Train to Be a Certified Medical Billing and Coding Specialist
Medical billing and coding is one of the fastest growing work-from-home careers in the health care field! This 100% online course will prepare you for the Certified Professional Coder (CPC) exam, offered by the American Academy of Professional Coders (AAPC). You’ll learn how to use the Healthcare Common procedure Coding System (HCPCS) and the CPT Category II and ICD-10 codes.
Kevin Feeley
BS in Electrical Engineering
HVCC Class of 2005
“Excelsior took all of my credits. I was able to jump right into upper-level courses.”
Job Outlook for Medical Billing and Coding Specialists
- According to the U.S. 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 also estimates that at least 27,000 new jobs will be needed in this profession in the next 6 years.
CPC Medical Billing and Coding FAQs
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.
Entry-level positions typically require completion of a certificate 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.
Yes. However, this will vary depending on the health care organization you work for and your level of experience.
U.S. News & 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.
CPC Medical Billing and Coding Objectives
- Learn how the CPT Category II codes and ICD-10 codes work and how to assign them in common medical billing and coding procedures.
- Be fully prepared to sit for the CPC exam, offered by the American Academy of Professional Coders.
Prerequisites and Requirements
There are no prerequisites to take this course. This course is 100% online. Start anytime.
Curriculum
- Medical Terminology
Learn common medical terminology of the body and how it relates to diagnostic procedures, nuclear medicine, and pharmacology
- Introduction to Medical Billing and Coding
Overview of medical billing and coding in today’s health care system
- Healthcare Law
How HIPAA, the False Claims Act, and the Stark Law protect health information
- Introduction to Health Insurance Terms
Health insurance terms, health care provider terms, and third-party reimbursement methods
- Pharmacology for Coders
Definition of pharmacology, drug classifications, and routes of administration
- ICD-10-CM
Overview of ICD-10-CM, as well as coding guidelines, conventions, and steps for assigning ICD-10-CM codes
- CPT and HCPCS Level II Coding
How the Healthcare Common Procedure Coding System (HCPCS) and CPT Code Book work, and steps for assigning CPT and HCPCS Level II codes
- Abstracting Information from Medical Documents
Coding from soap notes, consultation reports, operative reports, emergency room records, and procedure reports
- New Patients, Insurance Claims and EOBS
Electronic, paper, and hybrid medical records, practice management software, and developing insurance claims
- Submitting Electronic Claims and CMS 1500
Electronic Data Interchange (EDI), electronic claims submission and the National Uniform Claim Committee
- Blue Cross/Blue Shield
Working with participating and nonparticipating providers
- Medicare
Understanding Medicare, parts A, B, C and D
- Other Health Care Programs
Medicaid, TRICARE, CHAMPVA, and workers' compensation
- ICD-10-PCS (optional Lesson)
Overview, code structure, and definitions of ICD-10-PCS
- Survey of Hospital Billing
Hospital revenue cycle, chargemaster, master patient index, and prospective payment systems
- Career Roadmap for Medical Billing and Coding — Find a Job Fast
Marketing your skills and talents, creating a résumé and cover letter, interviewing and salary negotiation
Instructors
Nancy Smith
Nancy Smith has over 30 years of experience in the health care 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. Smith 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 health care industry. She has 6 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.