Choosing the Best Online Medical Billing and Coding Program for You
Prepare for a career in medical billing and coding. Learn how to choose the best online medical billing and coding program for you with this guide from DeVry.
Medical Billing and Coding
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Medical billing and coding combines financial knowledge with an understanding of medical terminology in order to bill patients, build accurate patient health records and create insurance claims. Employers on the hunt for medical billers and coders may have several things in mind during their search, including medical billing and coding certifications. These professional certifications signal to hospitals, private practices and clinics that you have taken the time to study the complexities of the medical billing and coding world.
Understand how to integrate medical coding and payment policy changes into reimbursement processes
Possess expertise in reviewing and assigning accurate medical codes
Are knowledgeable in anatomy, physiology and medical terminology
This exam consists of 150 multiple choice questions, and students are allowed 5.5 hours to answer.
Review patient records and assign codes for each diagnosis and treatment
Can use ICD-10-CM and CPT coding systems
Are knowledgeable in medical terminology, pharmacology and disease processes
This exam consists of 97 multiple choice questions and eight medical scenarios, and students are allowed four hours to answer.
This exam consists of 97 multiple choice questions and eight medical scenarios, and students are allowed four hours to answer.
Are committed to the coding profession
Exhibit dedication, competency and professional capacity
This exam consists of 97 multiple choice questions and eight medical scenarios, and students are allowed four hours to answer.
CPC exam: 70%
CCS exam: 300 points
CCA exam: 300 points
To take a medical billing and coding certification exam, students must also pay for admittance to the exam. The exams cost:
CCA exam: $299 ($199 for AHIMA members)
CCS exam: $399 ($299 for AHIMA members)
CPC exam: $399
Medical terminology
Health services and information systems
International classification of diseases coding
Health insurance and reimbursement
Information processing
Information documentation and recording
Procedural terminology
Medical data classification
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, medical billers and coders are in demand. The industry is expected to add, on a national level, 37,100 jobs between 2020 and 20301, and you might find that some employers may prefer or even require job applicants to have earned an industry-recognized certification. Earning your CCS, CCA or CPC certification can be a great addition to your resume, as it demonstrates to employers that you have the knowledge and skills needed to perform specific tasks.
The length of time it takes to earn your CCA, CCS or CPC certification may vary, depending on whether you already possess the knowledge and skills needed to successfully pass the exam. However, the exam process itself can be as simple as applying for, scheduling and successfully completing the exam.
Our Medical Billing and Coding Certificate program, which you can complete in as little as 1 year2 assuming full-time enrollment and no breaks, has CCA and CCS exam prep built into the curriculum. Depending on the program structure you choose, you can prepare for the CCA, CCS or CPC exams while you earn your undergraduate certificate.
To pursue a CPC designation, you must have at least two years of medical coding experience.
An online medical billing and coding certification can help prepare you to pursue various medical billing and coding jobs and healthcare career opportunities such as:
Medical coding specialist: Analyzes clinical statements and assigns standard codes to procedures and treatments.
Medical billing specialist: Prepares and submits claims on behalf of a healthcare provider for reimbursement.
Medical records clerk: Processes daily patient reports according to a medical facility's policies and procedures.
Health information clerk: Manages patient health files, assists in audits and collects relevant patient information.
As you gain work experience and participate in ongoing education, you may find potential opportunities to advance to other higher-level or managerial positions in the industry.
When pursuing certifications for medical billing and coding, you will typically pay a fee to sit for the exam. Here are the exam fees as of May 2022:
CCA exam: $299 ($199 for AHIMA members)
CCS exam: $399 ($299 for AHIMA members)
CPC exam: $399
As a student in our Medical Billing and Coding Undergraduate Certificate program, the cost of one CCA exam attempt is included in your tuition and fees3. If you pursue our Medical Billing and Coding - Health Information Coding Certificate path, the cost for one CCS exam attempt is included in your tuition and fees3. To learn more about the costs of our undergraduate certificate programs, visit our Tuition page.
To sit for the CCA certification exam, you must have a high school diploma or equivalent. Although not mandatory, AHIMA also recommends at least one of the following:
6 months of coding experience
Completing AHIMA-approved coding program
Completing a coding training program with anatomy and physiology, medical terminology, basic ICD diagnostic/procedural and CPT coding basics
To sit for the CCS certification exam, you must meet one of these eligibility requirements:
Completion of courses in anatomy & physiology, pathophysiology, pharmacology, medical terminology, reimbursement methodology, intermediate/advanced ICD diagnostic coding and procedural coding and medical services (CPT/HCPCS)
Minimum of two years of related coding experience
CCA or other coding credential plus one year of coding experience
CCS-P, RHIT or RHIA credential
To sit for the CPC certification exam, you must:
Have at least two years of medical coding experience
Maintain a current membership with the AAPC
The CPC exam is now offered virtually, allowing you to earn your medical billing and coding certification online. When taking the proctored exam online, your test will consist of two parts that are 2 hours and 45 minutes each. You are responsible for ensuring your technology works properly, including having a reliable internet connection as well as a webcam capable of showing your face, hands, keyboard and surrounding area.
The CCA and CCS exams, although administered in a computer-based format, can only be taken at an approved in-person proctored testing center.
Earning a medical billing and coding certification can help demonstrate to employers that you have an understanding of many of the core elements of medical billing and coding. Professional certifications may also help you pursue higher-level positions or posts that require a certification throughout your career.
Get up to speed on today’s industry trends, career paths and education options with our latest medical billing and coding articles.
*The Health Information Coding (HIC) specialization requires 13 courses to complete, not considering any qualifying transfer credits. Additional program information may be found here.
1Growth projected on a national level. Local growth will vary. https://www.bls.gov/ooh/healthcare/medical-records-and-health-information-technicians.htm
2Not including breaks. Assumes year-round, full-time enrollment. Additional program information may be found on our Degree Programs page.
3Eligible students who register for and complete the exams may be reimbursed for one exam sitting.
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