Graduates of online medical billing and coding programs look forward to an expanding job market. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) projects an 8% job growth rate for medical records and health information technicians from 2019-29, much faster than the national average. The BLS calculates 29,000 future openings for medical billing and coding professionals, crediting the growth rate to an aging population in need of expanded healthcare services and data management.
Students can complete medical billing and coding online programs in about a year and enter the job market with a certificate or diploma. Online medical billing and coding courses cover anatomy and physiology, classification and coding systems, healthcare reimbursement methods, medical terminology, and statistics. These courses teach necessary job skills in the field, such as classifying and managing health information data, and prepare graduates for certification exams.
Distance learners can expect to complete most of their classes and practicum experiences online. Courses may be offered through synchronous live virtual courses, or through pre-recorded lectures that fit any student's schedule.
Methodology
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Most Affordable Online Medical Billing and Coding Certificates and Diplomas for 2020
1. Peirce College
Established in 1865, Peirce College began as a business school for Civil War veterans. Today, Peirce offers undergraduate and graduate programs with an emphasis on educating working professionals.
All required medical billing courses for Peirce's medical coding certificate are available entirely online. Focusing on the ICD-10 coding system, medical billing classes train students to code for diseases, abnormal findings, and similar medical matters. Learners also undergo a 40-hour professional practice experience, during which they complete coding training and exercises with a logic-based encoder. Program graduates are qualified to take the American Health Information Management Association's certified coding specialist exam.
Incoming students who have previously studied at a higher education institution may be eligible to transfer in credits, which can lower their overall medical coding certification cost.
Courses Include
- Anatomy and Physiology
- Pathophysiology
- Medical Terminology
- Healthcare Reimbursement
- CPT/Outpatient Coding
Unique Features
- Cost: $600/credit
- Credits Required: 28
- Accreditation: Middle States Commission on Higher Education
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2. Ogeechee Technical College
Students researching medical billing and coding online schools can explore Statesboro, Georgia-based Ogeechee Technical College, which offers a 24-credit online medical coding certificate. The program consists of 465 contact hours, and students typically graduate in two semesters. Coursework focuses on medical diagnostic coding and physicians' procedural coding skills.
The certificate prepares learners to sit for certification exams from the American Health Information Management Association. Students can choose from the certified coding associate, certified coding specialist, or the certified coding specialist physician-based credentials. Graduates go on to work at ambulatory care centers, medical offices, hospitals, and other healthcare facilities.
Prospective students should possess a high school or GED diploma, and must submit their ACT, SAT, or Accuplacer scores. Applicants must be over the age of 16 to apply.
Courses Include
- Structure and Function of the Human Body
- Medical Terminology for Allied Health Sciences
- Human Diseases
- Medical Billing and Coding
- Document Protection
Unique Features
- Cost: $2,770
- Credits Required: 24
- Accreditation: Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges
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3. Indiana University-Purdue University Indianapolis
About 30,000 students are enrolled in IUPUI's on-campus and online programs, including the university's nine-course, 28-credit medical coding undergraduate certificate. Graduates may apply for the American Health Information Management Association's certified coding associate credential.
Certificate-seekers learn to process electronic health records as they study how insurance companies use records for billing and payment information. IUPUI's program emphasizes ICD-10-CM and CPT coding. Students also explore topics in the healthcare industry, including medical terminology, government regulations, medical uses of patient data, and private payer policies.
Courses run entirely online. Distance learners can take advantage of success coaching, work with math mentors and writing consultants, and access career services online.
Courses Include
- Healthcare Information Requirements and Standards
- Healthcare Law, Ethics, and Information Release
- Pathophysiology and Pharmacology for HIM
- CPT Coding
- Healthcare Reimbursement Systems
Unique Features
- Cost: $286/credit for in-state students; $986/credit for out-of-state students
- Credits Required: 28
- Accreditation: Higher Learning Commission
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4. Hutchinson Community College
Located in central Kansas, HutchCC began as a junior college with 187 students in 1928. Today, about 5,000 students are enrolled in the college's degree, diploma, and certificate programs, including an online healthcare coding specialist certificate program.
This low-cost medical coding and billing online program consists of 45 course credits. Certificate-seekers study the ICD-10-CM and CPT coding systems for healthcare provider reimbursement. Candidates also explore topics in health data management, clinical classification methodologies, healthcare information technologies, and reimbursement methodologies.
