Course Objectives     Job Outlook   FAQsPrerequisitesCurriculum

Become a Certified Medical Billing and Coding Specialist

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. Youll learn how to use the Healthcare Common procedure Coding System (HCPCS) and the CPT Category II and ICD-10 codes. Additionally, youll gain hands-on practice using medical billing and coding software. Upon course completion, youll receive a voucher for the certification exam of your choice: CPC, CCA or CBCS.

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.

FAQs About Medical Billing and Coding

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 patients diagnosis and then request payment from the patients 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 students 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 settingsphysician 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 Dont Require a College Degree, #12 in Best Health Care Support Jobs and on the The 100 Best Jobs list.

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.

Course Objectives

• 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 NationalHealthcareerAssociation (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 arent interested in Medical Coding

Prerequisites and Requirements

There are no prerequisites to take this course.

Course Outline

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

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 bachelors 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.

Registration and Enrollment

This course is 100% online. Start anytime.