Becoming a healthcare reimbursement specialist starts with the right medical billing and coding course tailored to your career goals.
These medical billing and coding courses are a great way to learn from other people who've got their fingers on the pulse of the medical billing and coding practice. Here's a summary of each course to help you learn who it's for and why it's great.
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Best Medical Billing And Coding Course Shortlist
Here's a shortlist of the best medical billing and coding courses I think are worth your time in 2024:
- Certified Professional Coder (CPC) Online Training Course (AAPC)
- Medical Billing and Coding (Penn Foster)
- Online Medical Billing and Coding Course (SIU)
- Medical Billing and Coding Fundamentals Specialization (MedCerts)
- Online Medical Billing and Coding Course (BMCC)
- Medical Billing and Coding (Broward College)
- Diploma in Medical Coding and Billing (Advance Learning - Health, Nursing & Medical)
- Online Medical Coding and Billing Professional Training Program (CareerStep)
- California Online Medical Billing & Coding Program (CALRegional)
- Online Medical Coding & Billing Certificate Program (U.S. Career Institute)
- Online Medical Billing and Coding Course (OSU)
- Medical Billing and Coding Programs (UMA)
- Online Medical Billing and Coding Class (SNHU)
- Certified Billing and Coding Specialist (CBCS) Online (CCNY)
- Medical Billing and Coding (Wake Tech)
- Medical Coding and Billing Specialist - Workforce Credential (Virginia Peninsula Community College)
- Professional Medical Billing and Coding (CT State)
Find more details about each course below.
Overview Of The Best Medical Billing And Coding Course
To choose the right course, it’s essential to have an overview of medical coding and its importance in healthcare. Once you're caught up, keep reading for my suggestions of the best medical billing and coding courses:
1. Certified Professional Coder (CPC) Online Training Course (AAPC)
The AAPC offers an online training course for the Certified Professional Coder (CPC) certification, designed to help individuals prepare for the CPC exam. The course includes resources such as study guides and practice exams.
- Who It’s For: Individuals preparing for the CPC certification exam
- Topics Covered:
- CPT®
- ICD-10-CM
- HCPCS Level II code books
- E/M service levels
- Coding operative reports
- Online, In-Person, or Both? Online
- Exam Required? Yes
- Duration:
- 4 to 8 months (self-paced)
- 16 weeks (instructor-led)
- How Many Hours Of Instruction: Self-paced
- Eligibility Requirements:
- Fundamentals of Medicine Course
- Equivalent real-world experience
- Price:
- Self-paced: $2,390
- Self-paced max: $2,849
- Instructor-led: $3,549
- Take The Course: AAPC
2. Medical Billing and Coding (Penn Foster)
Penn Foster offers an online diploma program to prepare students for a healthcare career. It covers the essential skills and knowledge needed for medical billing and medical billing codes, which are critical for healthcare administration.
- Who It’s For: Individuals seeking a medical billing, coding, or healthcare administration career
- Topics Covered:
- ICD-10, CPT, and HCPCS coding systems
- HIPAA compliance and privacy laws
- Insurance claim processes and reimbursements
- Medical terminology and anatomy for billing
- Navigating electronic health records (EHR)
- Online, In-Person, or Both? Online
- Exam Required? Yes
- Duration: 10 to 14 months
- Eligibility Requirements: None
- Price: $999
- Take The Course: Penn Foster
3. Online Medical Billing and Coding Course (SIU)
This course provides focused training in medical billing and coding, preparing students to work within the healthcare system and manage health information accurately. Offered through continuing education, it equips learners with the skills to process medical claims and handle insurance billing.
- Who It’s For: Aspiring medical billers, coders, and health information technicians
- Topics Covered:
- Medical terminology
- Health insurance and healthcare law
- ICD-10, CPT, and HCPCS coding
- Electronic claims submission and insurance billing
- Medicare, Medicaid, and other healthcare programs
- Online, In-Person, or Both? Online
- Exam Required? Yes
- Duration: 12 months
- How Many Hours Of Instruction: 370 hours
- Eligibility Requirements: None
- Price: $2,995.00
- Take The Course: SIU
4. Medical Billing and Coding Fundamentals Specialization (MedCerts)
This course provides fundamental training in medical billing and coding, focusing on the language of insurance and navigating revenue cycles. Students gain practical knowledge of billing processes, insurance verification, and essential coding skills through immersive online lessons.