Prospective students should hold a high school diploma with a minimum 2.0 GPA or a GED score of at least 58. The college does not require ACT or SAT scores for admission.
Courses Include
- Pharmacology
- Computers in Healthcare
- Health Information Processing
- ICD-10 Coding for Long-Term Care
- Reimbursement Methodologies
Unique Features
- Cost: $114/credit for in-state students; $145/credit for out-of-state students
- Credits Required: 45
- Accreditation: Higher Learning Commission
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5. Southwest Wisconsin Technical College
Based in Fennimore, Southwest Tech offers a medical coding specialist technical diploma that prepares students to work in healthcare-related information technology.
The diploma consists of either 33 or 34 credits, depending on whether students take an introductory course in anatomy, or anatomy and physiology. Online students can graduate in three semesters, or about 18 months.
The curriculum trains diploma-seekers to compile health data, collect data through electronics, and use coding and reimbursement systems. Along with technical and introductory medical courses, students take classes in ethics and communications.
Interested individuals must possess a high school diploma and submit their ACT scores. Southwest Tech offers transfer credit to incoming students who have acquired relevant knowledge through previous college coursework, professional training, volunteer experience, or even self-instruction.
Courses Include
- Digital Literacy for Healthcare
- Human Diseases for the Health Professions
- ICD Diagnosis Coding
- Health Revenue Management
- CPT Coding
Unique Features
- Cost: $5,000
- Credits Required: 33-34
- Accreditation: Higher Learning Commission
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6. North Dakota State College of Science
The second-oldest public two-year college in the U.S., NDSCS opened its doors in 1903. Today, students can attend classes on campus in Wahpeton and Fargo, and online.
Students can earn a certificate in health information with a medical coding emphasis on campus or online. The 41-credit curriculum focuses on medical coding for billing, reporting, and healthcare administration. Before graduating, distance learners complete either a two-credit practicum or a virtual capstone course in which they code several different real healthcare records.
Students must earn at least a C in these cheap medical coding courses and type at least 40 words per minute. After earning their certificate, candidates may apply for the American Health Information Management Association's certified coding associate credential.
Applicants should possess a high school diploma and submit ACT scores.
Courses Include
- Pathopharmacology
- Basic Procedure Coding
- Computer Applications in Healthcare
- Intermediate Diagnosis Coding
- Business Use of Computers
Unique Features
- Cost: $8,404
- Credits Required: 41
- Accreditation: Higher Learning Commission
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7. Georgia Northwestern Technical College
GNTC offers classes at its main campus in Rome, satellite locations around the state, and online. The college's medical coding certificate is available on campus and online.
The program follows a 24-credit, eight-course curriculum. Classes emphasize the CPT coding system for billing processes. Students learn to produce documents with computer programs and reimburse healthcare providers. Other foundational courses cover anatomy, medical terminology, and human diseases.
These medical billing and coding online courses cost less than many others, and learners can apply for scholarships and financial aid. Applicants do not need a high school or GED diploma, but should possess one or the other by graduation.
Courses Include
- Structure and Function of the Human Body
- Medical Terminology for Allied Health Sciences
- Document Production
- Medical Billing and Coding
- Medical Procedural Coding
Unique Features
- Cost: $184/credit for in-state students; $350/credit for out-of-state students
- Credits Required: 24
- Accreditation: Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges
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8. Cowley College
Cowley is a community and vocational technical college located in Arkansas City, Kansas. The school offers an online medical coding certificate for students seeking insurance coding roles at healthcare facilities.
The curriculum explores both CPT and ICD coding, preparing candidates for the American Health Information Management Association's certified coding associate and certified professional coder credentials. Learners complete a healthcare coding practicum, in which they practice their skills in a virtual medical office setting.
Full-time students with a minimum high school GPA of 3.25 may be eligible for scholarships. Graduates may go on to earn a bachelor's degree from Cowley in 18 months.
Courses Include
- Allied Healthcare Provider Anatomy and Physiology
- Current Procedural Terminology Coding
- Reimbursement Methodologies
- International Classification of Disease Coding
- Bioethics
Unique Features
- Cost: $114/credit for Cowley County residents; $125 for other Kansas residents; $135 for Oklahoma residents; $173 for non-Kansas and Oklahoma residents
- Credits Required: 35
- Accreditation: Higher Learning Commission
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9. Drexel University
Philadelphia-based Drexel is a private, nonprofit institution serving about 25,000 students on campus and online. Drexel's web-based programs include an online certificate in medical coding and billing.
