Accredited Medical Coding and Billing Online Schools

The healthcare industry relies on trained individuals who are familiar with the coding systems used for insurance reimbursement. Additionally, the use of electronic health records (EHRs) is now becoming the norm. And these new standards require coding professionals who can maintain the medical data within those records.

If you’re interested in pursuing a career in medical billing and coding, you’ll need some training. One of the best ways to obtain it is with an online program. Online medical coding and billing programs present an excellent opportunity to build a lucrative and rewarding career. They are highly flexible, allowing you to go at your own pace. They allow you to schedule your studies around your busy schedule. And if you need to work while you attend medical billing and coding school, many colleges offer part-time options. 

With nearly every college and university offering distance education, how do you know which one to choose? This article ranks the top 15 accredited medical coding and billing online schools. Listed by affordability, these accredited institutions offer renowned online programs that can help you get the medical coding and billing career you want.

Top 15 Online Medical Coding and Billing Schools

1. Santa Barbara City College

Medical Coding Specialist Certificate

Santa Barbara City College is a two-year community college in California. It is one of the oldest community colleges in the state and is the most affordable medical billing and coding school on our list. 

SBCC offers a fully remote Medical Coding Specialist Certificate. This program prepares students to sit for the Certified Coding Associate (CCA) examination. It is designed to equip them for entry-level positions in a variety of medical facilities. It may also help students prepare for other exams, such as the:

• Certified Professional Coder (CPC) Exam
• Certified Coding Specialist – Physician-Based (CCS-P) Exam
• Certified Coding Specialist (CCS) Exam

The program is nationally recognized in several key areas. It has a strong reputation for facilitating minority student success. This makes it one of the best online schools for medical billing and coding. Coursework is entirely asynchronous meaning students can complete their studies at their own pace. The certification program comprises 13 courses, amounting to a total of 38 credits. Depending on their family and work obligations, students have the flexibility to enroll in one, two, or three courses per term. Some of the courses in the medical billing and coding program include:

• Introduction to Health Information Management
• Human Form and Function
• Basic Pathophysiology
• Legal Aspects of Health Care
• International Classification of Diseases, Diagnostic Coding
• International Classification of Diseases, Procedural Coding
• Pharmacology For Allied Health
• Medical Insurance and Reimbursement Methodologies
• Advanced Coding Applications

Tuition: $1,234

Accreditation: Western Association of Schools and Colleges

From a Medical Coding and Billing Student on AHIMA Accreditation:

Jacqueline Smith of South Hill, Virginia completed her online Medical Billing and Coding certificate in 2022. We asked her what she found to be the most important factor when choosing the right school. She stated: “That they offer the AHIMA accreditation and not only the federal. The AHIMA is really the one that will get you the job.”

2. Cosumnes River College

Medical Insurance Billing Certificate Program

Health Information Coding Specialist Certificate Program

Cosumnes River College is a two-year community college located in Sacramento. Opened in 1970, it is one of the best online medical coding and billing schools in terms of affordability. CRS offers two unique online programs. Both are accredited and delivered in an asynchronous format allowing you to work your studies around your busy schedule. 

The Medical Insurance Billing Certificate program requires 16.5 credits. It prepares students for entry-level positions in insurance billing in healthcare offices. Some of the courses in this online medical billing and coding training program include:

• Medical Language for Healthcare Providers
• Human Disease
• Introduction to Concepts of Human Anatomy and Physiology
• Basic ICD-CM Coding
• Medical Insurance Procedures
• Current Procedural Terminology (CPT) Coding

The Health Information Coding Specialist Certificate program is a 35 to 36-credit medical billing and coding training program. This certificate can lead to more advanced opportunities in the healthcare industry. It prepares students for various certification exams, including the Certified Professional Coder (CPC) exam. It covers most of the same topics as the Billing Certificate with some additional coursework including:

• Introduction to Computer Information Science
• Introduction to Probability and Statistics
• Introduction to Health Information Technology
• Continuous Quality Improvement
• Legal Aspects of Patient Medical Records

Tuition: $1,288

Accreditation: Western Association of Schools and Colleges

3. Central Georgia Technical College

Medical Coding Technical Certificate

Medical Coding Essentials Certificate

Next on our list of the best medical coding and billing schools is Central Georgia Technical College. Part of the Technical College System of Georgia, Central Georgia Technical College is a two-year public college. It serves a diverse student body of nearly 10,000 learners and offers programs across a broad range of fields.

