At Allied Medical School, we are available to assist you throughout your medical coding education. We realize that you may have questions about your training before, during and after your enrollment. That is why we have compiled the following information to help guide you every step of the way. If you find that you still have additional questions, please feel free to call us at (888) 822-2923 for assistance.
Why should I choose Allied Medical School?
Allied Medical School gives you more than medical coding training; we help you build a foundation for your new career. From the first day of your enrollment, you are given all the tools to succeed – gold star support, up-to-date program materials and hands-on training. Additionally, financial assistance programs, lifetime career assistance and a laptop computer help you successfully complete your education and make a smooth transition into your new career.
We know that you have a life outside of your studies – it is our goal to make the educational process as flexible and convenient as possible. When you choose Allied as your education provider, you get the assurance that you will receive an accredited education that leads to a new career. We want you to succeed, so we’re with you every step of the way.
How is an online education different from a traditional classroom education?
The end result is the same, but an online education and traditional classroom education offer different benefits – it just depends on how you want to learn. An online education provides you with a flexible and self-paced way to fulfill your education. You complete all of your coursework and take tests from the convenience of your computer. Receive the benefits of a traditional classroom education – gold star support and relevant program materials – with the added benefit of learning from the comfort of your home. Allied’s online program make it possible to prepare for your career without the hassles of arranging for a babysitter, paying for extra gas, finding parking, etc.
Below is a list of some of the differences between a classroom education and an online education:
| Classroom Education |
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Online Education |
| Travel to class and sit in a classroom |
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Learn from the comfort of your home |
| Learn limited amount of material in class |
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Learn as quickly as you want from home |
| Take your final exam at school |
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Take your final exam online from your home or office |
| Balance work/family issues |
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Choose to learn when it’s convenient |
| Learn at a specific time and place |
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Learn anytime, anywhere |
| Expensive |
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Affordable |
You can be in charge of your education – and manage your life at the same time! Allied’s online Medical Coding Program lets you choose the terms of your education – you determine where, when and how to learn.
Is Allied accredited?
Allied Schools is nationally accredited by the Distance Education and Training Council (DETC). The Accrediting Commission of the Distance Education and Training Council is listed by the U.S. Department of Education as a nationally-recognized accrediting agency. The DETC can be reached at: 1601 18th Street, N.W., Washington, D.C. 20009; (202) 234-5100; www.detc.org.
Accreditation provides a reliable indicator of the quality of the school itself; assurance of high standards and quality of programs; and confidence that the educational programs are well-respected by peers. Learn more about accreditation.
What is medical coding? What do you do as a medical coder?
Medical coding is a vital part of the health care industry. It involves the process of assigning codes to doctors’ diagnoses and procedures to help in financial reimbursement from insurance companies. Think of it as a unique language – one where codes are used to represent the specific actions or analyses of doctors. Without it, insurance companies would not have a common way to reimburse doctors for their services.
Some day-to-day duties performed by a medical coder include:
- Gather patient information from physician
- Check medical charts for accuracy and completion
- Utilize computer software to analyze data
- Use official coding guidelines to convert a medical symptom, diagnosis or procedure into codes
- Forward information to insurance providers to get compensation for the health care provider
Where do medical coders work?
One of the perks of being a medical coder is that you have the opportunity to work in a variety of health care settings. You can join a medical office team and be a valuable part of a doctor’s office, hospital, outpatient clinic, rehabilitation center, and more. There are a variety of opportunities available to you, in any number of settings.
Is a medical coding career right for me?
Medical coding opens the door to an exciting career in the medical field. As you work in an office setting, you can build your career and contribute to the family income. Starting a career as a medical coder is the perfect way to transition into the medical field as a trained professional.
What will I learn in Allied’s Medical Coding Program?
Allied’s Medical Coding Program helps you build a solid career with the knowledge to accurately and quickly apply the proper medical codes to patient visits and facilitate the billing process. Build your career with a solid medical foundation that includes knowledge of medical terminology, anatomy, physiology, pathology, and pharmacology, and industry-standard ICD-9-CM, CPT and HSPCS code books. Learn to apply your knowledge of common medical terms and coding practices and procedures to real-life case studies, medical charts and actual physician documentation.
What is the Medical Coding Professional Program?
