Billing and coding professionals play a crucial role in our public infrastructure. People who work in areas such as billing management help hospitals to stay up and running. They do this while managing all the administrative work that goes into providing healthcare. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
The COVID-19 crisis has illuminated the importance of everyone in the healthcare sector. The people who work in medical billing and coding playing a key role in fighting the crisis. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
If working in medical billing and coding is interesting to you, there\u2019s one thing you should know: these jobs typically require certification or a college degree. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
In this guide, we\u2019re going to break down the top 10 online medical billing and coding schools. We\u2019ll discuss the background behind these online learning programs, their tuition, and what you can expect in the curriculum for each type of degree in this field.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
<\/h2>\n\n\n\nOnline Medical Billing and Coding Degree Rankings in 2020<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
The growth of distance education has resulted in a number of colleges offering their medical billing and coding degrees online. Because there are so many programs out there, it can be difficult to find one that is right for you. Here is a list of the top five low-cost medical coding and billing programs online that will help illustrate a glimpse of what\u2019s out there:<\/p>\n\n\n\n
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#1: University of Alaska Fairbanks<\/a><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
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- Degree: Medical Coding Occupational Endorsement<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Tuition: $175\/credit<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Credit Requirement: 13 credits<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n
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The University of Alaska Fairbanks offers 35 online certificate and degree programs, which includes an occupational endorsement certificate in medical coding and billing. This course prepares you for employment in medical offices and hospitals as a medical coder and biller. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
In the program, you\u2019ll learn how to analyze medical codes, assign codes, and index diagnoses and procedures for reimbursement purposes. The course consists of 13 credits that cover topics such as medical terminology and medical coding. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
As a student, you\u2019ll be able to participate in a wide range of student activities alongside your degree, many of which can be run online. For instance, the university has a range of media outlets that are maintained by student volunteers. On top of that, they have an entire student activities office that oversees events at the school.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
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#2: Community Care College<\/a><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
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- Degree: Medical Billing and Coding Certification<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Duration: 11 months<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n
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Community Care College serves around half of its students online and is known for its medical coding and billing program. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
As a student in its medical coding and billing program, you\u2019ll learn about medical terminology, diagnostic and procedural coding, medical insurance, and other topics related to healthcare administration. Community Care College also offers resume writing, interviewing, and job search workshops to help you prepare for a job in medical coding and billing. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Notably, organizations such as Blue Cross Blue Shield, Cherokee Nation, Union Pines Surgery Center, and Oklahoma Medical Billing have all hired graduates from the school\u2019s medical coding and billing program.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
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#3: Wisconsin Indianhead Technical College<\/a><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
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- Degree: Medical Coding Specialist Certificate<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Tuition: $4,459 (total)<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Duration: 1 year<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Credit Requirement: 29 credits<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n
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The Wisconsin Indianhead Technical College (WITC) provides a specialist certification in medical coding. This program will prepare you for entry-level coding jobs in hospitals, clinics, and care facilities. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
In this program, you\u2019ll learn how to collect health data, apply coding systems, model professional behaviors, and use technology to support coding. You\u2019ll study topics such as intermediate coding, human disease, and diagnosis coding. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
According to a 2017-2018 graduate survey by WITC, 88%<\/a> of its billing and coding specialist graduates were employed, 44% of which were employed in a related field. The range of yearly salaries earned by graduates of this program was $27,559 to $86,293<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
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#4: Northwest Technical College<\/a><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
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- Degree: Associate of Applied Science in Medical Coding<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Tuition: $178.15\/credit<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Duration: 2 years<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Credit Requirement: 60 credits<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n
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Northwest Technical College (NTC) offers an Associate of Applied Science degree in medical coding. This program provides comprehensive training in the nationally-recognized coding systems used to classify medical treatments. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
In this program, you\u2019ll learn about topics such as human anatomy, medical billing, insurance, and pharmacology. As a student at NTC, you\u2019ll be able to access free tutoring for most subject areas in your degree. You\u2019ll also be able to access the school\u2019s online library catalog which provides a range of resources you may be able to use in your degree.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
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#5: Keiser University<\/a><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
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- Degree: Associate of Science in Medical Administrative Billing and Coding<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Duration: 2 years<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Credit Requirement: 60 credits<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n
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Keiser University offers an Associate of Science degree in billing and coding through its Fort Lauderdale Online Division campus. This program will prepare you to assign accurate medical codes for procedures offered by workers in the healthcare sector. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
As a student in this program, you\u2019ll be prepared for entry-level employment in billing and coding. You will also be prepared to take the American Academy of Professional Coders certification exam, which is incredibly valuable in the field. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Courses in Keiser University\u2019s billing and coding program cover medical law and ethics, pharmacology, medical office management, coding, and more. Your associate degree will also include classes in mathematics, English, and the humanities to round out your studies.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
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What Is Medical Billing and Coding?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Medical billing and coding is an essential part of the healthcare system.
