Medical Billing and Coding | Alamo Colleges (2024)

Medical Billing and Coding | Alamo Colleges (1)

Online Medical Billing and Coding Course

Train to be a Certified Medical Billing and Coding Specialist

Medical billing and coding is one of the fastest-growing work-from-home careers in the healthcare field! This 100% online course will prepare you for the Certified Professional Coder (CPC) exam, offered by the American Academy of Professional Coders (AAPC). You’ll learn how to use the Healthcare Common procedure Coding System (HCPCS) and the CPT Category II and ICD-10 codes.

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Job Outlook for Medical Billing and Coding Specialists

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), medical billing and coding specialists earn an average annual salary of $40,350 and work in one of the fastest-growing professions.

The BLS also estimates that at least 27,000 new jobs will be needed in this profession by 2026.

FAQs About Medical Billing and Coding

WHAT’S THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN A MEDICAL BILLER AND A MEDICAL CODER?

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.

WHAT ARE THE REQUIREMENTS FOR A MEDICAL BILLING AND CODING CAREER?

Entry-level positions typically require completion of a certificate 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).

HOW MANY YEARS DOES IT TAKE TO BECOME A MEDICAL BILLER AND CODER?

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.

CAN MEDICAL BILLERS AND CODERS WORK REMOTE?

Yes. However, this will vary depending on the healthcare organization that one works for and their level of experience within the medical billing and coding profession.

IS MEDICAL BILLING AND CODING A GOOD CAREER?

U.S. News and World Report ranked medical records technician (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.

Course Objectives

Learn how the CPT Category II codes and ICD-10 codes work and how to assign them in common medical billing and coding procedures.

Be fully prepared to sit for the CPC exam, offered by the American Academy of Professional Coders.

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Prerequisites and Requirements

There are no prerequisites to take this course.

Curriculum

MEDICAL TERMINOLOGY

Learn common medical terminology of the body and how it relates to diagnostic procedures, nuclear medicine, and pharmacology

INTRODUCTION TO MEDICAL BILLING AND CODING

Overview of medical billing and coding in today’s healthcare system

HEALTHCARE LAW

How HIPAA, the False Claims Act, and the Stark Law protect health information

INTRODUCTION TO HEALTH INSURANCE TERMS

Health insurance terms, healthcare provider terms, and third-party reimbursement methods

PHARMACOLOGY FOR CODERS

Definition of pharmacology, drug classifications and routes of administration

ICD-10-CM

Overview of ICD-10-CM, as well as coding guidelines, conventions, and steps for assigning ICD-10-CM codes

CPT AND HCPCS LEVEL II CODING

How the Healthcare Common Procedure Coding System (HCPCS) and CPT Code Bookwork, and steps for assigning CPT and HCPCS Level II codes

ABSTRACTING INFORMATION FROM MEDICAL DOCUMENTS

Coding from soap notes, consultation reports, operative reports, emergency room records, and procedure reports

NEW PATIENTS, INSURANCE CLAIMS AND EOBS

Electronic, paper and hybrid medical records, practice management software and developing insurance claims

SUBMITTING ELECTRONIC CLAIMS AND CMS 1500

Electronic Data Interchange (EDI), electronic claims submission and the National Uniform Claim Committee

BLUE CROSS/BLUE SHIELD

Working with participating and nonparticipating providers

MEDICARE

Understanding Medicare, parts A, B, C and D

OTHER HEALTHCARE PROGRAMS

Medicaid, TRICARE, CHAMPVA and workers' compensation

ICD-10-PCS (OPTIONAL LESSON)

Overview, code structure, and definitions of ICD-10-PCS

SURVEY OF HOSPITAL BILLING

Hospital revenue cycle, chargemaster, master patient index and prospective payment systems

CAREER ROADMAP FOR MEDICAL BILLING AND CODING – FIND A JOB FAST

Marketing your skills and talents, creating a résumé and cover letter, interviewing and salary negotiation

Instructors

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.