The 30-credit program covers four types of coding: CPT, HCPCS, ICD-10-CM, and ICD-10-PCS. Students learn to file medical insurance paperwork, ensuring healthcare providers and insurance companies receive the correct reimbursement.
Graduates qualify to take several national certification exams from the American Medical Billing Association, American Health Information Management Association, and American Academy of Professional Coders.
Applicants should hold a high school or GED diploma. Drexel follows a quarter system instead of the traditional two-semester system, so students enroll in four 10-week terms throughout the year. Most distance learners complete the program in 18 months.
Courses Include
- Sectional Anatomy
- Medical Billing Software
- Physician-Based Medical Coding
- Physician-Based Chart Auditing
- Hospital-Based Case Studies
Unique Features
- Cost: $855/credit
- Credits Required: 30
- Accreditation: Middle States Commission on Higher Education
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10. Central Community College
Located in Grand Island, CCC educates nearly 22,000 students in 25 southern Nebraska counties. The college offers nearly 40% of its programs online, including a 41-credit medical coding diploma.
Candidates take 11 medical coding courses in addition to general education classes such as basic math, English, communications, and critical thinking. The medical coding curriculum introduces the ICD-10-CM, CPT/HCPCS, and ICD-10-PCS coding systems. Distance learners also explore topics like healthcare delivery systems and applications for the health professional. Before graduating, students may take the certified coding associate examination from the American Health Information Management Association.
Prospective students should possess a high school or GED diploma, and submit ACT or Accuplacer scores for consideration.
Courses Include
- Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act
- Healthcare Delivery Systems
- Healthcare Reimbursement Methods
- Pharmacology
- Disease Conditions
Unique Features
- Cost: $107/credit in-state students; $153/credit out-of-state students
- Credits Required: 41
- Accreditation: Higher Learning Commission
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Recommended Online Medical Billing & Coding Programs
11. University of Southern Indiana
USI enrolls over 10,000 students at its Evansville campus and online. The university's College of Nursing and Health Professions offers 12 academic programs, including a medical coding certificate.
In this unique program, students take modules instead of enrolling in courses. They do not receive traditional credit, but instead complete 80 contact study hours throughout the 16-week program. While distance learners can complete most of the program through asynchronous online study, they must also participate in 16 hours of on-campus instruction.
The curriculum covers CPT, HCPCS level II, and ICD-10-CM coding for medical claims in physicians' offices and hospitals. Certificate-seekers also study basic anatomy and physiology, the business of medicine, and medical terms. After graduation, students may sit for an American Academy of Professional Coders certification exam.
Unique Features
- Cost: $264/credit for Indiana residents; $641/credit for nonresidents
- Accreditation: Higher Learning Commission
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12. Northwest Iowa Community College
Although NCC began in the 1960s as a vocational high school, the Sheldon-based school became a community college soon after, offering career-focused associate degrees. NCC now offers multiple degrees and certificate programs, including a medical coding diploma.
Full-time distance learners can complete this 34-credit, low-cost medical coding and billing online program in two semesters. Over 13 courses, diploma-seekers study coding systems common to healthcare providers and insurance companies.
The program prepares students to pursue the American Health Information Management Association's certified coding associate credential. Students who wish to later earn an associate degree in health information technology can apply these credits toward their degree.
Courses Include
- Health Records in Acute Care
- Medical Coding
- Human Anatomy and Physiology
- Reimbursement Methods
- Medical Insurance
Unique Features
- Cost: $189/credit
- Credits Required: 34
- Accreditation: Higher Learning Commission
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13. Wallace State Community College
This Hanceville, Alabama, school enrolls 7,000 students each semester. The school's medical coding certificate program follows a two-year plan, allowing learners to study both online or through a hybrid online/on-campus format.
The program begins with a mandatory orientation. Students must earn a 100 on the post-orientation exam to begin coursework. The curriculum covers human anatomy, medical terminology, and the ICD-10-CM, ICD-10-PCS, and CPT coding systems. Students may also take a professional practice in medical coding course, which involves supervised practice in a workplace setting.
Graduates qualify to take a coding certification exam from the American Health Information Management Association.
