Guide to the best accredited Medical Billing Degrees

Click through the schools and programs listed below to request information about tuition, classes, and enrollment.

Medical Coding and Billing Medical Coding and Billing Certificate Medical Information Management Certificate	Penn Foster Career School The Penn Foster Medical Coding and Billing Program shows students how to manage records and file claims, prepare insurance forms, and handle billing. Penn's Certificate in Medical Coding and Billing, meanwhile, trains students in billing, medical codes, creating paper records, generating billing statements, researching and auditing claims. Lastly, the school's Medical Information Management Certificate helps students learn the ethical and legal rules concerning the confidentiality of health information.
Medical Billing Medical Coding Medical Terminology	Allied School Allied School offers degrees in medical billing, medical coding, and medical terminology. You can use these degrees to spring board your new career as a medical assistant in a small clinic or regional hospital. The programs provide all the materials you need to learn how to perform vital medical billing and prepare for the Certified Medical Biller Specialist exam.
Cert - Medical Insurance Billing and Coding	Allen School The Certificate - Medical Insurance Billing and Coding from Allen School features a "Fast Track to Success Program", which lets you get your certificate in only nine months - that's six months faster than the competition. Allen is known as one of the most respected medical billing programs in the country.
AS - Medical Billing and Coding	AmeriTech College The Associate of Medical Billing & Coding Program from AmeriTech College teaches the medical software, terminology and coding used for processing medical claims. The program provides the baseline knowledge graduates can use to find a job in this industry. Graduates will become invaluable members of the medical team.
Medical Billing and Claims	Ashworth College Ashworth College's Medical Billing and Claims program can be completed in less than 6 months. The program teaches student how to properly submit medical claim forms, handle patient invoices, and obtain reimbursements for both patients and doctors. Ashworth's knowledgeable instructors help prepare their students for successful careers as medical billers, while the tuition can affordably be made in interest-free monthly installments.
Medical Billing and Coding Diploma	Brookline College Brookline College's Medical Billing and Coding Diploma program is conveniently offered online and at campuses in Phoenix, Tempe, Tucson, and Albuquerque. The program provides training for entry level positions in private physician offices, clinics and hospitals. Graduates of this program are prepared to handle patients' medical information, health records, medical reports, and treatment outcomes.
AAS - Medical Reimbursement & Coding Medical Reimbursement & Coding Medical Reimbursement Cert	Bryant & Stratton College Bryant & Stratton College's AAS in Medical Reimbursement & Coding degree program teaches students the art of coding and billing a variety of medical procedures. The reimbursement and coding field is an invaluable component of the medical office, and students should be prepared to practice accurate techniques. A certificate program is also available.
AAS - Medical Coding and Billing	Grantham University Grantham University's AAS in Medical Coding & Billing Program explores the types of healthcare facilities and their purpose in society, the definition of medical terms and their respective abbreviations, and the ability to code and properly bill for administrative purposes. Graduates of this program will be competitive for jobs in this field.
AAS - Medical Reimbursement Technology	Harrison College At the Harrison College AAS in Medical Reimbursement Technology Program, students will study the coding classification systems for medical billing and insurance purposes. Courses will also explore the use of various medical office software used for submitting claims, keeping appointments, and performing other various clerical duties.
AS - Medical Billing and Insurance Coding Diploma - Medical Billing & Insurance Coding	Herzing University Herzing University's AS in Billing & Coding Program features classes that review how to code diagnosis-related groups and to properly document the information for the sake of doctors, insurers, and the patient. For those seeking a less invasive program, Herzing offers a Diploma in Medical Billing and Insurance Coding.
Healthcare Coding Diploma	National American University National American University's Healthcare Coding program is geared to towards individuals looking to become coding professionals. Students will learn how to accurately convert documented patient records into numeric or alphanumeric codes, which in turn helps secure reimbursement for physicians, hospitals and other healthcare providers. The program also preps graduates for the certification examination to become Certified Coding Associates.
Medical Coding Certificate	Sullivan University Sullivan University Medical Coding Certificate prepares graduates to analyze medical records and abstract data for the purpose of billing and insurance reimbursement. Students learn how to transform procedures and diagnoses into numerical billing format, and qualifying students for future certification with various professional organizations. Graduates will possess the skills necessary for employment in doctors' offices, clinics, hospitals, insurance companies, and medical billing agencies.
Medical Coding Cert Medical Claims and Billing Cert Medical Coding and Billing Specialist Certificate	U.S. Career Institute U.S. Career Institute Medical Coding Certificate qualifies its graduates to translate every diagnosis, procedure and supply into a manageable code; the Medical Claims and Billing Certificate program provides lessons that takes students step by step from the basics of medical terminology through coding procedures and processing medical claims; the Medical Coding and Billing Specialist Certificate program provides lessons in anatomy, physiology, medical definitions, coding medical procedures, processing medical claims.
Medical Billing and Coding Diploma	Ultimate Medical Academy The Ultimate Medical Academy's Medical Billing and Coding Diploma program preps students to enter the field of health with fundamental medical records management and insurance processing skills. Certified professionals will help healthcare providers run their practices more efficiently by assisting patients with insurance forms and managing financial records with specialized software programs.

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When you are thinking of a career in the medical field you’d usually think doctor or nurse, right? Well, not when it comes down to the other side of the spectrum with billing and coding careers.

What is a Medical Billing Degree?

