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Undergraduate Certificates

Medical Billing and Coding — All Online

Earn your Medical Billing and Coding certificate with just 10 courses.*

Online Undergraduate Certificate in Medical Billing and Coding

Break into this in-demand1 healthcare field. Prepare for the CCS or CPC exams.

Be ready to help healthcare companies provide more effective care by earning an online medical billing and coding certificate. Our 100% online medical billing and coding classes start every eight weeks. Explore natural sciences, anatomy and health information technology, where you'll focus on outpatient coding courses in our Medical Billing and Coding Undergraduate Certificate program.

As an option, you can further your studies and dive deeper into procedural terminology as well as legal and regulatory issues by specializing in Health Information Coding. This addition introduces four more classes designed to teach you the advanced coding knowledge necessary to record the range of services provided as part of inpatient care.

DIGITAL HEALTH CORE – Essential Health Information Skills for Modern Healthcare
 

This program includes DeVry’s Digital Health Core series of courses, designed to help students develop a set of interdisciplinary skills for today's rapidly evolving health information field. Courses explore principles used throughout the healthcare ecosystem, exposing students to essential topics related to medical terminology, compliance, ethics, electronic medical records, patient privacy and digital aspects of the healthcare delivery system.

The Digital Health Core curriculum also provides students hands-on experience with industry-standard software systems and simulated patient records.

Classes Start Every 8 Weeks

Our 100% online medical billing and coding classes start every 8 weeks.

Why DeVry?

Why Choose Medical Billing and Coding Programs at DeVry?

Career Support

Take advantage of Career Services support to help you with your resume and job search.

Online Virtual Learning

We offer 100% online classes — with sessions starting every 8 weeks, allowing you to attend classes on your schedule.

Get first-hand experience in medical billing and coding with simulated medical records in a web-based learning platform.

Certification Readiness

The Medical Billing & Coding certificate program includes material addressed in the Certified Professional Coder (CPC) certification exam. Detailed information on qualifications for the exam is available at www.aapc.com/certification/cpc.

The Medical Billing & Coding - Health Information Coding certificate program includes material addressed in the Certified Coding Specialist (CCS) certification exam. Detailed information on qualifications for the exam is available at www.ahima.org/certification/CCS.

Questions for our admissions team?
Medical Billing and Coding
Minimum Completion Time*
10 months
OR
Normal Completion Time
1 year
2 months

ACCELERATE YOUR SCHEDULE

Choose the schedule that best fits your goals and commitments. You can earn your Undergraduate Certificate in as little as 10 months

Or, follow a normal schedule and complete your program in 1 year, 2 months.

*Per 12-month period, assumes completion of 3 semesters, enrollment in 3 to 13 credit hours per semester and continuous, full-time year-round enrollment with no breaks.

**Per 12-month period, assumes completion of 2 semesters and full-time enrollment in 3 to 13 credit hours per semester.

Knowledge & Skills

Online Medical Billing and Coding Program – What You'll Learn

Learn fundamental concepts through classification courses and practice in hands-on virtual lab environments. Additional skills that can be gained in our Undergraduate Medical Billing and Coding Certificate program include:

  • Medical Terminology
    Learn medical terminology, including the foundations of words used to describe the human body and its conditions, terminology for medical procedures, the names of commonly prescribed medications and common abbreviations.
  • International Classification of Diseases Coding ICD Coding (ICD-10)
    Study the principles and guidelines for using the International Classification of Diseases system (ICD-10-CM) to code diagnoses and procedures. Explore coding ethics, data quality and application of coding principles to electronic record systems.
  • Health Insurance Billing and Reimbursement
    Explore reimbursement and payment methodologies applicable to healthcare provided in various US settings as it relates to relevant forms, processes, practices and the roles of health information professionals.
  • Current Procedural Terminology (CPT Coding)
    Study the principles and guidelines for using the Current Procedural Terminology system for reporting physician and healthcare services, including non-inpatient procedures.
Career

Career Opportunities in Medical Billing and Coding

 

Graduates of our online Medical Billing and Coding Undergraduate Certificate may consider careers such as:
  • Medical Records and Health Information Technician

    These technicians organize, manage and code health information data using medical billing and coding skills to ensure that records are easy to access and interpret.