Applicants should possess a high school diploma with at least a 2.5 GPA or a GED. They must also submit an ACT score of at least 17.
Courses Include
- Diagnostics and Pharmacology
- Classification and Reimbursement
- Health Data Content and Structure
- Professional Practice in Medical Coding
- Expanded Medical Coding
Unique Features
- Cost: $160/credit
- Credits Required: 48
- Accreditation: Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges
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14. Laramie County Community College
LCCC maintains campuses across Wyoming and serves even more students through distance education. Students who complete the college's online medical claims associate certificate qualify to take a national coding exam from the American Health Information Management Association.
The curriculum emphasizes the CPT/HCPCS and ICD coding systems while delving into topics in healthcare skills and information. Candidates study health information management, reimbursement methodologies, and electronic health records.
The college also offers a medical office essentials diploma. Students complete all of the diploma courses within the medical claims curriculum, meeting the requirements for both programs. Learners can also stay in school for another year to obtain an AAS in health information technology and management.
Courses Include
- Medical Terminology
- Human Body Systems
- Disease Processes in Coding
- Reimbursement Methodologies
- Professional Practice Experience (Coding)
Unique Features
- Cost: $148/credit for in-state students; $346/credit for out-of-state students
- Credits Required: 48
- Accreditation: Higher Learning Commission
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15. Neosho County Community College
NCCC began providing eastern Kansas with postsecondary education in the 1960s. Today, the college offers programs at its Chanutte and Ottawa campuses, along with a variety of distance learning programs.
NCCC's healthcare coding certificate program online lasts three semesters, or about 1.5 years. Learners take 12-14 course credits each term. While the curriculum focuses on coding, students also gain a strong foundation in science through courses like pathophysiology. Learners can apply the program's 39 credits toward an associate degree in health information technology.
During their final term, certificate-seekers complete a healthcare coding practicum and a healthcare coding national exam review. According to NCCC data, 100% of students who enroll in the program receive certification.
Courses Include
- Medical Terminology
- Anatomy and Physiology
- Current Procedural Terminology Coding
- Electronic Health Record
- Reimbursement Methodologies
Unique Features
- Cost: $131/credit for Neosho County residents; $145/credit for other Kansas students; $167/credit for out-of-state students
- Credits Required: 39
- Accreditation: Higher Learning Commission
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16. Wisconsin Indianhead Technical College
Based in Rice Lake, WITC enrolls about 3,000 students in professionally focused programs. Distance learners can complete the college's online medical coding specialist certificate in about one year.
Over 29 credits, students explore different types of medical coding, common human diseases, medical terminology, and methods for reimbursing healthcare providers with various insurance plans. Candidates must also complete a computer skills inventory. Distance learners can either enroll full or part time.
After obtaining a certificate, graduates can go on to become medical coding specialists or claims analysts. They can also continue their education and pursue a health information technology associate degree.
Applicants must possess a high school or GED diploma. WITC does not require a minimum GPA or standardized test scores.
Courses Include
- Human Disease for the Health Professions
- Healthcare Reimbursement
- Digital Literacy for Healthcare
- CPT Coding
- ICD Diagnosis Coding
Unique Features
- Cost: $4,459
- Credits Required: 29
- Accreditation: Higher Learning Commission
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17. West Georgia Technical College
WGTC's main campus sits in LaGrange, but the technical school enrolls students from all over western Georgia. Candidates all over the country can pursue WGTC's medical coding certificate online.
Certificate-seekers must complete at least 24 credits, or eight required courses. Incoming students unable to type 30 words per minute must complete an additional three-credit keyboarding course as a prerequisite.
Candidates learn about medical terminology and diseases while picking up technical skills through coding and classification software. Students take three coding courses in all: two medical billing and coding courses, and one medical procedural coding course. These focus on the CPT coding system.
Courses Include
- Structure and Function of the Human Body
- Medical Terminology for Allied Health Sciences
- Document Production
- Medical Billing and Coding
- Medical Procedural Coding
Unique Features
- Cost: $100/credit for in-state students; $200 per credit for out-of-state students
- Credits Required: 24
- Accreditation: Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges
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18. Central Georgia Technical College
Part of the Technical College System of Georgia, Central Georgia Technical College educates students from its main campus in Warner Robins, and online. Along with associate degrees and diplomas, the college offers 124 technical certificate programs, including one in medical coding.
