail. Please only fax in your answer sheet if you are in a severe time crunch. There is $10 charge for faxed-in tests because they cannot be run through our scantron machine and must be manually graded. Please contact our customer support team at 888-360-TRNG (8764) or email support@360training.com if you would like to fax in your answer sheet.
Q6. What if I’ve completed and passed a course but haven’t received my certificate(s)?
Please contact us at 888-360-TRNG (8764) or email support@360training.com and we’ll gladly resend your certificate(s).
Q7. How long does it take to receive my certificate of completion?
That depends on how we receive your test. Fax is usually 1 to 3 business days, and mail may be up to 10 business days. Please note, these timeframes may change depending on current volume.
Q8. Do the courses have any time requirements?
We prefer that you send your answer sheet back to us within a year from ordering your course. If you have had your course for an outstanding period of time, there is a possibility that your licensing board has changed the amount of contact hours that particular course is worth. Contact hours for each course are assigned by the licensing board, not us.
Q9. What are the State Requirements for renewing my license?
Please view the Respiratory CE Requirements page- http://www.healthcampus.com/respiratory/state-requirements.cfm
Q10. How often do you report respiratory therapist completion to the AARC?
We turn in a list of R.T.’s (Respiratory Therapists) to the AARC every month.
Q11. What is the difference between a “booklet” course and “text book and exam”?
A “booklet” is a packet that includes all of the necessary information for you to take the course. They are generally shorter courses than text book courses. Text book courses come with text book and a packet of questions for you to answer. They generally take a little longer to complete than the booklet courses, but many students like these courses to build up their personal library.
Q12. How long should I keep my certificate of completion?
We recommend keeping your certificate of completion for at least 5 years after it’s been issued. Some licensing boards may perform audits to licensees and it will be very beneficial to have your certificates of completion available in that event.
Dental
- Who can I call with questions?
- What is a passing grade for an exam?
- How many times can I take the final exam if I fail it?
- What do I do once I have completed an exam?
- Once I complete an exam, can the answer sheets be faxed to you?
- What if I’ve completed and passed a course but haven’t received my certificate(s)?
- How long does it take to receive my certificate of completion?
- Do the courses have any time requirements?
- What are the State Requirements for renewing my license?
- How do I complete my Dental CE?
- What are Clinical Education DVDs?
- What are Non-Clinical DVD Programs?
- How long should I keep my certificate of completion?
Q1. Who can I call with questions?
Our customer support number is (866)-605-3664. We offer 24/7 support!
Q2. What is a passing grade for an exam?
Passing score is 75% or greater for Dental/Dental Hygienist.
Q3. How many times can I take the final exam if I fail it?
You will be notified of failure each time a test is received with a substandard completion. You have three (3) total attempts to pass the final examination. Please note, if your renewal date has passed and you still have not successfully passed your course, you may not receive the full amount of credits. WE CANNOT BACKDATE YOUR COMPLETION DATE.
Q4. What do I do once I have completed an exam?
Once the course is completed, all scantrons and course evaluations must be sent to the 360training.com corporate office in Austin (all healthcampus.com courses are powered by 360training.com). The certificate will be issued as long as the course was passed and we have all applicable information. Please print your information on your exam clearly to avoid delays and mail your answer sheet(s) to: healthcampus.com 13801 Burnet Rd, Suite 100 Austin, TX 78727
Q5. Once I complete an exam, can the answer sheets be faxed to you?
Yes, but we prefer they be sent via mail. Please only fax in your answer sheet if you are in a severe time crunch. There is $10 charge for faxed-in tests because they cannot be run through our scantron machine and must be manually graded. Please contact our customer support team at 888-360-TRNG (8764) or email support@360training.com if you would like to fax in your answer sheet.
Q6. What if I’ve completed and passed a course but haven’t received my certificate(s)?
Please contact us at 888-360-TRNG (8764) or email support@360training.com and we’ll gladly resend your certificate(s).
Q7. How long does it take to receive my certificate of completion?
That depends on how we receive your test. Online (availability depends on your profession) is quickest with immediate grading. Fax is usually 1 to 3 business days, and mail may be up to 10 business days. Please note, these timeframes may change depending on current volume.
Q8. Do the courses have any time requirements?
We prefer that you send your answer sheet back to us within a year from ordering your course. If you have had your course for an outstanding period of time, there is a possibility that your licensing board has changed the amount of contact hours that particular course is worth. Contact hours for each course are assigned by the licensing board, not us.
Q9. What are the State Requirements for renewing my license?
Please view the Dental CE Requirements page- http://www.healthcampus.com/dental/state-requirements.cfm
Q10. How do I complete my Dental CE?
Textbook
A Textbook is a correspondence course which is mailed to you with the exam. You will be able to fill out the enclosed exam and mail it back to healthcampus.com. Your certificate will show a completion date for the same day that you mailed your test back to us (the day it is postmarked). Test results are usually calculated within 3-5 business days upon receipt.
E-Book
An E-book is an online course in .pdf format which you can print or read and then take the exam online allowing for instant grading and certification. Upon successful completion of the final exam, you will receive a printable certificate.
Q11. What are Clinical Education DVDs?
These are live-patient procedures filmed in the operatory of the clinician who is performing the procedure. In other words, we traveled to the dentist’s office and filmed him performing a procedure on a patient of his own, in the chair inside his own dental office. These travels took our camera teams literally from Canada (Dr. Brock Rondeau) to the interior of Brazil (Dr. Newton Fahl).
The clinical programs average about 2 hours in length. Each clinical program provides 3 hours of CE, approved by both ADA and AGD.
Q12. What are Non-Clinical DVD Programs?
These are one hour in length and provide one hour of CE each. (The Dental Assisting series programs are 30 minutes in length, and provide one hour of CE). The topics range from Practice Productivity (producing more revenue for the doctor’s practice) to Practice Management, Team Development and Dental Assisting.
The presenters of these programs are all leading dental consultants who charge many thousands of dollars to visit a dentist’s practice.
On these DVD programs, dentists and their teams get the best information without having to travel or bring someone into their practice.
They can use the programs to run their weekly staff meetings.
Q13. How long should I keep my certificate of completion?
We recommend keeping your certificate of completion for at least 5 years after it’s been issued. Some licensing boards may perform audits to licensees and it will be very beneficial to have your certificates of completion available in that event.
Nursing
- Who can I call with questions?
- What is a passing grade for an exam?
- How many times can I take the final exam if I fail it?
- What are the State Requirements for renewing my license?
- How are your Nursing courses approved?
- How often do you report to CE Broker (Florida)?
- How long should I keep my certificate of completion?
Q1. Who can I call with questions?
Our customer support number is (866)-605-3664. We offer 24/7 support!
Q2. What is a passing grade for an exam?
Passing score is 75% or greater for Nurses.
Q3. How many times can I take the final exam if I fail it?
You have three (3) total attempts to pass the final examination. Please note, if your renewal date has passed and you still have not successfully passed your course, you may not receive the full amount of credits. WE CANNOT BACKDATE YOUR COMPLETION DATE.
Q4. What are the State Requirements for renewing my license?
Please view the Nursing CE Requirements page- http://www.healthcampus.com/nursing-continuing-education/state-requirements.cfm
Q5. How are your Nursing courses approved?
Our nursing courses are approved through:
Medsenses – An approved provider of continuing education by the New York Nurse’s Association, an accredited approver of continuing nursing education by the American Nurses Credentialing Center’s Commission on Accreditation (ANCC).
