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How to Get an Online Medical Billing Coding Certificate

Medical billing and coding specialists are an integral part of any successful medical facility. For students, it is an appealing endeavor as these are the two fastest growing jobs in the health sector. According to The United States Bureau of Labor Statistics, there is a projected growth in the field of up to 13% by year 2026. With an average pay of up to $40,000 per year, no wonder more and more students are interested in the budding field. We break down the courses, explore how to attain an online certificate in medical billing and coding and finally highlight competitive certification programs available online.

Medical billing and coding professionals review medical records and establish the diagnoses and procedures that a patient had.  Usually, graduates of an online medical billing and coding certificate work with insurance firms, patients or government authorities when dealing with claims or reimbursements. Additionally, they prepare invoices, code medical procedures and send bills out to patients. Coders are tasked with translating medical services into readable codes.

A certificate in medical billing and coding is perfect for individuals interested in joining the fast-paced medical field or those trying to advance their career in the field. Moreover, the online certificate course fits people on the lookout for a quick career change. In normal settings, the certification takes about one year to compete. The self-paced nature of most programs makes it possible for students to complete the course at their convenience.

Requirements

Even though the application processes for medical billing and coding certificate may differ from institution to institution, you will need to obtain a high school diploma or equivalent with a GPO of 2.0 or higher. An associate degree in a related field may also come in handy. Notably, online certificate programs allow you to send your application just a few weeks before the course starts. Additionally, you may be required to present transcripts from any relevant coursework completed before. Often, you will be required to pay a non-refundable application fee while dropping off the application papers.

Medical billing and coding certification online is often broken down into:

Fundamentals of Human Anatomy and Physiology with Lab

This is the first stop for most online medical billing and coding certificate courses. Students are taken through a comprehensive breakdown of body structures and functions. You should expect to breakdown cell structures and functionality. By the end of this introductory unit, students are able to understand the different relationships among body systems.

Pathopharmacology

Here, a student is equipped with knowledge of common human diseases and they get to explore the various therapies used to treat these. There’s emphasis on the disease etiology and symptoms. Students also learn diagnostic measures where dosage is also explained.

International Classification of Diseases

Students go through the principals, guidelines, definitions of terms used in the international classification of diseases. Students go through the anatomy and code structure of body systems. Moderators usually introduce coding references and ethics at this point.

Current Procedural Terminology Coding with Lab

This section builds up on the classification systems. Students are taken through CPT -4 and older versions of procedural terminologies.

Types of Medical Billing and Coding Certification Available Online

Certified Professional Coder (CPC)

This is the most recognized medical coding certification currently. This comprises understanding code sets used in the healthcare industry.

Certified Outpatient Coder (COC)

Emphasis here is on understanding terminologies, payment methodologies and codes used in the outpatient setup. Specialists with this certification are set to work in surgical centers, coding departments and outpatient billing departments.

Certified Professional Biller (CPB)

Emphasis is on understanding the overall revenue cycle. Training is intended to get specialists to hone their reimbursement filing skills.

Certified Professional Medical Auditor (CPMA)

Certification here means the specialist understands the record and documentation guidelines. They aim at ensuring the health care facility where they work not only complies to the medical standards when it comes to coding and billing but also that the establishment remains profitable.

Certified Physician Practice Manger (CPPM)

Specialists with this certificate are well-versed in medical reforms, medical office accounting and facets of physical practice management.

Certified Professional Compliance Officer (CPCO)

Those holding this certificate ensure compliance of healthcare regulations and prevention of Medicare and Medicaid fraud.

Tips for choosing where to get your certificate

  • Ensure that the course is accredited. Quality is of concern for anyone looking to pursue any online course. Check whether the certificate course is accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of Health Informatics and Information Management Education (CAHIM).
  • Go for institutions that will equip you in CPT, ICD-9 and HCPCS manuals by the end of the program.
  • Look for an online course that will prepare you to sit for the Certified Professional Coder from American Academy of Professional Coders (AAPC).

With advancement in the field, medical billing and coding certificate has not only become lucrative but also the standards have become progressively complex. Hopefully, this will help guide you on how to get a medical billing and coding certificate online and choosing an online certificate that will equip you to deal with treatment records, assign codes to diagnose patients and work with insurance companies on claims.

Everything You Should Know Before Hiring a Car Accident Lawyer

Traffic accidents always occur unexpectedly. Car accidents can be caused by various reasons, but the most common thing is negligent driving. The most common driver errors causing accidents are lack of attention, exceeding speed limits, driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol, aggressive behavior, failure to yield or sleep-deprived driving. If you have suffered from a car accident caused by a driver’s distraction, alcohol intoxication, drowsiness or simply lack of attention, the best way out of the situation will be hiring a proficient lawyer specialized in handling car accident cases.

Once you are involved in an accident, consider planning an appointment with an experienced lawyer. A real professional will help you deal with recovering losses caused by the accident and will take care of all the paperwork and insurance issues. If you know which steps you should take to receive legal aid, you can avoid unnecessary hassle, time and money loss. Take your time reading the tips below and learn everything you should know about getting legal assistance from a law specialist.

