Medical Billing and Coding Certification
Once you have completed your medical billing and coding training you will be in high demand. Many smaller physician practices and some health care agencies higher new graduates, but many of the higher paying medical billing and coding jobs will require at least 6 months to 1 year of work experience and certification from a professional billing and/or coding association.
The American Academy of Professional Coders (AAPC) is one of the major providers of certifications for medical billing and coding specialists. Medical coders with credentials from the AAPC are working in hospitals, physician offices and outpatient centers. There are three certifications (CPC, CPC-H, and CPC-P) offered by the AAPC (www.aapc.com/) and are considered the gold standard certification for medical coding.
Another highly respected credentialing association is the American Health Information Management Association (AHIMA) . They offer certifications based on education, experience and performance on nationally administered certification exams. AHIMA offers credentials including the Certified Coding Associate (CCA), Certified Coding Specialist (CCS), Certified Coding Specialist – Physician Based (CCS-P). Ahima also offers health information management certification which has become very popular in the hospital setting. (www.ahima.org/certification/)
The American Medical Billing Association (AMBA) offers the Certified Medical Reimbursement Specialist credentials. (www.ambanet.net/AMBA.htm)
Before choosing a certification, please contact the hospitals or office that you are looking to work and ask which credentials they require.
Featured Online Medical Billing and Coding Training and Degree Programs
Kaplan University - Online
The Medical Billing and Medical Coding Certificate programs at Kaplan are designed for individuals with a GED or high school diploma that want to begin a career in allied health in in a data management setting. Programs are online and can be completed in 12 months or less.
Programs Offered: Medical Coding Certificate
Virginia College Online
The associate's program offered by Virginia College will provide you with online training in medical coding and health services reimbursement. As the health care field continues to evolve, graduates will find an abundance of job opportunities in this sector. Request information from Virginia College to learn more.
Programs Offered: Health Care Reimbursement (Associate's Degree)
AIU Online
The Associate’s in Medical Billing and Coding Online at AIU will help you gain the skills you need to, among other tasks, demonstrate knowledge of classifying, coding of diagnosis, procedures and protocols used in coding systems in the health industry for medical records, insurance claims and billing for services provided.
Programs Offered: Associate's (AABA) Medical Billing and Coding
Lincoln College Online
This online associate's program can be completed in 21 months, during which you'll take courses in subjects such as pharmacology, computerized billing, and the ethics of health information management. You will graduate with a sound knowledge of the medical billing and coding field and will be prepared to certified as a Certified Coding Associate (CCA) and eventually as a Certified Coding Specialist (CCS).
Programs Offered: AS in Advanced Medical Coding and Billing
Herzing University
The Medical Billing and Insurance Coding programs at Herzing have been developed for those seeking entry level employment in the medical billing and insurance area of health care. The diploma program can be completed in as little as 12 to 18 months while the associate's degree can be finished in 16 to 24 months. Each program is offered online. Request information from Herzing University to learn more.
Programs Offered: Medical Billing and Insurance Coding (Diploma or Associate's Degree)
National American University
NAU offers a diploma in health care coding for those that are interested in a career in the rapidly growing field of health care. NAU is in the process of obtaining accreditation for this program through the American Health Information Management Association (AHIMA). This would help to prepare graduates for the certification examination to become a Certified Coding Associates (CCA). Learn more by requesting information below.
Programs Offered: Diploma Health Care Coding
Colorado Technical University
CTU is accredited by The Higher Learning Commission and is a member of the North Central Association, which is a regional accrediting body recognized by the US Department of Education.
Programs Offered: Associate of Science in Medical Billing and Coding (Online)
Everest University Online
Everest University is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission and a member of the North Central Association.
Programs Offered: Medical Insurance Billing/Coding - Associate's (Online)