Corexel – An approved provider of Continuing Nursing Education by the American Nurses Credentialing Center’s Commission on Accreditation (ANCC).
All nursing courses are also approved through the Florida Board of Nursing (License number 50-955) and The California Board of Registered Nursing (CEP 13786).
Q6. How often do you report to CE Broker (Florida)?
We report to CE Broker at the end of each week. So, for example, if you complete your course on Monday, your credits will be reported Friday of the same week.
Q7. How long should I keep my certificate of completion?
We recommend keeping your certificate of completion for at least 5 years after it’s been issued. Some licensing boards may perform audits to licensees and it will be very beneficial to have your certificates of completion available in that event.
Medical Billing
- What does medical billing entail?
- Is billing viable home-based business?
- What is the difference between electronic claims submission and billing?
- I’ve read that these turnkey home-based electronic claims submission and/or billing operation packages are enough to get me started. Are you saying that they aren’t?
- How do I get paid in medical billing?
- Do I need to be certified?
- Is medical billing really going to be one of the “hottest home business opportunities” of the coming years?
- Is electronic claims submissions a legitimate home business opportunity?
- Is Meditec’s training sufficient for me to enter these fields successfully?
Q1: What does medical billing entail?
Medical billing encompasses the billing of patient encounters (visits) and accounts receivable management functions for health care providers, both in the doctor’s office and the hospital. A new field is “health insurance specialist,” which is a level of billing that deals with understanding the rules and reimbursement criteria of all third party payers. With Billing and Health Insurance Specialist knowledge, you will find employment in various provider settings.
Q2: Is billing viable home-based business?
Yes. There are a remarkable number of home-based billing operators working from home. But somewhat contrary to what you may have heard or read, it’s not a quick and easy undertaking to set up and get started. Too often medical billing is confused with electronic claims submission, which is in fact another type of service that may be home-based. The next question and answer addresses the differences.
Thorough training in medical terminology, coding, billing, billing operations, and collections, is required before approaching a provider to convince her/him. It helps to be able to “talk the talk,” understand the law; know how to recover revenue from payers, and provide good reports for analysis. Our program teaches all that is necessary to become employed or to set up and run a successful medical billing operation.
Caveat: Don’t be fooled by the promises made by the medical billing or electronic claims software vendors who say you will make $50,000 a year in the “hottest opportunity of the new millennium.” If you want to get into medical billing, get trained first, understand fully what you can sell, then make your decision. The government agencies who monitor scams list the medical claims processing, e-claims, etc., as the highest profile for scams.
Q3: What is the difference between electronic claims submission and billing?
Medical billing refers to billing and accounts receivable management, whereas electronics claims submissions refers only to a small element of that process, submitting electronic claims in a readable format to a payer rather than mailing a paper claim (insurance form). Electronic claims are telecommunicated to either insurance companies or to electronic claims clearinghouses that “clean the claims,” and submit them to the payers (e.g., insurance companies, etc.).
There are many companies offering turnkey electronic claims submission home-business programs for investments of anywhere between $250 and $8000. But you have to do your homework. The Federal Trade Commission has published a great deal of information on the prevalent scams.
Q4: I’ve read that these turnkey home-based electronic claims submission and/or billing operation packages are enough to get me started. Are you saying that they aren’t?
Yes, that’s what we’re saying. Purchasing a software program and trying to market just that element of service is pretty daunting. You still have to have the basic training on how all of the process works and what’s involved to be able to assume the responsibility of providing the service. It is definitely a knowledge-based process. Software is simply a tool you use to accomplish your billing, coding and accounts receivable functions.
Q5: How do I get paid in medical billing?
That depends on your objective. If you decide to go to work for the business office of a care provision facility, you’ll likely be salaried (and this isn’t a bad way at all to get more experience). Entry level pay* is generally $35K to 50K per year, with incentives, fringe benefits, bonuses, etc.
If you decide to set up a billing operation, you typically charge a percentage of the collected revenue. This is all well covered in the course materials, the HomeBiz-Med Book.
If you decide to get into electronic claims submission, you charge by the claim. Remember that you must also pay the clearinghouse a fee to process that same claim.
Q6: Do I need to be certified?
More and more government (HCFA) requirements are oriented toward having all billers certified (and requiring continuing education credits). The course will prepare well for any certification exam (there are several available). We recommend www.med-certification.com for the CBS (Certified Billing Specialist) practice testing and examination process.
Q7: Is medical billing really going to be one of the “hottest home business opportunities” of the coming years?
Traditionally, medical billing is a good home business. All of the recent hype about medical billing has been more about electronic claims submissions from home, (not medical billing), as has been discussed above.
Q8: Is electronic claims submissions a legitimate home business opportunity?
It can be, yes. The problems are these: A good many care providers use billing companies to handle their billing, and most of those billing companies already do electronic claims submissions. The rest have a billing office in their facility, and a good many of them already submit claims electronically. If a company selling a package is simply giving a list of providers to contact, then the buyer is the one doing the marketing, and that process can be a tough market in terms of competition.
Q9: Is Meditec’s training sufficient for me to enter these fields successfully?
The course will train you to do the work, but ultimately, the successful implementation of your new skill is up to you. The training, books, and notes you make will become your constant and long-time companions for reference work. You will surprise yourself at the depth and extent of your new knowledge. All of our programs are based on platform-learning systems which teach in a way designed to maximize the retention process. Ideas for your new career are abundant for your review in the HomeBiz-Med Book. Also included is the new specialty termed, “Health Insurance Specialist.” That addition really rounds out your marketable skills. More medical providers now hire “Health Insurance Specialists,” which is well covered in the training, and a specialty of medical billing.
If you are seriously considering medical billing, please read about coding too since that is so closely aligned with the billing process. Meditec has a combination course that includes the coding.
Medical Coding
- What exactly is medical coding?
- What kind of training does coding require?
- Does coding require certification?
- What kind of certification should I have?
- How much money can I make?
- What kinds of employers, or companies, require coders?
- Is there a ready market for the skills acquired in coding?
- How far you go with this expertise?
- Can coding be done at home?
- How do home coders get the patient information?
- What does medical coding have to do with transcription?
- What does medical coding have to do with billing?
- Is there coding software?
- Is there anything else I should know?
Q1: What exactly is medical coding?
Every service (test, office visit, injection, surgical procedure, etc.) in the provision of medical care has a numeric code associated with it designed to provide some commonality of terms in order that the companies who pay the claims (health insurance companies, HMOs, etc.) can identify the patient’s problem, and the service provided sufficient to allow them to pay on a predetermined basis under the care and coverage limits of an insurance plan. The codes are also used for statistical data. The CPT (Current Procedural Terminology) codes exist for an office call, an injection, an x-ray, right on to the most detailed brain surgery. International Disease Codes (ICD) are the number systems assigned for diagnoses, even patient complaints (headache, upset stomach, etc.). The combination of using these codes, ICD and CPT, tell the payer what was wrong with the patient and what service was performed.
Q2: What kind of training does coding require?
The first requirement is medical terminology training (or a good background in medicine, such as nursing). Formerly, it took two to four year college programs to learn coding, however, currently training is available through technical schools, correspondence courses, and simple, concise, yet thorough on-line home study programs such as ours. From there, it is just practice, practice and more practice. Our course has over 600 patient records for you to code.
