Learn more about online medical billing courses and training. Find information on programs, education, job growth and salary. View popular medical billing schools that prepare students for careers as medical billing and coding specialists.
Popular Courses
The curriculum within an online medical billing and coding program may consist of medical-related courses alongside general education classes. Students in these online programs may learn how to code diagnoses and medical procedures, prepare insurance forms, and maintain patient billing records. These courses may teach students how to transcribe medical reports, enter medical history and demographic data, and ensure records are maintained confidentially. They may also learn standard classification systems in order to identify, compile, and code patient data. Students enrolled in an online medical billing program may take courses such as:
- Basic Medical Terminology
- CPT Coding
- Business English
- Body Systems Terminology
- Electronic Medical Records
- Tricare and Worker’s Compensation
- Office Procedures
Popular Programs
Students interested in medical billing and coding programs may choose to enroll in a career diploma, certificate, or associate degree program. A career diploma may take several months to complete, and it may provide a solid foundation on managing medical records and billing procedures. A certificate may take one to two years to complete, and it may focus on diagnostic and procedure billing codes as well as medical terminology. Associate degree programs may take two years to complete, and students may learn about the different levels of medical coding systems while also completing a hands-on externship. Upon graduation from select medical billing and coding programs, students may be eligible to sit for certification exams given by the American Health Information Management Association and the American Academy of Professional Coders.
Job Outlook & Salary
Medical billing and coding specialists may work in doctor’s offices, hospitals, insurance companies, and in government departments. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, employment opportunities for those pursuing careers as medical records and health information technicians are projected to increase by 21% from 2010-2020. This increase may be due to the increasing aging population who require frequent medical tests and procedures. Medical records technicians may be in demand to maintain and manage the associated information with the influx of patient information. The BLS also reported that the medical record and health information technicians earned a median annual salary of $32,350 and a median hourly wage of $15.55 per hour as of 2012.