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 the 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 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 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 technicians (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.

• 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

There are no prerequisites to take this course.

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

II. 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. 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.

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