Q3: Does coding require certification?
Providers who employ coders prefer some assurance of the coder’s background and capability. Meditec certifies this background upon successful completion of the course and an 80% or better score on the final examination. Aside from Meditec’s certification, you may become certified by a number of national certifiers (AHIMA, AAPC) and www.med-certification.com as a CBCS (Certified Billing and Coding Specialist).
Q4: What kind of certification should I have?
Prospective employers will obviously expect you to have the knowledge, and certification is a way to show that you do. How you choose to get that certification is pretty subjective. By that, we mean that companies who set themselves up as “certification authorities” are all providing a subjective evaluation, and proceed to provide basic information on what should be the standard(s) for certifying. Some of these companies have been around longer than others and are probably better known, however, that name recognition is not a guarantee that their subjective standards are any more relevant than any other certification company. Most employers want to know if your knowledge base is sufficient to do a job for them.
Our coding course prepares you well for the CCA, AHIMA or our Med-Certification tests, and for a host of others, although they may not be well-known names. Our courses teach you enough about all the coding protocols to make it simple to learn the rest (or any that come down in the future, e.g., ICD-10). So, theoretically, if you wanted to start doing outpatient CPT coding, whether for a doctor or hospital, there are any number of certifications that would suffice, as any reasonably subjective evaluation will test for the same basic knowledge. E.g., if you can pass our course and our Med-Certification tests, then you should be able to also certify with CCA, AHIMA, and others. If you have the time and resources, you can certainly pursue multiple certifications, but understand too, that having one may be no more or less advantageous than another when it comes time to actually sit down and do the job.
Q5: How much money can I make?
According to the industry standards, starting salary is about $35,000 per year, higher in some areas of the country. A typical coding firm charges $17 per outpatient report to code, and the average per report time involvement is two to ten minutes. A Meditec graduate coder works at home, dials the hospital system, codes the charts and charges 70 cents per code. Two of our former students set up a claims auditing business in Montana for a self-insured employer, contracting for 50% of any funds recovered on claims already processed and paid. The first year, their income was over $100,000. Coders often become the “gatekeepers” for the pre-authorization process for employers and insurance companies. This occupation is often filled by nurses who take the coding training. The “How To” is in the HomeBiz-MedBook is available as an option with the course.
Q6: What kinds of employers, or companies, require coders?
Virtually every provider, individual doctor, clinic, hospital involved in patient care requires coders. The American Association for Medical Transcription (AAMT) strongly encourages MTs to learn to code. Several of the larger MT companies also offer coding to their clients. The profession has enormous potential. One hospital alone may have as many as 50 or more coders on staff. Don’t forget standalone clinics, urgent and semi-urgent care and surgical, mental health centers and nursing homes.
In addition, insurance companies, contract care providers, governmental agencies, law firms, third party administrators, billing and practice management companies, need coders.
The shortage of coders continues.
Q7: Is there a ready market for the skills acquired in coding?
There sure is, as you have probably surmised by now. Health care in America is an explosive industry accounting for the top 3 producers in gross national product (and income), and still outpaces all but a few industrial sectors in growth. Four million jobs will open up in the next ten years in the health care industry, and many, many of those positions are outside the care-giving arena specifically, such as consulting firms and claims-review/auditing firms. Coding is sufficiently specialized that coders are paid exceptionally well, are and will remain in very high demand.
Statistically, Health Information Management (HIM), of which coding is a part, is a rapidly growing field and is expected to outpace average job growth rates in other fields through the year 2006. According to the Occupational Outlook Handbook, 2003 Edition, produced by Bureau of Labor Statistics of the U.S. Department of Labor, health information technicians are projected to be one of the 20 fastest growing occupations. The Health Insurance Specialist Training Course we offer is included in the Mega-Coding Course. More and more you will see help wanted advertisements looking for “Health Insurance Specialists.” They are expected to know all about insurance companies, government plans, their requirements for preauthorization and submission of claims, the ability to calculate patient responsibility based on insurance payment criteria, all about HIPAA (privacy act management), and often have administrative roles. The Health Insurance Module is included in this training.
Q8: How far you go with this expertise?
Once you become proficient in coding many opportunities exist. Just as one example, Meditec charges a minimum of $100 per hour for code profile consulting for private practices and clinics. The how-to is explained in the HomeBiz-MedBook. Consulting is an excellent business for coding experts, either independently, or for a consulting firm. Coders often undertake auditing functions. Independent fraud analysts are also in demand and often are paid a percentage of what they save insurance companies. One of the most common uses for fraud analysis is in state sponsored Worker’s Compensation Funds, where fraud is rampant, accounting for a burgeoning percentage of America’s health care costs. Many consultants and fraud analysts set up their own businesses and work at home. Consulting is a great field for nurses looking for a change in career.
Gatekeeping is another interesting job potential requiring terminology and coding. The gatekeeper is contacted when a policy holder needs a medical service for which the gatekeeper’s intervention is required to determine the lowest possible costs without jeopardizing care, such as a surgery procedure, or a series of visits to a physical therapist. The gatekeeper refers to the policy’s coverage and limits, refers to the appropriate code or codes, and determines what the payer (e.g., insurance company or employer) will pay for it, or determines whether the service is excluded. Depending on the health care plan, the gatekeeper then tells the patient which provider in the network is prepared to accept what the payer offers along with deductibles or copayments. If the patient decides to go outside this recommended network of care providers, then s/he will be responsible to cover any differential of the predetermined amount the payer is willing to pay. Gatekeepers commonly earn $60,000 to $100,000 a year. Many nurses fill these jobs.
Many employers are self-insured, which means that they establish a reserve account (like insurance companies) to pay for the medical care of their employees. “Third-Party Administrators” (TPAs) contract to manage the process. Gatekeepers perform the services to get the best economic deal possible for patients and payers.
Q9: Can coding be done at home?
Formerly, it was a little cumbersome since one needed various forms and even patient charts; however, with the advent of all the new technology (computerized faxes, scanners, transfer of information back and forth through the Internet), it is now possible and acceptable to do the coding at home either as a contractor or an employee for a hospital or doctor’s office. National companies fill a niche too and subcontract the work to home-based contractors. You will find a number of them using the Web. Read a forward looking article that agrees with our concept:
Coding from home.
Q10: How do home coders get the patient information?
Records are obtained in various ways: picking up the forms/documents, faxing (encryption for privacy issues), and remote dial up access to provider computer data. Technology has improved the ability to move this information around quite readily.
Q11: What does medical coding have to do with transcription?
That’s a simple one. Medical transcriptionists type the reports coders review to determine the treatment and diagnostic codes. Medical transcriptionists make excellent coders because of their knowledge of medicine, and, they have the document on their screen when completed. Many dictators now include the ICD or CPT code in their dictation.
Q12: What does medical coding have to do with billing?
When a care provider performs a service, s/he will dictate a report or note on the services provided. That textual document becomes a part of the primary record, and the coder reviews it in order to abstract and codify what was done. The codes are then printed on statements and insurance claims forms as an abbreviated way to define problem/s and service/s. Offering the combined service of coding and billing is an excellent approach to a private practice provider. Since coding drives the entire billing process, it is imperative that both skills are included in a career path planning process.
Q13: Is there coding software?
