Prepare for Industry Certification Online
Do you want a rewarding career in healthcare with regular work hours, great salary, and lots of job opportunities? You can begin training today for a career in medical billing and coding with this 100% online course, created by Ed2Go and offered through SDSU Global Campus. This course will prepare you for a new career in this high-growth field and earn the nationally recognized medical billing and coding certification that best aligns with your interests and career goals.
You’ll learn to use the Healthcare Common Procedure Coding System (HCPCS) and the CPT Category II and ICD-10 codes. You’ll also gain hands-on practice using medical billing and coding software to prepare you for success in your new career. Upon course completion, you’ll receive a voucher for the certification exam of your choice between CPC, CCA, or CBCS.
Course Objectives
- Be fully prepared to pass one of the following professional certifications that best aligns with your interest and career goals:
- Certified Professional Coder (CPC) exam offered by the American Academy of Professional Coders (AAPC)
- Certified Coding Associate (CCA) exam offered by the American Health Information Management Association (AHIMA)
- Certified Billing and Coding Specialist (CBCS) exam offered by the National Healthcareer Association (NHA)
- Learn how the CPT Category II codes and ICD-10 codes work and how to assign them in common medical billing and coding procedures:
- Gain hands-on billing experience with medical billing and coding software
- Externship Starter Kit to help you gain valuable experience in the field
- Medical Biller standalone option for those who aren’t interested in Medical Coding
Curriculum
- Medical Terminology
- Introduction to Medical Terminology
- The Musculoskeletal System
- The Cardiovascular System
- The Lymphatic and Immune Systems
- The Respiratory System
- The Digestive System
- The Urinary System
- The Nervous System
- The Special Senses the Eyes and Ears
- The Integumentary System
- The Endocrine System
- The Reproductive System
- Diagnostic Procedures, Nuclear Medicine, Pharmacology
- Medical Billing and Coding
- Introduction to Medical Billing and Coding
- Introduction to Health Insurance
- Managed Healthcare
- Revenue Cycle Management
- Legal Aspects of Health Insurance and Reimbursement
- ICD-10-CM Coding
- CPT Coding
- HCPCS Level II Coding
- ICD-10-PCS Coding
- Pharmacology for Coders
- Midterm
- Clinical Documentation Improvement (CDI)
- Insurance Claims
- Commercial Insurance
- Blue Cross Blue Shield
- Medicare
- Medicaid, CHIP, TRICARE, Workers’ Compensation
- Certification
- How to Find a Job in Medical Billing and Coding
- Final
Prerequisites and Requirements
There are no prerequisites to take this course.
Registration and Enrollment
This course is 100% online. Start anytime.
Meet Your Instructors
Nancy Smith
Nancy Smith has over 30 years of experience in the healthcare industry. Her clinical experience includes working as a medical assistant for a network of rural health clinics, and as a medical coder, insurance claims specialist, and medical records auditor. Nancy holds a bachelor's degree in vocational education and has developed and taught medical assistant programs.
LaTisha Cottingham
LaTisha Cottingham has over 20 years of experience in the healthcare industry. She has six years of teaching experience in the field of medical billing and coding and Medical Assisting. Currently she is employed as an HIM Analyst for a long-term care establishment that is based out of Alabama.
Job Outlook for Medical Billing and Coding Specialists
Medical billing and coding is a high-growth career field. The U.S. Department of Labor estimates that medical billing and coding jobs will increase by 12.8% through 2028. This could equate to an additional 2,000 new jobs added in California, with 1,260 job openings each year.
You can also make a competitive salary as a medical biller and coder. The Bureau of Labor Statistics reports that the mean annual salary of medical billers and coders in the San Diego area is $50,850 per year, with potential for additional salary increases as you gain more skills and industry experience.
Medical Billing and Coding FAQs
What Does a Medical Biller and Coder Do?
Medical billers and coders process patient data, including information for medical records and related insurance. In this field, you’ll code a patient's diagnosis and/or treatment procedures and tests to request payment from the patient's insurance company. You’ll play an important role in ensuring that healthcare providers are quickly and accurately paid for the treatment they give patients so that healthcare systems continue to function effectively.
Is There a Difference Between a Medical Billing and a Medical Coding?
Yes. Medical coders will translate all aspects of patient care into current procedural terminology (CPT) codes—a nationally recognized medical language. Accurate coding of medical services provided is essential to getting money from a patient’s insurance company and ongoing proper medical care. Medical billers are responsible for creating an insurance claim based on the codes that a medical coder provides. Many professionals in this area do both medical billing and medical coding, but some choose to specialize.
What Are the Requirements for a Medical Billing and Coding Career?
To gain an entry-level position, jobseekers are typically required to complete some type of certificate program or course, pass a professional certification exam, or complete an associate degree program in medical billing and coding. Like all those who work in healthcare, medical billing and coding professionals must have an in-depth understanding of the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) and how it protects patients' rights and confidentiality.
How Long Does It Take 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.
What Is the Difference Between Certification Exams (CPC, CCA, AND CBCS)?
When you obtain either a CPC, CCA, or CBCS certification, you show others in the industry that you understand the competencies in the field of medical billing and coding.
The Certified Professional Coder (CPC) exam, offered by the American Academy of Professional Coders (AAPC), is the gold standard entry-level coding certification for physician, or professional fee, coders.
The Certified Coding Associate (CCA), offered by the American Health Information Management Association (AHIMA), is an entry-level medical coding certification across all settings, from physician practices to inpatient hospitals.
The Certified Billing and Coding Specialist (CBCS), offered by the National Healthcareer Association (NHA), is an entry-level medical billing certification for physician practices. However, in the summer of 2021, the exam will transition to an entry-level billing and coding certification, including ICD-10-CM, CPT, and HCPCS Level II testing.
Is Medical Billing and Coding a Good Career?
Absolutely. In fact, U.S. News & World Report ranked medical records technicians (professionals that perform medical billing, medical coding, or both) as #24 on its list of “Best Jobs Without a College Degree" and #18 in its list of “Best Health Care Support Jobs.”