Online Schools with Medical Billing and Coding Programs: How to Choose

Colleges and universities around the country offer online medical billing and coding programs. Students can choose among certificates and associate's degree programs, where they can learn the skills needed to prepare medical claims properly. Both programs prepare students for certification exams, which they can complete after graduating from either program.

How to Select an Online Medical Billing and Coding School

Program Levels

Before students enroll in an online medical billing or coding program, they must be aware of the different programs available. Certificate programs can take 4-20 months to complete, depending upon a student's prior level of health care experience. Associate's degree programs typically take 20-24 months to complete, with students earning about 90-100 credit hours.

Medical Billing and Coding Certification

Both online certificate and associate's degree programs encourage students to take the Certified Coding Associate (CCA) examination upon completion of either program. The CCA is administered by the American Health Information Management Association (AHIMA) and is an entry-level credential for those new to the job market. Other certification exams are administered by the American Academy of Professional Coders (AAPC) and the Certified Professional Coders (CPC).

Career Outcomes

After students obtain an associate's degree or certificate in medical billing and coding, they can choose among a myriad of careers. For either program, careers are available as a doctor's office assistant, claims assistant, billing coordinator, medical claims analyst, medical collector or reimbursement specialist. Employees can work within a hospital setting, private physician's office or other medical facility.

List of Common Online Medical Billing and Coding Programs

Online Certificate in Medical Claims and Billing

An online certificate program in medical claims and billing is ideal for students who already have some experience working in the medical field. Certificate program courses cover medical claims, medical terminology, Medicaid and Medicare, diagnostic coding and interpreting explanation of benefits (EOB) statements. Students use teaching aids such as CD-ROMs and DVDs, video instruction and bulletin board discussions. Exams may be open-book, which allow students to complete the tests online, send them via e-mail or hand-mail the answers to the instructor.

Online Associate of Applied Science in Advanced Medical Coding and Billing

A distance learning associate's degree program in advanced medical coding and billing prepares students for administrative, coding and billing positions within the medical field. Common courses within an associate's degree program include pharmacology, anatomy and physiology, computerized billing, health information ethics and hospital coding. Certain programs offer textbooks for students to complete reading assignments, while others rely strictly on online lectures. Students complete quizzes and tests online, and they can participate in online discussions with other classmates and instructors.