how much for the course medical billing

by Mr. Triston Nolan DVM 9 min read

Online medical billing and coding classes range anywhere from $3,000 at local community colleges to $30,000 at larger, more well-known institutions. Certification exams from the AAPC and AHIMA cost an additional $300 to $400 depending on whether you're a member.Apr 26, 2022

Full Answer

How much does medical billing training cost?

Most medical billing programs are taught online and typically cost $1,000-$4,000 total. Allied Schools offers an online medical billing program for $2,298. Some medical billing programs are paired with medical coding. Career Step, an online medical training center, packages two medical coding and billing programs that cost $2,095-$2,495.

How can I learn medical billing?

This plan is perfect for:

  • Private-practice providers who want to do their own billing
  • Medical receptionists who want to add to their skillset
  • Adults looking for a new full-time or part-time career in a growing field
  • Stay-at-home parents who would like to earn some extra income
  • Anyone else interested in working in the medical billing field

How much does medical billing and coding cost?

Most medical billing programs are provided online and usually cost $1,000-$4,000 in total. The Allied Schools, for example, offers an online medical billing program for $2,298. Get information on Medical Billing and Coding programs by entering your zip code and request enrollment information.

What is the best online medical billing and coding course?

The 6 Best Online Medical Billing and Coding Classes of 2021

  • Best Overall: AAPC
  • Runner-Up, Best Overall: AHIMA
  • Best for Accessibility: Community Care College
  • Most Affordable: University of Alaska Fairbanks
  • Most Comprehensive: Drexel University
  • Most Flexible Continuing Education Options: Wisconsin Indianhead Technical College

How much is the medical billing and coding test?

The CPC exam costs $300 to take, but only $260 if the test-taker is a member of the AAPC (annual dues are $125 for individuals and $70 for students). The CPC exam thoroughly tests a coder's grasp of the entire coding process, from medical terminology to code sets and beyond.

Is Medical Billing hard to learn?

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.

What is the best way to learn medical billing?

The Best Online Medical Billing and Coding Classes of 2022Best Overall: American Health Information Management Association (AHIMA)Best Budget: Hutchinson Community College.Best Variety: American Academy of Professional Coders (AAPC)Best Self-Paced: Florida A&M University.Best for Structure: University of Cincinnati.More items...•

How fast can you learn medical billing and coding?

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 at your own pace, which means that you could get through the program in just one week or as long as six months.

Can I learn medical coding for free?

The Introduction to Medical Coding Course is a free online course on basic ICD-10-CM (Diagnosis) and CPT (Procedure) coding. Both represent major coding sets required for professional,outpatient, and facility coding.

How long does it take to become a medical 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.

Can you work from home as a medical coder?

Medical billing and coding careers offer the following benefits: You can work from home. Many healthcare providers outsource their work, so you do not need to work from a specific office location. Many billers and coders are independent contractors.

Which is better medical billing or coding?

medical coding salary, medical coders generally make more than medical billers. Medical coders earn an average annual salary of about $43,260, according to PayScale data from June, 2021. By contrast, PayScale data from the same time shows that medical billers make about $40,340 in mean annual earnings.

How much do medical coders make?

Medical Coder salary in India ranges between ₹ 1.5 Lakhs to ₹ 4.3 Lakhs with an average annual salary of ₹ 2.5 Lakhs. Salary estimates are based on 5.6k salaries received from Medical Coders.

Can I learn medical coding in 3 months?

Coding and billing doesn't require four years of college or even require two years in a degree program. If you are new to healthcare, you can be trained and ready for the job market in just eight months, possibly four months if you have medical experience.

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.

Can I teach myself medical coding?

Absolutely not. Self-taught medical coding is easier for those already working in the health care field that has a good basis of medical terminology and other insurance concepts. It would be extremely difficult for someone who has absolutely no background in healthcare or any exposure to medical coding.

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

It costs as little as $749 to get your certification to become a medical billing specialist online. Most local trade schools and programs cost between $1,000 and $2,500 to attend, whereas accredited medical billing and coding associate programs at colleges cost between $8,000 to $19,000.

How much does it cost to become an AHIMA member?

Since you will not attend a program and will merely sit an exam for certification, this process would cost you $199 as an AHIMA member and $299 as a non-member. Depending on the length of the course you choose, these additional programs will cost you anywhere between $1,000 and $3,000.

What degree does AHIMA offer?

It is worth mentioning that AHIMA offers scholarship opportunities, which are categorized under four levels -- an associate's degree, a bachelor's degree, a master's degree, and a doctoral degree. Learn more about eligibility here.

How far in advance do you have to register for the AAPC?

When you're ready to sit your exam, you'll need to register a minimum of 3-4 weeks in advance.

What is the governing body for medical coding?

The first governing body is the American Health Information Management Association (AHIMA), who offer certificates which focus on medical coding/billing, as well as health information management. In comparison, you can choose the Academy of Professional Coders (AAPC), who offer certificate programs centered around professional services, ...

Do students who pursue a degree earn more?

However, it is important to note that although there are opportunities for individuals who hold such certifications, students who pursue a degree tend to earn more in comparison to those who hold a certification only.

What is medical billing and medical coding?

Medical billing and medical coding are usually paired in the training as the medical coding guides the billing of patients and insurance providers.

Is it mandatory to get a medical billing certification?

Getting a certification is not mandatory for a medical billing career; however, it helps in obtaining higher-paying positions. The American Health Information Management Association provides certification testing for two levels of health information management certification: administrator and technician.

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Your medical billing and claims program tuition includes

Here at U.S. Career Institute, we teach to a classroom of one and we know that no two students are alike. Therefore, hard copy lesson books are available for under $30. If you prefer hard copies of your materials, you can easily order them online or by phone after enrolling.

How much does a medical coding and billing salary?

Medical coding and billing salaries vary by state and geographic region. In 2019, a survey conducted by the AAPC found that the average was $54,890. 3  Professionals in the Pacific states (Alaska, California, Hawaii, Oregon, and Washington) were the highest earners, at $62,837 per year.

What is medical billing and coding?

A quality medical billing and coding course includes instruction on different types of medical codes and how to properly apply them, as well as classes in anatomy and physiology, medical ethics, and computer literacy. Online classes typically contain assignments, quizzes, and final exams to test your knowledge.

What is the medical billing and coding program at Drexel University?

The College of Nursing and Health Professions at Drexel University offers a six-course online certificate program in medical billing and coding . We chose this program as the most comprehensive option because it rigorously covers coding and billing for all three major coding manuals and prepares students for higher-level specialty AAPC (CPC-H) or AHIMA (CCS or CCS-P) certification exams.

What is ahima certification?

Although AAPC and AHIMA are both widely regarded as the top two certifications in the coding industry, we chose to rank AHIMA’s Coding Basics course as the runner-up because an AHIMA certification tends to be the preferred certification for larger hospitals.

How long does AAPC course last?

Every AAPC course is taught by Certified Professional Coders with at least five years of coding experience. Assignments can be completed at your own pace and on your own time, unless you purchase the live instruction option. After purchasing a course, you’ll gain access to its materials for six months.

When did the AAPC start?

Sign Up Now. The American Academy of Professional Coders (AAPC) started in 1988 as a quarterly magazine for medical coding industry professionals. Since then, it has grown into a premier medical coding and billing professional membership organization that aims to elevate industry standards.

Do I need to pass CCA certification to be a medical billing and coding?

Passing these exams is not required for all entry-level medical billing and coding jobs, but they are (along with the CCA certification from AHIMA) two of the most sought-after certifications by healthcare employers.

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