How To Become a Medical Coder Online | Online Medical Coding Courses & Training

Medical coding is a career path that requires very specialized knowledge, but a whole degree isn't usually necessary. As a result, many medical coding training programs are available as short-term online programs.

There are a few other requirements to complete before you can become a medical coder. Keep reading to learn more about becoming a medical coder online.

What Is a Medical Coder?

Medical coders are a type of medical records specialists who take the treatment or care that a patient received in a healthcare facility and convert it to a numerical code for billing purposes. For example, a patient may have one code on their bill for an I.V. and another for an X-ray.

Medical coders may work for hospitals, clinics, physician offices, dentists' offices, and other types of healthcare providers. They work at a computer, and while some medical coders may work on-site, many work from home.

To work as a medical coder, you'll need a basic knowledge of medical terminology, to be adept with computers, and to have good organizational and time-management skills.

Steps To Become a Medical Coder Online

Medical coders do not need to complete a degree program, although some choose to earn associate degrees. At the very least you'll need a high school diploma and training in medical coding. Below, we've broken down the basic steps to becoming a medical coder.

1. Research Medical Coding Careers

Before you start the path to becoming a medical coder, it's good to know the basics of what a medical coder does: they review patient notes and translate those into medical codes. There are several different types of medical codes, including the ICD-10-CM, the CPT system, and the HCPCS Level II.

There are also other roles that are very similar to medical coding. These include:

• Medical biller: a medical records specialist who takes the codes and creates the claims that are sent to the insurance companies
• Coding specialist: generates the codes for products and services within a healthcare facility
• Reimbursement specialist: oversees billing and coding in order to handle reimbursements
• Patient accounts representative: answers patient questions about billing

Since billing and coding are often connected, some medical records specialists hold both medical billing and coding certifications.

2. Obtain a High School Diploma or GED

To work as a medical coder, and often to enroll in coding training programs, you'll need to have graduated with your high school diploma or earned your GED. You may be able to enroll in some programs while still in high school, but may not be able to get your certificate until you've graduated.

3. Complete an Accredited Medical Coding Course Online

Once you've graduated with your diploma or earned your GED, you can start a medical coding training program. There are a lot of online programs for medical coding, but you'll want to look for highly rated programs that hold some type of accreditation.

Many colleges and universities offer diplomas and certificate programs in medical coding online, as well as associate degrees. Other organizations, like the American Academy of Professional Coders (AAPC) and the American Health Information Management Association (AHIMA), offer online courses as well.

These programs often cover topics such as:

• procedure coding
• inpatient and outpatient coding
• the healthcare industry
• electronic health records
• patient privacy and HIPAA
• Medicare and other types of health insurance claims

Coding schools may be instructor-led or self-paced. Self-paced online classes can be better if you have a busy schedule but may be harder if you have trouble staying focused.

Some training programs simply require you to have a high school diploma, while others require you to complete prerequisite courses in fields like medical terminology or anatomy.

4. Learn Medical Terminology and Anatomy

Depending on your program, courses on medical terminology and anatomy may be included in your online courses, or you may need to take them as prerequisites. For example, a diploma or associate degree will likely include these courses, while the AAPC program doesn't include them in the coding program but does offer them individually.

5. Practice Using Medical Coding Software

There are several different types of software used in the medical billing and coding field. Coding professionals need to get used to working with these different types of software.

Your training program will likely cover some of the more common types of coding software. You may also be able to find online courses that focus on specific software options.

6. Prepare for Medical Coding Certification Exams

Many healthcare professionals in the coding field hold a professional certification or credential in coding to prove their competency. These credentials are primarily offered through the AAPC and AHIMA.

Typically, these organizations provide study materials on their websites, like study guides or practice tests. These will help you prepare for your certification exam.

7. Pass a Medical Coding Certification Exam

Once you're ready, you can take the coding certification exam you've been preparing for.

The AAPC offers several coding certifications, but one of the most popular is the Certified Professional Coder (CPC) certification. This is a 100-question multiple-choice test that applicants can take at a testing center or at home.

AHIMA also offers several certifications, including the Certified Coding Associate (CCA) and Certified Coding Specialist (CCS). The CCA is for those just starting out while the the CCS exam is for those with a little bit of experience.

8. Apply for Remote Entry-Level Medical Coding Jobs

After you've obtained your certification, you can start pursuing jobs in the medical field. While some may require you to work from a medical office, many will allow you to work from home.

The Bureau of Labor Statistics expects jobs for medical records specialists, including medical coders, to increase by 9% over the next decade. This means that these positions will be in demand.

FAQs About Online Medical Billing and Coding Programs

Below, we've answered a few frequently asked questions about online medical billing and coding programs.

What Is the Fastest Way To Become a Medical Coder?

The fastest way to become a medical coder is through an online medical coding course. These usually take a few months. If you complete your course through the AAPC or AHIMA, you'll be prepared to take your certification exam.

How Long Does It Take To Learn Medical Coding?

How long it takes to learn medical coding depends on your training program. Most courses, diploma programs, and certificate programs take less than six months. Associate degrees take two years of full-time study.

Can I Learn Medical Coding Online for Free?

Some online platforms, like Coursera and EdX, allow you to audit medical coding courses for free, meaning you still learn the material but your assignments won't be graded and you won't earn a certificate.

If you learn medical coding online through an accredited college or university, you may qualify for financial aid that will significantly reduce or even completely cover your tuition costs.

Become a Medical Coder Today

If you're ready to start your career in medical coding, explore the online program options featured on Learn.org. Contact individual schools today for more information about online programs and enrollment.