If you’re interested in pursuing a career in medical billing and coding, you’ll need some training. And one of the best ways to obtain it is with an online program. Remote medical coding and billing programs are widely available. And they present an excellent opportunity to build a lucrative and rewarding career. This article ranks the best accredited medical coding and billing online schools.
Medical billing and coding is a growing occupation. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, employment in the field is expected to increase by seven percent through 2031. And this will create almost 15,000 new openings for medical records specialists. The healthcare industry relies on trained individuals who are familiar with the coding systems used for insurance reimbursement. Additionally, the use of electronic health records (EHRs) is now becoming the norm. And these new standards require coding professionals who can maintain the medical data within those records.
Fortunately, there are multiple ways to prepare for a career as a medical billing and coding specialist. Individuals can break into this sector with only a high school diploma. And there are training programs at every level, including:
Featured Programs
- Medical Coding Certification Programs
- Diplomas in Insurance Billing and Coding
- Associate Degrees in Health Information Systems
- Bachelor’s Degrees in Health Information Management
- Master’s Degrees in Health Informatics
These are just a few of the programs available for those who want to pursue roles in the field.
Online programs for medical billing and coding are highly flexible. Most of these programs allow you to go at your own pace. That way, you can schedule your studies around your busy schedule. And if you need to work while you attend school, many schools offer part-time options.
See Also: Best Online Colleges
Medical Billing and Coding Explained
Patients need reimbursement from their insurance programs. So a medical billing and insurance coder assigns a code to each diagnosis and procedure. The bills may get sent to Medicare, Medicaid, or a private insurer. It all depends on the patient’s insurance.
Medical billing and coding associates use specific cutting-edge technology to do their job. They have to learn complex software programs. But these programs help them to assign a diagnosis-related group (DRG) to the patient’s bill.
There are several hundred DRG codes. And they are all crucial for a medical billing associate to understand. That’s because they determine how much health insurance companies will pay. Then, insurance can reimburse the hospital, doctor, medical office, lab, and other departments.
Our Methodology for Ranking the Top Medical Billing and Coding Programs
To find the best medical billing and coding online schools, we started with a search on NCES College Navigator. First, we looked at all the schools offering medical coding and billing programs at any level. Then, we examined each college based on the following criteria:
- Flexibility of the Program
- Quality of the Education Provided
- Student-to-Faculty Ratios
- Return on Investment (ROI)
- Affordability
- Financial Aid Options
Finally, we narrowed our list to the top 15 medical coding and billing schools with online programs. They are ordered according to affordability. Please note that the prices listed are in-state tuition rates per academic year. However, many of these schools have multiple options. For example, a certificate program will cost less than a bachelor’s degree.
All of the online medical coding schools are accredited. Additionally, each of these schools has a range of financial assistance programs. So if you’re interested in a particular program, check with the school’s admissions office to determine the exact costs.
Top 15 Best Accredited Medical Billing and Coding Online Schools
| School | In-State Tuition | |
| 1. | Santa Barbara City College | $1,232 |
| 2. | Cosumnes River College | $1,288 |
| 3. | Central Georgia Technical College | $3,042 |
| 4. | Georgia Piedmont Technical College | $3,178 |
| 5. | Cowley County Community College | $3,420 |
| 6. | Central Maine Community College | $3,864 |
| 7. | Kirtland Community College | $4,560 |
| 8. | Madison Area Technical College | $4,600 |
| 9. | Trident Technical College | $4,648 |
| 10. | Florida A&M University | $5,785 |
| 11. | Weber State University | $6,228 |
| 12. | Northwest Technical College | $6,380 |
| 13. | Indiana University-Purdue University-Indianapolis | $10,044 |
| 14. | Herzing University | $10,800 |
| 15. | University of Cincinnati | $12,598 |
Ranking the Best Medical Billing and Coding Schools Online
1. Santa Barbara City College
Santa Barbara, California
Medical Coding Specialist Certificate
Santa Barbara City College is a two-year community college in California. And it’s one of the oldest community colleges in the state. Additionally, it is the most affordable medical billing and coding school on our list.