Most large clinical providers and virtually all hospitals already have it (and it’s easy to learn to use). For private and clinical practice, Meditec has used such software extensively and recommends the Alpha II software. You may purchase the AlphaII software here on the website. Remember that software is a tool and doesn’t eliminate the need to learn basic coding.
Q14: Is there anything else I should know?
Yes: Medical Terminology
Medical Transcription
- What exactly is Medical Transcription?
- And it requires training?
- How does your program work?
- How much does it cost?
- How long does it take to complete this program?
- Is this field for me?
- Why should I look into this field?
- What about voice recognitions systems? Will they hurt the aspiring MT?
- Can I really make any money at home?
- How can I learn to do it?
- Do you have instructors?
- What equipment do I need?
- Do I need to be certified?
- Do you provide placement or otherwise provide work?
- Are your programs accredited?
- So how do I get started?
- Anything else?
Q1: What exactly is Medical Transcription?
Virtually every encounter that takes place between a health care provider and his or her patient must be put into written documentation. Generally, the information is recorded either onto tape or a digital voice processing system. The dictated information is then listened to by a medical transcriptionist (MT) who transcribes the report into either a hard copy or an electronic medical record using a computer and a word processor.
Absolutely. It is a highly specialized field requiring a strong medical background, knowledge of Latin (and Greek) word derivation, anatomy, physiology, and pharmacy. Those who learn to do it successfully generally are good spellers, and have good keyboard skills. Speed increases with training and experience.
Q3: How does your program work?
It is a home-based on-line distance learning program that is entirely self-paced. You do it in your own time frame at home. It is entirely platform learning so you are presented information, and then you are tested on it. You do not move forward until you fully grasp the topic you are working on. The first part of the program teaches the derivation of words, how they are combined, and where to find them in reference material. The second portion provides hundreds of medical reports you must review, analyze and answer questions about. Then you are ready to begin transcribing. First you listen and type the reports in the Surgical Compendium, then you move into the entire transcription phase. You will do about 40 hours of dictation which provides you a great deal of experience with dictation.
You may also decide to enter the Jumpstart Program that is designed as an internship when you complete the training. To learn more, read about our Jumpstart Internship Program.
The cost of the Medical Transcription training course varies according to the options selected and the type of course selected, whether as a full on-line course or as an eBook. For current pricing and course details and options, please refer to the following:
Prices and Course Descriptions are subject to change without notice. Additional financing and payment plans other than those linked by reference above may also be available. For more information, please call us toll free: 877-335-4072
Q5: How long does it take to complete this program?
It is about 400 clock hours and requires anywhere from 3 to 6 months (depending how much time you have to devote to the program).
If you have at least average keyboard skills (50 words per minute), are already a good speller and have a good grasp of English grammar, and can learn and retain what you’ve learned, this could definitely be for you. The platform learning system provided really helps on the retention end. If you are curious about the words and work, click on the “Fun Skill Tests” at the left menu. Don’t forget the free evaluation too.
Q7: Why should I look into this field?
Consider first and foremost that it is a major career in one of the top economic industries, health care. The U.S. Department of Labor projects that there will be a 44% increase in MTs needed by the year 2006, (and thereafter), so the demand will definitely exceed the supply. Then consider the time and money savings by training and working at home, gasoline, day care expense, general reduction of the overhead of daily living because you are at work instead of stuck in traffic, wasting the most precious commodity you have: Time. The part of your home that you use for business is an expense for tax purposes, and, as already mentioned, you can usually write off as an expense the cost of the program. And the best reason, you set your own hours and have more time for family and friends.
The medical industry historically has been virtually immune to recession – the demand for medical services, and therefore the demand for all related products and services, such as medical transcription, (coding and billing) has never diminished. Security to that extent is difficult to find. The medical industry has experienced the most steady and concrete growth of any North American industry that actually has economic impact on a national scale. And because you are paid by the word, line or page, you are rewarded according to your own ability and dedication, so your ultimate success is up to you. Your earning potential is entirely in your hands, enabling you to take charge of your future. Our best transcriptionists averaged $50K or more 10 years ago. We provide you in-depth information on MTs making $50 to $100 K a year. In the HomeBizBook, all of the information related to earnings, contracts, and tax information is provided. As well, in the Mega-MT Course, Transition, Student to MT, provides valuable information on the business aspect of MT’ing.
You will not only develop a specialized skill, but also a greatly increased understanding of the human machine and its mysteries. You will interface more successfully with your personal and family health care providers and the billing and payment process, an informed consumer as it were. The work is interesting (patient care) with its triumphs, frustrations, and failures. And developing this specialized skill can lead to other venues too, such as insurance claim review-audit, peer review, editing, building your own MT company, procedural and diagnostic coding and abstracting, and medical billing. The rewards can be fantastic!
Q8: What about voice recognitions systems? Will they hurt the aspiring MT?
Voice recognition systems are often discussed as an imminent threat to MTs. This has been true since 1989. Despite millions and millions of investment into the technology, it has never materialized very effectively. The vocabulary of medicine with the ability to combine Latin words is virtually infinite. No voice-based memory thus far developed has been remotely capable of addressing that with any precision, let alone the exigencies of a voice with a cold (not recognized by the software), set maximum speech input speeds (mostly too slow) so the dictator wastes a lot of professional (and expensive) time. Those that have been implemented require MTs to edit the errors out. Currently one of our Jumpstart clients uses VR and the MT trainees listen to and edit the computer version (at a lower line rate than producing it entire, but the speed with which it is done well compensates). We don’t see much of a threat from our observation and research since MTs still need to listen and edit.
Q9: Can I really make any money at home?
By developing this skill, yes, you certainly can. All of Meditec’s transcriptionists worked at home on contract. The average transcriptionist types about 300 lines per hour, about $24 per hour. High end MTs using word expanders and macros (and good keyboard skills) do 400, 500 and even 600 LPH. You do the math.
Q10: How can I learn to do it?
Meditec has trained hundreds of medical transcriptionists for over 27 years for its own service. Early on, we discovered we had to train them. We had to do it rapidly to meet our client expectations, and developed a method that worked. The course is the culmination of all those years of training in the real world. We have now been exclusively in the training field for more than 10 years. Meditec’s Jumpstart Program is unique too in that we have a number of clients who await our successful graduates for 30 to 90 day internships, then those clients hire the interns. A real edge indeed.
If you visit most medical transcription student boards, you will find a constant complaint of “no contact,” “no teacher.” Meditec has live instructors on-line every day Monday through Friday for any course questions. They are also available by email with fast turnaround. Remember too, when you are working, the same professionals are available to help you.
Q12: What equipment do I need?
For the training, a computer with a word processor, the ability to get onto and surf the internet (dial up or DSL) and a Waveplayer or a cassette transcriber to do the dictation or listen to the audio. When you are ready to work, you will need a medical spellchecker (inexpensive), sometimes software communication upload/download protocols, (inexpensive) and other types of reference books depending upon what type of dictation you end up working with. Most vendors for these products will provide you a discount as a Meditec student. The course provides you with a spellchecker while you are training. When you enter the Jumpstart Program, the upload/download protocols are part of the training.
Q13: Do I need to be certified?
AAMT provides CMT certification. You can read all about it at that site. You do not need to be certified to work. Most potential employers certainly appreciate that designation, but do not require it.
Q14: Do you provide placement or otherwise provide work?
