Medical Billing and Coding Schools
Medical billing and coding schools provide flexible training options that can lead to meaningful employment and respected certifications. Vocational programs in this area tend to be fast and focused, with diploma, certificate, and degree options available in person and online. Many medical billing and coding programs include externships, which give students real-world practice and help them make connections that can lead to future opportunities. This essential field also allows medical billing and coding specialists to work from home or in medical settings.
Medical Billing and Coding Schools
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UEI College
- Mesa
- Phoenix
- Bakersfield
- Garden Grove
- Gardena
- Reseda
- Riverside
- Sacramento
- West Covina
- Stone Mountain
- Dallas
- Tacoma
- Medical Billing and Insurance Coding - Diploma
Keiser University
- Daytona Beach
- Fort Lauderdale
- Fort Myers
- Jacksonville
- Lakeland
- Melbourne
- Miami
- Naples
- New Port Richey
- Orlando
- Pembroke Pines
- Port St. Lucie
- Tallahassee
- Tampa
- Medical Administrative Billing and Coding - Associate Degree
Florida Technical College
- DeLand
- Kissimmee
- Lakeland
- Orlando
- Pembroke Pines
- South Miami
- Tampa
- Medical Billing and Coding Specialist - Diploma
Laurus College
- Atascadero, California
- Chula Vista, California
- Oxnard, California
- San Luis Obispo, California
- Santa Maria, California
- Las Vegas, Nevada
- Online
- Medical Billing & Coding - Associate Degree
Southern California Health Institute
- North Hollywood, California
- Medical Billing and Coding - Diploma
Fortis
- Baton Rouge, Louisiana
- Landover, Maryland
- Lawrenceville, New Jersey
- Wayne, New Jersey
- Medical Billing and Coding - Diploma
Southeastern College
- Charlotte, North Carolina
- Charleston, South Carolina
- Electronic Medical Billing and Coding Specialist - Certificate
Keiser University's Online Division
- Online to Florida Residents Only
- Medical Administrative Billing and Coding - Associate Degree
Dorsey College
- Dearborn, Michigan
- Madison Heights, Michigan
- Roseville, Michigan
- Saginaw, Michigan
- Wayne, Michigan
- Woodhaven, Michigan
- Medical Administration and Billing - Diploma
Education & Training
You generally need a high school diploma, GED, or equivalent credential to enter this field. Post-secondary training in health information technology or medical coding and billing is strongly recommended if you want to pursue certification and improve your job opportunities.
Length of Medical Billing and Coding Training
Although shorter programs are available through a few online training providers, most medical billing and coding courses are designed to take anywhere from seven months for a career diploma to two years for an associate degree.
Program Options
Certificate or diploma programs generally take less than a year to complete. They provide a streamlined education focused on medical billing and coding fundamentals to help prepare you for entry-level employment and certification.
Associate degree programs provide a broader education that often includes a more comprehensive range of courses related to health information technology as well as classes in general subjects. Earning a degree at this level usually takes up to two years.
Typical Courses
Medical billing and coding schools may include classes in subjects like:
- Medical terminology
- Human anatomy and physiology
- Pathology
- Pharmacology
- Math
- English grammar
- Medical data standards
- Electronic health records
- Healthcare laws, regulations, and ethics
- Diagnostic and procedural medical coding
- ICD, CPT, and HCPCS classification systems
- Health insurance systems and terminology
- Billing and reimbursement processes
- Coding compliance and auditing
- Medical office software and procedures
- Microsoft Word and Excel
- Professional communications
Skills You Can Learn
Many programs that include medical coding training help students gain abilities related to:
- Using electronic health records (EHR) software
- Using billing, database, and word-processing software
- Creating and editing spreadsheets and documents
- Interpreting medical reports
- Identifying specific tests, diagnoses, and treatments within reports
- Assigning the correct codes to each diagnosis and procedure
- Updating patient records
- Complying with the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA)
- Performing basic bookkeeping and accounting tasks
- Managing patient invoices and health insurance claims
Licensing & Certification
Medical billers and coders are not required to obtain licensure in any state.
Becoming certified professionally is technically voluntary. However, employers often look for people with certain types of medical coding certification. Some schools include the cost of at least one certification exam as part of the tuition and fees they charge. You can become a certified professional through one or more of these organizations:
- AAPC: This organization offers several certifications. The most basic ones include Certified Professional Coder (CPC) and Certified Professional Biller (CPB). To qualify for the exams, you need to become an AAPC member. For the CPC exam, you also need at least two years of verified coding experience or at least 80 hours of relevant education plus one year of experience. You can still take the exam if you don't have the experience. (If you pass, you will have apprentice status until you gain the necessary experience.)
- American Health Information Management Association (AHIMA): The most basic types of medical coding certification from this organization are the Certified Coding Associate (CCA) and Certified Coding Specialist (CCS) credentials. Both require formal training and minimum direct coding experience to be eligible for the exams. AHIMA membership is not required, but members pay lower exam fees.
- American Medical Billing Association (AMBA): To become a Certified Medical Reimbursement Specialist (CMRS), you'll need to have a high school diploma (or the equivalent), gain AMBA membership, and pass an exam that tests your knowledge of the field. To qualify for the Certified Medical Coding Specialist (CMCS) exam, you must be an AMBA member and complete an approved training program. You must also have at least a year of experience or have already received relevant certification from another organization.
- National Healthcareer Association (NHA): You can become a Certified Billing & Coding Specialist (CBCS) if you have a high school diploma (or the equivalent). You must also have completed an approved post-secondary program, gained one year or more experience in the field, and passed the exam.
- Board of Medical Specialty Coding & Compliance (BMSC): This organization offers exams for gaining coding certificates related to home care.
As you consider a career in medical billing and coding, it's encouraging to know that this field offers both flexibility and stability. Whether you're interested in working from home or in a healthcare setting, the right training can help you build the skills needed to succeed. Explore your options, and when you're ready, reach out to a school to learn more about how you can start your journey in this essential healthcare field.