Medical Billing and Coding Specialist

Online Non-credit Training

Program Overview:

Medical billing and coding is a rising star in the healthcare field today. This 100% online course will prepare you to start a career in this high-demand occupation and 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. Additionally, you’ll 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: CPC, CCA or CBCS.

Program Fee

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This course is a career series bundle.  Cost includes online instruction for both Medical Billing & Coding and 
Medical Terminology, textbook, workbook, codebooks and Study Guide/Voucher Package of choice for Certification Exams. *Must have a high school diploma or equivalent to sit for exams. 

Installment payment options as low as $146 per month. 

Program Format

370 hours of online instruction

12 months of access, self-paced 

Choice of study guide/voucher package upon course completion:

CBCS Study Guide

Professional Review Guide for the CCA Examination and ICD-10-PCS Expert

Official CPC Certification Study Guide

*See FAQ's for more information about study guide/exam options 

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), medical billing and coding specialists earn an average annual salary of $46,660 ($22.43 per hour) and work in one of the fastest growing professions.

*Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Department of Labor, Occupational Outlook Handbook, Medical Records Specialists (visited June 26, 2023).

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.

IS THERE A DIFFERENCE BETWEEN A MEDICAL BILLING AND A MEDICAL CODING? 

Yes. 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 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 (HIPAA).

HOW LONG 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, while earning an associate degree can take up to three years.

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.

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) 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.

ARE THERE ANY PREREQUISITES TO TAKE THIS COURSE?

There are no prerequisites to take this course. However, in order to sit for national certification exams, candidates must have a high school diploma or equivalent. Therefore, it is recommended you have this before enrolling in this course.

WHAT KIND OF SUPPORT WILL I RECEIVE?

The course instructor will be available by email to answer any questions and provide feedback on your performance. Occasionally, your course may be supported by a team of industry experts. You will also receive support from the student advising team.

WHAT IF I DON'T HAVE ENOUGH TIME TO COMPLETE THE COURSE WITHIN THE TIME FRAME PROVIDED?

If you are unable to complete the course, contact your Student Advisor to help you work out a suitable completion date. Please note that an extension fee will be charged. If you are funded through a third-party organization, approval may also be required. 

Be fully prepared to pass one of the following professional certifications that best aligns with your interest and career goals:Certified Professional Coder (CPC) exam offered by the American Academy of Professional Coders (AAPC)  

Certified Coding Associate (CCA) exam offered by the American Health Information Management Association (AHIMA) 

Certified Billing and Coding Specialist (CBCS) exam offered by the National Healthcareer Association (NHA) 

Learn how the CPT Category II codes and ICD-10 codes work and how to assign them in common medical billing and coding procedures

Gain hands-on billing experience with medical billing and coding software

Externship Starter Kit to help you gain valuable experience in the field

Medical Biller standalone option for those who aren’t interested in Medical Coding

Medical Terminology 

  1. Introduction to Medical Terminology 
  2. The Musculoskeletal System 
  3. The Cardiovascular System 
  4. The Lymphatic and Immune Systems 
  5. The Respiratory System 
  6. The Digestive System 
  7. The Urinary System 
  8. The Nervous System 
  9. The Special Senses the Eyes and Ears 
  10. The Integumentary System 
  11. The Endocrine System 
  12. The Reproductive System 
  13. Diagnostic Procedures, Nuclear Medicine, Pharmacology 

Medical Billing and Coding 

  1. Introduction to Medical Billing and Coding 
  2. Introduction to Health Insurance 
  3. Managed Healthcare 
  4. Revenue Cycle Management
  5. Legal Aspects of Health Insurance and Reimbursement 
  6.  ICD-10-CM Coding 
  7. CPT Coding 
  8. HCPCS Level II Coding 
  9. ICD-10-PCS Coding 
  10. Pharmacology for Coders
  11. Midterm 
  12. Clinical Documentation Improvement (CDI) 
  13. Insurance Claims 
  14. Commercial Insurance
  15. Blue Cross Blue Shield
  16. Medicare 
  17. Medicaid, CHIP, TRICARE, Workers’ Compensation
  18. Certification
  19. How to Find a Job in Medical Billing and Coding
  20. Final 

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. She worked as a medical office manager for ten years, where she recruited and trained all medical assistants. 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. Previously she was employed as the lead instructor for the Allied Health Department for a local career institute. LaTisha's field of expertise is in the area of physician-based inpatient coding and Emergency Department coding. The certifications that she holds are as follows: a Registered Health Information Technician (RHIT), a Certified Professional Coder (CPC), and a Certified Clinical Medical Assistant (CCMA). In preparation for ICD-10-CM, LaTisha received her ICD-10-CM/PCS Trainer Certification from American Health Information Association (AHIMA), where she is currently a member. LaTisha is also a member of the American Academy of Professional Coders (AAPC) and the National Healthcare Association (NHA) where she is a test proctor.

Carline Dalgleish

Carline Dalgleish has worked in medical office administration for over 30 years. She holds a bachelor's degree in Business Information Systems, a master's degree in Leadership, and a post-baccalaureate certificate in Health Information Management. She is a Registered Health Information Administrator and an AHIMA Approved ICD-10-CM/PCS Trainer. Dalgleish is the author of an ICD-10 coding system and owns her own consulting firm, AnnGrant Educational Services.

Lydia S. Stewart

Lydia S. Stewart, RN, BSN, currently serves as the Revenue Cycle Manager at a large regional medical center. Lydia has been a Registered Nurse for 23 years, 15 of those years specializing in Critical Care Nursing and supervision. She is responsible for Medical Audits, Charge Capture, and governmental compliance audits and reviews. Lydia is a member of the Louisiana Medical Auditor Association and Healthcare Financial Management Association (HFMA).

Bunny Reeves

Bunny Reeves is the senior ambulatory surgery coder at the Maimonides Medical Center in Brooklyn, New York. She trains student coders at Maimonides Medical Center and previously trained and supervised entry-level coders at Staten Island's St. Vincent Medical Center. Reeves is a Certified Coding Specialist, accredited by the American Health Information Management Association (AHIMA).

Sharon L. Blackford

Sharon L. Blackford, MA, BA, RMA, has over 30 years of experience in the medical field. She has a Master's degree in Organizational Management, a Bachelor's degree in Business Management, and has served as a Registered Medical Assistant since 1994. Sharon was an active duty Clinical Specialist in the U.S. Army for 10 years. Sharon later moved to the Gulf Coast to accept a position as the Director of Education of Blue Cliff College and was promoted to Campus Director.

Stacey O'Brien

Stacey O'Brien has more than 10 years of experience in medical coding and reimbursement. Ms. O'Brien has been a risk adjustment coder for a Medicare advantage plan, audited medical records for a consulting firm, and currently supervises the coding and electronic claims submission process for a group medical practice. She has a bachelor's degree from the University of Pittsburgh and a CPC coding certification from the AAPC.

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