<\/p>\n\n\n\nBehind every diagnosis given, or treatment prescribed, there is a code that is used for billing purposes. People who work in medical billing and coding career can interpret these codes and turn them into the services that are listed on a patient\u2019s bill. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
The codes used in medical billing and coding are used by healthcare providers, government bodies, insurance companies, and other organizations involved in administering or tracking healthcare.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
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What Is the Difference Between Medical Billing and Coding?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Medical billing and coding both work together to make sure the payment side of hospital care runs smoothly. Medical coding involves assigning a code to each medical service provided by a doctor or a nurse and tracking those codes. Medical billing is where a bill will be created based on the services a patient has used while under care. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
The bill created by a medical biller and coder is sent to an insurance company, who will calculate how much it must pay, and then the patient is sent the final bill.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
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Online Medical Billing and Coding Degree Offerings<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Do you want to pursue a career in medical billing and coding? If so, there are plenty of educational options open to you. They help you acquire the skills and the knowledge you need to kickstart your career. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Online medical billing and coding classes have become especially common. These degrees offer more flexibility than traditional in-person offerings because you can study from anywhere. You may also have more flexibility over your schedule if you attend an online program. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
There are three main types of training available in medical billing and coding:
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- Certificate<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Associate\u2019s Degree<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Bachelor\u2019s Degree<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n
Online Medical Billing and Coding Certificate<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Most people who work in medical and billing have some post-secondary education in this space. Rather than pursuing a degree in healthcare, many workers opt for a certificate program, which will train you in everything you need to know to break into this career. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Certificate programs usually take between nine months and a year to complete.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Online Medical Billing and Coding Certificate Admission Requirements<\/h4>\n\n\n\n
Typically, online medical billing and coding certificate programs require you to have a high school diploma or a GED. You may also have to submit your official transcripts and general college entrance exam scores, depending on the program to which you have applied.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
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Online Medical Billing and Coding Certificate Curriculum<\/h4>\n\n\n\n
The entire curriculum of an online medical billing and coding program is focused on helping you understand how to translate medical diagnoses and procedures into a special code. These codes are used in labs, results notes, charts, and more. This helps a hospital keep track of the services rendered to a particular patient. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
In your certificate program, you can expect to cover topics such as:
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- How to use computerized patient record systems<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- How to manage and store data in compliance with relevant laws<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- How healthcare services are organized<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- The role of codes in the healthcare process<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Managing medical bills and codes<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Quality management procedures<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n
The exact content of your course will depend on the course for which you have applied. Some programs will teach hospital case studies, whereas others may cover how to evaluate the quality of healthcare data, for instance.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
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Online Medical Billing and Coding Certificate Progression<\/h4>\n\n\n\n
Once you graduate from an online certificate in medical billing and coding, you\u2019ll be prepared to enter into an entry-level position in this field. The most common entry-level positions available are being a medical billing clerk, an insurance claims analyst or adjuster, or a medical coder.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
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Online Medical Billing and Coding Associate\u2019s Degree<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
While a certificate program is often sufficient to pursue an entry-level role in medical billing and coding, associate degrees are another common entry path. Associate degrees explore the intricacies of medical coding and billing in more depth than a certificate program, and will also cover broader courses such as medical finance and reimbursement systems.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
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Online Medical Billing and Coding Associate\u2019s Degree Requirements<\/h4>\n\n\n\n
