Medical Billing and Coding Course
Become a Certified Medical Billing and Coding Specialist
In our medical billing and coding course, you'll learn about legal, ethical, and regulatory concepts central to this field, including HIPAA compliance, official coding guidelines, and third-party payer requirements.
You can choose a voucher for the professional medical billing and coding certification that best aligns with your interests and career goals. Choose from:
- Certified Professional Coder
- Certified Coding Associate
- Certified Billing and Coding Specialist
This unique offer sets this course apart from others you may have seen before.
Upon completing this course, you will earn a Certification of Completion and be prepared for your selected certification exam.
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.
Jobs for Medical Billing and Coding Specialists
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), the average annual salary of medical billing and coding specialists is $47,180 (as of May 2022). Jobs for these professionals will likely increase by 8% through 2032, much faster than the average for all other professions (3%).
The BLS also estimates that at least 15,000 new jobs for medical billers and coders are expected annually, on average, over the decade.
Medical billing and coding training FAQs
What's the difference between medical billing and medical coding?
Medical coders translate patient care into current procedural terminology 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 have both medical billing and medical coding skills.
What are the requirements for a career in medical billing and coding?
Entry-level positions typically require completion of a certificate and passing one of the certification exams 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.
How long does it take to become a medical biller and coder?
In most cases, it takes 1-3 years to become a medical biller and coder. Earning a medical billing and coding certification can take up to one year, while earning an associate degree can take up to three years.
Is medical billing and coding a good career?
U.S. News & World Report ranked medical records technician (professionals that perform medical billing, medical coding or both) in the top 5 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.
Prerequisites, registration and enrollment
- No prerequisites
- Start any time
- Offered 100% online
Medical billing and coding course objectives
- Medical coding terminology 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.
- Fundamentals of medical billing and coding and medical terminology.
What is the difference between certification exams, CPC, CCA, AND CBCS?
Completing a CPC, CCA, or CBCS certification means you have met competencies in medical billing and coding. You have an opportunity to make confident, informed decisions about the national certification you prefer.
- Certified Professional Coder exam is offered by the American Academy of Professional Coders. It is the gold standard entry-level coding certification for physician, or professional fee, coders.
- Certified Coding Associate exam is offered by the American Health Information Management Association. It is an entry-level medical coding certification across all settings--physician practices and inpatient hospital.
- Certified Billing and Coding Specialist exam is offered by the National Healthcareer Association 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.
Instructors
Nancy Smith
Nancy Smith has over 30 years of experience in the healthcare industry. Her clinical experience includes working as a medical assistant for a network of rural health clinics, and as a medical coder, insurance claims specialist, and medical records auditor. Nancy holds a bachelor's degree in vocational education and has developed and taught medical assistant programs.
LaTisha Cottingham
LaTisha Cottingham has over 20 years of experience in the healthcare industry. She has six years of teaching experience in the field of medical billing and coding and Medical Assisting. Currently she is employed as an HIM Analyst for a long-term care establishment that is based out of Alabama.