The school offers a fully remote Medical Coding Specialist Certificate program. This program prepares students to sit for the Certified Coding Associate (CCA) examination. And it is designed to equip them for entry-level positions in a variety of medical facilities. It may also help students prepare for other exams, such as the:
- Certified Professional Coder (CPC) Exam
- Certified Coding Specialist – Physician-Based (CCS-P) Exam
- Certified Coding Specialist (CCS) Exam
The program is nationally recognized in several key areas. And it has a strong reputation for facilitating minority student success. This makes it one of the best online schools for medical billing and coding. Coursework is entirely asynchronous. So students can complete their studies at their own pace. The format is ideal for those who are already working full-time or who have other obligations. Some of the courses in the medical billing and coding program include:
- Introduction to Health Information Management
- Human Form and Function
- Basic Pathophysiology
- Legal Aspects Of Health Care
- International Classification of Diseases, Diagnostic Coding
- International Classification of Diseases, Procedural Coding
- Pharmacology For Allied Health
- Medical Insurance and Reimbursement Methodologies
- Advanced Coding Applications
Tuition: $1,232
Accreditation: Western Association of Schools and Colleges
You may also like: Online Certificate Programs That Pay Well
2. Cosumnes River College
Sacramento, California
Medical Insurance Billing Certificate Program
Health Information Coding Specialist Certificate Program
Cosumnes River College is a two-year community college located in Sacramento. The school opened in 1970, taking its name from the Cosumnes River, which flows just a few miles to the South. CRC is one of the best online medical coding and billing schools in terms of affordability. And the school offers two unique online programs. Both are accredited and delivered in an asynchronous format. This allows you to work your studies around your busy schedule.
The Medical Insurance Billing Certificate Program requires 16.5 credits. This certificate prepares students for entry-level positions in insurance billing in healthcare offices. Some of the courses in this online medical billing and coding training program include:
- Medical Language for Healthcare Providers
- Human Disease
- Introduction to Concepts of Human Anatomy and Physiology
- Basic ICD-CM Coding
- Medical Insurance Procedures
- Current Procedural Terminology (CPT) Coding
The Health Information Coding Specialist Certificate Program is a 35 to 36-credit medical billing and coding training program. This certificate can lead to more advanced opportunities in the healthcare industry. And it prepares students for various certification exams, including the certified professional coder exam. It covers most of the same topics as the Billing Certificate. However, there is additional coursework, for this online medical billing and coding training program, including:
- Introduction to Computer Information Science
- Introduction to Probability and Statistics
- Introduction to Health Information Technology
- Continuous Quality Improvement
- Legal Aspects of Patient Medical Records
The longer certificate program also includes internships in a real-world setting. These direct practice experiences provide students with hands-on experience in the field. Students looking for the top accredited medical billing and coding schools online should definitely check out CRC.
Tuition: $1,288
Accreditation: Western Association of Schools and Colleges
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3. Central Georgia Technical College
Warner Robins, Georgia
Medical Coding Technical Certificate
Next on our list of the best medical coding and billing schools is Central Georgia Technical College. CGTC is part of the Technical College System of Georgia. This two-year public college serves a diverse student body of nearly 10,000 learners. And it offers programs across a broad range of fields.
CGTC offers a fully online Medical Coding Technical Certificate program. This unique 24-credit medical billing and coding program offers advanced training in coding skills. It is ideal for those who want to pursue employment or advance their roles in a healthcare setting. It can also help prepare students for certified professional coder exams. Some of the topics covered in this online medical billing and coding training program include:
- Structure and Function of the Human Body
- Medical Terminology for Allied Health Sciences
- Medical Documentation
- Human Diseases
- Medical Billing and Coding
- Medical Procedural Coding Skills
- Physician’s Procedural Coding Skills
- Medical Records
CGTC also offers a similar certificate program to current high school students. It provides an introduction to the medical coding field. And it leads to a Medical Coding Essentials Certificate. This 10-hour online medical billing and coding training program has four courses:
- Medical Terminology for Allied Health Sciences
- Introduction to Keyboarding
- Medical Insurance Management
- Human Diseases
Tuition: $3,042
Accreditation: Southern Association of Colleges and Schools, Commission on Colleges
4. Georgia Piedmont Technical College
Clarkston, Georgia
Medical Billing Clerk Technical Certificate
Georgia Piedmont Technical College is a two-year public college in Clarkston, Georgia. The school serves about 2,500 students a year. It offers over 180 programs and has an impressive student-to-faculty ratio of 14:1. This means that all students get personalized attention from their instructors.
