You will require training if you want to pursue a profession in medical billing and coding. And using an online program is one of the finest methods to acquire it. Programs for remote medical coding and billing are generally accessible. Also, they offer a fantastic chance to develop a successful and fulfilling career. The top online medical coding and billing programs are ranked in this article.
The field of medical billing and coding is expanding. Through 2031, the Bureau of Labor Statistics projects that employment in the industry will rise by 7%. And this will lead to the creation of over 15,000 new positions for medical records specialists. The healthcare sector depends on educated people who are knowledgeable with the coding schemes applied to insurance reimbursement. Electronic health records (EHRs) are also increasingly commonplace today. Additionally, these new standards call for coding experts who can keep track of the medical information contained in such records.
Fortunately, there are several options to train to become a professional in medical billing and coding. Only a high school diploma is required to enter this field. There are also training programs available at every level, such as:
- Medical Coding Certification Programs
- Diplomas in Insurance Billing and Coding
- Associate Degrees in Health Information Systems
- Bachelor’s Degrees in Health Information Management
- Master’s Degrees in Health Informatics
These are just a few of the courses offered to people who desire to work in the industry.
Medical billing and coding online programs offer a lot of flexibility. You can generally go at your own pace with these programs. You may fit your education around your busy schedule in this way. Many colleges also provide part-time choices if you need to work while you study.
Medical Billing and Coding Explained
Patients must be compensated by their insurance plans. Each diagnosis and operation is then given a code by a medical billing and insurance coder. Medicare, Medicaid, or a commercial insurance may get the invoices. Everything is based on the patient’s insurance.
Associates in medical billing and coding work with specialized cutting-edge technology. They must learn difficult computer applications. Yet, these programs assist them in tagging the patient’s bill with a diagnosis-related group (DRG).
The number of DRG codes is in the hundreds. And knowing them all is essential for a medical billing associate. They do this because they choose the prices that health insurance providers will accept. After that, the hospital, doctor, clinic, lab, and other departments can receive payment from the insurance.
Our Process for Choosing the Best Medical Coding and Billing Schools
We began our search for the top online medical billing and coding programs on NCES College Navigator. Initially, we investigated every college with medical coding and billing courses available at any level. Then, we evaluated each college using the subsequent standards:
- Flexibility of the Program
- Quality of the Education Provided
- Student-to-Faculty Ratios
- Return on Investment (ROI)
- Affordability
- Financial Aid Options
The top 15 medical billing and coding schools with online programs made up the final cut of our list. These are listed in decreasing order of affordability. Please be aware that the above costs reflect annual in-state tuition rates. Nonetheless, a lot of these colleges provide a variety of choices. A certificate program will be less expensive than a bachelor’s degree, for instance.
The schools teaching medical coding online are all accredited. Each of these institutions also offers a variety of financial aid options. Hence, if you’re interested in a specific program, check with the admissions office of the institution to learn the precise prices.
Top 15 Best Accredited Medical Billing and Coding Online Schools
| School | In-State Tuition | |
| 1. | Santa Barbara City College | $1,232 |
| 2. | Cosumnes River College | $1,288 |
| 3. | Central Georgia Technical College | $3,042 |
| 4. | Georgia Piedmont Technical College | $3,178 |
| 5. | Cowley County Community College | $3,420 |
| 6. | Central Maine Community College | $3,864 |
| 7. | Kirtland Community College | $4,560 |
| 8. | Madison Area Technical College | $4,600 |
| 9. | Trident Technical College | $4,648 |
| 10. | Florida A&M University | $5,785 |
| 11. | Weber State University | $6,228 |
| 12. | Northwest Technical College | $6,380 |
| 13. | Indiana University-Purdue University-Indianapolis | $10,044 |
| 14. | Herzing University | $10,800 |
| 15. | University of Cincinnati | $12,598 |
Ranking the Best Medical Billing and Coding Schools Online
1. Santa Barbara City College
Santa Barbara, California
Medical Coding Specialist Certificate
California’s Santa Barbara City College is a community college with a two-year curriculum. It’s also one of the state’s oldest community colleges. It is also the least expensive medical coding and billing school on our list.