  • Billing Specialist

    Billing specialists help keep care facilities running by overseeing the billing process for customers and patients, including processing and organizing payments and financial records.

  • Insurance Claims Specialist

    These individuals facilitate the processing of claims and may serve as the liaison between the insurance company, the provider and the insured. Claims specialists help patients receive the proper contribution from their insurance and make sure they don't overpay for their procedures.

  • Medical Biller

    Medical billers manage payments and insurance claims for the provider to ensure that payments come through on time and accurately reflect the procedures that a patient received.

  • Collections Specialist

    Collections specialists work with patients to resolve bills, collect payments and resolve any billing or coding errors.

  • Coding Professional

    Coding professionals ensure that patient records are entered with the correct codes and manage billing with patients and insurance companies.

     

Program Courses

Medical Billing and Coding Program Options

Option 1:
Medical Billing & Coding
Natural Sciences
BIOS105
Fundamentals of Human Anatomy and Physiology With Lab
Digital Health Core
HIT111
Basic Medical Terminology
HIT125
Electronic Health Records and Digital Health
HIT223
Medical Ethics, Compliance and Patient Privacy
HIT235
Health Insurance Billing and Reimbursement Medical Coding
Medical Coding
HIT206
CPT Coding with Application
HIT214
ICD Coding I with Application
HIT216
Coding with Application
Personal and Professional Development
HIT101
Professional Skills for Healthcare
HIT254
Coding Practicum and Review (CPC Exam)
Option 2:
Medical Billing & Coding — Health Information Coding
Natural Sciences
BIOS105
Fundamentals of Human Anatomy and Physiology With Lab
BIOS268
Pathopharmacology
Digital Health Core
HIT111
Basic Medical Terminology
HIT125
Electronic Health Records and Digital Health
HIT223
Medical Ethics, Compliance and Patient Privacy
HIT235
Health Insurance Billing and Reimbursement Medical Coding
Medical Coding
HIT206
CPT Coding With Application
HIT214
ICD Coding I With Application
HIT215
ICD Coding II With Application
HIT217
Advanced Coding
Personal and Professional Development
HIT101
Professional Skills for Healthcare
HIT260
Coding and Practicum With Lab
HIT264
CCS Review (CCS Exam)
Highlight Courses

Medical Billing and Coding Course Previews

The Medical Billing and Coding certificate programs may include these courses:

BIOS105
Fundamentals of Human Anatomy and Physiology With Lab

This course covers the basics of the human body. You'll explore topics related to cell structure and function and learn about the major systems of the human body. During lab work, you'll utilize computer exercises and simulation activities, as well as observation related to the topics covered.

HIT214 & HIT215

International Classification of Diseases

Build your ability to accurately dissect and code operative reports using the International Classification of Diseases. You will also learn about anatomy and code structure for body systems, health records, manual and computerized coding methods and references. You’ll have hands-on opportunities to use coding manuals and software tools to become comfortable with sequencing diagnoses and procedures. Coding ethics, data quality and application of coding principles to electronic record systems are also covered.

HIT216

Current Procedural Terminology Coding With Lab

Develop your knowledge of clinical classification systems through current procedural terminology (CPT). Practice using CPT codes to assign procedure codes and apply guidelines for assigning evaluation and management (E/M) codes and modifiers to typical case examples. Also covered are healthcare common procedure coding system codes and the application of coding principles to an electronic record system.

What Is Medical Billing and Coding?