Main Reasons Why You Should Consider Hiring a Car Accident Attorney

It’s sad but true that vehicle accidents occur daily. In the USA, a great number of personal injury claims are related to traffic accidents caused by cars, motorcycles, and trucks. In many cases, only small damages occur, and the problem can be solved with a few phone calls through an insurance service. Minor damages include scratches, dings, or a cracked headlight, for example. More serious car accidents that cause bodily injuries or even death are important reasons why an experienced lawyer should be involved as soon as possible. A competent legal advisor should be able to help you claim compensation to pay back the losses dealing with the accident: repair service, medical costs, salary loss, etc. In some situations, depending on the state, a vehicle accident attorney can help you get financial compensation in case of a family member’s death.

What You Should Expect from an Experienced Traffic Accident Attorney

You can hire a car accident lawyer depending on the issue you are having. It can be property damage, bodily injury, wrongful death or determination of liability. In order to hire a reliable specialist, take into account their skills, pricing, experience, and look for the feedback from previous clients. It is important that your lawyer is well informed about the local and national laws about transportation infrastructure. The attorney has to know how to handle insurance procedures and paperwork, as well as everything about case settlement. Take your time making sure the attorney is certified, has a decent background and positive reviews from other customers. Last but not least, a reliable lawyer with strong skills works based on the principle of “no win, no fee”. Simply put, this means that if you don’t get any compensation, you don’t pay. So, check their pricing before hiring. In most cases, if your lawyer wins, you have to pay a certain amount of your compensation, depending on the total sum paid back to you. It may vary between 30 and 50 percent of the money you receive in case of success.

When Is It Better to Hire a Traffic Accident Attorney

The earlier you find a lawyer, the more money you save in the end. In the US, there are different terms of registering personal injury claims depending on the state. Try to call the lawyer as soon as you can, because you may start covering various expenses right after the car accident. The best time for contacting your attorney is about 1-2 weeks after the accident. But make sure to do it before the insurance negotiation process starts. Prepare all necessary documentation to show your lawyer. You will need your car insurance policy, medical papers, and information dealing with the accident itself.

Types of Car Accidents, and their Consequences

Accident caused by a truck: If your car, you or/and your passenger have suffered in an accident caused by a truck, the case should be thoroughly investigated to find potentially responsible parties. Sometimes, transportation companies may come up with a settlement offer. In this case, your lawyer should make sure if this offer is fair before you sign any agreements. You might also need a lawyer’s advice if the insurance company of the party at fault is trying to dispute your claim.

Personal injury in a car accident: In case bodily injury is caused by the error of another driver, the victim can get compensation depending on the severity of their injury. The work of an experienced lawyer should result in covering medical expenses, aches and suffering, emotional pain, appearance defects caused by scars, burns, or amputation. Loss of income due to inability to work and loss of a family member should also be compensated with the help of a professional legal advisor. It is a rare case if only one person is totally responsible for a car accident. In some situations, both drivers are responsible to different degrees for the car crash. You can still get compensated for your losses if your fault is no more than 50%. The sum of your compensation will depend on the degree of your liability. If you are 30% responsible for the accident, you will receive 70% of the initial amount of your award.

Motorcycle accident: Being less protected, motorcyclists are more often exposed to the risk on the road than car owners. That is why, when a motorcycle-car collision occurs, the car driver is usually at fault. Motorcycle accidents are the most likely to result in severe personal injuries or even death. That is why it is extremely important to hire an experienced accident attorney to thoroughly investigate the case and make sure that the rider, or their family receives a decent compensation.

Why You Should Hire a Travel Agent for Business Travel

If you’re an entrepreneur or run a business, your time is precious. You want to focus on your business and not logistics. This is where a travel agent can step in and save you time and money. Booking, evaluating and purchasing your travel itinerary can be very time consuming. A great alternative is to hire a knowledgeable and efficient travel agent to do the work for you.

Before you decide to hire one, here are some facts on what a travel agent actually does:

  • He/ she plans and organizes vacation and business trips for persons,families and groups and sees to it that details like flights, hotel accommodations and mode of transport are taken care of with the help of online reservation systems.
  • He/she informs the clients about their trip such as flight and accommodation options as well as important facts about their destination like the local culture and traditions, tourist spots and safety measures to take.
  • He/she is always updated on the latest travel trends and popular travel destinations.
  • He/she sees to it that clients’ profiles are maintained to keep track of their clients’ travel history, personal information and travel choices.

So, why should you avail the services of a travel agent? Here are just some of the reasons why you should hire one:

  1. A travel agent has the ample training in going through your travel plan and trip itinerary.
    Reputable travel agents know what they are doing because they are well-equipped with the necessary knowledge and training and know their way around the complicated world of bookings, reservations and making sure that clients like you can get the best travel deals around.
  2. Getting the help of a travel agent saves you time and money.
    Booking your airfare and hotel accommodation can be very time-consuming especially if you’re unfamiliar with all the travel options.  Travel agents spare you from all the trouble since they know their way around, thus helping you save precious time. Similarly, they know how to find the best airfare and hotel deals and can get you the best upgrades and extras which help you save your hard-earned money.
  3. A travel agent fixes any unnecessary changes and discrepancies; all you have to do is sit back and relax.
    Whether it’s a cancelled flight or delayed local transportation bookings, your travel agent can fix these discrepancies for you in a jiffy.  He/she also knows whom to contact when things go wrong such as problems with your hotel room booking, for instance. You just have to sit back and relax and let your travel agent straighten up any untoward discrepancies promptly.
  4. A travel agent has all the right connections.
    Travel agents have a wide network of industry connections such as hotel managers, tour operators and transport providers so you are assured that they know their way around and can get the best deals for you anytime.
  5. A travel agent is well-informed and knowledgeable.

