Medical billing and coding are an evolving field, and if you want to be a part of this field, you must get specific information and training to pursue this career. Different institutes offer many programs to make candidates eligible to pass the certification examination. You need to choose one of the programs for your journey ahead as a medical biller and coder. Medical billers and coders are the main components of any healthcare institute, and you need to choose the best program among medical billing and coding online certificate programs to excel in this field and make yourself eligible to help and serve the healthcare institutes and nation.

This article will review different programs’ costs, duration, expertise, advantages, and disadvantages. This will help the candidates to make a final decision.

 

Why is it Crucial to Carefully Choose the Best Medical Billing and Coding Online Certificate Programs?

Choosing the certification program is the most crucial step because a good program can provide you with the best education and training, especially relevant education and training according to the certification examination. If your program’s syllabus differs from your certification examination, then all your hard work, dedication, and time go well spent. Therefore, choosing the best certification program is necessary to avoid any disturbance and hindrance on your way toward making your career as a medical biller and coder.

Below is the list of some institutional programs with their pros and cons in helping you to make your decision while choosing the top online certificate program for medical billing and coding:

American Health Information Management Association (AHIMA)

A total of eight program courses are offered by AHIMA, which are related to the certification examination for billing and coding jobs. AHIMA is one of the most famous and recommended in the industry because it has an expert faculty, a student support center, and the best online platform without glitches while taking classes. You can consider this institute for your billing and coding certification program.

Criteria for getting admission to this institute program vary according to the nature of the

certification. Some certification programs need a high school diploma or equivalent.

Tuition fee

This cost varies from program to program. $299 is the cost for exam application for the CPC examination, while the price is a bit high for other coding and billing certification programs

Advantages

• AHIMA is an accredited institute by the Western Association of Schools and Colleges, and it verifies its high-quality education and training.
• It offers online study patterns; you can watch lectures anytime, according to your schedule. It is convenient for many students.
• AHIMA also offers internship opportunities to enhance your abilities in this field.

 

Santa Barbara City College

Santa Barbara City College is in California and well known for its medical billing and coding certification programs. It prepares the students for the following certification exams:

• Certified Professional Coder (CPC) Exam
• Certified Coding Specialist – Physician-Based (CCS-P) Exam
• Certified Coding Specialist (CCS) Exam

Tuition fee

The medical billing and coding certification program costs about $1232. You can get theoretical education as well as practical training in these fees.

Advantages

• This program is cost-effective and affordable. So, you can go with this program if you have financial problems.
• This college provides on-campus and online opportunities to study for those with hectic routines. Students can manage according to their way.
• The Western Association of Schools and Colleges accredits this college.
• The best faculty and teaching staff are present in this program.

 

Central Georgia Technical College

This comes to the top of the list if we talk about experience. About 10,000 learners have their certificates by studying online certification programs from this institute. It is located in Georgia, providing education and training to the students. This program for medical coding and billing certification has four courses;

• Medical Terminology for Allied Health Sciences
• Introduction to Keyboarding
• Medical Insurance Management
• Human Diseases

Tuition fee

This program costs about $3042 for all modules and semesters. Students can prepare for their certification examination at this affordable price.

Advantages

• It is purely an online program. Physical classes don’t exist in this institute. Students who want to get their medical billing and coding education can come online anytime to watch their lectures.
• Another important point about this program is practical training. Their real-world training is famous in the whole industry.
• It is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools, Commission on Colleges.

 

Cowley County Community College

It is located in Kansas. It is among the best medical billing and coding online certificate programs regarding its syllabus, fee structure, and highly educated teaching staff. It offers two medical billing and coding certification programs;

•  Medical coding vocational certificate
•  Associate of applied science degree in medical coding

Tuition fee

$3,420 is the price for programs offered by this institute.

Advantages

• The best teaching facility is available in this program.
• Student support regarding career counselling, syllabus and certification examination is provided.
• The Higher Learning Commission accredits it.

Florida A&M University

What distinguishes it from others is the number of courses offered. A total of 9000 students are getting their medical billing and coding education in this institute by having admission to programs of their own choice. This institute in Florida produces the best medical billers and coders each year. Following are the courses included in this program:

• Anatomy and Physiology
• Medical Terminology and Pathophysiology
• Healthcare Delivery Systems
• Health Records and Medical Data Content
• ICD-10-CM/PCS Coding
• Medical Office Processes and Reimbursement
• CPT Coding

Tuition fee

$5785 is the tuition fee for the program offered by Florida A&M University.

Advantages

• It is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools, Commission on Colleges.
• Industry experts build its program with complete care and attention. This program efficiently educates students.
• This program provides the best skills and training to make the student expert in medical billing and coding.

University of Cincinnati

It is located in Ohio with a student strength of 40,000. Their program is famous all over the US because of its tremendous advantages. By completing this program, students can sit for Certified Professional Coder (CPC) and Certified Coding Associate (CCA) exams and score good marks. A high school diploma and equivalent are necessary for getting admission to this program. This medical billing and coding online certification program covers all courses needed.

Tuition fee

$12,598 is the total tuition fee. It is $3,439 per semester. Students can earn the certification with this cost in 12 months.

Advantages

• It is an online program. You can learn according to your schedule, either full-time or part-time.
• The higher learning commission accredits it.
• This program offers financial aid, grants, and scholarships.
• You can get an associate degree in one year by completing this program.

Conclusion

It is essential to choose the program carefully according to your needs. Some top medical billing and coding online certification programs are listed. Candidates should choose one program keeping in mind all aspects. AHIMA program is recommended as it is budget-friendly and provides internship and training opportunities. The program offered by the University of Cincinnati should be chosen if you want to transfer your certificate into an associate degree. You need to review each program and make a final decision.