Medical Billing and Coding Program

Medical billing and coding is a rising star in the healthcare field today. This online course will prepare you to start a career in this high-demand occupation. More than 850,000 practicing physicians in the United States rely on medical billers and coders to receive payment for their services and the demand is growing. Besides medical facilities, positions are available with health insurance companies, specialty pharmacies, medical suppliers, consulting firms, and national medical coding and billing companies, so the opportunities are nearly endless!

Earn the medical billing and coding professional certification that best aligns with your interest and career goals. You’ll learn how to use the Healthcare Common Procedure Coding System (HCPCS) and the CPT Category II and ICD-10 codes. This course will prepare you for success in this rewarding career as you learn about legal, ethical, and regulatory concepts central to this field, including HIPAA compliance, official coding guidelines, and third-party payer requirements. 

Gain hands-on practice using medical billing and coding software. Upon course completion, you’ll receive a voucher for the certification exam of your choice: Certified Professional Coder (CPC), Certified Coding Associate (CCA) or Certified Billing and Coding Specialist (CBCS).

Learning Outcomes: 

• Medical coding terminology is required for medical coding, including the structures and functions of the human body
• The disorders and medical procedures common to each body system
• Legal, ethical, and regulatory concepts central to the field, including HIPAA compliance and third-party guidelines for filing insurance claims.
• The main coding manuals: ICD-10-CM, ICD-10-PCS, CPT, and HCPCS Level II.
• How to code diagnoses, services, and procedures for all systems of the body

Job Outlook for Medical Billing and Coding Specialists
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), medical billing and coding specialists earn an average annual salary of $40,350 and work in one of the fastest growing professions. The BLS also estimates that at least 27,000 new jobs will be needed in this profession by 2026.

Frequently Asked Questions
 

What does a medical biller and coder do?
Medical billers and coders are responsible for processing patient data including medical records and related insurance. In this position, you will code a patient's diagnosis and then request payment from the patient's insurance company. You will play an important role in ensuring that healthcare providers are quickly and accurately paid for the treatment they give patients.

What’s the difference between a medical biller and a medical coder? 
Medical coders translate patient care into current procedural terminology (CPT) codes. Their primary responsibility is to ensure that the medical services provided are accurately coded. Medical billers are responsible for creating a claim based on the codes a medical coder provides.  Many professionals in this area do both medical billing and medical coding.

What are the requirements for a medical billing and coding career?
Entry-level positions typically require completion of a certificate or an associate degree program in medical billing and coding. Additionally, medical billing and coding professionals must understand the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA).

How many years does it take to become a medical biller and coder?
In most cases, it takes between one and three years to become a medical biller and coder. Earning a medical billing and coding certification can take up to one year. Meanwhile, earning an associate degree can take up to three years.

Is medical billing and coding a good career?
U.S. News and World Report ranked medical records technician (professionals that perform medical billing, medical coding or both) as #9 on its list of “25 Best Jobs that Don’t Require a College Degree," #12 in “Best Health Care Support Jobs” and on the “The 100 Best Jobs” list.

What is the difference between certification exams (CPC, CCA, AND CBCS)?
Obtaining a CPC, CCA, or CBCS certification implies that an individual has met competencies in the field of medical billing and coding. Certification is invaluable to the student's career goals. Students have an opportunity to make confident, informed decisions about the national certification they prefer.

• The Certified Professional Coder (CPC) exam is offered by the American Academy of Professional Coders (AAPC). It is the gold standard entry-level coding certification for physician, or professional fee, coders. 
• The Certified Coding Associate (CCA) is offered by the American Health Information Management Association (AHIMA). It is an entry-level medical coding certification across all settings--physician practices and inpatient hospital.
• The Certified Billing and Coding Specialist (CBCS) is offered by the National Healthcareer Association (NHA) and is currently an entry-level medical billing certification for physician practices. In the summer of 2021, the exam will transition to an entry-level billing and coding certification, with the inclusion of ICD-10-CM, CPT, and HCPCS Level II testing.

Upon registering, you have twelve (12) months to complete the program.

Course Dates and Times

 Course Hours: 370 Hours

This workshop is offered through our continuing education online partner.