5 Online Medical Coding & Billing Certificate Programs

Looking for a path to a career in medical coding and billing? Billing and coding specialists play a crucial role in the healthcare industry, and it's possible to get started in this field with only a short-term training course.

Keep reading as we discuss some of the top online courses for aspiring coding professionals. We'll also answer questions relative to eligibility, national certification, and continuing education required for coders.

Online Medical Billing and Coding Programs

Let's take a look at some top coding courses you can complete online to become a certified billing and coding specialist.

1. Clemson University

Located in South Carolina, Clemson University provides various certificate and degree programs for students at various levels and on various subjects.

The school's medical billing and coding certificate program is completed entirely online and provides well-rounded training that prepares you for CPC, CCA, and CBCS certification.

2. Louisiana State University

Louisiana State University is a large public school in Louisiana. Many of its degree and certification programs are available online.

This 35-credit-hour program boasts multiple yearly start dates and accelerated coursework, allowing students to finish in as little as 12 months. Graduates can pursue CCA, CCS, and CPC certifications.

3. North Carolina Central University

North Carolina Central University is a medium-sized historically-black school in Durham, NC.

The school offers an online medical billing and coding certificate program that allows you to start anytime and study at your own pace. After graduating, you can pursue CPC, CBCS, or CCA certification.

4. Penn Foster Career School

Penn Foster Career School is located in Pennsylvania but provides distance education programs to students throughout the country. It is a private, for-profit school.

Penn Foster's self-paced medical coding certificate program is designed specifically to help students obtain CPC certification. Students must complete the program within 18 months, but otherwise they can choose to study when and where it's convenient for them.

5. U.S. Career Institute

The U.S. Career Institute is a private school in Colorado. Like Penn Foster, it specializes in providing distance education programs.

Those aspiring to become medical coders can enroll in the online medical coding and billing certificate program. This program is typically completed within five to 12 months. It provides affordable tuition, self-paced studies, and preparation specifically for CBCS certification.

How Do I Become a Certified Medical Billing and Coding Specialist?

To become a certified medical billing and coding specialist, you will need to pass a training program that prepares you to obtain one or more of several certifications. Many of these programs, such as those outlined above, can be completed online.

In these training programs, you'll learn how to use medical billing and coding software. You'll also learn about the Healthcare Common Procedure Coding System and codes such as CPT Category II and ICD-10-CM.

Once you graduate, you'll take one of several certification exams to obtain the credential of your choice.

It's important to choose training programs accredited by the AAPC, AHIMA, or NHA because these are the governing bodies that administer the various certification exams.

Before entering a training program, you'll also want to ensure you meet any program prerequisites. Common prerequisites include having a high school diploma or GED and having a basic understanding of medical terminology and anatomy.

Coding Certifications: What To Know

To become a billing and coding specialist, you will want to pursue one of the following certifications:

• Certified Professional Coder (CPC) by the American Academy of Professional Coders (AAPC)
• Certified Coding Associate (CCA) by the American Health Information Management Association (AHIMA)
• Certified Coding Specialist (CCS) by the American Health Information Management Association (AHIMA)
• Certified Billing and Coding Specialist (CBCS) by the National Healthcareer Association (NHA)

All of these are entry-level certifications for medical coders. Of these, the CPC and CCA certifications are some of the most common. The difference between these two certifications is that the CCA credential allows you to work in a wider variety of settings, such as medical offices, doctor's offices, hospitals, and long-term care facilities.

The CPC credential is primarily for those planning to work in physician's offices. It is considered the gold standard among certifications for billing and coding specialists.

The CBCS designation also enables coders to work in a variety of capacities. Meanwhile, the CCS designation is similar to the CPC credential in terms of professional scope.

How Do I Prepare for My Coding Exam?

Regardless of the certification you decide to pursue, it's important to prepare yourself for success on the exam.

Some certification courses will offer test preparation exercises and materials. Other times, you will have to prepare on your own.

To give yourself the best chance of passing the exam, it's important to understand proper coding guidelines. These are the set of recommendations or rules for how medical codes should be written.

It's also important to master CPT coding, or current procedural terminology. This is the language you will use when communicating with healthcare providers and insurance companies, as well as when working on medical records and insurance claims.

Finally, work on learning and memorizing HCPCS Level II and ICD-10-CM codes since these are the standard diagnosis codes used in the U.S. by all medical billing and coding specialists.

You may be able to find test prep materials online, such as flashcards and worksheets. Or you can create your own from your coursework and study materials.

However you study best, spend extra time memorizing the necessary codes and terminology. This will prove to be the most helpful when it comes time to take your test.

Medical Billing and Coding FAQs

Still have questions about medical billing and coding? Read on for answers.

Which Certification Is Best for Medical Billing and Coding?

All of the certifications mentioned in this article are good and may even be preferred by some employers. Generally speaking, though, the CPC designation is often considered the best for physician office applications.

How Long Does It Take To Learn Medical Billing and Coding?

Medical billing and coding programs are often offered as certificates: no bachelor's degree necessary. On average, these programs take about 12 months to complete. Some certificates are offered in a more self-paced or accelerated format, allowing students to progress through the course more slowly or quickly.

How Do I Become a Medical Biller and Coder in My State?

Regardless of where you live, you will need to become nationally certified to work as a medical billing and coding specialist. Therefore, the process of training and certification is similar in all states:

• Get your high school diploma or a GED.
• Enroll in an accredited training program.
• Complete the program, usually within 12 months or so.
• Take and pass the certification exam of your choice.
• Start looking for work.

How Do I Find an Entry-Level Medical Billing and Coding Job?

Finding entry-level positions as a new medical coder isn't hard. There are many jobs available and, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), the field is expected to grow at a faster than average rate over the next 10 years.

Medical billers and coders can find work in hospitals, clinics, long-term care facilities, physician offices, insurance companies, and other healthcare providers.

Explore online job boards to learn about open positions or check with coding companies directly to find out if they're hiring. Network with other professionals in the industry to make valuable connections and find out about openings you may not have heard about.

Once you have your foot in the door, gaining experience in the healthcare field as a medical billing and coding specialist can help you pursue other long-term career goals.

You could move into health informatics, pursue management positions in billing and coding, or even transition into a clinical healthcare position. Working as a certified billing and coding specialist can help you attain all of these goals and more.

Get Started on Your Medical Billing and Coding Certificate Today

If you're ready to begin your career path in medical billing and coding, check out each of the online certificate programs outlined above to find out which program best aligns with your career interests and plans.