- Who It’s For: Aspiring healthcare administrators, medical billers, and coders
- Topics Covered:
- Mastery of ICD-10, CPT, and HCPCS codes
- Legal and regulatory aspects of healthcare billing
- Accurate insurance claim submission and processing
- Medical terminology for coding accuracy
- Ethical practices in billing and coding
- Online, In-Person, or Both? Online
- Exam Required? No
- Duration: 1 month
- How Many Hours Of Instruction: 10 hours per week
- Eligibility Requirements: None
- Price: $49.00 per month
- Take The Course: Coursera
5. Online Medical Billing and Coding Course (BMCC)
This course offers comprehensive training for those entering the high-demand medical billing and coding field. Students will learn to assign diagnosis codes and work with medical billing systems to support healthcare providers. The program includes hands-on experience with coding software and prepares students for certification with no prerequisites required.
- Who It’s For: Aspiring medical coders, billers, and healthcare administration professionals
- Topics Covered:
- Mastering ICD-10, CPT, and HCPCS coding systems
- Handling electronic health records (EHR)
- Healthcare reimbursement and claim submission
- Compliance with HIPAA and healthcare laws
- Resolving denied claims and billing disputes
- Online, In-Person, or Both? Online
- Exam Required? Yes
- Duration: 12 months
- How Many Hours Of Instruction: 370 hours
- Eligibility Requirements: None
- Price: $2,995.00
- Take The Course: BMCC
6. Medical Billing and Coding (Broward College)
This course covers the essential medical billing and coding aspects, including the revenue cycle, payer requirements, and industry-standard coding guidelines. Students will learn coding systems, medical terminology, and procedures. Upon completion, participants will receive a voucher for a national certification exam from the American Academy of Professional Coders (AAPC), the American Health Information Management Association (AHIMA), or the National Healthcareer Association (NHA).
- Who It’s For: Individuals interested in pursuing a role in medical coding and billing
- Topics Covered:
- Navigating ICD-10, CPT, and HCPCS coding systems
- Insurance claim submission and management
- HIPAA compliance and legal regulations
- Human body systems and medical terminology
- Denial management and appeals processes
- Online, In-Person, or Both? Online
- Exam Required? Yes
- Duration: 12 months
- How Many Hours Of Instruction: 370 hours
- Eligibility Requirements: None
- Price: $2,995
- Take The Course: Broward College
7. Diploma in Medical Coding and Billing (Advance Learning - Health, Nursing & Medical)
This course provides training on how medical assistants handle medical coding and billing for health insurance claims. It focuses on the detailed processes involved in coding, billing, and working with insurance companies, including Medicare and Medicaid.
- Who It’s For: Individuals seeking a free, accredited course
- Topics Covered:
- Mastery of ICD-10-CM, CPT, and HCPCS coding systems
- Understanding medical terminology and human anatomy for precise coding
- Navigating healthcare reimbursement methodologies
- Compliance with HIPAA and other legal regulations
- Utilizing medical billing software and electronic health records (EHR)
- Techniques for resolving denied claims and appeals processes
- Online, In-Person, or Both? Online
- Exam Required? Yes
- Duration: 15-20 hours
- How Many Hours Of Instruction: Self-paced
- Eligibility Requirements: None
- Price:
- Free
- Paid certificates: $8.82
- Take The Course: Alison
8. Online Medical Coding and Billing Professional Training Program (CareerStep)
This training Program is designed to help individuals become certified medical billing and coding professionals. The program can be completed from home and includes various resources and support for learners.
- Who It’s For: Individuals seeking medical billing and coding certification
- Topics Covered:
- In-depth use of CPT, ICD-10-CM, and HCPCS coding
- Claims processing and insurance reimbursement methods
- Compliance with healthcare laws like HIPAA
- Medical terminology and anatomy for coding
- Using medical billing software and systems
- Online, In-Person, or Both? Online
- Exam Required? Yes
- Duration: 12 months full access
- How Many Hours Of Instruction: Self-paced
- Eligibility Requirements: None
- Price: $3,699
- Take The Course: CareerStep
9. California Online Medical Billing & Coding Program (CALRegional)
This course provides comprehensive medical coding and billing training, preparing students to process insurance claims, use coding systems, and comply with healthcare regulations. The program equips participants with the skills needed for entry-level positions in healthcare administration.
