Online Medical Billing and Coding Certificate Programs

Medical billing and coding is a critical aspect of the healthcare industry. It involves the process of converting medical procedures, diagnoses and treatments into universally recognized alphanumeric codes which are used for billing purposes, insurance claims and maintaining patient records. Accurate medical billing and coding are essential for healthcare facilities to receive proper payment for their services and to maintain compliance with healthcare regulations.

Online Medical Billing and Coding programs here at DeVry cover essential topics such as medical terminology, ICD-10 and CPT coding systems, healthcare regulations, insurance processes and patient privacy. You’ll also get hands-on experience interpreting medical records and using electronic health records (EHR) and billing software. These skills prepare you to assign the appropriate codes to complex or common procedures and diagnoses, submit claims for reimbursement and navigate the intricacies of the healthcare billing process.

At DeVry, our online Medical Billing and Coding programs can prepare you to pursue industry certifications. Prepare for AHIMA’s Certified Coding Specialist (CCS) exam with our Medical Billing and Coding - Health Information Coding Certificate or the AAPC’s Certified Professional Coder (CPC) exam with our Medical Billing and Coding Certificate program. 

To enroll in our Medical Billing and Coding programs, you must meet our DeVry University admissions requirements including meeting the minimum age and GPA requirements, completing our English placement exam and meeting other criteria. See a complete list of requirements on our Undergraduate Admissions page. 

Here at DeVry, the total cost of your education depends on several factors such as whether you choose our Medical Billing and Coding – Health Information Coding program or our Medical Billing and Coding program, if you have any qualifying transfer credits and if you qualify for any scholarships or grants.³ To learn more about our cost per credit hour, visit our Tuition page. Our Admissions Team can help you develop a personalized tuition plan based on your individual goals and circumstances.

Medical billers and coders play a crucial role in the healthcare industry by translating medical services into standardized codes for billing purposes. Their responsibilities include reviewing patient records, assigning diagnostic and procedural codes, submitting insurance claims and ensuring compliance with healthcare regulations. They also handle billing inquiries, verify insurance coverage and facilitate the reimbursement process between healthcare providers and payers. Overall, they help healthcare facilities maintain accurate patient data and receive proper reimbursement for the services provided.

Medical coding and medical billing are two distinct but closely related functions in the healthcare industry. A medical coder focuses on assigning standardized codes to healthcare services, while a medical biller focuses on the submission and processing of claims for reimbursement based on those codes. Both functions are essential for accurate documentation, proper reimbursement and financial management within healthcare organizations.

Medical billing and coding professionals can work in various healthcare settings, which may include:

• Hospitals: Hospitals employ medical billers and coders to manage the billing and coding process for a wide range of medical services.

• Physician's Offices: Medical billers and coders in physician's offices manage coding and billing tasks for individual doctors or medical practices. 

• Clinics: Outpatient clinics, such as urgent care centers and specialty clinics, often employ medical billers and coders to manage patient billing and insurance claims.

• Health Insurance Companies: Some medical billers and coders work for health insurance companies, reviewing claims, ensuring accuracy and processing payments. 

• Nursing Homes and Long-Term Care Facilities: These facilities may hire medical billing and coding professionals to manage billing and reimbursement for resident care services.

• Healthcare Consulting Firms: Medical billers and coders may work for consulting firms that provide services to healthcare organizations, assisting with coding compliance, revenue cycle management and process improvement. 

To pursue a medical billing and coding career, you may follow these general steps:

• Earn your high school diploma or equivalent: A high school diploma or GED is typically required to pursue medical billing and coding training and post-secondary education.

• Earn an undergraduate certificate: Learn essential skills and get hands-on experience with industry software by enrolling in one of our Medical Billing and Coding Certificate programs. 

• Pursue certifications: While certification is not always required, it may help enhance your job prospects and credibility in the field. Our Medical Billing and Coding programs here at DeVry can help you prepare for the AAPC’s Certified Professional Coder (CPC) exam or AHIMA’s Certified Coding Specialist (CCS) exam. 

• Apply for jobs: Once you have completed your education and obtained certification (if desired), start applying for entry-level medical billing and coding positions. Our Career Services team here at DeVry can help you get started with resume support, interview tips and job leads. 

Visit our blog to learn more about how to become a medical biller and coder. 

Yes, it's possible to work as a medical biller from home. Some medical billing and coding professionals work remotely, either as independent contractors or employees of healthcare organizations that offer remote work options. With the availability of electronic health records (EHR) systems and online billing software, remote medical billing is very manageable. Learn more about medical billing from home on our blog. 

A medical billing and coding certification is a credential earned by individuals who have demonstrated proficiency in medical coding and billing processes. These certifications are typically awarded by professional organizations such as the American Academy of Professional Coders (AAPC) or the American Health Information Management Association (AHIMA). To earn a certification, you must pass an exam that assesses your knowledge of medical terminology, coding systems (such as ICD-10 and CPT), healthcare regulations and billing practices. Holding a certification may enhance your job prospects and credibility in the field of medical billing and coding since it shows employers that you have the knowledge and skills needed to perform certain tasks. 

Yes, here at DeVry you can earn your Medical Billing and Coding Undergraduate Certificate 100% online. Our medical billing and coding online classes explore medical terminology, healthcare regulations, coding systems, billing practices and more while giving you the flexibility to study when and where it works best for you. 

Yes! While local job growth may vary, the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) projects employment of Medical Records Specialists to grow 8% on a national level from 2022 to 2032, faster than the average of all occupations. In addition, an average of 15,000 job openings are projected each year over the decade.

Growth projected on a national level. Local growth will vary by location. BLS projections are not specific to DeVry University students or graduates and may include earners at all stages of their career and not just entry level.

Working in medical billing and coding requires specific knowledge and attention to detail, but that doesn’t mean it's inherently difficult. Like any field, success in medical billing and coding requires organization, practice and time. Programs like our Medical Billing and Coding Certificates can equip you to pursue a future in the healthcare field by learning skills that employers are looking for today. 

Medical billing and coding is important for several reasons:

• Accurate Reimbursement: Proper coding ensures that healthcare providers are reimbursed accurately for the services they provide to patients. It helps healthcare facilities receive payment from insurance companies and patients, which is essential for their financial stability.

• Healthcare Data Management: Medical coding creates a standardized way of documenting patient diagnoses, treatments and procedures. This structured data is vital for healthcare analytics, research and decision-making, leading to improved patient care outcomes.

• Regulatory Compliance: Medical billing and coding professionals ensure that healthcare providers comply with relevant regulations and guidelines, such as those set forth by the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) and the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS).

• Patient Care Coordination: Accurate medical coding facilitates communication among healthcare providers, insurers and patients, ensuring that everyone involved in the patient's care has access to relevant medical information. This coordination leads to better continuity of care and patient satisfaction.

To learn more about what why medical billing and coding is important, visit our blog. 

To learn more about this dynamic field, take a look at the following pages:

• What is Medical Coding?

• What is Medical Billing?

• Medical Billing and Coding Careers
  

• Medical Billing and Coding Examples

• Medical Billing and Coding Terminology