Visit
Visit
Woman wearing glasses sitting at table in home dining room working with papers and laptop

Medical Billing and Coding

Are you looking for a medical-related career? Medical billing and coding is a growing field in the healthcare industry. This 100% online, self-directed course is offered in partnership with ed2go and can be started anytime. Prepare to begin your career in this high-demand occupation and earn the medical billing and coding professional certification that best aligns with your interests and career goals. 

Study at your own pace and learn to use the Healthcare Common Procedure Coding System (HCPCS), CPT Category II, and ICD-10 codes. You’ll also gain hands-on experience using medical billing and coding software. 

Upon completion of this course, you will receive a voucher for the certification exam of your choice: 

  • Certified Professional Coder (CPC) exam: offered by the American Academy of Professional Coders (AAPC). Certifies you to translate patient medical records into the correct format used for billing and record-keeping.
  • Certified Coding Associate (CCA) exam: offered by the American Health Information Management Association (AHIMA). Certifies you to Interpret healthcare data for medical coding and evaluates medical claims.
  • Certified Billing and Coding Specialist (CBCS) exam: offered by the National Healthcareer Association (NHA). Certifies you to translate patient medical diagnoses and procedures into standardized codes to submit insurance claims for reimbursement for a physician practice. 

Other course objectives include:

  • 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

Registration and Enrollment

Self-paced • 100% online • Start anytime

Register Now

Job Outlook for Medical Billing and Coding Specialists

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), medical billing and coding specialists earn an average yearly salary of $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.

8% growth through 2032 U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics

Medical Billing and Coding FAQ

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.

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.

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).

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.

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 your career goals. You'll have an opportunity to make confident, informed decisions about the national certification you 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 physicians 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 hospitals.
  • 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.

U.S. News & World Report ranked medical records technician (a professional that performs 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

About ed2go and Your Instructors

Ed2go partners with top colleges and universities to deliver online continuing education training programs developed and taught by industry experts. These self-led courses are designed to meet the growing demand for a skilled workforce in a wide range of fields and industries. 

These self-paced online courses are designed for independent learning without instructor moderation. 

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. With six years of teaching experience in medical billing and coding and medical assisting, she is an HIM Analyst for a long-term care establishment in Alabama.