The college provides a Medical Coding Specialist Certificate program that is entirely online. Students who complete this curriculum are ready to take the Certified Coding Associate (CCA) exam. And it’s made to prepare them for jobs at entry-level in a range of medical facilities. Also, it might aid pupils in their study for other tests, such the:
- Certified Professional Coder (CPC) Exam
- Certified Coding Specialist – Physician-Based (CCS-P) Exam
- Certified Coding Specialist (CCS) Exam
In a number of crucial areas, the program enjoys national recognition. Also, it has a solid track record of helping minority students succeed. As a result, it is among the top online schools for medical coding and billing. The full course load is asynchronous. Students can thus finish their coursework at their own leisure. For those who are already employed full-time or who have other commitments, the format is ideal. Courses in the medical billing and coding curriculum include some of the following:
- Introduction to Health Information Management
- Human Form and Function
- Basic Pathophysiology
- Legal Aspects Of Health Care
- International Classification of Diseases, Diagnostic Coding
- International Classification of Diseases, Procedural Coding
- Pharmacology For Allied Health
- Medical Insurance and Reimbursement Methodologies
- Advanced Coding Applications
Tuition: $1,232
Accreditation: Western Association of Schools and Colleges
2. Cosumnes River College
Sacramento, California
Medical Insurance Billing Certificate Program
Health Information Coding Specialist Certificate Program
Sacramento is home to the two-year community college Cosumnes River College. The Cosumnes River, which flows a few miles to the South, inspired the school’s name when it first opened in 1970. Regarding affordability, CRC is among the top online colleges for medical coding and billing. The institution also provides two distinct online programs. Both programs follow an asynchronous schedule and are accredited. You can fit your studies around your busy schedule as a result.
16.5 credits are needed to complete the Medical Insurance Billing Certificate Program. Students who earn this certificate are prepared for entry-level insurance billing jobs in medical offices. This medical billing and coding training program’s classes contain some of the following:
- Medical Language for Healthcare Providers
- Human Disease
- Introduction to Concepts of Human Anatomy and Physiology
- Basic ICD-CM Coding
- Medical Insurance Procedures
- Current Procedural Terminology (CPT) Coding
A medical billing and coding training program with 35–36 credits is called the Health Information Coding Specialist Certificate Program. This credential may open up more challenging career options in the healthcare sector. Additionally, it gets students ready for tests like the certified professional coder exam and other certification exams. The majority of the subjects are similar to those in the Billing Certificate. With this online medical billing and coding training program, there includes supplementary curriculum as follows:
- Introduction to Computer Information Science
- Introduction to Probability and Statistics
- Introduction to Health Information Technology
- Continuous Quality Improvement
- Legal Aspects of Patient Medical Records
A real-world internship component is also included in the extended certificate program. Students gain practical experience in the industry through these direct practice opportunities. Students should definitely look into CRC if they’re looking for the best approved medical billing and coding courses online.
Tuition: $1,288
Accreditation: Western Association of Schools and Colleges
3. Central Georgia Technical College
Warner Robins, Georgia
Medical Coding Technical Certificate
Central Georgia Technical College is the next school on our ranking of the top medical billing and coding programs. The Technical College System of Georgia includes CGTC. Almost 10,000 students in a diverse student body attend this public two-year institution. Additionally, it provides courses in a variety of subject areas.
The Medical Coding Technical Certificate program at CGTC is entirely online. Further instruction in coding techniques is provided by this special 24-credit medical billing and coding curriculum. It is perfect for anyone who desire to work in healthcare or advance in their current positions. Also, it can aid in preparing students for exams for certified professional coders. The following are some of the subjects addressed in this online course on medical billing and coding:
- Structure and Function of the Human Body
- Medical Terminology for Allied Health Sciences
- Medical Documentation
- Human Diseases
- Medical Billing and Coding
- Medical Procedural Coding Skills
- Physician’s Procedural Coding Skills
- Medical Records
CGTC also provides current high school students with a comparable certificate program. It offers an introduction to the area of medical coding. And it results in a certificate in Medical Coding Fundamentals. There are four classes in this 10-hour online medical billing and coding training program:
- Medical Terminology for Allied Health Sciences
- Introduction to Keyboarding
- Medical Insurance Management
- Human Diseases
Tuition: $3,042
Accreditation: Southern Association of Colleges and Schools, Commission on Colleges
4. Georgia Piedmont Technical College
Clarkston, Georgia
Medical Billing Clerk Technical Certificate
In Clarkston, Georgia, there is a two-year public institution called Georgia Piedmont Technical College. Each year, the school enrolls roughly 2,500 pupils. It has a remarkable student-to-faculty ratio of 14:1 and offers more than 180 programs. This implies that all children receive individualized instruction from their teachers.
