Questions to Ask Before You Enroll in a Billing and Coding Program

Key takeaway: Do not enroll until admissions answers these in writing: which exam the curriculum maps to, who places the practicum, the total published cost including manuals, and what a failed exam attempt costs you. The list is free. Email is optional.

Print this page or copy the questions into a notes app. A script at the end is written so you can read it on the phone.

The checklist

Credential and exam

1. Which certification exam does this program typically prepare students to sit for (CPC, CCA, CBCS, CPB, CCS, RHIT, other)?
2. Is that mapping in the syllabus, or only in the brochure?
3. Are current-year CPT, ICD-10-CM, and HCPCS manuals included in the published price? Which editions?
4. How many timed, full-length practice exams are included?
5. For CPC-prep programs: do you explain the CPC-A apprentice rule in writing before I enroll?

Practicum

6. Is a practicum or PPE required?
7. Who finds the site, you or me?
8. Can it be completed where I live, including if I am remote?
9. Is it unpaid, and how many hours?

Cost (published prices only)

10. What is the total published price of the whole program, including books and fees the school charges?
11. What is not included?
12. We do not ask you, and we will not advise you, about loans, grants, or aid.

Outcomes you can verify

13. How many students sat for the named exam last year, and how many passed? If you do not track it, say so.
14. What is the written retake policy if I do not pass on the first attempt?
15. Can I verify your institutional accreditation in the Department of Education database? For RHIT-oriented degrees, is the program CAHIIM-accredited?

The job after

16. Do you claim graduates work from home? If yes, what share of last year’s class was remote at hire, and how do you know?
17. Will you put “we do not guarantee employment or a wage” in the email you send me?

A 30-second script

“I live in [state] and I am comparing programs that map to the [CPC / CCA / CBCS]. What is the total published cost including manuals, is the practicum remote, how many timed full-length exams are included, and how many graduates sat for the exam last year?”

If they cannot answer, you are done.

Optional: email the checklist and future data

The questions above are the whole magnet. If you also want a copy in your inbox, and a note when we post the wage CSV refresh or open the practitioner survey, use this form. It goes to [email protected] through FormSubmit. It is not a request for school information.