Meditec.Com does not guarantee employment in any sense. The Career Development and HomeBiz Book will greatly assist you in finding work. Staff is dedicated to that end too. Employers constantly contact us for successful candidate applications. We provide those company sites to you. The Jumpstart Program is a wonderful way to bridge the gap.
Q15: Are your programs accredited?
Yes. We are registered under the “Utah Postsecondary Proprietary School Act.” We do not award credits that you can transfer to any other school. Those that offer associate’s degrees do not provide transfer credits either. Our Certificate of Completion and award of “Medical Transcriptionist” designation from a 400 hour program is quite sufficient based on fact.
Call 877.335.4072 or enroll online. If you need financial assistance, review that information.
Only this: If you want a new and specialized career that is in great demand, one that has been immune to recession and other economic and industry fluctuations, one that can be easily developed into a home business, and get you the independence you want, then look no further. If you’ve shopped the others, and hopefully you have, you know the most cost-effective way by far to get on track in this exciting field is with us. Just do it!
Medical Office Manager
- What does a medical office manager do?
- What skills does a medical office manager need?
- How much do medical office managers make?
- What education is needed to become a medical office manager?
- Why do I need to learn medical coding and billing to be a medical office manager?
- What exactly does a medical coder and biller do?
- Are there a lot of jobs available for medical office management?
- What else can I do with this training?
- How long does the Meditec MOM course take to complete?
- Is there MOM certification available?
- How do I find a job once I complete the course?
- Do I need to buy anything else to complete the course and work?
Q1: What does a medical office manager do?
Medical office administrative staff manager the day to day operations of a medical practice – seeing patients, billing and collecting for services, and managing people. They have to know all about the nitty gritty of how a medical practice works, in fact, are sometimes called “practice managers.” They must know all about government regulations and rules, be able to set up and evaluate internal audit procedures and know about compliance and all it entails. They evaluate provider payer contracts, review revenue cycles, and report all of this information to the administrative staff. MOMs constantly look for ways to improve work flow and overall practice management.
Q2: What skills does a medical office manager need?
They need to know medical terminology and lots about the business side of medicine in general, including billing, coding, lots about human resource compliance issues and people management, government regulations and rules, contracting with payers for services, and how to use and review spreadsheets and financial documents and reports. Understanding practice economics is important as well.
Q3: How much do medical office managers make?
Earnings depend on experience, how large the practice is, and what part of the country you live in. According to the Occupational Outlook Handbook 2010, “Median annual wages of wage and salary medical and health services managers were $80,240 in May 2008. The middle 50 percent earned between $62,170 and $104,120. The lowest 10 percent earned less than $48,300, and the highest 10 percent earned more than $137,800. http://www.bls.gov/oco/ocos014.htm#earnings
Q4: What education is needed to become a medical office manager?
Practices (both hospital and clinical groups) want people who are thoroughly trained and have the skills to do the job. Subject specific vocational programs (such as Meditec’s) are a great time and money saving alternative since many practices are more interested in whether you can do the job than whether the candidate has a degree in healthcare administration.
Q5: Why do I need to learn medical coding and billing to be a medical office manager?
As a medical office manager, you are in control of the practice management of the office which includes medical coding and billing. You may want to do internal audits (looking over previously coded records to make sure proper coding procedures are being followed, and that “upcoding” is not taking place) to make sure that the practice is following solid procedures. Also, if the medical coder or biller is out sick for a day or two, instead of letting the practice fall behind in billing, the practice manager may wish to fill in to keep things running smoothly. Also, one cannot effectively manage staff without a thorough understanding of what each job entails. How could an office manager know how to more efficiently handle coding/billing responsibilities, if they do not know how to do coding/billing themselves? Additionally, what if a patient calls and is very upset about their bill or they don’t understand their EOB (explanation of benefits) statement and they demand to speak to the practice manager? The manager would need a thorough understanding of health insurance rules, policies, and regulations, and to understand billing procedures in order to effectively handle the situation.
Q6: What exactly does a medical coder and biller do?
Medical coders take the transcribed medical report and abstract the diagnosis, procedures performed during the visit, and any supplies used, and apply alpha-numeric codes to each. Then, the medical biller takes the coded record, and bills the insurance company, and follows up on each claim. Medical billing is data entry intensive. Both the medical coder and biller work with special software programs to perform their duties. A thorough knowledge of health insurance is imperative to both medical coders and billers. The Meditec program includes a comprehensive health insurance module to make sure the student thoroughly understands health insurance policies, rules, and procedures.
Q7: Are there a lot of jobs available for medical office management?
Healthcare jobs seldom feel a recession or effects from a bad economy. If you check your local newspaper, you will find a good deal of medical office jobs. Also, as a graduate of the Meditec MOM program, you will also be fully trained in both medical coding and billing and health insurance, so your potential job prospects will be extremely bright.
Q8: What else can I do with this training?
The MOM program at Meditec includes both medical coding and billing training. You would have the skill set to work in the front medical office as a receptionist, as a medical coder or biller, as well as, medical office management.
Q9: How long does the Meditec MOM course take to complete?
We give you a full year to complete your studies, but you may finish faster because the program is online, self-paced, interactive, and fun.
Q10: Is there MOM certification available?
You don’t need to be certified to work, but there are certifications available if you are interested. One such certification can be found at http://www.med-certification.com.
Q11: How do I find a job once I complete the course?
You can search your local newspaper, job boards, websites such as Monster Jobs, and Career Builder are also very helpful.
Q12: Do I need to buy anything else to complete the course and work?
Meditec includes everything you need to complete your training!
Medical Office Assistant
- What is a medical office assistant-specialist?
- Who uses the services?
- And it requires training?
- How does your program work?
- What does your program include?
- How long does it take to complete this program?
- Is this field for me?
- What are the best reasons I should consider this field?
- How much can I expect to earn?
- What about expanding opportunities and horizons?
- What kind of software is used?
- How can I learn to do it?
- What equipment do I need?
- What else do I need?
- Do I need to be certified?
- Do you provide placement or otherwise provide work?
- So how do I get started?
- Anything else?
Q1: What is a medical office assistant-specialist?
Medical office assistants-specialists work in provider offices, individual physician practices, clinics, hospitals, virtually any care-provider setting. Regardless of what health care area office assistants may work in, they have close contact with patients, doctors, dentists, and other colleagues. They also may handle a wide range of duties. For example, they may meet arrivals at the front desk, schedule appointments, organize, update, and file charts and records, complete insurance forms, assist in the lab or pharmacy or with tests, treatments and therapies, convey lab report information to patients, renew telephone prescriptions, and assist with billing operations.
Medical and dental office assistants work in private practice, hospitals, clinics and elsewhere. In medicine, “private practice” includes general and family doctors, or those in specialties such as pediatrics, surgery, psychiatry, obstetrics, orthopedics, etc. In dentistry, it includes general practitioners, oral surgeons, orthodontists, periodontists, etc. In addition, other health care providers, some of whom do not necessarily have an M.D. or D.D.S. degree, use assistants: optometrists, chiropractors, physical therapists, podiatrists, osteopaths, psychologists, counselors, nutritionists, and homeopaths. Trained medical and dental office assistants also work in hospitals of many sizes and specialties, in emergency rooms, clinics, and convalescent centers.
Absolutely. It’s a specialized field, and becoming more so all the time. Individuals with diverse backgrounds are employed as office assistants. Education and training are natural benefits when applying for such jobs. Each practice will train for specific functions related to their particular operation after the hiring takes place. The better the educational process, the better likelihood of being hired.
