Medical Billing and Coding (Vouchers Included)
Online Medical Billing and Coding Training
Become a Certified Medical Billing and Coding Specialist
Medical billing and coding is a rising star in the healthcare field today. This 100% online course will prepare you to start a career in this high-demand occupation and earn the medical billing and coding professional certification that best aligns with your interest and career goals. You’ll learn how to use the Healthcare Common procedure Coding System (HCPCS) and the CPT Category II and ICD-10 codes. Additionally, you’ll gain hands-on practice using medical billing and coding software. Upon course completion, you’ll receive a voucher for the certification exam of your choice: CPC, CCA or CBCS.
Why Choose Our Program?
Traditionally, students had to choose a medical billing and coding course—and a certification path—before fully understanding the field. This program eliminates that challenge by providing a comprehensive introduction to medical billing and coding, allowing participants to explore career options before selecting the certification that aligns with their goals. This approach helps our participants make more informed decisions about their future, the type of healthcare setting they want to work in, and any specialization they may want to pursue.
Job Outlook for Medical Billing and Coding Specialists
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), medical billing and coding specialists earn an average annual salary of $40,350 and work in one of the fastest growing professions.
The BLS estimates that at least 27,000 new jobs will be needed in this profession by 2026.
Medical Billing and Coding FAQs
Medical Billers and Coders are responsible for processing patient data including medical records and related insurance. In this position, you will code a patient’s diagnosis and then request payment from the patient’s insurance company. You will play an important role in ensuring that healthcare providers are quickly and accurately paid for the treatment they give patients.
Yes. Medical coders translate patient care into current procedural terminology (CPT) codes. Their primary responsibility is to ensure that the medical services provided are accurately coded. Medical billers are responsible for creating a claim based on the codes a medical coder provides. Many professionals in this area do both medical billing and medical coding.
Entry-level positions typically require completion of a certificate and passing one of the certification exams or an associate degree program in medical billing and coding. Additionally, medical billing and coding professionals must understand the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA).
In most cases, it takes between one and three years 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.
Obtaining a CPC, CCA, or CBCS certification implies that an individual has met competencies in the field of medical billing and coding. Certification is invaluable to the student’s career goals. Students have an opportunity to make confident, informed decisions about the national certification they prefer.
The Certified Professional Coder (CPC) exam is offered by the American Academy of Professional Coders (AAPC). It is the gold standard entry-level coding certification for physician, or professional fee, coders.
The Certified Coding Associate (CCA) is offered by the American Health Information Management Association (AHIMA). It is an entry-level medical coding certification across all settings–physician practices and inpatient hospital.
The Certified Billing and Coding Specialist (CBCS) is offered by the National Healthcareer Association (NHA) and is currently an entry-level medical billing certification for physician practices. In the summer of 2021, the exam will transition to an entry-level billing and coding certification, with the inclusion of ICD-10-CM, CPT, and HCPCS Level II testing.
U.S. News and World Report ranked medical records technician (professionals that perform medical billing, medical coding or both) as #9 on its list of “25 Best Jobs that Don’t Require a College Degree,” #12 in “Best Health Care Support Jobs” and on the “The 100 Best Jobs” list.
What do you need to know about this program
Get a better understanding of the value this program provides from the medical billing and coding certification video overview
Medical coding terminology is required for medical coding, including the structures and functions of the human body
The disorders and medical procedures common to each body system
Legal, ethical, and regulatory concepts central to the field, including HIPAA compliance and third-party guidelines for filing insurance claims
The main coding manuals: ICD-10-CM, ICD-10-PCS, CPT, and HCPCS Level II
How to code diagnoses, services, and procedures for all systems of the body
Fundamentals of medical billing and coding and medical terminology
Word parts and the structures and functions of the human body
Hands on exposure to an encoder application: Codify (AAPC)
- Summarizing the role and the responsibilities of a phlebotomy technician
- Ability to describe basic anatomy as it applies to blood and function
- Applying quality and safety measures as they relate to phlebotomy
- Preparing for blood collection
- Performing sample collections
- Executing post-collection procedures
- Choosing ethical behavior that upholds the rights and dignity of patients
- Get hands-on, practical experience in medical billing and coding that will help you on the job
- Receive a Certificate of Completion and an exam voucher for the professional exam of your choice
- Receive access to study materials and prepare to sit for the medical billing and coding certification exam that best aligns with your interest and career goals:
PREREQUISITES: There are no prerequisites to take this program.