A medical billing degree prepares students to work in medical billing, assessing paperwork, entering data, and communicating with medical facilities and insurance companies. The interaction between the doctor, hospital, or other healthcare facility and the insurance company is known as the billing cycle. Some billing cycles are very short, while others are very long; it all depends on the complexity of the treatment and whether or not the insurance is going to cover it. This can be a long process at times and is aided by a medical billing agent who keeps track of the status of the bill. In a medical billing degree program students learn how to work with inpatient and outpatient billing. Some programs also teach students coding, which revolves around three primary types of medical coding. The program will help students prepare for a medical billing certificate, which enables them to work in their state. There are three types of certification exams a medical billing agent can sit to become eligible for work.

How Long Does it Take to Get a Medical Billing Degree?

The majority of medical billing degree programs take eight months to a year to complete. The course work consists of learning billing procedures and coding, if you plan on being certified in both areas. Whether you are studying medical billing or billing and coding, you can expect the program to take about a year before you’re able to gain employment. Some medical billing degree programs that are exclusively online limit how many courses a student can take at once. For these programs, you may be in school about 14-16 months depending on the program. All of the details on how long a program will take and how many hours you’re allowed to register for will be explained in a course packet at a school or on the program’s website.

Are Online Medical Billing Degrees Accredited?

Sometimes. Many medical billing degrees online are accredited, but you have to make sure they’re accredited from the appropriate sources. Regional accreditation organizations are the same organizations that accredit traditional universities and colleges. These are the best online schools to obtain a degree from, primarily because your credits will transfer to another school. Medical billing is a great starting point for someone who wants to pursue an education in health administration. Working in medical billing will give you a solid starting point for working in health administration later down the road. With a bachelor’s of health administration, you can take on more responsibility and are available for jobs with higher pay. This is why looking at a school’s accreditation is so important when finding an online medical billing program.

Is OK for Me to Get an Online Medical Billing Degree?

Definitely! There are many, many options for someone exploring an online medical billing degree. Many of these programs are specifically catered for part time students who are under the stress of family life and work. Because of this the program may take longer to complete, but you’ll move at a pace that works for your lifestyle and schedule. This is very important when completing online courses. You never want to sign up for too much too soon, which is why some part time programs limit how many course you’re allowed to take. The idea is to set students up for success.

Why Should I Opt for an Online Medical Billing Degree?

Flexibility is the main reason. Many people looking to improve their career options and financial situation are limited on the amount of time they can devote to school because they have to continue with full time jobs. Online courses offer flexibility that traditional classes do not. You are able to do all of the work at home, on your own time. This is a major plus for working adults who have children to care for. A medical billing degree obtained online is viewed the same as one obtained in a traditional setting. You will not have a problem finding a job simply because you got your degree online. Think about your situation and what works best for your schedule. You can move at your own pace with an online medical billing degree.

What Do I Need to Apply for an Online Medical Billing Degree?

Some schools require a high school transcript, but some do not. You must pay for some programs up front, but others allow you to pay according to a payment plan. These rules and regulations vary from school to school. There are also online medical billing degrees offered at community colleges. Often these programs can be cheaper than other online medical billing degrees, and you’re still allowed to work at your own pace from a computer. Sit down with an academic advisor to find out the specifics of the college’s program.

What is the Most Important Thing to Look for in an Online Medical Billing Degree?

The most important things are that the school is accredited and that the program is well-established. Any online class is easier to take when the professors and instructors are well-versed in teaching an online class. This does take skill and is a different experience than the regular classroom setting. Ask your school advisor how the program works, how long it’s been around, and what the graduation rate is. This gives you an idea of how successful the program has been for students in the past. Schools with a very low retention rate for the medical billing program should be thrown out in favor of schools that have a high percentage of job placement for graduates. Schools with established medical billing programs are able to introduce students to the people they need to know to get a job upon graduation.

Top Blogs for Those Interested in Medical Billing

Learn more about medical billing by checking out these top blogs:

What Will I Do as a Medical Billing Agent?

A medical billing agent has a very important duty. He or she is responsible for every aspect of the patient file after the patient is diagnosed by doctors. Records contain a patient’s name, address, social security number, nature of illness, and the treatment plan. The doctor or medical professional in charge of the case creates a medical profile and course of action for treatment. This treatment plan is outlined in the records. From these records, a medical billing and coding agent relays the treatment plan to the insurance company via a series of codes. These codes appear on the medical claim form and are given to the insurance company. This is often done on a paper form, although some companies are converting to e-forms which are filled out electronically by a medical billing and coding agent.

This form is received by the insurance company which will deny or approve the claim. For high claims, insurance companies have their own medical reviewers who look over the claim. The medical reviewer assesses the legitimacy of the claim, the patient’s need for the procedure, and validity of the healthcare provider. If the claim is denied, the medical billing agent goes over the claim again, makes adjustments, and resubmits the claim. This can be done several times and goes on until the healthcare provider gives up or the insurance company pays the treatment in full. The rate of denied claims is high. About half of claims are denied upon first completion. There are several factors that play into this, including wrong diagnosis and treatments that are too similar to each other for one patient.

Is it Difficult to Find Work as a Medical Billing Agent?

No. The job outlook for medical billing agents is exceptionally high and should remain that way for quite some time. The medical industry is growing as baby boomers age and populations in major cities continue to expand. As long as you graduate from an accredited school and have proper certification, you should not have an issue finding work as a medical billing agent. Many medical billing agents are now working from home since much of the work is done electronically. The transfer of medical billing to e-forms and revolving around technology may also lose some long time medical billing agents who are not willing to learn new programs. The medical billing field has seen little change in the past decades, but technology has quickly changed that. With e-forms, the appropriate documents and forms can be completed by a medical billing agent and sent the exact same day. The process of denials and resubmitting a form can also be done several times in one week versus stretching over the course of months.