Medical billing and coding is the process of translating medical diagnoses and procedures into codes used in medical records and claims submitted to payers for reimbursement. Billing and coding are actually separate processes that are equally important to the healthcare revenue cycle, ensuring that providers are accurately reimbursed for their services.

The question "What is medical billing and coding?" is answered by the people who perform these vital functions. Their work ensures that services provided by physicians, hospitals, surgery centers and others are translated into the correct codes and submitted to payers (such as insurance companies, government programs like Medicare or patients) for reimbursement.

What Is Medical Billing?

Medical billing is the review of medical records to identify, code and bill for diagnoses, procedures, medications or equipment associated with a patient’s care. Once a medical billing professional identifies this information, they submit claims to payers or patients to receive reimbursement for services rendered. Read What is Medical Billing?” to learn more. 
 


What Is Medical Coding?

Medical coding is the process of assigning codes to medical diagnoses, procedures and equipment using the International Classification of Diseases system to accurately track patient data. Medical coders must understand anatomy and physiology, the disease process and clinical procedures so they can apply the correct codes to health records. Read What is Medical Coding? to learn more.

 


What Do Medical Billers and Coders Do?

Medical billing and medical coding are two distinct but interconnected parts of the healthcare system. Medical coding, which is typically the first part of the process, involves applying the correct codes to health records and claims. Medical billing involves submitting claims to payers.

 

While medical billers and medical coders are two distinct careers with different skillsets, they may share similar duties or professional qualifications. Their work is essential to maintaining the financial health and successful operation of any healthcare facility. 

 

What Does a Medical Coder Do?

On a typical day, a medical coder may perform these duties:

  • Review medical documentation and translate notes into ICD or Healthcare Common Procedure Coding System (HCPCS) codes
  • Communicate with medical providers and insurance companies or other payers
  • Correspond with healthcare providers to obtain or confirm details that will enable them to “code to the highest degree of specificity,” thereby reducing claim denials
  • Use digital tools such as coding software and patient record platforms

What Does a Medical Biller Do?

Medical billers take over where the coders have left off, ensuring providers and facilities receive correct payment for their services. On a typical day, they may:

  • Use diagnosis and treatment codes provided by medical coders to create and submit new reimbursement claims
  • Review codes and claims to ensure they are accurate and represent the level of care provided
  • Communicate with providers, coders and insurance companies to work out any discrepancies or disagreements
  • Work with patients to get reimbursement for remaining costs not covered by insurance companies or other payers
  • Communicate with healthcare providers, healthcare facilities and insurance companies to get pre-authorization for treatments or procedures as needed

These medical billing and coding examples will show you what medical billers’ and coders’ day-to-day tasks look like.

Learnings

Medical Billing and Coding Learnings

To prepare to pursue opportunities in the growing field of medical billing and coding,1 consider earning a certification such as the CPC or CCS certification after graduation.2 In general, your medical billing and coding classes should cover:

  • Human anatomy and physiology

  • Basic medical terminology

  • Health services and information systems

  • Health information processes

  • The International Classification of Diseases coding system (ICD-10)

  • Current procedural terminology

  • Legal and regulatory issues related to health information

Your medical billing and coding courses should also provide ample hands-on opportunities with healthcare applications such as encoders and electronic health record systems.

About Online Virtual Lab Learning

Our online Medical Billing and Coding Certificate program is designed to help you learn how to accurately record, register, submit and track patient information. During this program, you will work in a web-based learning platform designed to encourage you to see the holistic nature of healthcare. You can access simulated medical health records to perform real-world health information and coding activities.

Certificate Programs With Built-in Prep for Certification Exams 

At DeVry, we offer two Medical Billing and Coding (MBC) certificate programs:

  • Medical Billing and Coding
  • Medical Billing and Coding – Health Information Coding

Offered 100% online and designed with busy, working students in mind, each program offers hands-on learning and built-in preparation for industry certification exams.