CGTC offers a fully online Medical Coding Technical Certificate program. This unique 24-credit medical billing and coding program offers advanced training in coding skills. It is ideal for those who want to pursue employment or advance their roles in a healthcare setting. It can also help prepare students for certified professional coder exams. Some of the topics covered in this online medical billing and coding training program include:

• Structure and Function of the Human Body
• Medical Terminology for Allied Health Sciences
• Medical Documentation
• Human Diseases
• Medical Billing and Coding 
• Medical Procedural Coding Skills
• Physician’s Procedural Coding Skills
• Medical Records

CGTC also offers a similar certificate program to current high school students. It provides an introduction to the medical coding field and leads to a Medical Coding Essentials Certificate. This 10-hour online medical billing and coding training program comprises four courses including:

• Medical Terminology for Allied Health Sciences
• Introduction to Keyboarding
• Medical Insurance Management
• Human Diseases 

Tuition: $3,042

Accreditation: Southern Association of Colleges and Schools, Commission on Colleges

4. Georgia Piedmont Technical College

Medical Billing Clerk Technical Certificate

Georgia Piedmont Technical College is a two-year public college in Clarkston. The school serves about 2,500 students a year. It offers over 180 programs and has an impressive student-to-faculty ratio of 14:1. This means that all students get personalized attention from their instructors. 

GPTC offers a 22-credit hour Medical Billing Clerk Technical Certificate. It is designed to teach students procedures for medical billing and insurance reimbursement. The program requires a combination of occupational and business courses. Some of the required courses for this online medical billing and coding training program include:

• Introduction to Computer Literacy
• Medical Terminology
• Medical Documentation Production
• Healthcare Coding
• Anatomy and Physiology 
• Structure and Function of the Human Body

Additionally, students will choose from among several business elective courses. These will be selected based on their professional interests and goals. Some options include:

• Computer Graphics and Design
• Legal Terminology
• Medical Records Management 
• Introduction to Business Culture 
• Personal Effectiveness
• Web Page Design 
• Legal Administrative Procedures 
• Office Management 

Tuition: $3,158

Accreditation: Southern Association of Colleges and Schools, Commission on Colleges

5. Central Maine Community College

Associate in Applied Science in Medical Coding & Electronic Health Records

Central Maine Community College is a two-year public college located in Auburn, Maine. It is one of the seven colleges in the Maine Community College System. The school serves just over 3,000 students and has a student-faculty ratio of 15:1. This allows for smaller class sizes and more personalized education.

The online program offered at CMMC is an Associate in Applied Science degree program. The Medical Coding & Electronic Health Records A.A.S. program was designed to:

• Prepare students for entry-level positions in the field.
• Prepare students to pursue a bachelor’s degree in medical billing and coding.
• Respond to the growing demand for skilled medical billing and coding specialists.

This two-year program requires 28 to 30 credits for completion and is offered in a 100% online format. Some of the courses in this well-designed online medical billing and coding training program include:

• Anatomy & Physiology 
• Medical Terminology
• Health Information Management
• ICD CM Coding 
• CPT & HCPCS Coding 
• Medical Specialties & Pathophysiology 
• Reimbursement Methodology 
• Introduction to Psychology 
• Medical Ethics & Law 
• Business Communication 
• Health Care Statistics 

Tuition: $3,760

Accreditation: New England Commission of Higher Education

6. Cowley County Community College 

Medical Coding Vocational Certificate

Associate of Applied Science Degree in Medical Coding

Coming in at number 6 on our list is Cowley County Community College. This two-year community college is located in Arkansas City, Kansas. It offers two medical coding and billing certificates. Both programs can be completed entirely online allowing students to do the coursework on their timeline.