GPTC offers a 22-credit hour Medical Billing Clerk Technical Certificate. It is designed to teach students procedures for medical billing and insurance reimbursement. The program requires a combination of occupational and business courses. Some of the required courses for this online medical billing and coding training program include:
- Introduction to Computer Literacy
- Medical Terminology
- Medical Documentation Production
- Healthcare Coding
- Anatomy and Physiology
- Structure and Function of the Human Body
Additionally, students will choose from among several business elective courses. These will be selected based on their professional interests and goals. Some options include:
- Computer Graphics and Design
- Legal Terminology
- Medical Records Management
- Introduction to Business Culture
- Personal Effectiveness
- Web Page Design
- Legal Administrative Procedures
- Office Management
Tuition: $3,178
Accreditation: Southern Association of Colleges and Schools, Commission on Colleges
Related: Can I work at my current job while completing an online medical coding training program?
5. Cowley County Community College
Arkansas City, Kansas
Medical Coding Vocational Certificate
Associate of Applied Science Degree in Medical Coding
The next programs are offered at Cowley County Community College. CCCC is a two-year community college located in Arkansas City, Kansas. And the school offers two medical coding and billing programs. Both can be completed entirely online. And students can complete the coursework on their own timeline.
The first is a Medical Coding Vocational Certificate. This program will prepare students to enter the workforce as entry-level medical coders. They will gain skills in several key areas. This is a 35-credit program that can be completed in one year.
The second program is an Associate of Applied Science Degree in Medical Coding. Students in this program will be prepared for roles in medical coding too. However, they will also gain other valuable skills. This includes expertise in database management, communication, word processing, and more. This two-year associate degree program requires 35 credit hours for completion.
Some of the courses in these medical billing and coding programs include:
- Medical Terminology
- Pharmacology
- Allied Healthcare Provider Anatomy and Physiology
- Pathophysiology
- Current Procedural Terminology (CPT)
- Reimbursement Methodologies (Physician)
- International Classification of Disease
- Introduction to Health Information
- Healthcare Coding Practicum
- Legal and Ethical Issues in Healthcare
- Bioethics
Both coding programs are taught by professors with extensive professional experience. And they even help students with career-finding services after the coding training program . Additionally, students will be ready to sit for certified professional coder exams. This makes CCCC one of the best online medical billing and coding schools on our list.
Tuition: $3,420
Accreditation: Higher Learning Commission
6. Central Maine Community College
Auburn, Maine
Associate in Applied Science in Medical Coding & Electronic Health Records
Central Maine Community College is a two-year public college located in Auburn, Maine. It is one of the seven colleges in the Maine Community College System. The school serves just over 3,000 students and has a student-faculty ratio of 15:1. This allows for smaller class sizes and more personalized education.
The online program offered at CMMC is an Associate in Applied Science degree program. It’s one of the top accredited online medical billing and coding programs on our list. This billing and coding training program was designed to:
- Prepare students for entry-level positions in the field.
- Prepare students to pursue a bachelor’s degree in medical billing and coding.
- Respond to the growing demand for skilled medical billing and coding specialists.
This two-year program requires 28 to 30 credits for completion. And students can attend online or on campus. There is also a one-year certificate program available. Some of the courses in this well-designed online medical billing and coding training program include:
- Anatomy & Physiology
- Medical Terminology
- Health Information Management
- ICD CM Coding
- CPT & HCPCS Coding
- Medical Specialties & Pathophysiology
- Reimbursement Methodology
- Introduction to Psychology
- Medical Ethics & Law
- Business Communication
- Health Care Statistics
Tuition: $3,864
Accreditation: New England Commission of Higher Education
7. Kirtland Community College
Grayling, Michigan
Medical Billing and Coding Certificate Program
Kirtland Community College is a two-year public community college in Michigan. Serving around 1,500 students, this small college has a lot going for it. There are over 38 programs to choose from at Kirtland. And one of these is Medical Billing and Coding.