Q4: How does your program work?
It’s very simple. It is a home-based on-line distance learning program that is entirely self-paced. You do it in your own time frame at home. It is entirely platform learning based, so you are presented information, and then you are tested on it. You do not move forward until you fully grasp the topic you are working on.
Q5: What does your program include?
This state-of-the-art home training program consists of three modules: The basics of how a medical office works, policies and procedures, developing your assets and skills, tools and equipment, confidentiality laws, (HIPAA), laboratory and pharmacy training, and medical specialties. The second module is where you learn all about the process of billing, with an overview of coding. You are provided free medical billing software (including appointment scheduling) to practice with. The third module is Health Insurance Specialization. This comprehensive approach provides far more training than most schools do at a fraction of the cost (typical medical office specialist programs are $8000 to $20000 and take 8 months to a year).
Q6: How long does it take to complete this program?
It takes anywhere from 3 to 6 months (depending how much time you have to devote to the program). The average will be about 4 months. It is a theory and application process that is equivalent to 200 hours of instruction.
If you have at least average keyboard, organizational and communication skills, like to work with people, work well with others, are interested in the healing arts, and can learn and retain what you’ve learned, this could definitely be for you.
Q8: What are the best reasons I should consider this field?
The health care field is booming right now. Medical assistants and dental assistants in medical and dental offices are staying busy because of it! With Meditec’s home study course in medical and dental office assisting, you can prepare for an exciting clerical or administrative career in a private medical or dental practice, hospital, or clinic. We’ll give you solid, comprehensive training in medical assisting and dental assisting techniques. In your career path, you may also consider adding medical terminology and coding to your skill base. Those elements will lead to more and varied responsibilities, increased income potential, and ultimately may provide you with greater skills for medical office management-administrative functions.
Q9: How much can I expect to earn?
Salaries for medical office specialists vary. Salaries depend on the education and experience, with a national average of $28,000 to $35,000 depending on the geographic area. Since medical office assistants must work in the provider office, most positions are salaries, with benefits.
Q10: What about expanding opportunities and horizons?
The opportunities for expanding roles in your career are certainly good, as you build your experience, expand to other areas of expertise, as noted in the “Best Reasons” paragraph. If you like challenges, there is so much to be done in a provider office that those who accept them readily move into responsible positions and greatly add to the provider office persona with you an added asset.
Q11: What kind of software is used?
Most providers have patient management, billing, and accounts receivable software, from simple single doctor practices, to the larger clinic and hospital systems, including totally paperless medical record applications. For the most part, the basic elements are pretty standard, put a patient and the demographic information on-line, schedule an appointment, enter a charge, diagnosis, enter receipts/write-offs. Meditec provides free training software from a major vendor (used in many doctor’s offices). You may also be assigned to word processing functions, spreadsheet calculations, etc.
Q12: How can I learn to do it?
Enroll in the course. Meditec has trained hundreds of people who sought new career opportunities without the need to leave home and avoid spending the $20,000 to do it. The programs work much faster than traditional training, so you will be out in the work place rapidly. We have streamlined the learning curve into a compact, no frills process sufficient to get you onto a fast-track career opportunity.
Q13: What equipment do I need?
For the training, a computer with a modem or DSL to access the Internet, and be capable of downloading the billing software.
Not a thing except willingness and the excitement to learn something new:
Q15: Do I need to be certified?
Not yet, though the field has become more specialized, our certification is more than sufficient to enter the field successfully.
Q16: Do you provide placement or otherwise provide work?
Meditec does not guarantee placement or work. We do provide you the HomeBizBook, a good resource to network and find work. Your web-assisted research will also provide potential employer information for your future planning.
Call toll free 877.335.4072 or enroll on-line.
Only this: If you desire a specialized career that is in great demand, one that is immune to recession and other economic and industry fluctuations, and can land you the job you want, then look no further. If you’ve shopped the others, you know that it will take 8 months to a year, cost $8,000 to $20,000, plus your books, you’ll know your most cost-effective way by far to get on track in this exciting field is with us. Just do it!!
Paralegal
- What is a paralegal or legal assistant?
- Who uses the services?
- And it requires training?
- How does your program work?
- What does your program include?
- How long does it take to complete this program?
- Is this field for me?
- What are the best reasons I should consider this field?
- How much can I expect to earn?
- What about expanding opportunities and horizons?
- What will I need for software?
- How can I learn to do it?
- What equipment do I need?
- What else do I need?
- Do I need to be certified?
- Do you provide placement or otherwise provide work?
- So how do I get started?
- Anything else?
Q1: What is a paralegal or legal assistant?
Did you see the movie, “Erin Brockovich”? She was working in the capacity of a paralegal or legal assistant. There’s really no difference between the two titles, it’s just a matter of preference. As defined by the National Federation of Paralegal Associations,(NFPA) a paralegal/legal assistant is a person qualified through education, training or work experience to perform substantive legal work that requires knowledge of legal concepts and is customarily, but not exclusively, performed by a lawyer. This person may be retained or employed by a lawyer, law office, governmental agency or other entity or may be authorized by administrative, statutory or court authority to perform this work.
NFPA’s preferred term is “Paralegal.” Many NFPA members, however, use the term “Legal Assistant.”
The formal establishment of the paralegal profession can be traced to the 1960s when individuals were trained to assist attorneys in making legal services available to the poor during the “War on Poverty.” Shortly after public agencies began hiring paralegals, private law firms and corporations recognized the benefits of employing paralegals to supply efficient support, reduce the expense of legal services, and increase the availability of services to the public.
Paralegals are employed in private law firms, banks, corporations, insurance agencies, legal clinics, courts, government agencies, accounting and engineering firms, title companies, construction companies, and legal aid offices—in fact, almost everywhere law-related work is performed. Paralegals either work with attorneys who assume professional responsibility for the final work product, or work in areas where “lay” individuals are explicitly authorized by statute or regulation to assume certain law-related responsibilities independently.
Paralegals who work in the private sector are usually employed by law firms and corporations and often specialize in areas of law such as litigation, probate, real estate, corporate, taxation, domestic relations, or employee benefits. Paralegals who work in the public sector are often employed by non-profit public law firms, state or local governmental agencies in areas such as welfare, family law, health care, landlord/tenant, disability benefits, unemployment
compensation, or social security.
Absolutely. It’s a specialized field, and becoming more so all the time. Individuals with diverse backgrounds are employed as paralegals. Education and training requirements differ widely but are generally related to the responsibilities of the position. Specialized training in other fields sometimes determines the paralegal’s area of practice. For example, paralegals with medical training often work in personal injury or medical malpractice, while a paralegal in environmental law may have had experience in a related field. S/he would work for either a law firm representing a company related to environmental issues, or with a government agency enforcing them.
Q4: How does your program work?
It’s very simple. It is a home-based on-line distance learning program that is entirely self-paced. You do it in your own time frame at home. It is entirely platform learning based, so you are presented information, and then you are tested on it. You do not move forward until you fully grasp the topic you are working on. The coursework is divided into two modules, one dealing with the law and how it works, an overview of the profession, and the second is training for law specialties. Often, to expand opportunities, paralegal trainees also purchase the legal transcription module. An interesting commentary from one of our co-authors: “I spent over $20,000 and 2 years to obtain the same training. Unbelievable!”
Q5: What does your program include?