The first program offered at CCCC is a Medical Coding Vocational Certificate. This program prepares students to enter the workforce as entry-level medical coders. They will gain skills in several key areas. This is a 35-credit program that can be completed in one year. 

The second online medical coding and billing program is an Associate of Applied Science Degree in Medical Coding. Participants in this program will not only be equipped for positions in medical coding but will also acquire additional valuable skills. This includes expertise in database management, communication, word processing, and more. The two-year associate degree program requires 35 credit hours for completion. 

Both of the medical billing and coding certificates offered by Crowley Community County College are taught by professors with extensive professional experience. Students of either program will be ready to sit for certified professional coder exams. Some of the courses include:

• Medical Terminology
• Pharmacology
• Allied Healthcare Provider Anatomy and Physiology 
• Pathophysiology
• Current Procedural Terminology (CPT) 
• Reimbursement Methodologies (Physician)
• International Classification of Disease
• Introduction to Health Information
• Healthcare Coding Practicum
• Legal and Ethical Issues in Healthcare
• Bioethics

Tuition: $3,900

Accreditation: Higher Learning Commission

7. Trident Technical College

Coding Specialist Certificate

Trident Technical College is a two-year college based in South Carolina. The school has six physical locations, all within the state.TTC enrolls almost 12,000 students and offers more than 150 programs of study. 

TTC offers a fully online and asynchronous Coding Specialist Program. Students can go at their own pace, logging on and completing their studies when it is convenient. The program prepares students to sit for two certified professional coder exams:

• AAPC credential CPC (Certified Professional Coder) 
• AHIMA credential CCA or CCS (Certified Coding Associate or Certified Coding Specialist)

The Coding Specialist program at TTC prepares students for entry-level roles in various healthcare settings. It has two start dates a year, in January and August. Students will take nine courses to earn the certificate. Some of the courses in this online medical billing and coding training program include:

• Medical Data Content and Electronic Medical Records
• ICD-10 CM Coding
• ICD-10 PCS Coding
• CPT Coding Part 

Tuition Rate: $4,564

Accreditation: Southern Association of Colleges and Schools, Commission on Colleges

8. Madison Area Technical College

Madison, Wisconsin

Medical Coding Specialist Technical Diploma 

Medical Billing Technical Diploma

Madison Area Technical College is a large public college in Wisconsin’s capital city. The school serves over 12,000 students and offers over 180 programs across a broad range of fields. MATC offers two unique and affordable programs in the medical billing and coding field.

The Medical Coding Specialist program is a 35-credit program that leads to a technical diploma. It can be completed in a year and a half. Students can choose a hybrid or 100 percent online format. The program prepares them for coding positions in a variety of healthcare settings. This includes nursing homes, hospitals, and even veterinary clinics. Some of the courses in this online medical billing and coding training program include:

• Body Structure & Function
• Medical Terminology
• Digital Literacy for Healthcare
• Human Disease for Health Professions
• ICD Diagnosis Coding
• CPT Coding
• Healthcare Revenue Management
• Management of Coding Services

The Medical Billing program is a one-year program that also leads to a technical diploma. It prepares students for a range of professional roles in medical billing. The program requires 28 credits for completion. Some of the courses in this online medical billing and coding program include:

• Business Document Applications
• Medical Language for the Business Professional
• Business Spreadsheet Applications
• Medical Administrative Procedures
• Specialized Insurance Claims
• Medical Language for the Business Professional
• Graduates of both programs will be qualified to sit for various professional exams. Federal financial aid is available. 