A 22-credit Medical Billing Clerk Technical Certificate is available from GPTC. It aims to instruct students on how to submit claims for insurance reimbursement and medical billing. The curriculum requires a mix of business and occupational courses. This online program’s prerequisite courses for medical billing and coding training include the following:
- Introduction to Computer Literacy
- Medical Terminology
- Medical Documentation Production
- Healthcare Coding
- Anatomy and Physiology
- Structure and Function of the Human Body
Students will also get to pick from a variety of business elective courses. They will be chosen based on their aims and professional interests. Some possibilities are:
- Computer Graphics and Design
- Legal Terminology
- Medical Records Management
- Introduction to Business Culture
- Personal Effectiveness
- Web Page Design
- Legal Administrative Procedures
- Office Management
Tuition: $3,178
Accreditation: Southern Association of Colleges and Schools, Commission on Colleges
5. Cowley County Community College
Arkansas City, Kansas
Medical Coding Vocational Certificate
Associate of Applied Science Degree in Medical Coding
At Cowley County Community College, you can enroll in the following courses. Arkansas City, Kansas is home to the two-year community college known as CCCC. Moreover, the institution provides two programs in medical billing and coding. Both are totally online processes. Also, students can do the material on their own schedule.
A medical coding vocational certificate is the first. Students will graduate from this program ready to work as entry-level medical coders. They will advance in a number of crucial areas. This program has 35 credits and can be finished in a year.
An Associate of Applied Science in Medical Coding is offered as the second program. Students in this program will also be equipped to work in the field of medical coding. They will, however, also learn other important skills. This includes knowledge of text processing, communication, and database management, among other things. For this two-year associate degree program to be completed, 35 credits are needed.
These medical billing and coding programs provide a variety of courses, some of which are:
- Medical Terminology
- Pharmacology
- Allied Healthcare Provider Anatomy and Physiology
- Pathophysiology
- Current Procedural Terminology (CPT)
- Reimbursement Methodologies (Physician)
- International Classification of Disease
- Introduction to Health Information
- Healthcare Coding Practicum
- Legal and Ethical Issues in Healthcare
- Bioethics
Teachers in both coding programs have years of relevant professional expertise. After completing the coding training program, they even assist students with career-finding services. Students will also be prepared to take the Certified Professional Coder tests. Because of this, CCCC is among our list of the top online medical billing and coding schools.
Tuition: $3,420
Accreditation: Higher Learning Commission
6. Central Maine Community College
Auburn, Maine
Associate in Applied Science in Medical Coding & Electronic Health Records
Auburn, Maine is home to the two-year Central Maine Community College. It belongs to the system of seven community colleges in Maine. The student-to-faculty ratio at the institution, which has a little over 3,000 students, is 15:1. This makes it possible for more individualized instruction and lower class sizes.
A degree in Associate in Applied Science is available online through CMMC. On our list, it is among the best approved online programs for medical coding and billing. The objectives of this billing and coding training course were:
- Prepare students for entry-level positions in the field.
- Prepare students to pursue a bachelor’s degree in medical billing and coding.
- Respond to the growing demand for skilled medical billing and coding specialists.
For completion of this two-year curriculum, 28–30 credits are needed. Students can attend classes on-campus or online. A one-year certificate program is additionally offered. This excellent online training curriculum for medical billing and coding includes the following courses, among others:
- Anatomy & Physiology
- Medical Terminology
- Health Information Management
- ICD CM Coding
- CPT & HCPCS Coding
- Medical Specialties & Pathophysiology
- Reimbursement Methodology
- Introduction to Psychology
- Medical Ethics & Law
- Business Communication
- Health Care Statistics
Tuition: $3,864
Accreditation: New England Commission of Higher Education
7. Kirtland Community College
Grayling, Michigan
Medical Billing and Coding Certificate Program
A two-year public community college in Michigan is called Kirtland Community College. This modest college, which enrolls about 1,500 students, has a lot going for it. In Kirtland, there are more than 38 programs to choose from. And one of these is billing and coding for healthcare.