The certificate requires 24 credits of coursework. Learners study different types of coding systems as they learn to input data regarding healthcare service reimbursement and produce medical documents with computer applications. All students must pass a fundamental English course.
Applicants who wish to take their medical billing and coding classes online must be at least 17 years old and possess a high school or GED diploma.
Courses Include
- Structure and Function of the Human Body
- Medical Terminology for the Allied Health Sciences
- Human Diseases
- Medical Billing and Coding
- Medical Procedural Coding
Unique Features
- Cost:
- Credits Required: 24
- Accreditation: Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges
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19. Hazard Community and Technical College
HCTC provides postsecondary educational opportunities for residents of southeast Kentucky and beyond. The college's health information technology credential programs include a medical records coding specialist certificate.
Coursework centers on the ICD, CPT, and HCPCS coding systems for medical reimbursement. Learners build a foundational knowledge base in healthcare delivery systems, medical terminology, and human anatomy and physiology.
Once they complete the program, certificate-holders can take the certified coding associate exam from the American Information Management Association, or the certified professional coder exam from the American Academy of Professional Coders.
Applicants should possess a high school or GED diploma and submit their ACT or SAT scores.
Courses Include
- Medical Terminology
- Introduction to Healthcare Delivery Systems
- Coding for Reimbursement
- Medical Coding
- Advanced Medical Coding
Unique Features
- Cost: $174/credit for in-state students; $348/credit for students in neighboring states; $609/credit for all other out-of-state students
- Credits Required: 23-38
- Accreditation: Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges
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20. Pace University
Pace began in 1906 as a one-room accounting school in New York City. Over the past century, it has grown into a full university with undergraduate and graduate programs, enrolling more than 13,000 students in all.
Pace's online medical billing and coding certification does not follow a traditional format with required credits. Instead, distance learners complete 120 contact hours. While the program is designed to last seven months, students may take up to nine months to earn their certificate.
The curriculum covers foundational sciences like anatomy, physiology, and disease pathology, along with the ICD-9 and ICD-10 coding systems. Learners may choose a final module to specialize in various coding certifications, like outpatient coder or professional coder-payer.
Courses Include
- Professional Coding Certification Preparation
- Outpatient Coder Certification Preparation
- Professional Coder-Payer Certification Preparation
- Coder Associate Certification Preparation
- Coder Specialist Certification Preparation
Unique Features
- Cost: $3,995
- Accreditation: Middle States Commission on Higher Education
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21. Kennesaw State University
Georgia-based KSU enrolls about 38,000 undergraduates and graduate students, both online and on campus.
The university's medical billing and coding certificate functions as one continuous online course consisting of several modules. The course requires 340 hours of self-paced study and takes up to one year to complete. The curriculum covers the ICD-9-CM, ICD-10-CM, CPT, and HCPCS level II coding systems. Candidates also explore legal and ethical concepts in the field as they learn to develop insurance claims according to third-party guidelines.
Students must earn at least a 70 on their final exam to receive the university certificate and sit for national certification exams from the American Academy of Professional Coders or the National Healthcareer Association.
Applicants should possess a high school or GED diploma, and must be proficient in keyboarding and Microsoft Word.
Unique Features
- Cost: $2,195
- Accreditation: Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges
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22. Thomas Jefferson University
Jefferson enrolls nearly 8,000 undergraduate and graduate students in the Philadelphia area. Jefferson's online medical coding and data quality certificate program includes 36 credits of coursework, or 12 required courses. Students learn to navigate coding systems as they explore related ethical and regulatory policies. Although all courses are available online, candidates learn from professionals at Jefferson's Sidney Kimmel Medical College.
Graduates can sit for a variety of national certification exams, including the coding certificate associate and certified coding specialist credentialing examinations from the American Health Information Management Association.
Prospective students must hold a high school or GED diploma.
Courses Include
- Human Disease and Treatment
- CPT Coding Concepts
- ICD-10 Principles/Applications
- Reimbursement Methodology
- Coding PPE
Unique Features
- Cost: $605/credit
- Credits Required: 36
- Accreditation: Middle States Commission on Higher Education
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23. University of Alaska Fairbanks
UAF began as the Alaska Agricultural College and School of Mines in 1922. Although only one student graduated in the first commencement, the university has grown to serve about 8,500 students on seven campuses and online.
