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Cambridge College of Healthcare & Technology offers a flexible online experience for those looking to start a career in medical billing and coding. With the same support and quality training received through traditional campus-based education, our online Medical Billing and Coding program meets industry standards to help jumpstart your career.
For answers to frequently asked questions about medical billing and coding, keep reading below.
What Is Medical Billing and Coding?
Medical Billing and Coding is a highly detail-oriented career. It involves the oversight and management of patient data, including doctor’s notes, medical bills, patient imaging records and much more. Specialists often go by many titles, including Medical Billing and Coding Specialists, Electronic Health Records Specialists and Health Information Technicians.
Salary: How Much Does a Medical Billing and Coding Specialist Make?
According to the AAPC’s most recent salary survey, the average salary for medical coding positions is approximately $58,895 per year. The salary for each specialist will differ between locations, type of certification and level of experience in the field.
What Classes Are Required for Medical Billing and Coding?
The education required for medical billing and coding certification involves basic medical training alongside billing and coding procedures. Various courses are required that teach you classification systems such as CPT and ICD-10 and basic medical terminology. Below are some of the classes required:
- Anatomy and Physiology with Lab
- Medical Terminology
- ICD10
- Medical Insurance
- Computer Applications
We welcome you to view a complete listing of the online curriculum requirements.
How Long Does a Medical Billing and Coding Program Take?
Through Cambridge College, the Medical Billing and Coding program can take just under 38 weeks from start to finish. The exact timing for each student may differ, depending on individuals’ varying circumstances.
What Does a Medical Billing and Coding Specialist Do?
A medical billing and coding specialist takes on many administrative tasks including the administration of Electronic Health Records (EHRs), ensuring HIPAA compliance across health records, managing medical billing systems and coding patient services to prepare for insurance billing.
To learn more, please visit the career profile.
How Do I Become Certified in Medical Billing and Coding?
To become certified in medical billing and coding, you will need to obtain formal training in the field through a program such as Cambridge College of Healthcare & Technology Medical Billing and Coding certification program. Once you complete all the educational hours necessary and receive your certificate, you will then be eligible for certification through the AAPC, AHIMA, or the PMI. The following are available certifications in the field:
- Certified Professional Coder or CPC. This certification is offered through the American Association of Professional Coders (AAPC) and is the most widely used certification in the field.
- Certified Coding Specialist or CCS. This certification is offered through the American Health Information Management Association (AHIMA) and is best used for work within inpatient facilities.
- Certified Billing & Coding Specialist (CBCS). This certification is offered through the National Healthcareer Association (NHA) and is comparable to both other certifications as well as Medical Billing.
Each certification requires prerequisites that may differ from the others and each will require an exam. It is best to research the certifications and discuss them with an advisor to decide which is best for you.
How Hard Is Medical Billing and Coding?
Although medical billing and coding can be challenging, most challenges can be overcome with the correct training and experience. Common challenges associated with medical billing and coding include:
- Learning coding systems
- Sifting through many details of each new case
- Mastering the complex tools required to complete tasks
With the right education from Cambridge, Medical Billing and Coding Specialists can quickly overcome the difficulties of the role and thrive in a rewarding career.
Will I Like Medical Billing and Coding?
Medical billing and coding might be for you if you:
- Are detail oriented
- Are committed to doing your job well
- Enjoy regular working hours
- Desire a competitive salary
- Prefer working in an office setting
Sound good to you? We welcome you to read more about the many benefits a Medical Billing and Coding Specialist career can provide you.
Can I Really Complete Medical Billing and Coding Classes Online?
Through Cambridge College, yes you can. Our online diploma/certificate program provides the best education and life balance. Delivered through online chats, videos and discussion board interactions, the Medical Billing and Coding Online program is designed to help you learn at your own pace while remaining flexible and affordable.
If you are ready to jumpstart your career, visit the Medical Billing and Coding program page to get started today!