Students have the option of working at their own pace in the KCC Medical Billing and Coding Certificate Program. This implies that you can select the courses that are best for you. This training for medical coding and billing is primarily online. There are a few on-campus requirements, though. Students must therefore reside close in order to enroll.
Students who complete this program will have the expertise needed to submit insurance claims. Participants will get knowledge of medical collection and billing. Also, they’ll become specialists in assigning the appropriate procedure and diagnostic codes. The medical billing and coding training program’s courses include the following, among others:
- Medical Terminology
- Pathology w/Pharmacology
- Medical Ethics & Law
- Anatomy & Physiology
- Health Information Management
- ICD Coding
- Procedure Coding
- Revenue Cycle and Reimbursement
- Practicum-Medical Billing and Coding
Tuition: $4,560
Accreditation: Higher Learning Commission
8. Madison Area Technical College
Madison, Wisconsin
Medical Coding Specialist Technical Diploma
Medical Billing Technical Diploma
Wisconsin has a sizable public college called Madison Area Technical College. More than 12,000 pupils attend the institution. Additionally, it provides approximately 180 programs in a variety of disciplines. Two distinct programs are available from MATC in the area of medical coding and billing.
35 credits are required to complete the Medical Coding Specialist program. It also results in a technical diploma. It can be finished in one and a half years. Students have the option of either a hybrid or entirely online approach. Additionally, it trains students for coding employment in various healthcare environments. This covers veterinary clinics as well as nursing homes and hospitals. This medical billing and coding training program’s classes contain some of the following:
- Body Structure & Function
- Medical Terminology
- Digital Literacy for Healthcare
- Human Disease for Health Professions
- ICD Diagnosis Coding
- CPT Coding
- Healthcare Revenue Management
- Management of Coding Services
The Medical Billing Program lasts for one year and offers a technical diploma as well. Students in this program are prepared for a variety of professional positions in medical billing. For completion, you need to earn 28 credits. This online medical billing and coding school offers a variety of courses, some of which are:
- Business Document Applications
- Medical Language for the Business Professional
- Business Spreadsheet Applications
- Medical Administrative Procedures
- Specialized Insurance Claims
- Medical Language for the Business Professional
Graduates of both programs will be qualified to sit for various professional exams. Federal financial aid is available.
Tuition: $4,600
Accreditation: Higher Learning Commission
9. Trident Technical College
Charleston, South Carolina
Coding Specialist (CS) Program
Associate of Applied Science in Health Information Management
South Carolina-based Trident Technical College is a two-year institution. The school is physically spread out over six different states. This vocational college has over 12,000 students. Also, they have access to more than 150 study options.
The Coding Specialist Program is entirely online and asynchronous at TTC. When it’s convenient for them, students can log on and finish their coursework at their own pace. The curriculum gets students ready to take the following two Certified Professional Coder exams:
- AAPC credential CPC (Certified Professional Coder)
- AHIMA credential CCA or CCS (Certified Coding Associate or Certified Coding Specialist)
The program has two start dates a year, in January and August. Students will take nine courses to earn the certificate. Some of the courses in this first online medical billing and coding training program include:
- Medical Data Content and Electronic Medical Records
- ICD-10 CM Coding
- ICD-10 PCS Coding
- CPT Coding Part
Students who complete this program will be ready for entry-level jobs in a variety of healthcare settings. After finishing, students can continue their study in healthcare with TTC. The Associate of Applied Science in Health Information Management is a popular choice. With this degree, they could pick up more sophisticated abilities that would expand their employment options.
Graduates will be fully equipped to launch a fruitful career in medical coding. Federal financial help and scholarships are additionally offered.
Tuition Rate: $4,648
Accreditation: Southern Association of Colleges and Schools, Commission on Colleges