This state-of-the-art home training program consists of 2 volumes (or the on-line). The first module contains the “all about the law” information, and the second focuses on law specialties, complete with samples of pleadings, formats, and citations. It is designed to teach the functions and processes of institutions in the U.S. legal system, roles and issues in the field, and selected specialties of law. It discusses employment opportunities and provides dozens of websites for research purposes to enhance your educational skills on-line and build your own personal Cybrary.
It covers issues relevant to the profession, an overview of American Law, court systems, litigation. The course contains information on how to do interviews (interrogations), legal writing, research, use citations and prepare the documents required. Since the Internet has become a major resource to the profession, hundreds of sites are provided for references and research projects both in the course and for future use in the profession. It reviews English grammar and provides all the typing rules, complete with the captions for different types of courts and actions.
Q6: How long does it take to complete this program?
It takes anywhere from 4 to 6 months (depending how much time you have to devote to the program). The average will be about 5 months. It is a theory and application process that is equivalent to 900 hours of instruction. In some areas, that allows you to sit for a “Legal Assistant” examination and certification.
If you have at least average keyboard, organizational and communication skills, are logical and methodical, and can learn and retain what you’ve learned, this could definitely be for you.
Q8: What are the best reasons I should consider this field?
According to available data, the paralegal and legal transcription fields will grow exponentially in the next few years as more people require help with their legal issues but do not have the funds to hire an attorney directly. Clearly the economic benefits of utilizing paralegals becomes a welcome alternative to both attorneys and to consumers. Also, as attorneys realize their own productivity and cost efficiency is maximized through utilizing paralegal services, the demand will increase and new opportunities will open up. According to the findings of NFPA the future of paralegals is increasing rapidly with the projection being that by the year 2005 there will be a need for between 150,000 and 176,000 paralegals in this nation. Working in areas such as law firms, corporations and corporate legal departments, financial institutions, insurance companies, real estate and title agencies, state and federal governmental agencies, courts, public defenders’ and prosecutors’ offices, public utility companies, publicly, funded legal service projects and community legal service programs. These are dynamic times for the paralegal-legal assistant.
Q9: How much can I expect to earn?
Paralegal salaries vary. Salaries depend on the education and experience the paralegal brings to the job, the type of employer, and the geographic location of the job. Generally, paralegals working for large law firms in metropolitan areas earn more than paralegals working for smaller firms or in less populated areas.
The NFPA’s 2001 Paralegal Compensation and Benefits Report reveals a high salary of $98,600. The average salary nationwide is $43,085. Employers of the majority of paralegals provide life and health insurance benefits and pay the paralegal’s professional dues. Susan Rojo, a co-author in the program earns (in her own business) $90 to $100K a year.
Q10: What about expanding opportunities and horizons?
The opportunities for expanding roles in your career are also furthered through continuing education, expanded experience, increased acceptance of responsibility and increased challenges and as standards for this profession are established and recognized, roles and responsibilities will be expanded. Technologically speaking, supply and demand are what run the evolution and creation of new software, macros and research methods available, and currently the Internet is the paralegal’s best friend in terms of research and technology, and perhaps even for continuing education credits. One of the best ways to find a paralegal job is through networking and paralegal association job banks and various Internet Job Listing sites. These have increased ten-fold in two years.
Q11: What will I need for software?
Most attorneys have their preference: Hotdocs, a WordPerfect program, and Legal Solutions, a program divided into modules depending on the field of practice and MSWord. If you are good with MSWord or WordPerfect, you will learn whatever they use very easily. For the Internet work, you will need an upload/download protocol, such as FTP. Navigating the net is important since so much case law research is available from on-line law libraries. Voice recognition software is very commonly employed in the legal field.
Q12: How can I learn to do it?
Enroll in the course. Meditec has trained hundreds of people who sought new career opportunities without the need to leave home and avoid spending the $20,000 to do it. Expanding to the legal side of things using our platform learning system, with input from experts in the field, was a natural follow-on to the medical. We also believed it was a process a student could do well at home. We have streamlined the learning curve into a compact, no frills process sufficient to get you onto a fast-track career opportunity.
Q13: What equipment do I need?
For the training, a computer with a modem or DSL to access the Internet, a word processor (many law offices use WordPerfect with its legal version) and either a cassette or CD player if you opt the dictation part of the training.
Suggested:
- Merriam Webster’s Collegiate Dictionary (latest edition)
- Black’s Law Dictionary (pocketbook), Bryan A. Gardner, $24.95 (Amazon.com)
- The Bluebook: (citations), $16.00 (Legalbluebook.com)
- Handbook of Basic Law Terms (pocketbook), Bryan A. Gardner, $12.95 (Amazon.com)
- Throughoutthe course, you will be provided websites for research purposes; this activity will facilitate your ability to use such sites in your training and your career. Some of the exercises are based on the research you do, so you will take the time to familiarize yourself by reading what they offer, moving around to find other topics which may be of interest and looking at the links various sites will provide. You bookmark those you frequent most for a ready resource.
Q15: Do I need to be certified?
No, but there are widely recognized certification authorities that can give the examination and certificate should you decide you want to pursue professional certification. Licensing requirements vary from state to state, but certification (unless you move on to court reporting) is virtually nonexistent. With this course, you may sit for the Legal Assistant Certification (CLA), if applicable in your area. It is a new enough field, with lots of argument about the certification process, that ultimately you may be able to “grand-daddy” in to some kinds of certification.
Q16: Do you provide placement or otherwise provide work?
Meditec does not guaranty placement or work. The HomeBizBook, available in our General Store is an excellent resource to learn to network and find work. Your web-assisted research will also provide potential employer information for your future planning. You may also plan to set up your own practice. Meditec does provide clients interested in home-based transcription if you decide to include that in your training.
Call toll free 877.335.4072 or enroll on-line.
Only this: If you desire a relatively new and specialized career that is in great demand, one that is immune to recession and other economic and industry fluctuations, one that can be easily developed into a home business or which can land you the job you want, then look no further. If you’ve shopped the others, you know that it will much longer than traditional schools and cost a lot more. This is a very cost effective way to get on track for a new career.
Legal Transcription Careers
- What is legal transcription? Legal Assisting?
- Who uses the services?
- And it requires training?
- How does your program work?
- What does your program include?
- How long does it take to complete this program?
- Is this field for me?
- What are the best reasons I should look into the legal field?
- How much can I expect to earn?
- What about expanding opportunities and horizons?
- What will I need for software?
- Can I really make any money at home?
- Is there home business information included? Such as setting one up?
- What equipment do I need?
- What else do I need?
- Do you provide placement?
- So how do I get started?
- Anything else?
Q1: What is legal transcription? Legal Assisting?
Virtually everything that takes place in the civil and criminal court systems requires hard copy documentation. The information is either dictated or recorded in the courtroom or at deposition hearings, as well as in law offices in less official settings. It may include testimony, pleadings, interrogatories (questions and answers), reviews of administrative hearings and the like. Generally, the information is recorded either onto tape or digital voice processing systems. It includes the process of transferring information from recorded dictation to hard documentation using transcribers and computer word processors. Legal assistants, legal transcriptionists, and paralegals, prepare legal documents both from written and dictated information. In addition, other typical duties may include drafting and filing legal documents, calendaring and tracking important deadlines, assisting attorneys to prepare for trials, documenting relevant facts and information pertaining to a lawsuit, organizing and maintenance of client files, and using computers and related software as well as other reference materials to research and document law, and to prepare or transcribe the documents involved. Legal assistants, secretaries, and transcriptionists may become so proficient that they can actually undertake paralegal duties as well, and in some states, provide the same services as attorneys do.