The Medical Billing and Coding Certificate Program at KCC allows students to work at their own pace. This means you can choose the course load that is right for you. This medical billing and coding program is primarily online. However, there are a few on-campus requirements. As a result, students will need to live nearby to enroll.
This program provides students with professional skills for completing insurance claims. Participants will learn medical billing and collection. And they will become experts in assigning the proper procedural and diagnostic codes. Some of the courses in the online medical billing and coding training program include:
- Medical Terminology
- Pathology w/Pharmacology
- Medical Ethics & Law
- Anatomy & Physiology
- Health Information Management
- ICD Coding
- Procedure Coding
- Revenue Cycle and Reimbursement
- Practicum-Medical Billing and Coding
Tuition: $4,560
Accreditation: Higher Learning Commission
See Also: How much money can I earn after completing a medical coding training program online?
8. Madison Area Technical College
Madison, Wisconsin
Medical Coding Specialist Technical Diploma
Medical Billing Technical Diploma
Madison Area Technical College is a large public college in Wisconsin. The school serves over 12,000 students. And it offers over 180 programs across a broad range of fields. MATC offers two unique programs in the medical billing and coding field.
The Medical Coding Specialist program is a 35-credit program. And it leads to a technical diploma. It can be completed in a year and a half. Students can choose a hybrid or 100 percent online format. And it prepares them for coding positions in a variety of healthcare settings. This includes nursing homes, hospitals, and even veterinary clinics. Some of the courses in this online medical billing and coding training program include:
- Body Structure & Function
- Medical Terminology
- Digital Literacy for Healthcare
- Human Disease for Health Professions
- ICD Diagnosis Coding
- CPT Coding
- Healthcare Revenue Management
- Management of Coding Services
The Medical Billing Program is a one-year program that also leads to a technical diploma. This program prepares students for a range of professional roles in medical billing. It requires 28 credits for completion. Some of the courses in this online medical billing and coding program include:
- Business Document Applications
- Medical Language for the Business Professional
- Business Spreadsheet Applications
- Medical Administrative Procedures
- Specialized Insurance Claims
- Medical Language for the Business Professional
Graduates of both programs will be qualified to sit for various professional exams. Federal financial aid is available.
Tuition: $4,600
Accreditation: Higher Learning Commission
9. Trident Technical College
Charleston, South Carolina
Coding Specialist (CS) Program
Associate of Applied Science in Health Information Management
Trident Technical College is a two-year college based in South Carolina. The school has six physical locations, all within the state. Around 12,000 students attend this technical school. And they can choose from more than 150 programs of study.
TTC offers a fully online and asynchronous Coding Specialist Program. Students can go at their own pace, logging on and completing their studies when it is convenient. The program prepares students to sit for two certified professional coder exams:
- AAPC credential CPC (Certified Professional Coder)
- AHIMA credential CCA or CCS (Certified Coding Associate or Certified Coding Specialist)
The program has two start dates a year, in January and August. Students will take nine courses to earn the certificate. Some of the courses in this first online medical billing and coding training program include:
- Medical Data Content and Electronic Medical Records
- ICD-10 CM Coding
- ICD-10 PCS Coding
- CPT Coding Part
This program will prepare students for entry-level roles in various healthcare settings. However, they can continue their healthcare education with TTC upon completion. Many choose to pursue an Associate of Applied Science degree in Health Information Management. This degree can help them learn advanced skills leading to increased career opportunities.
Graduates will have all the tools they need to begin a successful career in medical coding. Additionally, Federal financial aid and scholarships are available.
Tuition Rate: $4,648
Accreditation: Southern Association of Colleges and Schools, Commission on Colleges
10. Florida A&M University
Tallahassee, Florida
Medical Coding Certificate
Florida Agricultural and Mechanical University is a public, Historically Black University in Florida. The school was founded in 1887 and is one of the largest HBCUs in the United States. It is part of the State University System of Florida and has a student population of 9,000.