Our online Medical Billing and Coding Certificate can prepare you to begin your MBC journey by providing you with the knowledge, skills and abilities needed to function as an entry-level coding specialist and pursue the CPC Certification Exam.2

Our MBC – Health Information Coding Certificate can help those with previous coursework or experience prepare for more advanced entry-level positions. This specialization introduces more detailed instruction on related concepts and helps prepare you to pursue the CCS Certification Exam.3

Students who earn either certificate can apply credits earned toward our Associate Degree in Health Information Technology or Bachelor’s Degree in Technical Management with a specialization in Health Information Management or Health Services Management.4

Certifications

Medical Billing and Coding Certification

Pursuing a career in medical coding and billing requires you to have both financial acumen and medical knowledge. You need the skills to accurately bill patients, send insurance claims and create accurate patient health records. To pursue a medical coding job, you'll typically need to obtain at least one of these medical billing and coding certifications:

  • Certified Professional Coder (CPC):

    This certification indicates that you have a strong grasp of medical billing code sets and evaluation and management (E/M) principles. The CPC exam also tests your ability to adhere to documentation and coding guidelines.

  • Certified Coding Specialist (CCS):

    The CCS certification requires you to demonstrate a high level of coding knowledge and commitment in all medical settings. Passing the CCS exam may be useful for people who are more interested in the coding side of medical billing and coding versus the billing side.

About Medical Billing and Coding Certification Exams

Medical billing and coding specialists typically pursue an industry certification to demonstrate their knowledge, skills and experience to employers. These certifications include the AAPC’s Certified Professional Coder exam and AHIMA’s Certified Coding Specialist exam. We can help you understand the specifics of the medical billing and coding exams and determine which is the right fit for you.

Medical Billing and Coding - Ways to Apply What You've Learned

Build Skills with Stackable Degrees

You don’t have to wait four years to show a credential on your resume. At DeVry, several of our programs are designed to stack.

A stackable program can enable you to start with a shorter credential, such as an Undergraduate Certificate in Medical Billing and Coding, knowing that most of the courses you take can apply to the next eligible associate or bachelors4 too. You can also take advantage of flexible online and on-site classes to build your professional skills, which may be more adherent to your personal timeline.5

How Do Credentials Stack?

When you earn an Undergraduate Certificate in Medical Billing and Coding, almost all courses you complete in the program apply toward your Associate Degree in Health Information Technology.

When you complete the associate, all but one course stacks into our Bachelor’s Degree in Technical Management with a Specialization in Health Information Management. Build your confidence — and your resume — when you start your journey at DeVry.

Bachelor's
122**
Total
Associate
61
Total
Certificate
31
Credit Hours

Medical Billing and Coding FAQs

What skills will I learn in Medical Billing and Coding programs?

DeVry’s Medical Billing and Coding Certificate program is designed to teach medical terminology, health services and information systems, health insurance and reimbursement, classifying medical data and much more.

What certifications can I pursue when I complete the MBC certificate?

When you earn your Undergraduate Certificate in Medical Billing and Coding, you can pursue an industry-recognized medical billing and coding certification, such as the Certified Professional Coder (CPC) Exam with the AACP after graduation.

What are the prerequisites for the medical billing and coding program?

In addition to meeting admissions requirements, the only prerequisite for enrollment in medical billing and coding schools is a high school diploma or equivalent. Please see the academic catalog for complete admissions requirements.

How much does a medical billing and coding program cost at DeVry University?

At DeVry, our Medical Billing and Coding Certificate programs are billed by the credit hour. Our Medical Billing and Coding Certificate program consists of 10 courses totaling 31 credit hours, whereas our Medical Billing and Coding – Health Information Coding Certificate program consists of 13 courses totaling 40 credit hours. The total cost of earning your certificate can vary based on the program you choose, any qualifying transfer credits you may have and any scholarships or grants you qualify for.

To learn more about our tuition, fees and cost per credit hour, visit our Tuition Page or contact us for a personalized assessment.

