BMCC Online Medical Billing and Coding Courses: Become a Certified Medical Billing and Coding Specialist
Medical billing and coding is a rising star in today's healthcare field. This 100% online course will help you get started in this high-demand career and earn the professional certification in medical billing and coding that best matches your interests and career goals. You'll learn how to use the Healthcare Common Procedure Coding System (HCPCS) and CPT Category II and ICD-10 codes. In addition, you'll get hands-on practice using medical billing and coding software. Upon completion of the course, you'll receive a certification exam voucher of your choice: CPC, CCA, or CBCS.
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, making it one of the fastest growing occupations. The BLS also estimates that the industry will need at least 27,000 new jobs by 2026.
Course Objectives
Be fully prepared to pass one of the following professional certifications that best matches your interests and career goals:
The Certified Professional Coder (CPC) exam offered by the American Association of Professional Coders (AAPC)
The Certified Coding Associate (CCA) exam offered by the American Health Information Management Association (AHIMA)
The Certified Billing and Coding Specialist (CBCS) exam offered by the National Healthcareer Association (NHA)
Learn how CPT Category II codes and ICD-10 codes work and how they are assigned in common medical billing and coding procedures
Gain hands-on billing experience with medical billing and coding software
Practicum starter kits help you gain valuable experience in the field
For those not interested in medical coding, the Medical Biller is a standalone option
Prerequisites and Requirements
There are no prerequisites to take this course.
Why Choose BMCC?
BMCC's Medical Billing and Coding courses will help you prepare for success as you learn the core legal, ethical, and regulatory concepts of the field, including HIPAA compliance, official coding guidelines, and third-party payer requirements. You'll learn all phases of the revenue cycle - from patient registration to medical coding, claims submission, reimbursement, and collections.
Common medical terminology will also be reviewed to help you speak with ease and confidence to others in the healthcare field. You'll learn about vocabulary parts, human structure and function, and common diseases and medical procedures for each body system, including: musculoskeletal, cardiovascular, respiratory, digestive, neurological, endocrine, cutaneous, genitourinary, lymphatic, and immune systems.
What You Will Learn
Get a better understanding of the value this course provides with this video overview of BMCC’s Medical Billing and Coding Certification
Medical coding requires medical coding terminology, including the structure and function of the human body
Common diseases and medical procedures for each body system
Core legal, ethical, and regulatory concepts in the field, including HIPAA compliance and third-party guidelines for submitting insurance claims
Major coding manuals: ICD-10-CM, ICD-10-PCS, CPT, and HCPCS Level II
How to code diagnoses, services, and procedures for all body systems
Medical billing and coding fundamentals and medical terminology
Word components and human structure and function
Hands-on experience with the coder app: Codify (AAPC)
How You Will Benefit
Gain hands-on experience in medical billing and coding that will help you in your job
Earn a certificate of completion and exam voucher for the specialty exam of your choice
Access study materials and prepare to take the medical billing and coding certification exam that best matches your interests and career goals:
Certified Professional Coder (CPC) exam offered by the American Association of Professional Coders (AAPC)
Certified Coding Associate (CCA) exam offered by the American Health Information Management Association (AHIMA) Exams
The Certified Billing and Coding Specialist (CBCS) exam offered by the National Healthcare Association (NHA)
##Instructor
Nancy Smith
Nancy Smith has over 30 years of experience in the healthcare industry. Her clinical experience includes working as a Medical Assistant for a network of rural health clinics, a Medical Coder, an Insurance Claims Specialist, and a Medical Records Auditor. Nancy has a Bachelor's degree in Professional Education and has developed and taught Medical Assistant courses.
LaTisha Cottingham
LaTisha Cottingham has over 20 years of experience in the healthcare industry. She has six years of teaching experience in the areas of Medical Billing and Coding and Medical Assistant. She currently works as a HIM Analyst for a long-term care facility in Alabama.
Medical Billing and Coding FAQs
What do medical billers and coders do?
Medical billers and coders are responsible for processing patient data, including medical records and related insurance. In this position, you will code the 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 provide to their patients.
Is there a difference between medical billing and medical coding?
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 claims based on the codes provided by the medical coder. Many professionals in this field work in medical billing and medical coding.
What are the requirements for a career in medical billing and coding?
Entry-level positions generally require completion of a certificate and passing one of the certification exams or an associate's degree program in medical billing and coding. In addition, medical billing and coding professionals must understand the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA).
How long does it take to become a medical biller and coder?
In most cases, it takes one to three years to become a medical biller and coder. It may take one year to obtain a medical billing and coding certification, while it may take three years to obtain an associate degree.
What are the differences between the certification exams (CPC, CCA, and CBCS)?
Earning a CPC, CCA, or CBCS certification means that an individual has demonstrated competency in the field of medical billing and coding. Certification is essential to a student's career goals. Students have the opportunity to make a confident, informed decision about their preferred national certification.
The Certified Professional Coder (CPC) exam is offered by the American Association of Professional Coders (AAPC). It is the gold standard entry-level coding certification for physicians or professional billing coders.
The Certified Coding Associate (CCA) is offered by the American Health Information Management Association (AHIMA). It is an entry-level medical coding certification for all settings (physician offices and inpatient hospitals).
The Certified Billing and Coding Specialist (CBCS) is offered by the National Healthcareer Association (NHA) and is currently the entry-level medical billing certification for physician practices. In summer 2021, the exam will transition to an entry-level billing and coding certification, which will include ICD-10-CM, CPT, and HCPCS Level II tests.
Is Medical Billing and Coding a Good Career?
U.S. News & World Report ranked medical records technicians (professionals who perform medical billing, medical coding, or both) No. 9 on its list of the “25 Best Jobs That Don’t Require a College Degree,” No. 12 on its list of “Best Medical Support Jobs,” and ranked them among the top jobs on its list of “100 Best Jobs.”
Registration and Enrollment
This course is 100% online. Start anytime.
Visit our website at www.bmcc.cuny.edu/ce and click on Online Courses. Click on the course you are interested in, then add to cart and proceed to checkout.
Note: A student profile needs to be created to view. BMCC Continuing Education offers online certification courses as well as personal and business development courses. Please visit www.bmcc.cuny.edu/ce and click on "Online Courses" to find the course that is right for you.