You do not have to go through all the trouble of researching when it comes to amenities, bookings and other needed information of the destination.  Travel agents are updated and well-informed of the ins and outs of the industry and will provide you with the details and facts that you need to help you prepare for your business trip and overseas travel.  They can even advise you on things like the best restaurants in a city, the best places to visit and what local recreational activities to try.

Understandably, there are some setbacks when you hire a travel agent:

  1. You can save money if you do the booking yourself as travel agents usually charge additional fees for travel bookings.
  2. You can gain more insight on your preferred destinations if you do the online research yourself and gain access to various travel deals as well.
  3. You don’t really have to deal with travel agents especially if you’re an experienced business traveler unless your trip involves complicated details and routes.
  4. If you intend to make revisions to your business trip you can instantly do it yourself via online booking without having to go through the trouble of calling a travel agent.

Business trips are necessary to help entrepreneurs and business owners build partnerships and networks and in exploring financial opportunities.  The role of a travel agent is therefore essential as they act as your personal shoppers and advocates who help you clinch the best deals and upgrades. Moreover, they help you save time and money which are two very important resources.

How to Sell Your Timeshare Property

Have you invested in a real estate property and regretted doing so because of skyrocketing maintenance fees? Did you recently acquire a vacation house that you realized would be of little use to you?  Whatever your reason may be in selling your timeshare property, there are basic procedures that you need to follow if you want to put it back on sale in the market. Here are some important facts to consider when selling your timeshare property:

Beware of resale agencies.

Scammers are lurking everywhere so be sure that a resale agency is legitimate and duly-licensed, if and when you decide to sell through one.  Be wary of a resale company that is asking for upfront fees beyond US$100 and be cautious when a resale agent communicates mostly through phone.

Determine your timeshare’s value.

Timeshare properties tend to devalue easily so be sure to determine the appropriate value of your timeshare property by referring to sites like Redweek, Sharket and Timeshare Users Group.

Consider an agent.

If you’re too busy to supervise the listing and selling of your timeshare property then it’s time to consider a real estate agent to do the work.  However, these agents tend to demand a larger commission for such transactions as compared to usual home sales and may be selective with the properties that they are willing to sell.

Be sure that your decision to sell is final.

Ask yourself if your decision is final as being hesitant to do so may cause untoward stress.  Timeshares now also come with points that can be accumulated such as frequent flyer miles which may work to your advantage after all.

Look for a buyer yourself.

It’s now easy to look for a buyer so long as you have the patience and the right connections. Social media networks can be utilized and along with the right connections you can easily find a buyer for your timeshare even with little or no external help at all.

 

If you want to proceed with selling your timeshare property, the following are options to consider:

 

Put it on sale on consumer sales sites like eBay or Craigslist.

These sites are popular among consumers and frequently visited by prospective property buyers as well.

 

Utilize online advertising sites dedicated to timeshares like Timeshare Users Group or Redweek.

These sites are solely devoted to promote timeshares which are up for sale and most prospective property buyers visit it regularly.

Sell it through a licensed resale company.

Resale companies help in the prompt sale of timeshare properties. However, make sure that it is a registered and legitimate resale company and check with the Better Business Bureau to verify it.

Place an ad on the real estate section of the city or area where the property is located.

Don’t forget to post on the local ads of the city or area where the timeshare property for sale is located so it can be viewed by more people.

 

Here are some important things to remember on how to avoid scams in selling your timeshare property:

Do not divulge personal information to anyone who is offering to help you sell your timeshare without doing your due diligence.

Searching for a suitable buyer for your timeshare property takes time and resources so be ready to take on the risks.  However, if a resale agent tries to contact you and offers help in selling your timeshare then be on guard.  Giving out your personal information is a red flag as you don’t have any clear idea about the person you’re dealing with.  He or she may just be one of the countless scammers around who are out to make a quick buck.

Always do your homework with the help of the internet when contacted by a suspicious company or agent.

Thanks to the internet and Google you can easily search for a person or company online if you’re ever contacted by a resale agency or resale agent that you hardly know or were not recommended by friends, family or colleagues.   Check out if they have an existing website and search for their list of entries.  Legitimate resale agencies and companies place their company information, headquarters, address, list of owners, services and other pertinent information on their websites.  If a company’s website provides very little information and only lists a toll-free number then more often than not they are scammers.

Get in touch with your timeshare company and inquire about give-back or resale programs.

One great way to avoid scammers is to directly get in touch with your timeshare company for any resale or give-back programs they may have for owners like you who intend to sell timeshare properties. If they don’t have such programs they can always refer you to licensed and registered real estate brokers who will assist you in selling your timeshares.

 

Selling your timeshare property has its share of risks and set-backs so it’s best to stay informed and up-to-date with all the necessary steps.  Scammers are always on the look-out for their next victim so be sure to equip yourself with the necessary knowledge and procedures so you won’t fall prey to these heartless people. And good luck with your sale!

The Best Pest Control Options

Pests are in many households in the United States, where people are always struggling to control them because they are either a nuisance, transmit diseases or even sting. Homeowners are facing the problem of having pests in their homes where at first they think it is not a major issue but after causing major damages, that is when they understand the harm they can cause. Some pests cause serious damages to the house structure making it weak and posing the danger of the structure going down. The most common pests in the U.S. are the ants, bedbugs, flea, cockroach, boxelder bug, dust mite, fly, mice and many more.