Tuition: $4,607

Accreditation: Higher Learning Commission

9. Kirtland Community College

Medical Billing and Coding Certificate Program

Situated in Michigan, Kirtland Community College is a two-year public institution that serves about 1,500 students. Despite its smaller size, the college boasts a variety of strengths. With over 38 programs available, students have a diverse range of options, including an excellent medical billing and coding program.

The fully online Medical Billing and Coding Certificate program at KCC allows students to work at their own pace. This means you can choose the course load that is right for you. This certificate gives students the skills needed to work in the medical coding and billing area. These skills include:  

• Proficiency in completing insurance claims
• Implementation of billing and collection techniques for optimal reimbursement
• Utilization of a standardized computer system for input, management, maintenance, and security of medical records
• Application of computer and information literacy skills, including the use of electronic medical software
• Utilization of medical terminology, anatomy, and physiology for describing health conditions and procedures
• Extraction of information from patient records for accurate completion of revenue cycles
• Understanding of ethical and legal concepts related to healthcare reimbursement

The 31-credit certificate program features courses such as:

• Medical Terminology
• Pathology w/Pharmacology
• Medical Ethics & Law
• Anatomy & Physiology
• Health Information Management
• ICD Coding
• Procedure Coding
• Revenue Cycle and Reimbursement
• Practicum-Medical Billing and Coding

Tuition: $4,770

Accreditation: Higher Learning Commission

10. Florida A&M University

Medical Coding Certificate

Florida Agricultural and Mechanical University is a public, Historically Black University in Florida. The school was founded in 1887 and is one of the largest HBCUs in the United States. It is part of the State University System of Florida and has a student population of 9,000. 

The Medical Coding Certificate program at Florida A&M University is offered through the School of Allied Health Sciences. It’s a highly flexible asynchronous program consisting of nine courses, including:

• Anatomy and Physiology
• Medical Terminology and Pathophysiology
• Healthcare Delivery Systems
• Health Records and Medical Data Content
• ICD-10-CM/PCS Coding
• Medical Office Processes and Reimbursement
• CPT Coding 

Upon completion of the coursework, students will complete a Capstone Practicum and Review. The Capstone is designed to prepare students for the AAPC and/or AHIMA national exams. This top online medical coding and billing program was developed by industry experts. It provides students with the skills they need to begin an entry-level career in professional coding. 

Tuition: $5,785

Accreditation: Southern Association of Colleges and Schools, Commission on Colleges

11. Northwest Technical College

Certificate in Medical Coding

Medical Coding Diploma

Associate of Applied Science in Medical Coding

Northwest Technical College is a small public community college in Bemidji, Minnesota. The school is a member of the Minnesota State Colleges and Universities System. It offers on-campus, hybrid, and online programs. NTC offers three fully accredited online medical billing and coding programs that are high quality and affordable. 

The first is a 30-credit Certificate in Medical Coding. This medical coding specialist program equips aspiring medical billers with the skills needed for entry-level positions in the field. It also prepares them to advance their studies with an AAS degree. Some of the courses include:

• Medical Office Procedures
• Medical Billing/Insurance
• AAPC Medical Coding
• Medical Language Applications
• Intro to Anatomy & Physiology
• Medical Terminology

The second program is a Medical Coding Diploma. This is a 40-credit program that also prepares students for roles in the field and can be a steppingstone to the AAS medical coding degree. The program is very similar to the certificate, with some additional coursework. 

The final program is an Associate of Applied Science in Medical Coding. This is a 60-credit degree program that offers comprehensive training in nationally recognized coding systems. Students will take traditional coding coursework along with college-level classes. Some of the courses in this online program include:

• Inpatient Billing
• Advanced Medical Coding
• US Healthcare Systems
• Pathophysiology
• Business Communications
• Bioethical Issues in Contemporary Society
• General Psychology
• Intro to Computers – Medical Applications

All of the medical coding and billing at Northwest Technical College programs prepare students to be highly trained specialists. They will be equipped with knowledge of day-to-day medical office functions and have the knowledge and ability to process sensitive medical information.

