how long is the medical billing course

Full Answer

What is a medical billing course?

Our Medical Billing Course Programs provide the student a means to apply what they have learned in the course by using a Live, Fully Functional, Practice Management / Medical Billing Software Program. The students are able to retain what they have learned by applying their knowledge entering doctor, insurance, patient, diagnosis and procedure data.

How long does it take to complete a medical billing program?

Total hours of a medical billing program is approximately 50-60 hours in length. A Medical Billing Course needs to include an array of topics with regard to the day to day operations of a Medical Biller.   It also needs to include instruction and usage on the Tool of the Trade, which is the Practice Management / Medical Billing Software Program.

What is the best training for medical billing and coding?

– AAPC A new career in medical billing and coding is only months away when you train with AAPC, the world’s leading training and credentialing organization in the business of healthcare — with more than 200,000 members achieving personal and professional success.

How much does it cost to become a medical billing specialist?

Two of the major medical billing certifications are: Certified Medical Reimbursement Specialist (CMRS) offered through the American Medical Billing Association (AMBA). $325 fee. Certified Medical Billing Specialist (CMBS) from the Medical Association of Billers (MAB). $199 fee.

Is it hard to learn medical billing?

Medical billing and coding can be hard at times, but it is by no means impossible. Like many healthcare careers, becoming a medical biller and coder will take education and training. In other words, it will take hard work. You cannot become a great medical coder or biller overnight.

Can you become a medical coder in 6 months?

What's more, both medical billing and medical coding are fairly quick to enter. Many programs take between four and six months to complete, with students who graduate from an accredited program sitting for the required certification exam.

How quickly can I learn medical coding?

The educational pathway you choose dictates how long it takes to become a medical coder. A certificate program takes as few as nine months or up to 20 months. The average associate degree takes a full-time student about two years to complete.

How fast can you learn medical coding?

Earning a medical billing and coding certification can take up to one year, while earning an associate degree can take up to three years.

Medical Billing & Coding Program Lengths: Quick Answers

Certificate Training - Though some accelerated online medical billing and coding certification training programs can take 6 weeks or less to complete, the majority of certificate programs generally take 6 months or more.

Medical Billing Schools with Program Length

The following examples are our partner schools, while the program durations noted apply to full-time students. If a student is studying on a night and/or weekend schedule, their program will take more time to complete.

How much does it cost to become a medical billing specialist?

Certified Medical Billing Specialist (CMBS) from the Medical Association of Billers (MAB). $199 fee. To receive certification through either of these organizations you will need to pass a comprehensive exam. Both exams cover similar subject matter, such as: medical terminology. anatomy and physiology.

What does it mean to have a medical billing certification?

Attaining a medical billing certification demonstrates to employers that you can uphold a high standard of competency and professionalism, ensure proper claims documentation, achieve deserved reimbursement, and avoid penalties. Before reaching this milestone, however, you’ll need to pass a credentialing exam.

How to become a medical biller?

1. Choose Your Acronym: First, decide on which medical biller certification you want to earn. Then, research how to fulfill the requirements of your chosen credential. Two of the major medical billing certifications are: 1 Certified Medical Reimbursement Specialist (CMRS) offered through the American Medical Billing Association (AMBA). $325 fee. 2 Certified Medical Billing Specialist (CMBS) from the Medical Association of Billers (MAB). $199 fee.

How long does it take to complete a preparatory course?

The average time frame for completing a preparatory course is three to six weeks, though you may find shorter and longer programs.

How long does it take to become a medical billing specialist?

Most medical billing programs include about 40 to 80 hours of coursework, and people typically finish that within about three to six weeks. Many programs allow you to go through coursework ...

What education do I need to become a medical biller?

Education levels for medical billers. While you only need your high school diploma or GED to begin working as a medical biller, getting more advanced training and education can boost your career prospects and earning potential. Some available options include: Certification without training.

What is a medical biller?

Medical billers are responsible for translating health care services into billable medical claims. Medical billers assign a numerical code to every service a hospital provides. In many cases, especially smaller offices, the coder and biller are the same person. Once the services are coded, a medical biller produces a bill based on an established ...

What do medical billers need to know?