U.S. homeowners should be wary of the method they are using to get rid of the pest due to health issues. First, you have to identify the pest to be able to determine the best way to get rid of it. Second, you can limit their numbers by getting rid of things that make them increase in number. Third, call a pest control service to resolve the issue once and for all. Having pests in your home does not mean that the home is not well cared for, this is common in many houses in the U.S.

Here are the best ways homeowners can control pests in their homes.

Remove any stagnant water.

Rodents and Insects need water for their survival, getting rid of stagnant water helps a lot in fighting with pests. Pests like mosquitoes survive well in stagnant water where they can multiply into different species and go through their full cycle. Removing this water can drastically reduce the number of mosquitoes near your home. The female mosquitoes, which are the only ones that bite, lay their eggs on standing water because they can easily float. If the water cannot be easily removed from the surroundings, it can be treated using Bacillus thurigiensis var israelensis( Bt-i).Areas like bathrooms and kitchens should always be kept dry so that the pest cannot find a place to get water. All pipes that are leaking should be fixed to avoid stagnation of water which acts as a breeding place for the pest. Always ensure that all water vessels in the house are covered to minimize pest existence. Out in the garden, ensure that trays placed under plants do not collect water which can also be a breeding place for pests.

Maintain high levels of cleanliness in your home and place food into containers that have lids.

Pests like flies, cockroaches eat on any crumbs they find in the kitchen. Fruit flies are drawn mostly by ripe fruits that have not been kept well and mealy moths are mostly found on unsealed grains. Kitchen cabinets should be cleaned regularly by wiping the splatters and dust once in a while, this will keep the kitchen clean and keep the pests away. All waste from the kitchen should be disposed of daily so as to ensure there is nothing that the pests can eat and also a breeding place. Regularly use soap and water to clean any spills on the countertops or on cooking devices like the toaster. If you cannot manage to clean your dishes every day, submerge them in soapy water until you are able to clean them.

Seal all the holes in your home that pests can use to get access to your home.

Pests can use holes to enter your house. Sealing the holes that they can use to access to the house can be extremely beneficial in keeping them away. Get rid of many entries points especially those that are likely to be used by the pest to access the house. Pests like roaches, spiders, ants, and even small wildlife can enter the house through a torn screen, openings around pipes or faucets, unsealed window or door or even crack on the wall. Sealing all these entries can bring a major difference in controlling pests in your house.

Look for the best pest control services in the U.S.

When you have done all of the above, and the pests are still dominating your house, it is now time to get help from pest control services providers. In the U.S., you will find companies offering these services where all the staff are trained on how to deal with different household pests. When these experts arrive, the first thing they will do is check the entry point of the pests and give you advice on what is to be done. they will also examine the yard to see if there are areas of concern for the future pest invasion. They will look for moist places around your house that harbor and attract pests or use a flashlight and other tools to check areas that can pose a danger in future. They will then put together an official report so that the information collected with help the fight with the pests easily and completely, where they will make sure that you are well informed about what is happening in your house.

Pest control in the household is very essential because when they invade your house they can cause health risks. Some insects can bring severe allergic reactions which can lead to death (often when one is stung by the insect). This calls for homeowners to take necessary action to protect their house from insects through the best ways possible. Pests that don’t bite or sting also trigger allergic reactions to some people and they include dust mites and cockroaches. Saliva shed skin, and insect droppings can also bring allergy mostly to individuals suffering from asthma but depends on how sensitive the person is. Keeping your house free from pests is one way of ensuring that you and your family are safe from harm that can be caused by these pests. Make a habit of visiting pest control professionals for advice on how to keep your house pest free.

Common Allergy Symptoms and How to Alleviate Them

For those of you who have fought with allergies the fact that having an allergic reaction to something can be life altering is common knowledge. However, many people do not know that allergies can be obtained throughout life. It is not something people are only born with. Every year more types of allergies are being discovered. This is why we we will help you sort out the types of allergic reactions and how to recognize them. Furthermore, we will discuss possible triggers but also the best treatment in the case of a serious allergic reaction.

Most Common Allergy Types

There are numerous types of allergies. We will try to sort them into categories according to the triggers behind them. Respiratory allergies can be caused by many things such as mold, dust, pollen, or being in contact with a pet such as a cat or a dog. Another type is food allergy, that can be caused by intake of particular nutrients found in different food items. Being allergic to something can change one’s life, but this type of allergy is one of the most difficult one to live with since people are not always in the position to check the ingredients of the meal they are eating. Allergic reactions can be caused by milk, soy, egg, wheat, peanuts, cashew, seafood like shellfish, and more. Listed here are just the most common food types that are known to cause allergies, but if you suspect that another ingredient is causing you an allergic reaction, contact your doctor as soon as possible. Skin allergies are the ones where the cause of the allergic reaction was previously in contact with skin surface. Plants like poison ivy, bee sting, different skin care products and makeup are just some of the examples of the things that can cause allergic reactions on your skin. We can also point out the possible eye allergies that are manifested as red and teary eyes. Some people can also develop drug allergies, and should avoid particular medicines.