This medical coding program is offered through the School of Allied Health Sciences. It’s a highly flexible asynchronous program consisting of nine courses, including:
- Anatomy and Physiology
- Medical Terminology and Pathophysiology
- Healthcare Delivery Systems
- Health Records and Medical Data Content
- ICD-10-CM/PCS Coding
- Medical Office Processes and Reimbursement
- CPT Coding
Upon completion of the coursework, students will complete a Capstone Practicum and Review. The Capstone is designed to prepare students for the AAPC and/or AHIMA national exams. This top online medical coding and billing program was developed by industry experts. And it will provide students with all the skills they need to begin an entry-level career in professional coding.
Tuition: $5,785
Accreditation: Southern Association of Colleges and Schools, Commission on Colleges
Related: How long does it take to complete an online medical coding training program?
11. Weber State University
Ogden, Utah
Healthcare Coding & Classification certificate
Associate of Applied Science in Health Information Technology
Bachelor of Science degree in Health Information Management
Weber State University is a four-year public university located in Ogden, Utah. The school serves just under 30,000 students and offers associate’s, bachelor’s, and master’s degree programs. Depending on the area of study, students can take classes online or on campus.
WSU offers several programs for students pursuing a career in medical billing and coding. The first is a Healthcare Coding & Classification certificate program. This is a four-semester, 27-credit hour coding certificate program consisting of 10 courses. Students in this program will learn the skills they need to work in various healthcare settings. And they will become proficient in both CPT and ICD-10-CM coding. Only a high school diploma is necessary for consideration.
The second program is an Associate of Applied Science in Health Information Technology (HIT). This associate degree takes things a step further. And it gives students even more skills to succeed in information management and healthcare coding. It’s a great way to level up your game after completing the certificate program to become an even more knowledgeable medical biller. Some of the courses in this health information technology program include:
- Intro to Health Information
- Healthcare Privacy & Security
- Diagnosis Coding
- Ambulatory & Physician Office Coding
- Classification Systems Topics & Reimbursement
- ICD-10-PCS Coding
- Healthcare Database Management & Security
- Computer Applications in Health Care
- Introduction to Quality Improvement in Health Care
The final program offered at WSU is a Bachelor of Science degree in Health Information Management. This is an excellent option if you want to continue with your coding education. This program teaches advanced skills in the health information management field.
Tuition: $6,228
Accreditation: Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities
See also: Top Online Bachelor’s in Health Informatics
12. Northwest Technical College
Bemidji, Minnesota
Certificate in Medical Coding
Medical Coding Diploma
Associate of Applied Science in Medical Coding
Northwest Technical College is a small public community college in Bemidji, Minnesota. The school is a member of the Minnesota State Colleges and Universities System. And it offers on-campus, hybrid, and online programs. In addition, NTC offers three fully accredited online medical billing and coding programs.
The first is a 30-credit Certificate in Medical Coding. This medical coding specialist program equips aspiring medical billlers with the skills needed for entry-level positions in the field. And it also prepares them to advance their studies with an AAS degree. Some of the courses include:
- Medical Office Procedures
- Medical Billing/Insurance
- AAPC Medical Coding
- Medical Language Applications
- Intro to Anatomy & Physiology
- Medical Terminology
The second program is a Medical Coding Diploma. This is a 40-credit program that also prepares students for roles in the field. However, it can also be a stepping stone to the AAS medical coding degree. The program is very similar to the certificate, with some additional coursework.
The final program is an Associate of Applied Science in Medical Coding. This is a 60-credit degree program. And it offers comprehensive training in nationally recognized coding systems. Students will take traditional coding coursework along with college-level classes. Some of the courses in this online program include:
- Inpatient Billing
- Advanced Medical Coding
- US Healthcare Systems
- Pathophysiology
- Business Communications
- Bioethical Issues in Contemporary Society
- General Psychology
- Intro to Computers – Medical Applications
All of the programs prepare students to be highly-trained specialists. They will be equipped with knowledge of day-to-day medical office functions. Additionally, they learn how to process sensitive medical information.
Tuition: $6380
Accreditation: Higher Learning Commission
13. Indiana University–Purdue University Indianapolis
Indianapolis, Indiana
Online Medical Coding Certificate Program
Indiana University–Purdue University is a public research school with over 200 programs. The campus sits on a peninsula next to Downtown Indianapolis. And it is the third-largest university in Indiana, with a student body of over 37,000.
