A profession in medical billing and coding is an excellent way to assist the healthcare industry.
There are numerous career options within the medical field that go beyond doctors and nurses, and one of these roles is known as a medical coder and biller.
Medical coders and billers play a crucial role in connecting the medical care received by patients with the financial sustainability of healthcare facilities.
You have the option to take fast-track online courses that can help you obtain a certificate in medical billing and coding in just four weeks. Alternatively, there are other courses available that offer a longer duration for earning the same certificate
This article explores the topic of four-week online courses in medical billing and coding. Additionally, it offers an introduction to the job of medical coders and billers and their crucial role within the healthcare system.
Medical Coding and Billing Overview
Medical professionals such as doctors, nurses, and technicians carry out procedures, give treatments, and conduct tests to make diagnoses. On the other hand, medical coding and billing involves organizing and converting patients’ medical records into standardized codes. This helps in communicating patients’ records and ensuring that billable services are appropriately recorded.
What is a Medical Biller and Coder?
As a medical biller and coder, you will typically be employed in an office setting, such as a doctor’s office, hospital, rehabilitation center, or nursing home. Although the exact responsibilities may vary slightly depending on the workplace, the core duties are generally consistent. Here is a compilation of important tasks you can anticipate performing as a medical coder.
- Examine patient records to accurately classify codes for billing purposes based on doctors’ notes about their condition, procedures performed, and office visits.
- Collaborate with healthcare professionals and individuals receiving medical care to guarantee the precision of information.
- Send invoices to insurance companies for services rendered.
- The study states that it is important to verify the accuracy of information, obtain the appropriate signatures, and obtain necessary prior authorizations.
- Review and verify rejected claims for both correctness and the rationale behind the denial.
- Sending claims again to insurance companies after receiving the missing information.
- Regarding the billing process, it is important to comprehend and uphold the confidentiality of the patient.
Work Environment
Medical coders and billers are hired by various healthcare facilities such as hospitals, doctors’ offices, nursing homes, and residential care homes. Depending on the facility, these professionals may work flexible schedules including day or night shifts and even on weekends, especially in facilities that operate round the clock.
Medical coders and billers primarily operate computers but also collaborate with registered nurses and providers to accurately record and outline patients’ health conditions. Additionally, they employ different medical classification systems to articulate the specific medical services rendered.
Salary and Job Growth
statistics. This is the middle point of all the salaries in this specific field, meaning that half of the specialists earn less than this amount and half earn more. The job titles that fall under this category include medical coders and billers, who have the responsibility of managing medical records and ensuring accurate coding and billing processes.
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), individuals employed in hospitals generally receive higher wages compared to those in nursing homes or doctors’ offices. The BLS predicts a 7% increase in employment opportunities for medical coders and billers from 2021 to 2031, which is considered an average rate of growth.
Who offers a 4-week medical coding and billing course online?
Medical Billing Certification Course (CMBP) – MedicalBillingCourse.com
Time to Completion: 3-5 weeks
Cost: The cost is $699.95 if paid in full upfront, or $799.95 if paid in installments over a period of up to five months.
Overview of Course: The course is designed for students to learn at their own pace and is divided into 10 sections, ending with chapter exams. It starts with an introduction to medical billing and different forms used in medical offices. The majority of the course focuses on medical insurance, understanding billing codes and modifiers, and working with medical billing software. The course ends with a section on medical privacy laws.
Course Requirements
This CMBP course does not have any prerequisites or course requirements, except for the tuition payment. If students pay for the course in advance, they can avail a $100 discount from the total cost of $799.95. MedicalBillingCourse.com provides a monthly payment option, allowing students to pay as little as $159.99 per month for five months instead of a large upfront fee.
Course Materials
Once students have placed their order for the CMBP course, they will receive all the necessary course materials. These materials include a textbook consisting of nine chapters, study guides, videos, and the exams that need to be completed. Additionally, students will be assigned a dedicated instructor for the course and will have the opportunity to participate in a student support forum that is available 24/7.
The course materials provide the necessary knowledge and skills to excel as a medical coder or biller. This includes comprehending the federal regulations that limit the disclosure of medical data, learning the standardized codes used in billing and coding positions, and utilizing software for coding and billing purposes.
Accelerated Online Coding and Billing Courses
In the following text, we will discuss different options for online courses in coding and billing, taking into consideration their duration, price, content, and the services they offer.