As a medical biller, you will regularly need to communicate with other staff including doctors, nurses and medical coders (if you are not responsible for the coding yourself), so strong communication skills are also essential.

What to do if you haven't worked in medical billing?

Keep in mind that if you have not worked in medical billing before, you may need to spend a lot of time studying the most current codes and procedures. The certifying boards that offer the exam usually also offer study guides, current code books and other materials that will help you prepare for the test.

Why is it important to have a medical biller?

Because the hospital's revenue flow depends so heavily on accurate and prompt billing, it's important that medical billers are extremely detail-oriented, excel at performing accurate calculations ...

How long does it take to get an associates degree?

An associate degree can take one to two years, and a bachelor's degree typically takes four. In total, you can spend anywhere from one week to four years preparing to become ...

How long does it take to get a medical coding diploma?

Although the length of time it takes to earn a diploma in medical billing and coding can differ depending on the institution, learners can anticipate program completion in less than one year of full-time study. Students explore courses in medical billing and health insurance; medical office procedures; and law, ethics, ...

What is medical coding certification?

Medical billing and coding professionals can seek certification across disciplines, including compliance, medical coding, billing, and auditing, to demonstrate their experience and competencies to employers. The length of time it takes to obtain certification depends on the type of certification individuals pursue and the educational program they ...

What is the highest paying industry for medical coding?

Other high-paying industries include scientific research and development services and religious organizations.

How many credits do I need to become a medical school?

Specific course topics and credit requirements vary across colleges and universities. Still, enrollees typically must satisfy about 60 credits of coursework, exploring topics in medical law and ethics, pharmacology, and medical office procedures with insurance.

What can I do with a medical degree?

Graduates can pursue careers as medical records and health information technicians, tracking patient outcomes for quality assessments. These professionals review patient records to ensure accuracy, timeliness, and appropriateness of data.

What is medical billing certification?

With a medical billing certification, you can show the employers your high standards of competency and professionalism. You can demonstrate that you ensure proper claims documentation, avoid penalties, and achieve deserved reimbursement. First, you will have to pass a credentialing exam.

How much does it cost to become a medical billing specialist?

The two main medical billing certifications include: Certified Medical Billing Specialist (CMBS) from the Medical Association of Billers (MAB) – $199 fee.

How many units are required for CMRS?

CMRS requires 15 units, while CMBS, 12. These requirements can be met by attending association-approved conferences, taking billing courses, or taking part in other professional development programs. Read the full guide: How to Become a Medical Biller and Coder. Categorized as: Medical Billing and Coding. 0.

What is a medical billing and coding certification?

A 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.

What is medical billing and coding?

Medical billing and coding involves using both financial acumen and medical knowledge to bill patients, send insurance claims and create accurate patient health records. When looking for medical billers and coders, employers seek out candidates with medical billing and coding certifications to ensure that they’re qualified and experienced. These certifications signal to hospitals, private practices and clinics that medical billers and coders have taken the time to study the complex world of billing and coding.

How long is the CPC exam?

When taking the proctored exam online, your test will consist of two parts that are 2 hours and 45 minutes each.

How long does it take to get a CCA?

Although not mandatory, AHIMA also recommends at least one of the following: 6 months of coding experience. Completing AHIMA-approved coding program.

What is 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.

Train for Your Career in Medical Billing and Coding

A new career in medical billing and coding is only months away when you train with AAPC, the world’s leading training and credentialing organization in the business of healthcare — with more than 200,000 members achieving personal and professional success.

Why Choose AAPC for Your Billing & Coding Training?

AAPC set the standards for medical billing and coding — and created the CPB ® and CPC ® certifications, which, with few exceptions, are prerequisite for the profession.

What is Medical Billing and Coding?

Medical billing and coding is the process of identifying diagnoses, medical tests, treatments, and procedures found in clinical documentation and then transcribing this patient data into standardized codes to bill government and commercial payers for physician reimbursement.

Supplemental Training Courses

New to the healthcare industry? These courses teach medical fundamentals and are highly recommended for those preparing for training in medical coding and billing.

Medical Billing and Coding Program FAQs

Find answers to your questions about a medical billing and coding program at AAPC. Our FAQs section will help you make informed decisions about your education, whether you’re interested in becoming a CBP, a CPC, or both.