REGISTRATION: This program is 100% online. Start anytime.
In order to sit for national certification exams, candidates must have a high school diploma or equivalent. Therefore, it is recommended you have this before enrolling in this program. Certification exams offered by AAPC and NHA are only available online to candidates located in the US. AHIMA only offers in-person exams in both the US and Globally.
Our Self-paced courses are designed to be user-friendly and independent, minimizing the need for external support. Our student advising team is available to guide you on program requirements and administrative requests, but they do not provide assistance with course content. Our goal is to provide you with the necessary support for success, whether it’s through self-paced exploration, direct communication, or guidance from our advising team.
Ready to Become a Medical Billing and Coding Specialist?
Curriculum
Getting Started
How to Take This Course
Test-Out Exam 1: Lessons 1–Midterm Exam
Introduction to Medical Terminology and the Human Body in Health and Disease
The Musculoskeletal System
The Cardiovascular System
The Lymphatic and Immune Systems
The Respiratory System
The Digestive System
The Urinary System
Midterm
Test-Out Exam 2: Lessons 8–Final Exam
The Nervous System
Special Senses: The Eyes and Ears
The Integumentary System
The Endocrine System
Mental Health
Male and Female Reproductive Systems
Diagnostic Procedures, Nuclear Medicine, and Complementary Medicine
Final Exam
Introduction to Medical Billing and Coding
Career Opportunities
Personal and Technical Qualifications
Employment Settings
Telecommunications
Professional Certifications
Introduction to Health Insurance
Health Insurance Terminology
Commercial and Government Payers
Healthcare Documentation
Electronic Health Record
Managed Healthcare
Types of Reimbursement
Managed Care Providers
Managed Care Models
Consumer-Directed Health Plans
Revenue Cycle Management
Phases of Revenue Cycle Management
Encounter Form, Chargemaster
Insurance Claim Cycle
New Patient Registration
Collection Practices
Legal Aspects of Health Insurance and Reimbursement
Laws Affecting Healthcare
Protected Health Information
Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA)
Fraud and Abuse in Medical Billing and Coding
Release of Information
ICD-10-CM Coding
Overview of ICD-10-CM
Key Features
Organization of the Codebook
Index to Diseases and Injuries
Tabular List of Diseases and Injuries
Coding Conventions
Official Guidelines
CPT Coding
Overview of Healthcare Common Procedure Coding System (HCPCS)
Category I, Category II, and Category III Codes
Organization of the Codebook
Main CPT Sections
Evaluation and Management
Anesthesia
Surgery
Radiology
Pathology and Laboratory
Medicine
Code Modifiers
HCPCS Level II Coding
Overview of HCPCS Level II
Organization of the Codebook
Durable Medical Equipment
ICD-10-PCS Coding
Overview of ICD-10-PCS
Code Structure
Definitions
Index
Code Tables
Coding Steps
Pharmacology for Coders
Pharmacodynamics and Pharmacokinetics
Routes of Administration
Drug Classifications
Prescription Drugs and Over-the-Counter Drugs
Controlled Substances
Medication Lists and the Electronic Health Record
MIDTERM
Clinical Documentation Improvement (CDI)
Deficiencies in Documentation
Medical Necessity
Auditing
Coding From Patient Documentation
Coding with Your Codify Encoder
Insurance Claims
National Uniform Claim Committee
CMS-1500 Claim Form
Patient and Insured Information
Physician or Supplier Information
UB-04 Claim Form
Commercial Insurance
Individual/Group Health Insurance, Automobile, Disability, Liability, Workers’ Compensation
Completing Commercial Health Insurance Claims
Blue Cross Blue Shield
History of BCBS
Types of BCBS Plans
Participating/Nonparticipating Providers
BCBS Billing and Payment Guidelines
Medicare
Medicare Eligibility
Medicare Part A, B, C, and D
National Coverage Determinations/Local Coverage Determinations
Participating/Nonparticipating Providers
Physician Fee Schedule
Medicare Billing and Payment Guidelines/NCCI
Medicaid, CHIP, TRICARE, Workers’ Compensation
Medicaid
Children’s Health Insurance Program (CHIP)
TRICARE
Workers’ Compensation
Certification
Selecting the Right Certification
Study Strategies for the Certification Exam
Prior to the Exam
Morning of the Exam
During the Exam
How to Find a Job in Medical Billing and Coding
Formulating Your Career Goals
What Employers Want
Showcasing Your Skills
Resume Tips
Cover Letter Tips
Interview Questions
Land the Job
Mock Exam
Final Exam
ICD-11 Preview
Instructors
Medical Billing and Coding Instructors
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. She worked as a medical office manager for ten years, where she recruited and trained all medical assistants. Nancy holds a bachelor’s degree in vocational education and has developed and taught medical assistant programs.