IUPUI offers a hybrid medical coding certification program. This 28-credit-hour program starts each fall, and students can enroll full or part-time. The program focuses on teaching the professional skills needed to work in a healthcare setting. And it prepares students to sit for industry-standard certifications. Some of the courses include:
- Health Care Information Requirements and Standards
- Data Policy and Governance
- Pathophysiology & Pharmacology
- ICD-10-CM/PCS Coding
- CPT Coding
- Health Care Law, Ethics, and Information Release
- Health Care Reimbursement Systems
All courses can be completed online. However, there is a practicum that will need to be completed on campus. This experience allows aspiring medical billlers to gain coding expertise in an actual healthcare setting.
Students enrolled in this rigorous program qualify for Federal financial aid and scholarships. In addition, credit earned in the program may also be applied toward a bachelor’s degree in Health Information Management.
Tuition Rate: $10,044
Accreditation: Higher Learning Commission
14. Herzing University
Milwaukee, Wisconsin
Diploma in Insurance Billing and Coding Specialist
Diploma in Medical Coding
Associate of Science/Applied Science in Insurance Billing and Coding Specialist
Associate of Science/Applied Science in Medical Coding
Herzing University is a four-year, private, nonprofit university with campuses in seven states. This career-oriented school awards certificates, diplomas, and degrees at all levels. Programs are offered in a variety of disciplines.
Herzing is one of the best online medical coding and billing schools on our list. That’s because the school offers four unique online programs in the field. All programs are offered 100 percent online. And students can choose the one that most closely aligns with their career goals. They include:
Diploma in Insurance Billing and Coding Specialist
This is a 10-month, 25-credit program. It serves as an introduction to anatomy, physiology, medical terminology, and more.
This is a 10-month, 25-credit program. It prepares students for entry-level medical coding jobs in a variety of settings.
Associate of Science/Applied Science in Insurance Billing and Coding Specialist
This is a 60-credit, 20-month associate degree program. It offers students training in medical records and the revenue cycle. And it equips them to become billing and coding professionals. It is one of two associate degree programs offered through the school.
Associate of Science/Applied Science in Medical Coding
This is a 60-credit, 20-month associate degree program. Students gain a thorough understanding of anatomy, physiology, disease processes, and medical terminology. Plus, they learn basic and advanced coding methods, patient privacy, ethics, and more. Graduates of this program are fully prepared for entry-level medical coding in healthcare.
All of the programs are asynchronous, so students can go at their own pace. And they are taught by Herzing University’s highly qualified faculty. As a result, students earn the same credentials as they would on campus. Additionally, the programs can prepare you to sit for several national certification exams.
Tuition Rate: $10,800
Accreditation: Higher Learning Commission
15. University of Cincinnati
Cincinnati, Ohio
Medical Coder Certificate
Associate Degree in Health Information Systems
Bachelor’s in Health Information Management
The University of Cincinnati is a comprehensive public research university in Ohio. It is among the nation’s 50 largest colleges, with a student population of over 40,000. The school has been recognized by multiple publications as having some of the best online programs in the US. And we’ve ranked it as one of the top accredited medical coding schools online.
UC Online offers several programs in medical billing and coding. The first is an online Medical Coder Certificate. It’s a 30-credit program that prepares students for the CPC and CCA exams. And it takes just 12 months to complete. There are six start dates each year. The program is delivered asynchronously, so you can log on and complete your studies 24/7. Some of the courses in this flexible program include:
- Medical Terminology for the Health Professions
- Introduction to Anatomy and Physiology
- Foundations of Pharmacology
- ICD Medical Coding I and II
- Health Information Ethics
- Healthcare Applications
- CPT Medical Coding
- Advanced Coding Applications
This certificate program has another fantastic benefit. Students can transfer 100 percent of their course credits into an associate degree! This applies to UC’s online Associate Degree Program in Health Information Systems. The CAHIIM-accredited associate program is also entirely online. After completing the coursework, students will sit for the AHIMA RHIT® Certification Exam. This takes place in the final practicum course.