Tuition: $6,226

Accreditation: Higher Learning Commission

12. Weber State University

Healthcare Coding & Classification certificate

Associate of Applied Science in Health Information Technology

Bachelor of Science degree in Health Information Management

Weber State University is a four-year public university located in Ogden, Utah. The school serves just under 30,000 students and offers associate’s, bachelor’s, and master’s degree programs. Depending on the area of study, students can take classes online or on campus.

WSU offers several programs for students pursuing a career in medical billing and coding. The first is a Healthcare Coding & Classification Certificate program. This is a four-semester, 27-credit hour coding certificate program consisting of 10 courses. Students in this program will learn the skills they need to work in various healthcare settings. They will also become proficient in both CPT and ICD-10-CM coding. Only a high school diploma is necessary for consideration. 

The second program is an Associate of Applied Science in Health Information Technology (HIT). This associate degree takes things a step further giving students more skills to succeed in information management and healthcare coding. This is an excellent opportunity to enhance your skills and elevate your expertise as a medical biller. Some of the courses in this health information technology program include:

• Intro to Health Information
• Healthcare Privacy & Security
• Diagnosis Coding
• Ambulatory & Physician Office Coding
• Classification Systems Topics & Reimbursement 
• ICD-10-PCS Coding 
• Healthcare Database Management & Security 
• Computer Applications in Health Care
• Introduction to Quality Improvement in Health Care 

The final program offered at WSU is a Bachelor of Science degree in Health Information Management. This is an excellent option if you want to continue with your coding education. This program teaches advanced skills in the health information management field. 

Tuition: $6,391

Accreditation: Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities

13. Indiana University

Medical Coding Certificate 

Indiana University is a public research school with over 200 programs. The campus sits on a peninsula next to Downtown Indianapolis. It is the third-largest university in Indiana, with a student body of more than 37,000. 

IU offers a hybrid Medical Coding Certification program. This 28-credit-hour program starts each fall, and students can enroll full or part-time. The program focuses on teaching the professional skills needed to work in a healthcare setting. It also prepares students to sit for industry-standard certifications. Some of the courses include:

• Health Care Information Requirements and Standards
• Data Policy and Governance
• Pathophysiology & Pharmacology 
• ICD-10-CM/PCS Coding
• CPT Coding
• Health Care Law, Ethics, and Information Release
• Health Care Reimbursement Systems

All courses in the Medical Coding Certificate program at Indiana University can be completed online however, there is an on-campus practicum required. This experience allows aspiring medical billers to gain coding expertise in an actual healthcare setting. 

Tuition Rate: $10,144

Accreditation: Higher Learning Commission

14. Herzing University

Diploma in Insurance Billing and Coding Specialist

Diploma in Medical Coding

Associate of Science/Applied Science in Insurance Billing and Coding Specialist

Associate of Science/Applied Science in Medical Coding

Herzing University is a four-year, private, nonprofit university with campuses in seven states. This career-oriented school awards certificates, diplomas, and degrees at all levels. HU offers a wide array of programs across a variety of disciplines. 

Herzing is one of the best schools on our list. That’s because the school offers four unique online programs in the field. All programs are offered 100 percent online and students can choose the one that most closely aligns with their career goals. The online medical coding and billing programs offered at HU include:

Diploma in Insurance Billing and Coding Specialist

This is a 10-month, 25-credit program. It serves as an introduction to anatomy, physiology, medical terminology, and more. 

Diploma in Medical Coding 

This is a 10-month, 25-credit program. It prepares students for entry-level medical coding jobs in a variety of settings.

Associate of Science/Applied Science in Insurance Billing and Coding Specialist 

This is a 60-credit, 20-month associate degree program. It offers students training in medical records and the revenue cycle. And it equips them to become billing and coding professionals. It is one of two associate degree programs offered through the school.

