Is this cost of education for billing and coding to high?

by Sherry
(Massachusetts)

Hi I am considering a medical billing and coding program at a local school called the Health Training Center. They are based out of Cambridge, MA.

The cost of the program, which includes 5 courses given over two 15 week semesters and a 120 hour internship, is $6,200. They say that I would be prepared to take the CPC certification test. They claim that this is very inexpensive compared to other programs that advertise heavily. What do you think?

Is there any way to prepare yourself to the CPC test without paying for a program? Is is possible to self study using the internet?

BTW, this website is fantastic

Thanks Gina

Sherry



Response:

Sherry,

$6,200 doesn't sound too out of line for the course you described - I've heard everything from $5000 to $15,000 - so that sounds reasonable - especially considering the 120 hour internship included.

If you really get serious you might talk to someone who has taken courses there and see what they think. I checked out the Health Training Center website and they appear credible.

I have known people who were already pretty experienced in billing and coding and have studied on there own for the coding test. But it doesn't sound very easy.

I have also seen online courses and practice exams offered for the $100 - $300 range - but I haven't heard from anyone yet on how worthwhile they are.

Thanks again for visiting the site Sherry.

Gina