The Medical Coding Professional Program takes the Medical Coding Specialist Program one step further. When you enroll in the Medical Coding Professional Program, you receive one all-inclusive package that includes everything you need to complete your program and start your career. From hands-on medical coding training to lifetime assistance with your job search, you will be covered. You also receive a no-cost laptop computer to complete your assignments and tests wherever and whenever you choose – start your career with the tools to succeed!
The Medical Coding Professional Program includes:
- Advanced Medical Terminology Course – learn the terms you’ll encounter every day!
- Medical Coding Course
- No-cost Laptop Computer
- Medical Career Assistance Network (MCAN) – make a smooth transition into your career with lifetime job assistance!
How long does it take to finish the program?
The Medical Coding Program is self-paced so you decide how soon you want to finish. The length will vary depending on how much time you want to commit to your studies. You can finish in as little as three months or take as long as one year – you are in charge! The good news is that the online format enables you to customize your study habits to fit your individual needs. If you want to start your new career fast or want to take your time with the lessons, it’s all up to you. The biggest benefit is that you can advance your career while focusing on your life.
What if I need help while I am taking my program?
You are never alone! Allied provides gold star support throughout the duration of your Medical Coding Program. This means that you can call during regular business hours and speak one-on-one with a highly-trained specialist. If you find that you have a program question or require technical assistance, you will receive personalized attention that quickly addresses your need. We are also available via email or fax. The Allied support team is with you every step of the way!
Does Allied offer financial assistance?
Yes! At Allied Medical School, it is our goal to make getting an education possible for anyone wanting to start a medical career. As a result, we offer a wide variety of financial assistance options to make it easy and affordable to start your education. Call for more details. You don’t have to let money stand in your way. You CAN afford to prepare for your future career with Allied by your side.
How do I start my program?
Get started by calling today – one phone call is all it takes! If you need financial assistance, we can take care of that too – all at the same time! Once your materials arrive, you will find a piece of paper on top of the program materials, which details everything that should be included in your package. Take a moment to ensure that you have everything you need. You will then be instructed next to open your study guide. This guide has step-by-step instructions that tell you how to get started, from logging on to your program to accessing your assignments.
What qualifications will I have when I finish the program?
Upon completion of the program, you will be qualified to work as a professional medical coder in any health care setting – from doctors’ offices to hospitals. You will have the skills to analyze patient charts, recognize medical terminology and assign codes in a quick and accurate manner. You will be prepared to play an important part in the coding process.
How do I become certified? Is it required for my career?
You need to take an examination administered by the American Academy of Professional Coders (AAPC) to become a Certified Professional Coder. You will benefit from Allied’s Certification Exam Promise – "Pass the Exam or Don’t Pay." To qualify, you must receive an “A” in your program and schedule your exam within 30 days of completing the program.
Certification is not required to start your career as a medical coder, but it will give you an advantage in the workplace. It provides you with credentials, which are highly valued in today’s medical field. Having the distinction of being “certified” can lead to better job opportunities and help you create the long-term career you want.
Please note that upon completion of your Medical Coding Program, you will be issued a Certificate of Completion from Allied.
Can Allied help me find a job?
The good news is that your alliance with Allied does not end when you complete your program. Allied’s Medical Career Assistance Network (MCAN) is a program available to Allied Medical School students, and designed to help you build your career. It provides you with job assistance for life – if you need assistance today or 10 years from now, Allied is there! You receive an eye-catching résumé and cover letter, personal introductions to top employers, exclusive job leads, and much more. You will benefit from businesses that have partnered with Allied. Get your medical career training and find your career all in one convenient place!
What is the career outlook for medical coders?
The next decade is expected to bring the largest employment growth to the medical industry, more than any other industry in the U.S. Every medical diagnosis and procedure requires a code for a heath care provider to be paid by an insurance company. Due to the increasing amount of claims, experienced medical coders will be in demand to streamline the claims process.
What is Allied’s refund policy?
Allied offers a 100% refund if you are not satisfied with your course:
If you wish to cancel within the first five (5) business days after enrollment, you have the right to receive a full refund of all charges. In this case, you are asked to refuse all UPS shipments from Allied Schools. If you wish to cancel after the fifth business day, but before any lessons are submitted, you are entitled to a full refund minus a non-refundable registration fee of 20% of the cost of the course (not to exceed $200).
If you have completed at least one lesson but no more than 60% of the lessons in the course and wish to withdraw, you are entitled to receive a “pro-rata” refund for the unused portion of the tuition until the course termination date.
Call to receive further details about Allied's refund policy.
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