- Who It’s For: Individuals interested in healthcare data management
- Topics Covered:
- ICD-10
- CPT
- HCPCS Level II
- HIPAA compliance and regulatory standards
- Using medical billing software
- Online, In-Person, or Both? Online
- Exam Required? Yes
- Duration: 11 weeks
- How Many Hours Of Instruction: 144 hours
- Eligibility Requirements: None
- Price: $1,995
- Take The Course: CALRegional
10. Online Medical Coding & Billing Certificate Program (U.S. Career Institute)
The U.S. Career Institute offers an Online Medical Coding & Billing Certificate Program that is fully self-paced and accessible online. The program prepares students for the Certified Billing and Coding Specialist (CBCS) exam. Students can start the program anytime and study from anywhere, including on their phones.
- Who It’s For: Aspiring medical coders, billers, and healthcare administrators.
- Topics Covered:
- Mastering CPT, ICD-10-CM, and HCPCS coding systems
- Handling insurance claims and reimbursements
- Medical terminology and anatomy for accurate billing
- Compliance with HIPAA and healthcare regulations
- Using electronic health records and billing software
- Online, In-Person, or Both? Online
- Exam Required? Yes
- Duration: 5 to 12 months
- How Many Hours Of Instruction: Self-paced
- Eligibility Requirements: High school diploma or equivalent
- Price:
- $79/month ($2,269 total)
- $1,869 (pay in full tuition)
- Take The Course: U.S. Career Institute
11. Online Medical Billing and Coding Course (OSU)
This course offers training in handling healthcare billing processes, coding systems, and insurance claims. It prepares students for a career in healthcare administration, focusing on accurate coding and compliance with regulations.
- Who It’s For: Individuals aspiring to enter medical billing and coding or healthcare administration.
- Topics Covered:
- Proficiency in ICD-10, CPT, and HCPCS coding systems
- Insurance claim management and reimbursement processes
- Medical terminology and anatomy for coding
- Legal and ethical standards, including HIPAA compliance
- Navigating electronic health records (EHR) systems
- Online, In-Person, or Both? Online
- Exam Required? Yes
- Duration: 12 months
- How Many Hours Of Instruction: 370 hours
- Eligibility Requirements: None
- Price: $2,995.00
- Take The Course: OSU-Oklahoma City
12. Medical Billing and Coding Programs (UMA)
This course is designed to prepare students for careers in healthcare administration, focusing on coding and billing processes. It covers essential skills like medical coding systems, healthcare regulations, and insurance claim management, providing hands-on training to ensure proficiency.
- Who It’s For: Aspiring medical billers and coders looking to enter the healthcare industry
- Topics Covered:
- ICD-10, CPT, and HCPCS coding systems
- Insurance claim submission and reimbursement
- Medical record-keeping and electronic health records (EHR)
- HIPAA compliance and healthcare laws
- Denial management and appeals
- Online, In-Person, or Both? Online
- Exam Required? Yes
- Duration:
- 11 months (diploma)
- 18 months (associate degree)
- How Many Hours Of Instruction: Self-paced
- Eligibility Requirements: High school diploma or GED
- Price: $475 per credit
- Take The Course: UMA
13. Online Medical Billing and Coding Class (SNHU)
The online degree program teaches medical coding systems for documenting healthcare services. Students gain a deep understanding of coding principles, classifications, and their role in healthcare billing and reimbursement.
- Who It’s For: Individuals seeking a short-term and flexible course
- Topics Covered:
- Coding classification systems
- ICD-10
- HCPCS II
- CPT
- Accurate medical documentation
- Online, In-Person, or Both? Online
- Exam Required? Yes
- Duration: 8 weeks
- How Many Hours Of Instruction: Self-paced
- Eligibility Requirements: High school diploma or GED
- Price: $990
- Take The Course: SNHU
14. Certified Billing and Coding Specialist (CBCS) Online (CCNY)
The online program is designed to prepare students for the CBCS certification exam. The course covers essential medical billing and coding topics and provides hands-on training.
- Who It’s For: Individuals seeking to become certified medical billing and coding specialists
- Topics Covered:
- Mastering ICD-10, CPT, and HCPCS coding
- Insurance billing and claim management
- HIPAA and healthcare compliance laws
- Navigating electronic health records (EHR)
- Certification exam preparation (CBCS)
- Online, In-Person, or Both? Online
- Exam Required? Yes
- How Many Hours Of Instruction: 175 hours
- Eligibility Requirements: None
- Price: $2225
- Take The Course: CCNY
15. Medical Billing and Coding (Wake Tech)
This course prepares students for careers in the healthcare industry, focusing on the medical insurance claim process. The program includes three online courses: Medical Terminology, Medical Billing, and Medical Coding, which must be taken separately. Students will learn to manage documentation, assign codes, and submit charges to insurance companies.