Aspiring medical billlers who complete the associate program will be fully prepared for medical billing and coding careers. However, they can also pursue a Bachelor’s in Health Information Management (HIM). This is a 52-credit online program that can be completed in two years. Some of the additional coursework for this medical coding program includes:
- Issues in Legal Aspects and Healthcare Delivery
- Reimbursement System
- Health Data Management
- Health Information Systems
- Health Information Technology
- Health Care Statistics & Research Methods
- Financial Management in Healthcare
- Quality Management & Performance Improvement
- Project Management
- Organizational Management and Leadership in Healthcare
Students can choose to pursue just one of the above programs. Or they can seamlessly move through each of them. This allows them to earn even more credentials as they progress. In addition, the school offers federal financial aid, scholarships, and grants for each of these programs. This generous financial help makes it one of the top medical billing and coding colleges on our list.
Tuition: $12,598
Accreditation: Higher Learning Commission
More About Online Medical Billing and Coding Schools
What Is Medical Billing and Coding?
Medical billing and coding involve first identifying a clinical diagnosis. Then, you would use a corresponding code for insurance and billing purposes. Of course, it’s a bit more involved than this. It also involves identifying the tests, procedures, and treatments a patient has. These, too, have a corresponding code.
It’s all part of what is called “the medical reimbursement cycle. This system makes sure your doctor and other healthcare providers get paid. Those payments can come from health insurance companies, government agencies, or patients.
What Does a Medical Biller and Coder Do?
Medical billers and coders are considered part of the healthcare profession. And they are in charge of processing the information needed, so providers get paid. The day-to-day duties of medical coding and billing specialist include:
- Managing insurance claims
- Sending invoices
- Processing payments
- Properly coding diagnoses
- Coding procedures, treatments, and other services
- Following up on outstanding bills
- Correcting insurance claims that get rejected
Medical coders and billers need to have a solid grasp of the health insurance industry. This includes understanding health insurance and the whole claims process. A medical practice depends significantly on its skilled billing and coding specialists. That’s because these workers ensure that money keeps flowing into the practice.
Work Environment:
Most medical coders and billers work in an office, although some work at home. They are usually on the computer most of the workday. This is where they review, enter, and edit the coding information. Generally, they don’t come into contact with many patients. Instead, they are in separate areas in healthcare facilities like:
- Doctors offices
- Dentists offices
- Clinics
- Hospitals
- Nursing homes
- Retirement homes
- Diagnostic facilities
- Rehabilitation facilities
Are Medical Billing and Medical Coding the Same Thing?
Medical billers and coders are not exactly the same. They are actually two different positions. Many companies will hire one or the other, and some businesses will employ both. The jobs are similar and are just as demanding. But they can also be interchangeable.
For example, if you have been trained as a medical coder, you can transition into a billing job and vice-versa. So what’s the difference between a medical coder and a medical biller?
Medical Coder
Medical coders change medical diagnoses and procedures into codes that a computer will understand. These codes are the same the world over. And they are maintained by the World Health Organization. They are:
- CPT: Current Procedure Terminology
- ICD-10-CM: International Classification of Diseases, 10th Edition, Clinically Modified
- ICD-10-PCS International Classification of Diseases, 10th Edition, Procedural Coding System
- HCPCS Level II: Health Care Procedural Coding System, Level II
- CDT: Code on Dental Procedures
The main task of a medical coder is to assign the proper codes for each diagnosis and procedure. That doesn’t sound so hard, right? But it can actually get pretty complicated. Many patients have more than one diagnosis. And in some situations (like in a hospital), they may have dozens of procedures. It takes a lot of patience and skill to do this job accurately.
Medical Biller
First, the medical coder does their job. Then, the medical biller uses the assigned codes to charge for the services. Each code corresponds with a dollar amount. This will be the amount billed to the insurance company, so it needs to be 100 percent accurate. At this point, the biller will post payments to the account. If the claim is denied, the medical biller is the person who negotiates back and forth.
Can a Person Do Both Jobs?
Yes. Students learn how to do both jobs in an online coding or billing program. This is because some small offices hire one person for both roles. And larger organizations often hire billers and coders separately. So knowing both roles is essential.
How Do I Get Accepted to One of the Top Medical Billing and Coding Accredited Schools?