Most Common Allergy Symptoms

If you are suffering from one of the above mentioned allergy types, then you are familiar with the many ways an allergic reaction can manifest itself. It is possible to mistake an allergic reaction for a common flu, asthma, or another disease. A Running nose and sneezing can be effects of an allergic reaction, which usually occurs due to respiratory allergies. These symptoms can be mistaken with a cold, but if caused by a repetitive behavior around a certain substance they are a likely allergy. Furthermore, if you are feeling short of breath, or you are experiencing coughing fits in particular situations, or during a certain season, you could be having an allergic reaction. Rash, or redness of the skin is one of the most usual allergic symptoms indicating skin allergies. Symptoms of food allergies can come in the form of vomiting and nausea, and many mistake them with food poisoning. Also fever, headache and tiredness can point to certain allergies but they too get mistaken with other conditions.

Most Common Triggers for Allergic Reactions

It is important to know what can cause an allergic reaction, or at least be familiar with the most common sources. As we have mentioned before, there are many types of different allergies, and many still surfacing, thus the types of triggers are plentiful. The triggers of an allergic reaction can be: inhaling pollen from plants, mold, dust; being in the presence of a pet (most common are cat and dog allergies); drinking or eating a certain type of food such as milk, wheat, or nuts; having a skin contact with particular plants such as poison ivy, or certain cosmetics products that are used in everyday skin care; being bitten by an insect such as a wasp or a bee. If you are experiencing an allergic reaction and have encountered one of the above symptoms, contact your nearest medic for more help.

Best Ways to Treat an Allergy

Previously we have mentioned triggers that are best known to cause allergic reactions. It is crucial to know what is causing the issue so you can avoid recurrence. If an allergic reaction occurs, the safest thing to do is contact a doctor immediately to consult on what medicine that is required. Depending on the type of allergy you are suffering, different medicines can be prescribed such as antihistamines, different nasal sprays, eye drops or decongestants. But, for many people living with allergies the most important thing we can do is make sure we create a safe and healthy environment. Making sure to close doors and windows, and trying to avoid outdoor activities during pollen season, can be helpful with respiratory allergies. Air filters also prove useful in removing potential allergies in your environment. Probiotics are also a good way to alleviate certain allergy symptoms caused by food allergies.

Allergies come in different forms and shapes, and can be triggered by many things. If you have reason to believe you might be allergic to something your next step is calling you doctor and addressing the issue as soon as possible.

Retirement Investment Options in the U.S.

With a living cost that keeps rising, it is mandatory that you think about how to save money, and if it’s possible while enduring little risks and high returns. You need to fit together the best way you can incomes and lifestyle goals so that you become able to make yourself comfortable during your retirement years. The whole idea is about preserving the money you already have, and the earlier you start saving for retirement, the more money you will be able to have for sure in the future. That said, it is never too late to start planning for retirement, and we are here to give you some helpful advice. In order to make the plan efficient, you must be ready to sacrifice some returns to lower the risks. You must learn how to balance risk and return. Here is a list of the most popular investment options to consider.

Annuities

Annuities are financial products that pay out a fixed stream of payments to an individual, primarily used as an income stream for retirees. Payments are provided monthly, quarterly, annually or by a lump sum payment during retirement. They are created and sold by financial institutions or through your broker. Their job is to accept and invest funds from people and, upon annuitization, give a stream of payments later. Once the payments start, the contract enters the annuitization phase.
The pros: You get tax-deferred growth of earnings. No annual contribution limit. A regular and consistent income source during retirement.
The cons: very high expenses, potential early withdrawal penalties, and payments may be taxed as regular income and you don’t get an extra death benefit.

Bonds

Bonds are actually just debt securities where you invest money to an issuer on a loan basis, it can be a company or the government. Once you buy a bond, you extend a loan to the bond issuer for a certain period of time. In exchange for the loan, the issuer pays you a specified interest rate regularly (it is also called the coupon rate). When the bond reaches the full term, the issuer should repay the loan (or full value) on the bond. You may find them on the Over-the-counter (OTC) markets including securities firms, banks, brokers and dealers. Some of the corporate bonds are listed on the New York Stock Exchange. U.S. government bonds and can be purchased on a program called Treasury Direct.
The pros: some bonds have no risk, some are tax exempt and many are an even low risk. The benefit is you know the return on your income and often it will have better returns that other short term investments.
The cons: It’s possible they could default and you would receive no return but this is uncommon. If you sell before the bond matures can also incur penalties..

Cash Investments

Cash investments are generally low-risk and can range in the time frame of the investment. They provide returns via interest payments. You can invest directly through financial institutions, your broker, your local bank or credit union.
The pros: they are easily redeemable, and often FDIC insured. They also are low- to no-risk.
The cons: they have a low return and can include withdrawal penalties.

Direct Reinvestment Plans (DRIPs)

DRIP is a plan proposed by a company. It allows you to automatically reinvest any cash dividends by purchasing more shares or fractional shares on the dividend payment date. Instead of receiving your quarterly dividend check, the company, transfer agent or brokerage firm managing the DRIP puts the money, on your behalf, directly towards the purchase of extra shares. Many DRIPs offer you the chance to start with a very small number of shares or low dollar amount and they support fractional shares.
The pros: this is a convenient means of reinvesting, it is also often commission-free and you may get a discount on purchases.
The cons: you always owe taxes on cash dividends even though you never receive the cash.

401(k)s and Company Plans

401(k)s and other company plans (or defined-contribution plans) concern you as an employee. You  contribute to the plan through a payroll deduction each pay period. You are the one who decides what percentage of your salary will be taken and the deduction is taken automatically out of each paycheck. Sometimes, your employer may also contribute to the plan with a matching contribution. To create such a plan, refer to your employer’s Human Resources team or Human Capital department.
The pros:  Often your contributions can be tax-deductible and also may grow tax-deferred. Some employers offer matching contributions (which is essentially free investment capital). If necessary, you can often borrow from the plan (in case of hardship) and pay back into it at a later time.
The cons: you get early withdrawal penalties and annual limits on contributions.

