Electronic Health Reporter

Medical billing services are one of those topics that can never be discussed enough if you are related to the healthcare industry. Hence, laying down opportunities for students to adapt and see themselves in the role of a medical biller and coder is a process we all should know.

Many people are choosing this field because of higher earnings at the end of the day. And this makes medical billing and coding education a highly beneficial and suitable career in the long run, in an environment where healthcare providers are shifting to electronic health records.

You can become a certified medical reimbursement specialist by passing a medical billing certification exam that is held by American Association of Professional Coders (AAPC).

1. Medical Billing and Coding Education – As a Career Move

You become a certified professional biller (CPB) after taking the CPB exam, answering 200 multiple choice questions within a time limit of five hours and 40 minutes. It only takes a mix of interest and passion for a healthcare professional to go through this guide.

The certified medical billing specialist (CMBS) examination consists of a 100 multiple choice questions, and by successfully answering them, you can become an authentic medical biller. However, medical coding or just coding requires the students to follow different criteria set.

Certified medical coder (CPC) certification brings you up to speed with the coding world, and by passing it, you become a certified coder. This gives you an edge over the others without a certification when the companies are looking to hire medical coders. The CPC exam, however, has 150 multiple choice questions with reading materials available online.

2. Certified Medical Biller’s Salary

The certifications are not mandatory, but they help you in landing a well-paid job. According to a survey in 2012, a medical biller earned $16.42 an hour, bulking up to $34,000 a year. With added experience, the pay will increase over time. An experienced certified biller and coder can quickly earn up to $50,000 a year.

Medical billing online jobs are abundantly available since it is an emerging field. The reward is also generous with the option of being able to work from home. Many people are managing more time for their friends and family by working as a part-time or remotely.

• Four-week Online Course for Medical Billing

There is a four-week online course for medical billing as well. It takes more of your ability than the actual duration to influence your medical billing career. There are many online medical billing programs you can get enrolled in and start learning. By the time medical billing and coding education ends, you’ll feel accustomed to all the complicated medical jargon.

• Online Courses with Financial Aid

There are courses available for both the mediums. You can study online and appear in the exams at $129 per credit hour. Or you can attend regular classes at a university. For students living outside the US, the tuition fee jumps up to $315 per credit hour.

Federal student aid programs allow students to have loans and grants for pursuing medical billing courses. You can also look for AHIMA merit-based scholarships if you’re a student with distinction.

3. Duration and Purpose of the Course

Accredited online medical billing courses offer you a way out if you are struggling to become a medical biller and coder. Many schools, colleges and universities teach these classes on account of a tuition fee. You can complete medical billing and coding courses in less than a year, earning yourself a diploma. However, it depends on your choice because you can also enroll in a four-year program, earning you a degree in the end.

Medical billing courses online are beneficial in getting you hired. They will provide you with enough information about the industry, physicians and specialists to become a thinking and proactive medical biller and coder.

Medical billing and coding education becomes necessary with all the rules and regulations continually being updated by CMS. CMS wants accurate and precise reporting, along with the insurance companies that are meticulous and can deny claims even with minor errors. All of this leads to only one thing. Physicians, specialists and other healthcare practitioners need reliable and precise billers and coders who can exhibit the commitment to write, analyze and file accurate billing claims.

4. Medical Billing Certification Practice Test

Practice tests are available online. The pass percentage for a CPC exam is 70 percent, and the questions include mostly coding case studies, medical terminology and anatomy.

5. Medical Billing Training Cost

There are two bodies, AHIMA and AAPC, that offer certifications and the charges for exams are $299 and $425, respectively. These certifications can quickly pave the way to success as a medical biller. You can include this fee under the medical billing training cost category. However, the training you get on your first job is priceless. It not only gives you a real-life scenario but also ensures proper implementation of your knowledge.