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Medical Billing and Coding GES1014

This medical billing and coding certification prep prepares you for the CPC, CCA, or CBCS credential pathways. Choose the best certification for your needs.

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This 100% online medical billing and coding course will prepare you for success as you learn about legal, ethical, and regulatory concepts central to this field, including HIPAA compliance, official coding guidelines, and third-party payer requirements. You can also choose a voucher for the professional medical billing and coding certification (Certified Professional Coder (CPC), Certified Coding Associate (CCA), or Certified Billing and Coding Specialist (CBCS)) that best aligns with your interests and career goals—setting this course apart from others you may have seen before!

Upon completing this course, you will earn a Certification of Completion and be prepared for your selected certification exam.

Learn more about the Medical Billing and Coding course through this video.

Course objectives

  • 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 & coding and medical terminology
  • Word parts and the structures and functions of the human body

Job outlook for medical billing and coding specialists

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), the average annual salary of medical billing and coding specialists is $47,180 (as of May 2022). Jobs for these professionals will likely increase by 8% through 2032, much faster than the average for all other professions (3%).

The BLS also estimates that at least 15,000 new jobs for medical billers and coders are expected annually, on average, over the decade.

Frequently asked questions

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 have both medical billing and medical coding skills.

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 medical billing and coding. 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 & World Report ranked medical records technician (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.

Registration and enrollment

This course is 100% online. Start anytime. Get started now!

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Have questions about continuing education offerings or need technical support with your CE offering? Please email (Continuing.Education@cuw.edu) or call (262-243-2100).

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