Exchange Traded Funds (ETF)

Exchange traded funds are investment funds that track broad-based or sector indexes, commodities and baskets of assets. They have access to nearly any asset class or sector, so ETFs offer exposure to markets that have traditionally been challenging for individual investors to get into, such as commodities and emerging markets.
The pros: they are very popular because they trade just like stocks on regulated exchanges. ETFs are tax efficient investments, boast low cost ratios, they can be sold short and purchased on margin. They offer diversity in a single investment and provide intraday trading access.
The cons: certain ETFs are taxed at a higher rate and big-ask spreads can be large.

Individual Retirement Accounts (IRA)

You can open an IRA yourself. If you have a spouse, each of you will have an IRA. The important thing to know is that an IRA is not an investment, it is an account where you keep investments such as stocks, bonds, and mutual funds. You get to choose which one you want and can change the investments if you wish. In many cases, you can have more than one type of IRA.
The pros: For traditional you have immediate (deductible) tax benefits and your investments grow tax deferred. There are also a myriad of investment options with differing risk/reward benefits.
The cons: There are limits on annual contributions and some eligibility restrictions, often early withdrawal penalties and you may be immediately taxed on your income.

Stocks (Equities)

Stocks represent partial ownership in a corporation. When you purchase a share of stock you are buying a little piece of the company. Investors purchase stocks for a variety of reasons, including the growth potential, liquidity, and dividend payments. Also, they consistently outperform other investments.
The pros: capital appreciation, diversity and voting rights.
The cons: prices can vary dramatically and you have high risk investment.

Mutual Funds

These are a managed grouping of stocks or bonds that are managed by professional brokers. They divide these groupings into a set shares that are intended to diversify your portfolio.
The pros: Letting professional brokers manage the performance, diversification of.your portfolio, often there’s liquidity and affordability.
The cons: There is a risk vs reward scenario as well as you’re still engaged in stocks and bonds. Costs can be high and your income can be taxed (depending on how you invest).

Conclusion

Your investment options for retirement can change over time to align with your goals, risk tolerance, and investment horizon. Also, retirement planning is not only about finances – you must know when you will retire, where you will live, and what you will do. This is why it is so important that you learn which options are available. Finding the perfect plan for you will take time and effort, and your main task will be to consider an investment’s advantages, disadvantages, risks, and rewards before making any decisions.

U.S. Health Insurance

Health insurance is a policy coverage that provides the policy holder with the financial protection in the event of an illness. It helps cover medical expenses. The U.S. federal government provides health insurance to those people who cannot afford health care coverage with other insurance companies. This health insurance coverage is categorized into Medicaid and Medicare. Medicaid provides health insurance to low income families and individuals and it covers basic health services and hospital visits. Medicare is covered through your payroll and provides health insurance to people who are over 65 years of age or those who are below 65 years but with disabilities.

How U.S. Health Insurance Works

Health insurance begins by paying an upfront premium by the consumer which is intended to help share the risk of healthcare costs with a wide range of other individuals. Other costs that come with most health insurance plans in the US are captured as copays, coinsurance and deductibles. These costs represent the share the insured pay out of their pockets when they receive health care. Deductibles are what the consumer pays before the insurance company contributes. A copayment is what the insured pays for each visit. Coinsurance is the percentage the consumer pays for procedures like surgeries or hospital stays.

HMO: Health Maintenance Organizations

The Health Maintenance Organization plan is an insurance plan that provides preventative care coverage for both the enrollee and his/her family. It covers doctor’s visits, hospital stays, emergency care, surgery, laboratory tests, x-rays, and therapy. This plan limits the choice of doctors and hospitals since the enrollee chooses one doctor to provide health care and, therefore, are required to get a referral from their doctor to see a specialist.

PPO: Preferred Provider Organization

These insurance plans mostly cover preventative care. They require the insured to choose a doctor to be their primary doctor who in turn monitors their health. For the Preferred Provider Organization, the insured often has to pay a small amount as co-payment for each time they visit the doctor.

The Obama Healthcare Plan

Obamacare, also known as the Affordable Care Act, aims at providing more people in the U.S. access to health care, holding insurance companies accountable for their decisions as well as protecting patients from being denied coverage. This plan is able to pay for itself since it requires that everyone get health insurance or else pay a tax. This plan allows those with chronic illness or pre-existing illnesses to get treatment after the expansion of Medicaid. This plan also has subsidized prescriptions for those who are in Medicare.

Factors to consider when selecting health insurance in the U.S.

Insurance companies in most cases have a contract with some health providers and hospitals to supply services to those who have an insurance plan with them at an affordable price. This is how insurance companies reduce their costs. Therefore, when evaluating an insurance coverage, a person should first consider which health provider and hospitals have a contract with the insurance company. An enrollee who goes outside of the network of health providers who have contracted with the insurance company is required to pay more for their medical care.

Secondly, a person should consider what the insurance plan covers since some insurance plans do not cover certain pre-existing conditions. Although the Affordable Care Act introduced more standardization to insurance plan benefits, not all were standardized.