Medical Billing Specialist Online Certification Training – MedCerts
Time to Completion: 14 weeks
Cost: $2,000
Overview of Course: Although this program is flexible and can be done at your own pace online, each course has a specific length of time designated for completion. MedCerts suggests that students dedicate 15 to 20 hours per week to their training. The tuition includes various resources such as expert-led video training, competency assessments, the course eBook, and the fee for the national certification exam.
MedCerts provides a comprehensive medical billing specialist training program consisting of three courses. The initial course, known as professionalism in allied health, spans over a period of two weeks and focuses on developing essential skills such as patient interaction, medical ethics, professional appearance, and effective communication. The subsequent two courses, lasting for six weeks each, cover different areas. One course focuses on introducing human anatomy and medical terminology, while the other course delves into insurance, billing, and coding essentials.
The Medical Coding and Billing for Outpatient Services Program – CareerStep
Time to Completion: 618 hours of online coursework
Cost: $4,199
Overview of Course: Learners enrolled in CareerStep’s medical coding and billing for outpatient services course will have a full year of access to 618 hours of online coursework. By dedicating 15 to 20 hours per week to the course, students can anticipate finishing it in approximately 35 weeks.
The course is comprised of 15 modules, which include, but are not restricted to:
- Coding and billing essentials
- Liability and ethics in healthcare
- Computer fundamentals
- Telehealth coding
- Pharmacology
- Federally qualified health centers
- Health information management
The coursework comprises of simulations and real-life learning experiences.
Included in the program are two exam vouchers that can be used for either one exam. Certified Professional Coder or a Certified Outpatient Coder American Academy of Professional Coders, and it is known as the Certified Professional Coding® credential.The National Healthcareer Association is an organization that focuses on healthcare careers. (NHA)®.
Medical Billing and Coding – Ashworth College
Time to Completion: Up to one year
Cost: $899 (upfront); $1,099 (monthly pay)
Overview of Course: Ashworth college provides a program that allows students to learn at their own pace, with a focus on medical billing and coding. The program consists of 12 lesson groups, covering various topics related to the human body, medical terminology, electronic medical records, and different levels of medical coding.
Although students are given a maximum of twelve months to finish the program, it is designed to be completed within four months. Along with receiving course eBooks and access to simulated medical charts, graduates are also allowed to retain the necessary standardized coding manuals provided for the program.
Upon completion of this course, students will receive Ashworth College’s online medical billing and coding career diploma. Alongside the curriculum, students will also be equipped with the necessary knowledge and skills to successfully pass the certification exam.The individual holds a certification as a Specialist in Billing and Coding from NHA.The price of the examination is covered within the course fees.
Medical Billing and Coding Certificate – Rasmussen University
Time to Completion: 9 months (full time)
Cost: $12,094
Overview of Course: The medical billing and coding certificate program at Rasmussen University offers flexible scheduling with eight different start dates throughout the year. Students will study real-life medical cases, practice authentic coding scenarios, and engage in practical activities and projects. They have the option to enroll full-time or part-time.
The certification program includes a total of 36 credit hours and necessitates a blend of developmental classes, general education courses, as well as core courses that encompass crucial information on medical billing and coding.
Rasmussen University has a flexible policy for accepting transfer credits from individuals who have previous experience or learning. Students have the opportunity to transfer credits earned from other colleges, receive credit for military training, or even skip two courses by taking Rasmussen’s self-directed assessment program, which costs $149 per credit.
Online Classes for Medical Billing and Coding with Free Laptop
Meditec and Texas A&M Kingsville are two entities. All students enrolled in any Meditec program will receive a complimentary laptop for college.
This program prepares you to become a person who has received certification as a billing and coding specialist. Upon finishing the course, you will be fully prepared to sit for the certification exam. Additionally, both Meditec and Texas A&M Kingsville will supply you with a voucher to cover the registration fee.
On average, this program has a cost of $3,395, which is lower than that of other online schools. Unlike those schools, Meditec and Texas A&M Kingsville also cover the expenses of exam fees, books, and materials. In contrast, certain online schools that provide laptops may charge up to $750.
This program can be finished in a much shorter time period of 3-6 months compared to other colleges that usually take 24-48 months. They provide interactive and interesting learning techniques that are accessible 24/7. Additionally, you will have the opportunity to receive support from fellow students and peers through text, call, or email.
The program consists of courses in Medical Terminology, Medical Coding, and Medical Billing. The Medical Terminology course focuses on the language necessary for effective communication in the healthcare field, including specific terms, commonly used prefixes, and suffixes.