Associate of Science/Applied Science in Medical Coding 

This is a 60-credit, 20-month associate degree program. Students gain a thorough understanding of anatomy, physiology, disease processes, and medical terminology. Plus, they learn basic and advanced coding methods, patient privacy, ethics, and more. Graduates of this program are fully prepared for entry-level medical coding in healthcare.

All of the programs listed are asynchronous, so students can go at their own pace. They are taught by Herzing University’s highly qualified faculty so that students earn the same credentials as they would on campus. After completion, students are prepared to sit for several national certification exams. 

Tuition Rate: $12,750

Accreditation: Higher Learning Commission

15. University of Cincinnati

Medical Coder Certificate

Associate Degree in Health Information Systems

Bachelor’s in Health Information Management

The University of Cincinnati is a comprehensive public research university in Ohio. It is among the nation’s 50 largest colleges, with a student population of over 40,000. The school has been recognized by multiple publications as having some of the best online programs in the US. UC Online offers several programs in medical billing and coding. 

The first online medical coding and billing program offered by UC is the online Medical Coder Certificate. It’s a 30-credit program that prepares students for the CPC and CCA exams. And it takes just 12 months to complete and there are six start dates each year. The program is delivered asynchronously, so you can log on and complete your studies 24/7. Some of the courses in this flexible program include:

• Medical Terminology for the Health Professions
• Introduction to Anatomy and Physiology
• Foundations of Pharmacology
• ICD Medical Coding I and II
• Health Information Ethics
• Healthcare Applications
• CPT Medical Coding
• Advanced Coding Applications

This certificate program has another fantastic benefit. Students can transfer 100 percent of their course credits into an associate degree! This applies to UC’s online Associate Degree Program in Health Information Systems. The CAHIIM-accredited associate program is also entirely online. After completing the coursework, students will sit for the AHIMA RHIT® Certification Exam. This takes place in the final practicum course. 

Aspiring medical billers who complete the associate program will be fully prepared for medical billing and coding careers. However, they can also pursue a Bachelor’s in Health Information Management (HIM). This is a 52-credit online program that can be completed in two years. Some of the additional coursework for this medical coding program includes:

• Issues in Legal Aspects and Healthcare Delivery
• Reimbursement System
• Health Data Management
• Health Information Systems
• Health Information Technology
• Health Care Statistics & Research Methods
• Financial Management in Healthcare
• Quality Management & Performance Improvement
• Project Management
• Organizational Management and Leadership in Healthcare

Students can choose to pursue just one of the above programs or they can seamlessly move through each of them. This allows them to earn even more credentials as they progress. In addition, the school offers federal financial aid, scholarships, and grants for each of these programs. This generous financial help makes it one of the top medical billing and coding colleges on our list. 

Tuition: $13,176

Accreditation: Higher Learning Commission

Our Methodology for Ranking the Top Medical Billing and Coding Programs

To find the best medical billing and coding online schools, we started with a search on NCES College Navigator. First, we looked at all the schools offering medical coding and billing programs at any level. Then, we examined each college based on the following criteria:

• Flexibility of the Program
• Quality of the Education Provided
• Student-to-Faculty Ratios
• Return on Investment (ROI)
• Affordability
• Financial Aid Options

Finally, we narrowed our list to the top 15 medical coding and billing schools with online programs. They are ordered according to affordability. Please note that the prices listed are in-state tuition rates per academic year. However, many of these schools have multiple options. For example, a certificate program will cost less than a bachelor’s degree. 

Here’s the breakdown:

TOP 15 ACCREDITED MEDICAL CODING AND BILLING ONLINE SCHOOLS

All of the online medical coding schools are accredited. Additionally, each of these schools has a range of financial assistance programs. So, if you’re interested in a particular program, check with the school’s admissions office to determine the exact costs.

More About Online Medical Billing and Coding Schools

Is Medical Billing and Coding a Good Career?