Lydia S. Stewart, RN, BSN, currently serves as the Revenue Cycle Manager at a large regional medical center. Lydia has been a Registered Nurse for 23 years, 15 of those years specializing in Critical Care Nursing and supervision. She is responsible for Medical Audits, Charge Capture, and governmental compliance audits and reviews. Lydia is a member of the Louisiana Medical Auditor Association and Healthcare Financial Management Association (HFMA).
Sharon L. Blackford, MA, BA, RMA, has over 30 years of experience in the medical field. She has a Master’s degree in Organizational Management, a Bachelor’s degree in Business Management, and has served as a Registered Medical Assistant since 1994. Sharon was an active duty Clinical Specialist in the U.S. Army for 10 years. Sharon later moved to the Gulf Coast to accept a position as the Director of Education of Blue Cliff College and was promoted to Campus Director.
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. Previously she was employed as the lead instructor for the Allied Health Department for a local career institute. LaTisha’s field of expertise is in the area of physician-based inpatient coding and Emergency Department coding. The certifications that she holds are as follows: a Registered Health Information Technician (RHIT), a Certified Professional Coder (CPC), and a Certified Clinical Medical Assistant (CCMA). In preparation for ICD-10-CM, LaTisha received her ICD-10-CM/PCS Trainer Certification from American Health Information Association (AHIMA), where she is currently a member. LaTisha is also a member of the American Academy of Professional Coders (AAPC) and the National Healthcare Association (NHA) where she is a test proctor.
Bunny Reeves is the senior ambulatory surgery coder at the Maimonides Medical Center in Brooklyn, New York. She trains student coders at Maimonides Medical Center and previously trained and supervised entry-level coders at Staten Island’s St. Vincent Medical Center. Reeves is a Certified Coding Specialist, accredited by the American Health Information Management Association (AHIMA).
Carline Dalgleish has worked in medical office administration for over 30 years. She holds a bachelor’s degree in Business Information Systems, a master’s degree in Leadership, and a post-baccalaureate certificate in Health Information Management. She is a Registered Health Information Administrator and an AHIMA Approved ICD-10-CM/PCS Trainer. Dalgleish is the author of an ICD-10 coding system and owns her own consulting firm.
Stacey O’Brien has more than 10 years of experience in medical coding and reimbursement. Ms. O’Brien has been a risk adjustment coder for a Medicare advantage plan, audited medical records for a consulting firm, and currently supervises the coding and electronic claims submission process for a group medical practice. She has a bachelor’s degree from the University of Pittsburgh and a CPC coding certification from the AAPC.
Medical Terminology Instructors
Our medical terminology course section is taught by multiple experienced instructors. See here for a full list of these instructors.
HOURS AND CONTACT
Professional and Continuing Education
Mon-Fri | 8 am-4:30 pm
262-595-3340
continuing.ed@uwp.edu
Parkside Works
900 Wood Rd., Molinaro Hall D111
Kenosha, WI 53144
Parking: Lot A
The University of Wisconsin-Parkside is committed to providing access, equal opportunity, and reasonable accommodation in its services, program activities, education, and employment for individuals with disabilities. To request disability accommodations, contact Professional and Continuing Education at least eight weeks in advance at: 262-595-3340 (V), 262-595-2513 (FAX), or email continuing.ed@uwp.edu.