You\u2019ll need to have a high school diploma or equivalent certification to enroll in an online medical billing and coding associate\u2019s degree. Earning a certification in this field can help you strengthen your application as well.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
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Online Medical Billing and Coding Associate\u2019s Degree Curriculum<\/h4>\n\n\n\n
The curriculum of an associate\u2019s degree is similar to that of a certificate program, but with a few main differences. The first is that associate\u2019s degrees cover a broader range of topics, such as finance. This is because the program is more advanced, and lasts two years, which is over double the length of a certificate program.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
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Online Medical Billing and Coding Associate\u2019s Degree Progression<\/h4>\n\n\n\n
After earning this credential, you will be prepared for a wide range of entry-level positions in medical billing and coding. You may also choose to advance to a bachelor\u2019s degree program in medical coding and billing. A bachelors program will explore the medical coding and billing field more in depth that an associates degree program will. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
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Online Medical Billing and Coding Bachelor\u2019s Degree<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
If you are interested in advancing to a senior role in medical coding and billing in your career, then having a bachelor\u2019s degree in either coding and billing or healthcare administration can be immensely useful. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Many people who enter into this career do so because of the lower barrier for entry than other jobs in healthcare. In most cases, a certificate or associate\u2019s degree will suffice as the training you need to secure a job. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
However, if you have high career ambitions, a bachelor\u2019s degree is a valuable investment. It will help distinguish you as you start your career, and will unlock jobs with higher salaries and more long-term growth opportunities.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
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Online Medical Billing and Coding Bachelor\u2019s Degree Requirements<\/h4>\n\n\n\n
Most bachelor\u2019s degree programs require you to have earned a high school diploma or equivalent certification. Having a certificate in billing and coding or an associate\u2019s degree in the field is also valued, but not a requirement. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
You will also have to submit your high school transcripts, a personal statement, and you may be asked to send over letters of recommendation to the colleges to which you have applied.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
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Online Medical Billing and Coding Bachelor\u2019s Degree Curriculum<\/h4>\n\n\n\n
Bachelor\u2019s degree programs in medical billing and coding take four years to complete. During this time, you\u2019ll work on a mix of general education classes in subjects like humanities and math. Your major related classes will be related to healthcare and medical billing. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Here are a few of the topics you can expect to cover in your degree:
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- How health records are managed, both electronically and physically<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- How insurance claims are researched<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- The terminology used in medical environments<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- How healthcare is delivered to patients<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n
Toward the end of your program, you may be expected to complete a capstone project or an internship. This will allow you to reinforce the skills you have learned in your training program and prepare you to transition into the workforce.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
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Online Medical Billing and Coding Bachelor\u2019s Degree Progression<\/h4>\n\n\n\n
After graduating from a bachelor\u2019s program, you\u2019re ready to enter into a number of careers in healthcare administration. The most common path is to work directly in medical billing and coding, although you may also be able to use your degree to pursue other administrative roles in healthcare or insurance companies. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Once you graduate from a bachelor\u2019s program, you\u2019ll also be qualified to sit for the Registered Health Information Administrator exam. If you pass this exam, you\u2019ll be well-positioned to start a wide range of careers. These careers include insurance companies, and in public and private health organizations.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
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What Can You Do With a Medical Billing and Coding Online Degree?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Medical billing and coding online degrees can unlock a number of career opportunities, depending on the level of education you attain.
<\/p>\n\n\n\nIf you graduate from a certificate or associate program, you\u2019ll be suited to a number of entry-level positions in medical billing and coding.
<\/p>\n\n\n\nFor instance, you could become a medical records and health information technician, which involves organizing and managing health information data. The median salary for this worker was $40,350<\/a> in 2018, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS). <\/p>\n\n\n\n
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