Students looking for accredited schools for medical billing and coding usually want to know what it takes to be admitted. However, every college, trade school, or university will have different admission requirements. Therefore, it may be easier to get accepted into specific programs. We’ll go over some general requirements below. However, prospective students should look at the individual school’s requirements right away. Do your research even before you start applying to online medical coding programs. That way, you can eliminate schools where you are less likely to be accepted. And you can concentrate on the ones where you have the best chance of becoming a medical billing specialist.
Getting Into an Online School for Medical Administrative Billing
The admission requirements for accredited medical coding and billing schools online differ between schools. However, they can also vary from program to program as well. We’ll look at some basic requirements for most programs below. This is not a definitive list. And not all schools will be the same. But it will give you an idea of what you might expect.
Certificate in Medical Billing & Coding
Certificate programs for coding professionals and medical billers are the least time-consuming program. Certificates are fast. And you could begin working as a certified professional coder within a year. These programs often take 12 months or less. Then you can take your certified professional coder exam.
To get in, you’ll need your high school diploma or GED. In some cases, you may need a GPA of at least 2.0. In addition, you may need to have good ACT or SAT scores. You will also need to fill out an application and any necessary paperwork.
Medical Billing & Coding Associate Degree
If you prefer to pursue a degree program, you can apply for an associate’s degree. A two-year associate degree is all you need to work as medical billing specialist right away too. In addition, you’ll get a more in-depth education by going for an associate degree.
Entry Requirements for an Associate Degree
You’ll need to be at least 18 and have your GED or High School Diploma to get in. In addition, you’ll probably need to submit your SAT or ACT exam scores. And often, a GPA of 2.0 to 2.5 is required.
Once you have all your test scores together, you can start applying. You’ll probably need other documentation like transcripts. Or you might need to prove you are a U.S. resident. You might be invited to an admissions interview if the school requires it.
If the school offers you an enrollment counselor, you should happily agree. Having your own enrollment counselor can help streamline the process. This person will assist you during the application and enrollment process. Many online schools have enrollment counselors. They are probably the best option if you need assistance with admission. That’s because they know all the ins and outs of the college and its programs.
Can Online Students Apply for Financial Aid?
Absolutely. In most cases, online students can apply for Federal financial aid like any other student. As an in-state student, you will usually pay less. But some colleges are now charging in-state rates to online students.
In addition to financial aid, you can check out potential scholarship and grant opportunities. There are many scholarships specifically for online students. Online education programs like an associate’s degree are no different.
Keep in mind that online students in medical administrative billing also have extra financial advantages. They don’t need to pay for housing, meals, transportation, and other incidentals.
What Classes Do You Take In Medical Billing and Coding Programs?
Most of the courses coding students will take are pretty straightforward. Of course, you may start with core courses if you need to brush up on academics like math or English. But in general, you can expect these or similar courses:
- Medical Terminology
- Pharmacology
- Anatomy and Physiology
- Medical Billing and Health Insurance
- Medical Office Procedures
- Medical Contracts, Ethics, and HIPAA
- Basic Coding Using ICD-9 and ICD-10
- Intermediate Medical Coding
- Coding for Hospital Applications/Hospital Medical Billing
- Coding for Medical Office Applications/Physician Medical Billing
- Advanced Medical Coding
Medical Billing and Coding Salaries
This final section may be the most important for most people. How much can you make in the medical coding and billing field? We consulted a few sources for this information. In some cases, your earnings as a medical coding specialist will depend on where you live. Let’s take a look at some of the numbers:
| Source | Average Salary For Entry Level Medical Billing and Coding Roles | Average Salary For Intermediate Medical Billing and Coding Roles |
| Bureau of Labor Statistics | $46,660 | $55,560 |
| AAPC | $58,055 | $70,895 |
| Payscale | $50,000 | $59,000 |
| ZipRecruiter | $41,824 | $73,873 |
| indeed | $54,034 | $60,644 |
As you can see, reported salaries can vary widely. And the amount of money you can make in medical billing and coding depends on many factors. These include location, education, experience, and role. For example, person A works as a medical billing and coding supervisor in Los Angeles. Person B works at a small dentist’s office in Northern Michigan. Who will make more? The California supervisor, of course. However, no matter where you live, there is plenty of room to grow in this field, even for remote workers. You can check salaries in your area by going to one of the sites above.
This concludes our article on the top online medical billing and coding schools in the US
OCP Staff – February 2023
