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. Prerequisites and Requirements: There are no prerequisites to take this course. This course is 100% online. Start anytime. Online, self-paced, 384 course hours, 6 months access.
Cost/$2995
Call Continuing Education at 254-526-1586 to register.
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.
Curriculum
- Medical Terminology
- Overview of medical billing and coding in today’s healthcare system
- Healthcare Law
- Introduction to Health Insurance Terms
- Pharmacology for Coders
- Overview of ICD-10-CM, as well as coding guidelines, conventions and steps for assigning ICD-10-CM codes
- How the Healthcare Common Procedure Coding System (HCPCS) and CPT Code Book work, and steps for assigning CPT and HCPCS Level II codes
- Coding from soap notes, consultation reports, operative reports, emergency room records and procedure reports
- Electronic, paper and hybrid medical records, practice management software and developing insurance claims
- Submitting electronic claims and CMS 1500
- Blue Cross/Blue Shield
- Understanding Medicare, parts A, B, C and D
- Medicaid, TRICARE, CHAMPVA and workers' compensation
- ICD-10-PCS (optional lesson)
- Survey of hospital billing
- Marketing your skills and talents, creating a resume and cover letter, interviewing and salary negotiation
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.