The dynamic world of medical billing and coding is thriving. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the demand for professionals in this role is expected to increase by eight percent through 2032. This is faster than the average for other occupations and will create around 15,000 new openings for medical records specialists each year over the next decade.

Health Information Management

In addition to job stability in this role, there is tremendous opportunity for career growth. Medical billing and coding are part of the Health Information Management (HIM) field, which is booming. BLS predicts a 16 percent increase in demand for HIM professionals over the next several years. This is much faster than the average growth rate for all other occupations. 

Health Information Management encompasses not only Medical Billers and Coders but also Health Data Analysts, Healthcare IT Specialists, Health Informatics Specialists, Clinical Documentation Specialists, and much more. One may start as a medical billing and coding specialist, but the opportunity to advance your skills and move further up the career ladder in HIM is tremendous. For example, after earning an associate degree in medical billing and coding, you might consider pursuing an online bachelor’s degree in health informatics. 

We reached out to Leigh Poland, a Registered Health Information Administrator and Vice President of the Coding Service Line at AGS Health. We wanted to hear some of her thoughts regarding opportunities for growth in the specialty field of Health Information Management.

A career in HIM can be rewarding, challenging, and fulfilling for individuals who are passionate about healthcare, technology, and data management. Consider your interests, strengths, and career goals as you explore opportunities in this dynamic field. HIM offers a wide range of career opportunities within the healthcare industry. Whether you’re interested in data analysis, technology implementation, compliance, or clinical documentation, there’s a role in HIM to match your interests and skills. With the increasing digitization of healthcare data and the emphasis on quality reporting and patient outcomes, the demand for HIM professionals is expected to grow. This means there are ample job opportunities and potential for career advancement in the field. HIM professionals play a crucial role in ensuring the accuracy, accessibility, and security of healthcare information. By effectively managing health data, you contribute to improved patient care, healthcare quality, and healthcare decision-making.

Leigh Poland, RHIA, CCS, CDIP, CIC, Vice President – Coding Service Line, AGS Health

Leigh also shared some excellent tips to keep in mind when choosing the right college for this career. Three of the most important considerations she highlights include:

“Technology and Resources: Evaluate the technology and resources available to students, including access to electronic health record (EHR) systems, health information management software, and other tools used in the industry. Access to up-to-date technology can enhance learning and prepare students for the workforce.”

“Career Services and Placement Assistance: Inquire about the college’s career services and placement assistance for HIM students. Look for colleges that offer resources such as resume writing assistance, job search support, career counseling, and networking opportunities with employers in the healthcare industry.”

“Graduation and Certification Exam Pass Rates: Research the program’s graduation rates and the percentage of students who pass professional certification exams, such as the Registered Health Information Administrator (RHIA) or Certified Coding Specialist (CCS) exams. High pass rates indicate that the program effectively prepares students for certification and career success.”

What Does a Medical Biller and Coder Do?

Medical billers and coders are considered part of the healthcare profession. And they are in charge of processing the information needed, so providers get paid. These pros use specific cutting-edge technology to do their job. While they have to learn complex software programs, these programs help them to assign a diagnosis-related group (DRG) to the patient’s bill.

There are several hundred DRG codes. And they are all crucial for a medical billing associate to understand. That’s because they determine how much health insurance companies will pay. Then, insurance can reimburse the hospital, doctor, medical office, lab, and other departments. It’s all part of what is called “the medical reimbursement cycle”.

This role requires a solid understanding of health insurance and the whole claims process. A medical practice depends significantly on its skilled billing and coding specialists. That’s because these workers ensure that money keeps flowing into the practice.

What is the Work Environment Like?

Most medical coders and billers work in an office, although more and more are working at home. They are usually on the computer most of the workday. This is where they review, enter, and edit the coding information. Generally, they don’t come into contact with many patients. Instead, they are in separate areas in healthcare facilities such as

• Doctor’s offices
• Dentist’s offices
• Clinics
• Hospitals
• Nursing homes
• Retirement homes
• Diagnostic facilities
• Rehabilitation facilities

Are Medical Billing and Medical Coding the Same Thing?