Legal assistants often perform transcription duties, but also assume other office responsibilities, greeting-interviewing clients, setting up files, doing the billing, assisting in research, and a variety of other functions. Straight transcription jobs are available on in the Internet and you can do it at home.
Attorneys do, and corporations, government agencies, insurance companies, banks, and lots of them work for themselves. The demand for government legal transcriptionists is growing at an enormous rate. Many work for the Federal government in administrative agencies. General categories are:
- Freelance Legal Transcriptionists – operate their own business and provide services to attorneys on a contractual basis. A freelance legal transcriptionist works under the supervision of an attorney, who assumes responsibility for the legal transcriptionist’s work product. The attorney or another member of the staff dictates or edits previously prepared files, which the transcriptionist then transcribes or provides the edited work product.
- Traditional Employment – work for law firms, agencies, or other companies as noted above, on a salaried or per hour basis, or on a per line or per page basis for Internet dictation clients.
- Specialization – Many opportunities exist for the legal transcriptionist and assistants to specialize in various types of law, real estate, criminal, family, personal injury, business, etc. These specialties are defined and taught in the course material.
Absolutely. It’s a specialized field. You have to know about the law, various court systems and their venues (what kind of cases they hear/try), the formats for legal documents in your state, how to research case law and cite it.
Q4: How does your program work?
It’s very simple. It is a home-based on-line distance learning program that is entirely self-paced. You do it in your own time frame at home. It is entirely platform learning based, so you are presented information, and then you are tested on it. You do not move forward until you fully grasp the topic you are working on. The coursework is divided into two modules, one dealing with the law and how it works, an overview of the profession, and the second is the transcription key for the dictation you will do while training.
Q5: What does your program include?
This state-of-the-art home training program consists of 2 modules and 5 hours of dictation for your transcription practice. It is streamlined and comprehensive, more than you will need to find suitable work in or for a legal office. It is designed to teach the functions and processes of institutions in the U.S. legal system, roles and issues in the field, and selected specialties of law. It includes dozens of samples of dictation types and formats, terminology used in the law, complete with an abridged Latin dictionary. It reviews English grammar and provides all the typing rules, complete with the captions for different types of courts and actions. It discusses employment opportunities and provides dozens of websites for research purposes to enhance your educational skills on-line, in addition to opportunities to network for working possibilities and resources after you’re working.
Q6: How long does it take to complete this program?
It takes anywhere from 8 to 12 weeks (depending how much time you have to devote to the program). Average is 8 to 12 weeks.
If you have at least average keyboard skills, are a good speller, and can learn and retain what you learn, this could definitely be for you. Your earning potential is entirely in your hands, enabling you to take charge of your own financial present and future.
Q8: What are the best reasons I should look into the legal field?
The need for legal support staff increases with the litigation processes so prevalent now. Administrative law (local, state and federal government) requires massive record-keeping. Much of that information is related to recorded hearings, etc. The Department of Labor notes the requirement for staffing will grow exponentially in the next few years. Assistance from trained people is a welcome alternative to both attorneys. In addition, large national legal transcription companies now hire home-based transcriptionists. They eagerly await our graduates, often hiring them before they complete their training. According to the findings of NFPA the future of legal assistants is increasing rapidly with the projection being that by the year 2005 there will be a need for between 150,000 and 176,000 such people in the U.S., working in areas such as law firms, corporations and corporate legal departments, financial institutions, insurance companies, real estate and title agencies, state and federal governmental agencies, courts, public defenders’ and prosecutors’ offices, public utility companies, and community legal service programs. These are dynamic times for these professions.
Interesting that medical transcription students have also migrated into the legal work. One of our students posted: “You can usually get hired into legal transcription jobs if you have experience in MT. That’s what I am finding anyhow. Nobody has questioned me about being certified in legal. I’m sure if the work was full of legal terminology, it would be a different scenario but many of the cases seem to be more ’street language’ than legal terminology, and sometimes medical jargon. At any rate, I am making 6 cents a line and it is pretty easy work.” “I have found several companies that provide both legal and medical transcription, Ubiqus is one.”
Q9: How much can I expect to earn?
Earnings are between $15 and $25 per hour. Contracting for Internet work is generally based on “piece work,” by the line or page. Let’s give an example: You could earn 6 to 10 cents per line or $1.50 to $3 per page. Once proficient, you should be typing about 300 lines per hour x 8 cents would be $24 per hour. If you work in an office, salary ranges are from $27,000 to $40,000 annually.
Q10: What about expanding opportunities and horizons?
The opportunities for expanding roles in your career path are also furthered through continuing education, expanded experience, increased acceptance of responsibility and increased challenges, and as standards for this profession are established and recognized, roles and responsibilities will be expanded. Technologically speaking, supply and demand are what run the evolution and creation of new software, macros and research methods available, and currently the Internet is the a great way to build your Cybrary (and the course will teach you how).
Q11: What will I need for software?
Most attorneys have their preference: Hotdocs, a WordPerfect program, and Legal Solutions, a program divided into modules depending on the field of practice and MSWord. If you are good with MSWord or WordPerfect, you will learn whatever they use very easily. For the Internet work, you will need an upload/download protocol, such as FTP.
Q12: Can I really make any money at home?
By developing the skills, yes, you certainly can. More and more people in these professions do some or all of their work at home (unless, of course, they are working in an office on a salaried position by choice).
Q13: Is there home business information included? Such as setting one up?
The HomeBizBook is available to suggest how to do that. It is a Career Development for self-evaluation, and includes marketing and sales techniques and methods that assist in finding work and/or in setting up a home business.
Q14: What equipment do I need?
For the training, a computer with a modem or DSL to access the Internet, a word processor WordPerfect or MSWord (many law offices use WordPerfect in its legal version), and some sort of cassette player or CD player (the CD player, Waveplayer, is an option in the course.
Helpful books include:
- Merriam Webster’s Collegiate Dictionary (latest edition)
- Black’s Law Dictionary (pocketbook), Bryan A. Gardner, $24.95 (Amazon.com)
- The Bluebook: (citations), $16.00 (Legalbluebook.com)
- Handbook of Basic Law Terms (pocketbook), Bryan A. Gardner, $12.95 (Amazon.com)
- Throughout the course, you will be provided websites for research purposes; this activity will facilitate your ability to use such sites in your training and your career. Some of the exercises may be based on the research you do, so take the time to familiarize yourself by reading what they offer, moving around to find other topics which may be of interest and looking at the links various sites will provide. You bookmark those you frequent most for a ready resource, your personal Cybrary.
Q16: Do you provide placement?
Meditec does not guarantee job placement or employment. We do provide you the HomeBizBook, a good resource to network and find work. We will also refer you to major national clients who have hired a number of our students for home-based transcription.
Call toll free at 877.335.4072 or enroll on-line.
Only this: If you desire a relatively new and specialized career that is in great demand, one that is immune to recession and other economic and industry fluctuations, one that can be easily developed into a home business or which can land you the job you want, then look no further. If you’ve shopped the others, you know that it will much longer than traditional schools and cost a lot more. This is a very cost effective way to get on track for a new career!