What do medical billers and coders do?

Medical billing and coding duties vary but include working with healthcare professionals to determine care services and managing the claim process. Essentially, medical billing and coding professionals manage the end-to-end billing cycle for healthcare services and act as liaisons between clinical providers and insurance companies. They are roles that many healthcare providers require.

There are two paths you can explore after receiving your Undergraduate Certificate in Medical Billing and Coding at DeVry: medical billing or medical coding.

A medical billing specialist would:

  • Submit claims to insurance companies
  • Ensure that the responsible party pays for claims
  • Manage payments and invoices

A medical coding specialist would:

  • Work with healthcare professionals to correctly identify the services and treatments a patient has received
  • Ensure that medical records correctly reflect their patients' care
  • Stay up-to-date with new coding regulations and standards

What is the difference between medical coding and billing?

Medical billing and coding depend on one another yet represent different points in the healthcare payment process. Medical coding generally comes first and involves working with healthcare providers and clinicians to identify and align on the healthcare services provided, then assign the appropriate codes to accurately represent those services. With that information, medical billing professionals can then use those CPT codes to develop billing statements to file insurance claims and ensure patients are appropriately invoiced.

Where do medical billing and coding professionals work?

Positions for medical billers and coders may be available in a variety of settings throughout the healthcare industry. Here’s a list of the settings where they’re likely to work:

  • Hospital:  A large healthcare provider that may have multiple facilities within a network, commonly referred to as a health system. It may provide both inpatient and outpatient medical care.
  • Large Medical Practice: A group practice composed of many healthcare practitioners. It may have multiple locations and is likely to offer a single specialty, like oncology or orthopedics.
  • Small Medical Practice:  A single practitioner or small group practice of a few physicians. As with a large practice, it could be a single-specialty or multi-specialty practice.
  • Dental Office: A single practitioner or group practice where dentists and hygienists provide services.
  • Ambulatory Surgical Center: Healthcare facilities that offer same-day surgical care, including diagnostic and preventive procedures.
  • Healthcare Consulting Service: Consultants that help healthcare providers design, develop and implement solutions to improve performance and profitability.
  • Insurance Agency: Health plan providers that reimburse healthcare facilities for the services they have provided to their members.
  • Government Agency: These may include the National Center for Health Statistics or state Medicaid departments.
  • Law Firm: Legal practices that investigate fraud claims associated with incorrect billing procedures within the healthcare industry.
  • Educational Institution: Colleges, universities and technical schools that provide certification or degree programs in healthcare management and administration.

How can I become a medical biller or coder?

As with any occupation, there is no singule career pathway to become a medical biller or coder. There are, however, some general steps you can take as you work toward that goal, beginning with enrollment in an undergraduate certificate program. For more information, see our Step-by-Step Guide to Becoming a Medical Biller or Coder.

Could I work as a professional medical biller from home?

You may have heard about people doing medical billing from home. The answer to whether this would be an option for you depends on factors like your role and experience level, and certainly will vary by employer. Some companies have come to adopt work-from-home policies for medical billers and are also exploring hybrid models, allowing the biller to split their time between home and the office.

What is a medical billing and coding certification?

medical billing and coding certification signals to healthcare professionals that you have taken the time to study the complexity of billing and coding. It communicates that you’ve demonstrated proficient knowledge of the multitude of codes and billing processes that are required to process medical services for billing and reimbursement.
The two primary organizations that offer medical billing and coding certifications are the American Academy of Professional Coders and the American Health Information Management Association.

Can you take online classes for medical billing and coding?

Yes. You can learn medical billing and coding online.

At DeVry, our medical billing and coding programs are 100% online. Class sessions start every 8 weeks so you can begin your studies any time that's convenient for you. You can complete your online courses at your own pace, enrolling full-time or part-time. Our advisors will help you design a plan that works for your goals and personal schedule.

What is the typical medical billing and coding salary?

