It's Time to Learn Something New and Valuable
Are you fascinated with making a career in the medical field? Look no further than medical billing and coding! And the best part? You can access courses online! Gone are the days of sitting in a classroom surrounded by rows of desks and fluorescent lights.
Now, you can learn everything you need without commuting and going to an institute. With online medical billing and coding courses, you can gain knowledge from your office desk or kitchen counter.
So take the leap and dive into the exciting world of medical billing and coding – your future self (and paycheck) will thank you!
What is Medical Billing and Coding?
This crucial administrative task involves translating medical procedures and diagnoses into codes universally recognized by insurance companies. These codes, often called current procedural terminology (CPT), create claims that providers submit to insurance carriers, ultimately leading to payment. Sounds pretty straightforward, right?
Well, these intricacies are what make medical billing and coding a highly sought-after skillset. Luckily, plenty of online medical billing and coding classes are available for those interested in learning the ropes to get started on this exciting career path.
Difference Between Medical Billing and Coding
Medical billing and coding may seem interchangeable, but they have distinct roles in the healthcare industry.
Medical Coding is similar to learning a new language, but instead of French or Spanish, you learn a complex set of codes representing medical diagnoses, procedures, and services.
On the other hand, medical billing is like being the mediator between patients, insurance companies, and healthcare providers. You take the codes assigned by the coder and use them to create bills for patients and insurers.
Both are essential parts of the healthcare industry, and lucky for you, you can learn about both through online courses. So, whether you're interested in the language of coding or the art of billing, there's a course out there for you.
Job Outlook and Salary Expectations
Medical billing and coding specialists have a bright future ahead of them! According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, this profession is among the most high-demanding and fastest growing. Medical billers and coders get a handsome average median salary of $46,660.
With at least 14,990 new positions available yearly, individuals looking for a stable career path should consider exploring this field. Plus, with an ever-growing demand for healthcare services, medical billing and coding specialists will significantly assist patients in receiving the medical care they need.
The profession will grow to 7% by 2031. So, medical billing and coding might be your perfect fit if you're searching for a job that pays well and has plenty of room for growth.
Now, let’s move to the courses and certifications that are necessary for you to become a medical biller or coder!
Medical Billing and Coding Online Courses
There are primarily two online coding programs and one medical billing course. These are high-demand courses that different organizations offer. Let’s dissect these courses:
Certified Professional Coder (CPC) Certification
This certification from the American Academy of Professional Coders (AAPC) showcases your mastery in accurately coding various medical practices, such as patient diagnoses, symptoms, and diagnostic tests. You'll need to clear the CPC exam comprising 100 MCQs to get the certification.
However, you can register with AAPC or other institutes and train for the exam through in-person and online classes. Their comprehensive entry-level program covers all the basics you need to know, from medical terminology to anatomy.
- Requirements: Fundamentals of medicine course or some experience with medical terminology and anatomy in the real world.
- Duration: 4-8 months.
- Fee: $500.
Certified Coding Associate (CCA) Certification
It is a highly-recognized entry-level certification from the American Health Information Management Association (AHIMA) for those looking to work in hospitals, clinics, or other medical settings. AHIMA offers different preparation courses for the CCA exam.
- Requirements: High-school diploma.
- Duration: 5 weeks.
- Fee: $299.
Certified Billing and Coding Specialist (CBCS) Certification
The National Healthcareer Association (NHA) provides the Certified Billing and Coding Specialist (CBCS) certification, the perfect way to get your foot in the door of physician practices.
As an entry-level certification, it's a great starting point to begin building your career in medical billing. This medical billing course provides anatomy, medical terminology, physiology, and CPT coding knowledge.
- Requirements: High-school diploma/GED.
- Duration: 195 hours.
- Fee: $58 (cheapest).
The Bottom Line
In today's fast-paced world, online learning has become an increasingly popular option for everyone. In particular, online medical billing and coding courses have gained traction over the years, allowing students to pursue a healthcare career without physically attending traditional classroom settings.
They are highly flexible, convenient, and affordable. So, enroll in medical billing courses and prepare to fit into the healthcare system.