Medical billers and medical coders are not the same; they are actually two different positions. Many companies will hire one or the other, and some businesses will employ both. The jobs are similar and are just as demanding. But they can also be interchangeable.

For example, if you have been trained as a medical coder, you can transition into a billing job and vice-versa. So what exactly is the difference between a medical coder and a medical biller?

Medical Coder

Medical coders change medical diagnoses and procedures into codes that a computer will understand. These codes are the same the world over. And they are maintained by the World Health Organization. The main task of a medical coder is to assign the proper codes for each diagnosis and procedure. That doesn’t sound so hard, right? But it can get pretty complicated. Many patients have more than one diagnosis. And in some situations (like in a hospital), they may have dozens of procedures. It takes a lot of patience and skill to do this job accurately.

Medical Biller

First, the medical coder does their job. Then, the medical biller uses the assigned codes to charge for the services. Each code corresponds with a dollar amount. This will be the amount billed to the insurance company, so it needs to be 100 percent accurate. At this point, the biller will post payments to the account. If the claim is denied, the medical biller is the person who negotiates back and forth.

Can a Person Do Both Jobs?

This is where people commonly ask, “Can a person do both medical coding and billing?” The answer is yes. Students learn how to do both jobs in online coding and billing programs. This is because some small offices hire one person for both roles while larger organizations often hire billers and coders separately. So, knowing both roles is essential.

How Do I Get Accepted to One of the Top Medical Billing and Coding Accredited Schools?

How do I Get Into an Online School for Medical Administrative Billing? And How Quickly Can I Get a Job?

The admission requirements for accredited medical coding and billing schools online differ between schools. However, they can also vary from program to program as well. We’ll look at some basic requirements for most programs below. Be aware that this is not a definitive list; not all schools will be the same. But it will give you an idea of what you might expect.

Certificate in Medical Billing & Coding – Certificate programs for coding professionals and medical billers are the least time-consuming program. You could begin working as a certified professional coder within a year. To get in, you’ll need your high school diploma or GED. In some cases, you may need a GPA of at least 2.0. In addition, you may need to have good ACT or SAT scores. You will also need to fill out an application and any necessary paperwork.

Medical Billing & Coding Associate Degree – If you prefer to pursue a degree program, you can apply for an associate degree. A two-year associate degree is all you need to work as a medical billing specialist immediately after completion. You’ll also get a more in-depth education by going for an associate degree. Depending on the school, a high school diploma is required for acceptance into an associate degree program.

Do Online Medical Billing and Coding Schools Offer Financial Aid?

Most students are looking for accredited medical billing and coding schools online with financial aid. Happily, this shouldn’t be too difficult. In most cases, online students can apply for Federal financial aid like any other student. As an in-state student, you will usually pay less. However, some colleges are now charging in-state rates to online students. In addition to financial aid, trade school students are also eligible for scholarships and grant opportunities. And there are many scholarships specifically for online students.

Keep in mind that online students in medical administrative billing also have extra financial advantages. They don’t need to pay for housing, meals, transportation, and other incidentals.

How Much Money Can I Make in the Medical Coding and Billing Field? And What is the Job Outlook Like?

One of the biggest questions for most people looking at online medical coding and billing programs is, “How much money can I earn“? To give you the best answer, we consulted numerous sources. Let’s take a look at some of the numbers:

Final Thoughts

As you conclude your exploration of the top medical billing and coding schools, remember that each of these institutions offers a unique blend of academic rigor, industry relevance, and career support. Whether you are seeking a comprehensive education in medical billing and coding, hands-on training, or a pathway to professional certification, these schools stand ready to equip you with the knowledge and skills needed for success in this dynamic field.