How much can you expect to make as a medical biller or coder? Your salary can be based on many variables, including credentials and professional certifications, your location, years of experience, type of employer, job title and responsibilities.

To find an answer to the question of "What is the typical medical billing and coding salary?", the most reliable occupational employment and wage data come from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS). BLS data reveals two major facts. First, on a national level, medical billing and coding salaries tend to be broad and varied, much like any other industry. Second, medical billers and coders fall under 2 different occupational employment classifications:

Medical coders 29-2072, Medical Records Specialists

Medical billers 43-3021 Billing and Posting Clerks

When you research salaries using information from the BLS, it's important to understand both the high and low ends of the salary range instead of simply looking at an average.

Are roles for medical billing and coding professionals expected to increase in the future?

According to the BLS, employment for medical records specialists is projected to grow at a rate of 8% from 2022 to 2032 on a national level, which is a faster than normal average for all occupations.^ An average of 16,500 openings for medical records specialists is projected each year over the decade. Many of those openings are expected to result from the need to replace workers who transfer to different occupations or exit the labor force.

^Growth projected on a national level. Local growth will vary by location. BLS projections are not specific to DeVry University students or graduates and may include earners at all stages of their career and not just entry level.

Is medical billing and coding hard?

A future in medical billing and coding can be more attainable than you might think. While medical billing and coding involves knowledge of numerous code sets and complex medical information, that doesn’t mean you have to memorize every code. At DeVry, our Medical Billing and Coding certificate programs are designed to help you gain hands-on experience with common billing and coding software using simulated patient records. You’ll gain the knowledge you need in common health-related subjects to prepare to pursue a career as a medical biller or coder.

Why is medical billing and coding important?

Medical billing and coding plays an important role in the complex healthcare system in the United States. It enables healthcare providers of all kinds to accurately bill insurance providers for the services or equipment they’ve provided. Medical billers and coders also gather useful patient data about diagnoses, treatments, procedures and the patient’s experience. Read “Why is Medical Billing and Coding Important?” to learn more.

Amy B
Undergraduate Certificate in Medical Billing and Coding, 2022
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Attending DeVry University has given my life a new direction and hope for my future. I am a 51-year-old single mother of 4 daughters starting my life over. But with the support, inspiration and education from DeVry University, the sky is the limit for me! I am excited for the next chapter of my life and to make my children proud, too. Thank you, DeVry University, for empowering me to a successful future!
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Academic Catalog
2023-2024 Academic Catalog
Program Guides
Medical Billing & Coding Certificate
Medical Billing & Coding: Health Information Coding Certificate

*Per 12-month period, assumes completion of 3 semesters, enrollment in 3 to 13 credit hours per semester and continuous, full-time year-round enrollment with no breaks.
**Per 12-month period, assumes completion of 2 semesters and full-time enrollment in 3 to 13 credit hours per semester.
1Growth projected on a national level. Local growth will vary by location.https://www.bls.gov/ooh/healthcare/medical-records-and-health-information-technicians.htm
2Eligible students who register for and complete the exams may be reimbursed for one exam sitting.
3For the MBC certificate program, all but one course stacks into our Associate Degree in Health Information Technology. For the AHIT program, all but one course stacks into our Bachelor’s in Technical Management degree with a Specialization in Health Information Management. Program availability varies by location. At the time of application to the next credential level, an evaluation of qualifying transfer credits will occur and the most beneficial outcome will be applied.
4At the time of application to the next credential level, an evaluation of qualifying transfer credits will occur and the most beneficial outcome will be applied. Future programmatic changes could impact the application of credits to a future program. Refer to the academic catalog for details.
5Program, course and extended classroom availability vary by location. In site-based programs, students will be required to take a substantial amount of coursework online to complete their program.
^ Growth projected on a national level. Local growth will vary by location. BLS projections are not specific to DeVry University students or graduates and may include earners at all stages of their career and not just entry level.