Registration and Enrollment

This course is 100% online. Start anytime.

Enroll Now

Medical Billing and Coding | Alamo Colleges (2024)

FAQs

What is the best school for medical billing and coding? ›

Top Medical Billing & Coding Programs
  • Northwest Technical College. ...
  • Northland Community College. ...
  • Cowley College. ...
  • Southwest Wisconsin Technical College. ...
  • Bucks County Community College. ...
  • Laramie County Community College. ...
  • Minnesota State College Southeast. ...
  • Virginia Peninsula Community College. Annual Tuition:

What degree is best for medical billing and coding? ›

Best Degrees for a Medical Billing and Coding Specialist. Health Information Management – B.S.

Which certification is best for medical coding? ›

CPC certification is the most popular credential in the medical billing and coding field, but there are several other options that may suit you, depending on your career stage and goals.

How much do medical coders make in San Antonio, TX? ›

The estimated total pay for a Medical Coder is $53,835 per year in the San Antonio, TX area, with an average salary of $46,075 per year.

What is the highest paid medical coder? ›

High Paying Medical Coder Jobs
  • Coding Director. Salary range: $44,500-$122,000 per year. ...
  • Coding and Reimbursement Specialist. Salary range: $59,000-$97,000 per year. ...
  • Coding Manager. Salary range: $52,000-$83,000 per year. ...
  • Medical Coding Auditor. ...
  • Hospital Coder. ...
  • Coding Compliance Specialist. ...
  • Coder. ...
  • Medical Coding Manager.

Is it worth going to school for medical billing and coding? ›

Earn a great salary

A survey conducted by the American Academy of Professional Coders (AAPC) found that certified professionals earn an average of $55,923 per year. And according to this AAPC survey, earning additional certifications will only increase your salary potential.

Is the Certified Medical Coder exam hard? ›

There's no doubt about it, the CPC® exam is tough. A variety of sources show that ONLY about 50% of coders receive the necessary 70% score to pass the CPC® Exam on the first try. That means that half of all test-takers need a second shot at passing. Who wants to take this test more than once?

Which medical coding is best for beginners? ›

CPC training focuses exclusively on ICD-10-CM, CPT®, and HCPCS Level II coding and is the best place to start as a new medical coder.

Which pays more, CPC or CCS? ›

CCS certification often provides higher earning potential due to its specialization in inpatient coding. CPC-certified professionals typically earn between $40,000 and $60,000 annually, whereas CCS-certified coders can command salaries ranging from $45,000 to $65,000.

How much does an entry level Medical Coder make in Texas? ›

$34,900 is the 25th percentile. Salaries below this are outliers. $46,600 is the 75th percentile.

How to become a Medical Coder in Texas? ›

There are no formal requirements to become a medical coder and biller in Texas. However, having a high school diploma or equivalent and graduating from a formal medical billing and coding program can help you stand out when applying for jobs.

How much does medical billing and coding pay per hour in Texas? ›

As of Aug 16, 2024, the average hourly pay for the Medical Billing & Coding jobs category in Texas is $21.25 an hour.

Where is the best place to get a medical coding certification? ›

Organizations like AAPC, AHIMA and the American Medical Billing Association provide certification for medical billing and coding. Some certifications cover billing or coding only, while others cover both, so choose the certification that best aligns with your career goals.

What is the best online college for medical coding? ›

What are the top online medical billing and coding programs?
  • American Academy of Professional Coders (AAPC) ...
  • American Health Information Management Association: Medical Coding and Reimbursement Online Course Bundle. ...
  • Penn Foster: Medical Billing and Coding. ...
  • University of Cincinnati: Medical Coder.
Jul 30, 2024

How long does it take to learn medical billing and coding? ›

Students training to become a medical biller and coder earn a certificate in as little as 7-9 months or an Associate of Science degree in as few as 15 months.

How much do medical coders make in NY? ›

$41,000 is the 25th percentile. Salaries below this are outliers. $52,500 is the 75th percentile.

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