Medical Billing and Coding (2024)

Become a Certified Medical Billing and Coding Specialist

• 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 $46,350 and work in one of the fastest-growing professions. The BLS also estimates that at least 27,000 new jobs will be needed in this profession by 2026.

  See Also

  Online Medical Administration, Billing and Coding TrainingMedical Billing ProgramOnline Medical Billing and Coding Certification
• Medical Billing and Coding FAQ

  What does a medical biller and coder do?
  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.

  Is there a difference between a medical billing and a medical coding?
  Yes. Medical coders translate patient care into current procedural terminology (CPT) codes. Their primary responsibility is ensuring that the medical services 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.

  What are the requirements for a medical billing and coding career?
  Entry-level positions typically require completing a certificate and passing certification exams or an associate degree program in medical billing and coding. Medical billing and coding professionals must also understand the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA).

  How long does it take to become a medical biller and coder?
  It usually takes one to 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.

  What is the difference between certification exams (CPC, CCA and CBCS)?
  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 can 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 physicians 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 hospitals.

  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, including ICD-10-CM, CPT, and HCPCS Level II testing.

  Is medical billing and coding a good career?
  U.S. News & World Report ranked medical records technicians (professionals that perform medical billing, medical coding or both) in the top 5 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.

• 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.
  • The Externship Starter Kit will 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 Reimbursem*nt
  • 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
• 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. 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.

  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. She is employed as an HIM Analyst for a long-term care establishment based in Alabama.

Clemson Center for Corporate Learning

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