• According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), medical billing and coding specialists earn an average annual salary of $40,350 and work in one of the fastest growing professions.
• The BLS also estimates that at least 27,000 new jobs will be needed in this profession by 2026.

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WHAT DOES A MEDICAL BILLER AND CODER DO?
Medical Billers and Coders are responsible for processing patient data including medical records and related insurance. In this position, you will code a patient's diagnosis and then request payment from the patient's insurance company. You will play an important role in ensuring that healthcare providers are quickly and accurately paid for the treatment they give patients.

IS THERE A DIFFERENCE BETWEEN A MEDICAL BILLING AND A MEDICAL CODING?
Yes. Medical coders translate patient care into current procedural terminology (CPT) codes. Their primary responsibility is to ensure that the medical services provided are accurately coded. Medical billers are responsible for creating a claim based on the codes a medical coder provides. Many professionals in this area do both medical billing and medical coding.

WHAT ARE THE REQUIREMENTS FOR A MEDICAL BILLING AND CODING CAREER?
Entry-level positions typically require completion of a certificate and passing one of the certification exams or an associate degree program in medical billing and coding. Additionally, medical billing and coding professionals must understand the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA).

HOW LONG DOES IT TAKE TO BECOME A MEDICAL BILLER AND CODER?
In most cases, it takes between one and three years to become a medical biller and coder. Earning a medical billing and coding certification can take up to one year, while earning an associate degree can take up to three years.

WHAT IS THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN CERTIFICATION EXAMS (CPC, CCA, AND CBCS)?
Obtaining a CPC, CCA, or CBCS certification implies that an individual has met competencies in the field of medical billing and coding. Certification is invaluable to the student's career goals. Students have an opportunity to make confident, informed decisions about the national certification they prefer.

The Certified Professional Coder (CPC) exam is offered by the American Academy of Professional Coders (AAPC). It is the gold standard entry-level coding certification for physician, or professional fee, coders. 

The Certified Coding Associate (CCA) is offered by the American Health Information Management Association (AHIMA). It is an entry-level medical coding certification across all settings--physician practices and inpatient hospital.

The Certified Billing and Coding Specialist (CBCS) is offered by the National Healthcareer Association (NHA) and is currently an entry-level medical billing certification for physician practices. In the summer of 2021, the exam will transition to an entry-level billing and coding certification, with the inclusion of ICD-10-CM, CPT, and HCPCS Level II testing.

IS MEDICAL BILLING AND CODING A GOOD CAREER?
U.S. News & World Report ranked medical records technician (professionals that perform medical billing, medical coding or both) as #9 on its list of “25 Best Jobs that Don’t Require a College Degree," #12 in “Best Health Care Support Jobs” and on the “The 100 Best Jobs” list.

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• Be fully prepared to pass one of the following professional certifications that best aligns with your interest and career goals:

o Certified Professional Coder (CPC) exam offered by the American Academy of Professional Coders (AAPC)  

o Certified Coding Associate (CCA) exam offered by the American Health Information Management Association (AHIMA) 

o Certified Billing and Coding Specialist (CBCS) exam offered by the National Healthcareer Association (NHA) 

• Learn how the CPT Category II codes and ICD-10 codes work and how to assign them in common medical billing and coding procedures
• Gain hands-on billing experience with medical billing and coding software
• Externship Starter Kit to help you gain valuable experience in the field

I.  Medical Terminology 

A. Introduction to Medical Terminology 

B.  The Musculoskeletal System 

C.  The Cardiovascular System 

D.  The Lymphatic and Immune Systems 

E.  The Respiratory System 

F.  The Digestive System 

G. The Urinary System 

H. The Nervous System 

I.  The Special Senses the Eyes and Ears 

J.  The Integumentary System 

K.  The Endocrine System 

L.  The Reproductive System 

M. Diagnostic Procedures, Nuclear Medicine, Pharmacology 

II.  Medical Billing and Coding 

A.   Introduction to Medical Billing and Coding 

B.   Introduction to Health Insurance 

C.   Managed Healthcare 

D.   Revenue Cycle Management

E.   Legal Aspects of Health Insurance and Reimbursement 

F.   ICD-10-CM Coding 

G.  CPT Coding 

H.  HCPCS Level II Coding 

I.   ICD-10-PCS Coding 

J.   Pharmacology for Coders

K.  Midterm 

L.  Clinical Documentation Improvement (CDI) 

M.  Insurance Claims 

N.  Commercial Insurance

O.  Blue Cross Blue Shield

P.   Medicare 

Q.  Medicaid, CHIP, TRICARE, Workers’ Compensation

R.  Certification

S.  How to Find a Job in Medical Billing and Coding

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Nancy Smith
Nancy Smith has over 30 years of experience in the healthcare industry. Her clinical experience includes working as a medical assistant for a network of rural health clinics, and as a medical coder, insurance claims specialist, and medical records auditor. Nancy holds a bachelor's degree in vocational education and has developed and taught medical assistant programs.

LaTisha Cottingham
LaTisha Cottingham has over 20 years of experience in the healthcare industry. She has six years of teaching experience in the field of medical billing and coding and Medical Assisting. Currently she is employed as an HIM Analyst for a long-term care establishment that is based out of Alabama.