Coding and billing represent two separate roles, but the professionals who fill these jobs work closely together. When a patient receives service from a healthcare provider, these specialists code and prepare an invoice, or claim, which is then sent to the patient's insurance company. Coders translate healthcare providers' services into numeric codes, and billers use the code to create claims.The field is expected to grow considerably through 2024, meaning that billers and coders will remain in high demand. Professionals who succeed in these roles are detail-driven and have the people skills needed to communicate with patients on a daily basis. Medical billing and coding specialists keep the healthcare industry running smoothly with skills learned through medical billing and coding online programs.
Online Medical Billing and Coding Degree Overview
| Degree Level | Average Cost | Loan Default Rate | Time Commitment | Early Career Pay | Mid-Career Pay | Unemployment Rate |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Associate | $18,732 | 18.13% | 2 years | $28,600 | $34,100 | 1.7% |
Medical billing and coding roles typically require an associate degree, which can be earned in two years through online medical billing and coding programs. Graduates who complete medical billing and coding programs online face very low unemployment rates and can expect an average salary of $28,600.
Online Medical Billing and Coding Degrees
Online Medical Billing and Coding Find Accredited Degrees
Online Medical Billing and Coding Choose Your Career
| Career | Median Salary | Projected Growth | 2014 Employment |
|---|---|---|---|
| Clinical Lab Technician | $49,310 | 16% | 328200 |
| Health Information Coder | $35,900 | 15% | 188600 |
| Health Insurance Adjuster | $62,300 | 3% | 315300 |
| Medical Assistant | $29,960 | 23% | 591300 |
Online Medical Billing and Coding Professional Requirements
While certification is not required, it can greatly maximize job prospects for those who complete their medical billing and coding programs online. Not only are certified graduates of medical billing and coding online programs more likely to find employment, but they typically earn around 20% more than their noncertified counterparts.
Medical Coding Certification
Individuals can choose between several different coding certifications. The Certified Professional Coder (CPC) is the most common, and shows proficiency in coding and billing claims in a physician's office. The Certified Outpatient Coding certification (COC) validates proficiency in coding and billing in outpatient hospitals or facilities. The Certified Inpatient Coder certification (CIC) covers coding and billing claims in inpatient hospitals and facilities, and the Certified Risk Adjuster certification (CRC) shows proficiency in applying diagnosis codes in risk adjustment payment models. The Certified Professional Coder – Payer certification (CPC-P) validates proficiency in coding and billing for health plans, Medicare, Medicaid, and other payer environments. Other specialty coding credentials exist to demonstrate advanced expertise in specific disciplines.
Medical Billing Certification
The primary medical billing certification available for grads who complete medical billing and coding programs online is the Certified Professional Biller (CPB) credential. A biller who earns this certification has demonstrated proficiency in all aspects of the revenue cycle, including various insurance plans, coverage determinations, coding guidelines, and the rules that govern the healthcare industry.
Medical Auditing Certification
The primary medical auditing certification is the Certified Professional Medical Auditor (CPMA) credential. Auditors who graduate from medical billing and coding online programs earn this certification by demonstrating expertise in medical documentation; coding concepts; medical record auditing skills and abstraction quality; quality assurance and coding risk analysis; and communication of results and findings.
Medical Compliance Certification
The primary medical compliance certification is the Certified Professional Compliance Officer (CPCO) credential. Professionals who earn this certification demonstrate expertise in the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act, laws surrounding health care fraud and abuse, self-disclosure protocols, and common risk areas such as conflicts of interest.
Practice Manager Certification
The primary practice manager certification is the Certified Physician Practice Manager (CPPM) credential. Practice managers who complete online medical billing and coding programs can earn this certification by demonstrating expertise in HR management, insurance plan differences, medical office accounting and the revenue cycle, and corporate compliance measures.