Medical Coding provides an introduction to the three main coding systems utilized in the field of healthcare and instructs on the process of assigning diagnosis and procedure codes. In Medical Billing, the intricacies of medical billing and the reimbursement process are elucidated, encompassing tasks such as preparing forms, processing them, and conducting necessary follow-up actions.
In this program, you will also be taught about the changes in medical payment, different methods of reimbursement, laws and regulations, and the coding systems used for diagnosing and procedures. By completing this program, you will acquire the necessary skills and understanding to pursue a successful career in medical billing and coding, and be fully prepared to pass the CBCS exam.
Tips for selecting the best certification or degree in medical billing and coding
There are different types of programs available for health information management. Some focus on preparing for certification exams, while others offer a more comprehensive education in this field. It is important to have a clear long-term goal in mind before choosing a program. Additionally, it is crucial to ensure that the institution and program are accredited by reputable organizations such as CAHIIM or AHIMA, as this ensures that the program meets high quality standards.
You have a variety of options to choose from when it comes to your education, such as short-term certificates, associate degrees, and bachelor’s degrees, as well as the choice between online or on-campus learning. You should select the format that suits your schedule and preferred way of studying. Keep in mind that prices can vary, ranging from $500 for a single course to more than $20,000 for a four-year on-campus degree. Take into consideration the costs of tuition, fees, and study materials.
To assess the effectiveness of certification-focused programs, it is important to consider the percentage of students who pass billing/coding credentialing exams on their first attempt. This gives an indication of how well-prepared students are. Additionally, be sure to choose courses that cover medical terminology, anatomy, disease processes, reimbursement methods, CPT/ICD-10-CM coding, HIPAA, and medical office procedures, among others.
Internship or apprenticeship opportunities in the healthcare field offer extremely valuable practical training. When searching for a program, it is important to find one that has proven success in helping individuals secure stable employment, particularly in medical billing and coding. It is also wise to seek feedback from those who have experienced the program firsthand, in order to gauge the quality of instruction, career preparedness, reputation, and the advantages and disadvantages of various programs.
The initial decision to make when selecting the most suitable educational option for medical billing and coding is to determine the specific certificate or degree you wish to obtain. While some employers prefer candidates with an associate’s degree, others are satisfied with a certificate in medical billing. Alternatively, you can pursue a bachelor’s degree in medical coding and billing.
Previous Education
Did you previously accumulate any credits in college? Or maybe you pursued additional courses or went to a trade school. If you have been part of a post-secondary institution, the medical billing and coding program you select might permit you to transfer some of your prior credits.
Online or Classroom Education
With a wide variety of medical billing and coding courses available, you have numerous choices when it comes to selecting a school and a learning method. If you excel at time management, organization, and have a peaceful study environment, pursuing an online medical billing and coding certification might be the ideal option for you. On the other hand, if you crave a more structured approach and require a strict schedule, it may be preferable for you to opt for a traditional school with a conventional learning style.
FAQ
What is the potential salary for someone working as a medical biller and coder?
As per the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the typical annual income for coders/billers is around $46,660. Although this is the average pay for those in the medical coding/billing field, the highest 10% made more than $74,200, while the lowest 10% made less than $29,430.
What are the prospects for employment in this profession?
Coders and medical billers can anticipate a steady increase in job opportunities, with an expected 7% growth rate between 2021 and 2031. The Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) predicts an average of 12,300 job openings annually within the next decade, as workers in this field transition to other professions or retire.
Is it possible to perform medical coding and billing from the comfort of your own home?
Until recently, it was not feasible to work from home in this particular career field. However, due to technological advancements and a growing preference among workers to have the option to work remotely, many companies are now offering this opportunity. It is now possible to work from home as a coder or medical biller, either as an employee for a hospital, doctor’s office, or even as a self-employed contractor.
What specific abilities are required to achieve success in the field of medical coding and billing?
Individuals seeking employment in the field of coding/medical billing must possess self-motivation, a strong work ethic, meticulousness, and patience. Effective communication skills are essential, as you will collaborate with colleagues in hospitals, doctor’s offices, or nursing homes. It is crucial for those interested in this profession to demonstrate dedication and enthusiasm for continuous practice and learning, as it is a field that can be demanding at times.
Is it possible for you to select a specialization in medical coding and billing for your career?
In various fields of healthcare, companies often hire different coders and medical billers who specialize in specific areas. These areas include dermatology, surgery, oncology, hematology, neonatology, neurology, pediatrics, and emergency medicine. If you have a particular field in mind that you want to work in, it would be beneficial to inquire about the company’s emphasis areas for their medical coders and billers during your interview with a potential employer.