Finally, consider how much an insurance plan costs since with some insurance plans, premium payments are only part of the incurred cost. In order to receive healthcare under some insurance plans, one incurs some other costs from their own pockets in form of copayments, deductibles, coinsurance and copays.

Importance of health insurance in the U.S.

With the introduction of Obamacare, there are now opportunities for all citizens to find affordable healthcare options. If you have a pre-existing condition or a chronic illness, through the Affordable Care Act (Obamacare), you are no longer at risk of an insurance company canceling your coverage. This is a significant benefit as often those dealing with a pre-existing condition are the most in need of healthcare insurance.

Healthcare has become more affordable for the policy holders since they are able to negotiate services on behalf of a large contingency of people. This, in turn reduces the cost to each individual. Preventative services including vaccines, checkups and screenings are available at low costs (or sometimes free) without any deductible cost. There are additional avenues as well to help with the costs of your health insurance.

Finally, having health insurance coverage exempts one from paying penalties in the form of taxes which are levied against those who do not have a health insurance plan under the Affordable Care Act.

Due to the ever increasing costs of health care, it’s important to understand the different options available to you. Illnesses are very unpredictable and it’s impossible to predict you might get sick or injured. It’s also hard to determine how much health care you might need and how much it might cost to get medical attention. However, health insurance takes care of these unpredictable issues and offers a way control these costs at a known and fixed amount each month. Although health insurance may seem expensive since premiums are not the only costs that come with the insurance coverage, it is better to incur these costs when one is healthy and pay less when in need of medical attention.

10 Best Medical Assistant Schools in the United States

Being a medical assistant (MA) is a fulfilling career putting you in a unique position to change lives. Most importantly, professionals are in high demand with statistics from the U.S Bureau of Labor Statistics estimating a projected growth of 29% by 2026. It is paramount to choose the right medical assistant school in order to thrive in this dynamic career.

These schools were ranked based on the following metrics:

  • graduation rate
  • retention rate
  • cost of tuition
  • community culture
  • student services

Medical assistant schools with the lowest tuition cost, highest graduation and retention rates and easiest to apply are ranked highest. All school programs ranked are accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs.

1. Century College

Century College Medical Assistant program is ranked the number one program in the country. It boasts of having the highest graduation rates, retention rates and affordable tuition rates. Located just outside Minneapolis, Minnesota, the program is designed to equip students with the best patient care management skills. Graduates go through 48 credited hours and a 300-hour clinical externship under direct supervision of a physician. After the program, trainees will have gained clinical, laboratory and administrative skills to enhance the quality of patients’ lives. To apply, students need an official high school transcript and a certificate of good conduct. Additionally, you have to pass English and reading course placement tests and arithmetic course placement tests.

2. Eastern Idaho Technical College

Eastern Idaho Technical College makes it to this list due to its friendly tuition rates coupled with a 96.67% retention rate. The small population at the campus offers MA students an opportunity to have one on one interaction with the training stuff. The medical assistant associate of applied science degree runs 4 semesters and a summer totaling to 2 years. Application involves filling out the admission form, presenting high school transcripts and proof of Placement tests for English and Math. A C or better is required for pre-requisite coursework as well as a criminal background check.

3. Wichita Area Technical College

At Wichita Area Technical College offers great certificate and associate medical assistant degree programs. The program boosts of a 60% retention and graduation rate. The institution offers a 9-months technical MA certificate and a 24 months Associate of Applied Science MA degree. Medical assistants from the program are equipped with cognitive skills and effective techniques to offer excellent work as heath care providers. Applicants are expected to take an Accuplacer science, arithmetic and reading test and provide a high school diploma during application.

4. Mitchell Technical Institute

The medical assistant program at Mitchell Technical Institute is a 2-year program where graduates get an associate of applied science degree. This fully accredited program, located in Mitchell, South Dakota, prepares medical assistants that can handle both the front office work and direct patient care. Application is relatively easy with applicants being required to provide a criminal background check and verification that they don’t have physical limitations. This is meant to ascertain they can perform routine tasks.  The students go through 73 credited hours in classrooms and cutting-edge laboratories. After graduation, students can sit for the certification examinations by the AAMA to improve their chances at job placement.

5. Renton Technical College

The medical assistant program at Renton Technical College (just south of Seattle, WA) has a retention rate of 85% and graduation rates on 97%. Other than extensive classroom and laboratory studies, students go through supervised clinical practicum. Additionally, students are prepared for the four national credentialing exams. Applicants require a high school diploma, a certificate of good conduct and a certificate of good health.

6. Nebraska Methodist College

Located in Omaha, Nebraska, this religious institution offers a 12- month MA certificate program to applicants from diverse backgrounds. The program, with a retention rate of 92%, requires a total of 930 credited hours with 300 hours reserved for hands-on clinical experience. Students are prepared for AAMA examination prior to graduation in their fully-equipped laboratory and class sessions. Applicants must have a high school diploma with a GPA of 2.0 and exemplary abilities in science and math courses.

7. YTI Career Institute

The medical assistant program at YTI Career Institute (in Lancaster, PA) equips new entrants into the profession with hands-on patient care techniques as well as front office acumen. In 21 months, graduates earn an Associate in Specialized Technology degree. The institute, with graduation rates of 67% and retention of 80%, boasts of up to date medical facilities, equipment and qualified staff. With the 12 weeks externship, graduates get on-the-job skills that will have them be integral members on any medical team.