Students pursuing UAF's occupational endorsement in medical coding learn to assign codes for medical procedures, analyze medical records, and index information for healthcare provider reimbursement. The full program consists of only 13 credits, or four courses.
Graduates go on to work at medical offices, clinics, hospitals, and other facilities. Applicants should possess either a high school or GED diploma. Only people age 16 and older may apply.
Courses Include
- Computer Business Operations
- Medical Terminology
- Human Diseases
- Medical Coding
Unique Features
- Cost: $2,925
- Credits Required: 13
- Accreditation: Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities
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24. Community Care College
Community Care College began as a dental assistant college in 1995. Over the past 25 years, the Tulsa, Oklahoma, institution has expanded to offer about 10 programs in the healthcare and business fields, including an online medical billing and coding program.
The self-paced program focuses on the ICD-10 coding system. Students learn to read patient charts, process patient data, manage payment requests from patients' insurance companies, and handle treatment records. Full-time learners can graduate in as little as 10-11 months.
Prospective students must hold a high school or GED diploma. Candidates may apply for scholarships that cover full tuition, half tuition, or $1,500 in tuition.
Unique Features
- Cost: Check with school for tuition estimate
- Accreditation: Accrediting Bureau of Health Education Schools
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25. Barton Community College
Based in Great Bend, Kansas, Barton serves a student body of about 15,000 each year. Learners can enroll in diploma, certificate, and associate programs to prepare for a career or a four-year degree. The college also offers several online options, including a medical coding certificate.
The 44-credit program includes general education courses in English and computer keyboarding, along with medical coding classes and introductory courses in the biological sciences. Learners must pass three courses on the ICD-9, CPT, and HCPCS coding systems. The curriculum also includes a two-credit medical coding internship. Online students enjoy academic counseling and tutoring services.
Interested individuals should possess a high school or GED diploma and submit ACT or Accuplacer scores.
Courses Include
- Basic Pharmacology
- Medical Terminology
- Medical Administrative Aspects
- Ten Key Mastery
- Legal and Ethical Issues in Healthcare
Unique Features
- Cost: $150/credit
- Credits Required: 44
- Accreditation: Higher Learning Commission
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Applying to an Affordable Online Medical Billing and Coding Certificate and Diploma Program
Common admission requirements for medical billing and coding online programs include a high school diploma or GED, minimum GPA, and ACT, Accuplacer, or SAT scores. Some schools may require typing speed tests or keyboarding courses, and proficiency in a particular software program, such as Microsoft Word.
Applicants with prior higher education coursework, professional training, or volunteer experience may be permitted to transfer credits. Programs may also allow students to transfer credits earned for their certificate or diploma toward an associate or bachelor's degree.
Employers tend to prefer medical billers and coders certified as Registered Health Information Technicians, Certified Tumor Registrars, or equivalent designations. Certification typically requires passing an exam, completing an accredited program, such as those listed in this guide, or coding experience hours.
Frequently Asked Questions
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What do medical billers and coders do?
Medical billers and coders review, document, and maintain patient records, which include medical histories, exams, test results, and treatments. They also use coding software to classify medical services provided for insurance reimbursement and data analysis. Medical billers and coders can become certified in fields like medical coding specialist and cancer registrar.
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How much do medical billing and coding online courses cost?
Low-cost medical coding and billing online programs may base fees on an annual basis or a per-credit basis. Annual costs range $2,000-$8,000, while medical billing and coding online courses cost $100-$1,000 per credit. Program tuition may vary by residency status and program length.
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What is accreditation and why is it important?
Accreditation indicates that a program meets rigorous curriculum and student performance standards. Employers look for graduates of accredited programs to ensure that an applicant possesses up-to-date skills. Two main organizations accredit medical billing and coding programs: the Commission on Accreditation for Health Informatics and Information Management Education and the American Academy of Professional Coders.
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How long does it take to complete a medical billing and coding program?
Many medical billing and coding online programs can be completed in a year or less. Others may take 18 months to two years. Factors influencing time to graduation include full- or part-time enrollment, availability of transfer credit, and program structure. For example, self-paced courses may allow accelerated program completion in as little as four months.
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What's the difference between a certificate and a diploma in medical billing and coding?
Medical billing and coding certificates often take less time to earn, with most students graduating in under a year. Diploma programs may take up to two years to finish and often focus on a particular specialization. Certificate programs provide skill-based preparation, while diplomas focus on skills and additional technical knowledge.