- Who It’s For: Individuals seeking medical billing, coding, or healthcare administration careers
- Topics Covered:
- ICD-10, CPT, and HCPCS coding systems
- Insurance claim submission and reimbursements
- HIPAA compliance and healthcare regulations
- Medical terminology and anatomy for coding
- Managing electronic health records (EHR)
- Online, In-Person, or Both? Online
- Exam Required? Yes
- Duration: 12 months or less
- How Many Hours Of Instruction: Self-paced
- Eligibility Requirements: Passed medical terminology
- Price: $665.00
- Take The Course: Wake Tech
16. Medical Coding and Billing Specialist - Workforce Credential (Virginia Peninsula Community College)
The Medical Coding and Billing Specialist program at Virginia Peninsula Community College is a 250-hour, 32-week course that prepares students for entry-level medical coding and billing positions. The program covers essential topics such as health insurance, the insurance claim cycle, and coding for diagnoses and procedures.
- Who It’s For: Individuals seeking a career in medical coding and billing.
- Topics Covered:
- ICD-10, CPT, and HCPCS coding practices
- Insurance claim submission and reimbursements
- HIPAA compliance and legal healthcare standards
- Denial management and appeals processes
- Using medical billing software
- Online, In-Person, or Both? Online
- Exam Required? Yes
- Duration: 32 weeks
- How Many Hours Of Instruction: 250 hours
- Eligibility Requirements: None
- Take The Course: Virginia Peninsula Community College
17. Professional Medical Billing and Coding (CT State)
The Professional Medical Billing and Coding program at CT State is a short-term, non-credit training course that provides training in healthcare coding systems, insurance billing, and regulatory compliance. The program prepares students for certification exams and careers in the healthcare billing industry.
- Who It’s For: Individuals pursuing a medical billing and coding career.
- Topics Covered:
- ICD-10, CPT, and HCPCS coding practices
- Insurance claim processes and reimbursements
- Medical record-keeping and EHR systems
- HIPAA compliance and healthcare regulations
- Denial management and appeals handling
- Online, In-Person, or Both? Both
- Exam Required? Yes
- How Many Hours Of Instruction: 197.5 hours
- Eligibility Requirements:
- 18 years old
- GED or high school diploma
- Price: $4,953
- Take The Course: CT State
Medical Billing & Coding Courses: FAQ
Here are spme questions I wanted to cover about medical billing and coding courses, processes, and systems.
What Are State-Specific Medical Billing Deadlines?
State-specific medical billing deadlines vary depending on the rules of each state. These deadlines set the time limit for when healthcare providers must submit claims to insurance companies for payment. Missing these deadlines could result in denied claims. It's important to check your state’s specific guidelines to avoid issues.
What Healthcare Payment Processing Tools Are Available?
There are many healthcare payment processing tools that make handling payments easier. Tools like billing software, payment portals, and mobile apps allow patients to pay online or in person. Popular options include PayPal, Square, and Stripe. These tools help streamline the payment process for both patients and providers.
What Will I Learn in a Medical Billing and Coding Course?
Medical billing and coding courses teach you how to assign codes to healthcare services and handle billing procedures. You'll learn about medical terminology, insurance claim processes, and how to use coding systems like ICD-10, CPT, and HCPCS. You may also learn about the key features of popular medical billing soluitons and how to best use them.
How Long Does It Take to Complete a Medical Billing and Coding Course?
The length of a medical billing and coding course can vary. Some programs take as little as six months, while others may take up to a year. Many courses are self-paced, allowing you to complete them on your own schedule.
Do I Need a Certification to Work as a Medical Biller or Coder?
While certification isn’t always required, many employers prefer candidates who are certified. Certifications like the Certified Professional Coder (CPC) or Certified Billing and Coding Specialist (CBCS) show you have the skills needed for the job.
Can I Take Medical Billing and Coding Courses Online?
Yes, many medical billing and coding courses are available online. This flexibility allows you to study at your own pace and fit learning around your schedule. Online courses are just as comprehensive as in-person ones.
What Is the Difference Between Medical Billing and Coding?
Medical billing focuses on submitting claims and processing payments for healthcare services, while medical coding is about assigning the correct codes to these services. Both roles work together to ensure healthcare providers get paid accurately and on time.
Are There Job Opportunities After Completing a Medical Billing and Coding Course?
Yes, there are many job opportunities in medical billing and coding. These roles are in demand across healthcare settings like hospitals, doctor’s offices, and clinics. Many professionals also work remotely in this field.
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