8. Ohio Business College

Ohio Business College’s accredited MA program has a retention rate of 75% and graduation rates of 57%. They offer flexible class schedules across multiple branches within Ohio including day and night classes. The diploma is offered at main campus and Sandusky campus each boasting of a 5-year graduate satisfaction rate of 100%. Applicants require a high school diploma and good written and spoken English.

9. Forest College

Located in Anderson, South Carolina, Forest College MA degree program has 65% retention rates. Graduates make it out with an associate of science in medical assisting in 95 credited hours. These allied health professionals become multi-functional professionals that make integral members of health-care delivery teams in and out of state. Applicants require a complete physical examination, criminal background checks and high school diplomas with a minimum GPA of 2.0.

10. Kennebec Valley Community College

Located in Fairfield, Maine, Kennebec Valley Community College offers a certificate and two-year Associated in Applied Science MA degree. The graduation rate is at a mere 40% and the retention rate of just 67%. Applicants need an official high school diploma and a minimum of C in College level science with labs. Additionally, a minimum 74 is required in the Accuplacer sentence skills tests and 55 in arithmetic. At the start of the first semester of the MA course, students need strong academic standing in the form of a cumulative GPA of 2.0 or higher.

A professional medical assistant is a multi-faceted individual with top-notch skills in all aspects of medical practice requiring excellent training. These top credited medical assistant schools in the U.S will jump start your career in this highly competitive, rewarding career.

Everything You Need To Know About Mortgage Refinancing

When we are speaking of the term mortgage refinancing we are addressing the process of replacing an initial mortgage, or possibly multiple mortgages. This process can potentially save you thousands of dollars ifyou evaluate all aspects of the process. Whether you are looking to pull out equity or reduce your monthly payment, it’s important to focus on the different costs associated with mortgage refinancing.

When to refinance?

One of the biggest factors affecting the most convenient time for a mortgage refinancing is your own financial situation. If you have a stable job and good earnings it might be the perfect time for you to refinance. Steady income will definitely give you the advantage to become an eligible borrower for the loan with lower interest rates.

Becoming aware of the interest rate fluctuations, or better said interest rate growth, is in your best interest. Once you get a feeling that the bank or your lander will raise the rates it might be just the time for you to step in and refinance your mortgage.

Refinancing might be a good idea if you are planning to continue living in the same home for more than the next 5 years and especially if your home has gained some value. Keep in mind that the perfect scenario for refinancing your mortgage is the one in which your home has the same value or more of what you owe, otherwise it might not be so wise for you to embark on the adventure of refinancing.

Try to walk in the shoes of your mortgage loan officer in order to pick the best time for refinancing. When taking year-end bonus into consideration, one can only conclude that the best time during a year to get a loan is near the end of the fiscal year. If the goal is to get as many borrowers and close as many deals as they can, your mortgage loan officer might make a better offer for you in order to reach his own goals. This can also be applied to the time of the month you are choosing for refinancing, as some of the mortgage loan originators probably have certain monthly numbers they need to reach.

Benefits Of Mortgage Refinancing

Many people are opting for mortgage refinancing due to different reasons. Evidently, the end goal is for you to benefit from it, and thus this action must be taken into consideration prudently. One of the benefits of taking a mortgage refinancing is a better mortgage rate. Fluctuations of mortgage rates might actually be astoundingly beneficial for some borrowers, saving great deal of money by refinancing their mortgage. The interest rate of the potential loan or maybe even current credit situation is why many people opt for refinancing in order to get lower monthly payments.

Another benefit of refinancing your mortgage is that you can shorten the term of your mortgage and even switch from the adjustable rates to fixed rates. This way it is possible to pay off the mortgage much faster and save money during that period of time as the mortgage rates on shorter periods can be much lower and your monthly payments won’t be rising to an insanely big amount.

Combining two mortgages into one is another great side of refinancing your mortgage. People usually do this in order to refinance their original mortgage at a lower rate. What is great about combining two mortgages is that one can get a single monthly payment instead of two or even more.

What to consider when refinancing your mortgage?

The first thing you need to consider when thinking about refinancing your mortgage is the reason you want to get the loan. Make sure to enter the process of refinancing only if you have thought it through thoroughly. In addition, you should keep in mind that you need to be very well informed if your goal is to get the best deal. Before you even go to your preferred mortgage loan officer make sure you are familiar with your credit history and current credit situation, that is, if you are aiming for better interest rates.

It will be wise to put a little extra time in estimating your home’s value. Compare the values of similar homes nearby, search the market and maybe even postpone the refinancing if the value of your home is lower than you’ve expected. In addition you will want to take into consideration all the refinance loan costs and fees, gather all the required documents, and do your research before committing.

How to compare rates

The best way to compare rates is simply to gather as many mortgage proposals as you can. Gather information from great number of lenders and different types of lenders as well.The one thing you should be focused on is to search for the lowest mortgage rate but as well to be careful and look for the low closing costs. This leads us to selecting the right lander for you as one of the crucial steps in refinancing mortgage. Take your time and gather various proposals and use the competitors’ rates to negotiate for better terms. The more prepared you go to your potential lander the better your chances are to get a favorable loan with lower rates and lower fees. Negotiating is a big part of the whole process, so you should keep that in mind. This way you might get the deal you are searching for and save thousands and thousands of dollars.

This mini-guide to refinancing your mortgage should steer you in the right direction and give you some essential information about the whole process. Be sure to gather as much information as you can to be fully for this process. Take one step at a time and think through all your options to make the best decision for your financial situation.