Medical Billing and Coding (Voucher Included)

Whether you are just starting work or transitioning from a different field, there has never been a better time to enter a career in medical billing and coding. More than one million practicing physicians in the U.S. rely on medical billers and coders to receive payment for their services. These professionals are in-demand within medical facilities, health insurance companies, specialty pharmacies, medical suppliers, consulting firms, and national medical coding and billing companies. With the right medical billing and coding certification training, the opportunities are nearly endless!

This Medical Billing and Coding course will prepare you for success as you learn about legal, ethical, and regulatory concepts central to this field, including HIPAA compliance, official coding guidelines, and third-party payer requirements. You will come to understand all phases of the revenue cycle—from patient registration through medical coding, claims submission, reimbursement, and collections.

Certification Exam Voucher Included

Included in your tuition, you will receive a voucher to sit for the medical billing and coding certification exam that best fits your career goals:

• Certified Professional Coder (CPC) exam offered by the American Academy of Professional Coders (AAPC)
• Certified Coding Associate (CCA) exam offered by the American Health Information Management Association (AHIMA)
• Certified Billing and Coding Specialist (CBCS) exam offered by the National Healthcareer Association (NHA)

If you choose and pass the CPC exam through AAPC, you will earn the CPC-A credential—the "A" stands for Apprentice, meaning you still need one year of coding experience. But here's the good news: our course includes free access to AAPC's Practicode Practicum—a hands-on training tool that simulates real-world coding across multiple specialties.

By completing Practicode, you will gain the equivalent of one year of experience, allowing you to remove the "A" and become a fully certified CPC right away. The best part? The coding experience required to remove the Apprentice status is seamlessly integrated into the course, so you will complete it as you progress. That means by the time you finish, you will have both passed the exam and fulfilled the experience requirement—qualifying you for full CPC certification right away. The course also includes a Medical Terminology component covering body systems, mental health, and special senses. A test-out option is available if you possess prior knowledge. By scoring at least 80%, you may bypass the Medical Terminology content if you choose. Note: The test-out option applies exclusively to the online Medical Terminology section and does not extend to the advanced career training portion of the course.

Upon successful completion of our medical billing and coding certification course, you will be well-prepared to launch a successful career in this rewarding healthcare field.

Funding Disclaimer: For Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA) funded students, please consult with your funding source representative before taking advantage of the Medical Terminology test-out feature. Different funding programs may have specific requirements and/or restrictions. If you attempt the test-out feature(s) in the Medical Terminology course without getting approval, your funding benefits may be jeopardized.

What you will learn

• Get a better understanding of the value this course provides from our medical billing and coding certification video overview
• Medical coding terminology is required for medical coding, including the structures and functions of the human body
• The disorders and medical procedures common to each body system
• Legal, ethical, and regulatory concepts central to the field, including HIPAA compliance and third-party guidelines for filing insurance claims
• The main coding manuals: ICD-10-CM, ICD-10-PCS, CPT, and HCPCS Level II
• How to code diagnoses, services, and procedures for all systems of the body
• Fundamentals of medical billing and coding and medical terminology
• Word parts and the structures and functions of the human body
• Hands on exposure to an encoder application: Codify (AAPC)

How you will benefit

• Get hands-on, practical experience in medical billing and coding that will help you on the job
• Receive a Certificate of Completion and an exam voucher for the professional exam of your choice
• Receive access to study materials and prepare to sit for the medical billing and coding certification exam that best aligns with your interest and career goals:
  • Certified Professional Coder (CPC) exam offered by the American Academy of Professional Coders (AAPC)
  • Certified Coding Associate (CCA) exam offered by the American Health Information Management Association (AHIMA)
  • Certified Billing and Coding Specialist (CBCS) exam offered by the National Healthcareer Association (NHA)

1. Medical Terminology
1. Getting Started
2. How to Take This Course
3. Test-Out Exam 1: Lessons 1–Midterm Exam
4. Introduction to Medical Terminology and the Human Body in Health and Disease
5. The Musculoskeletal System
6. The Cardiovascular System
7. The Lymphatic and Immune Systems
8. The Respiratory System
9. The Digestive System
10. The Urinary System
11. Midterm
12. Test-Out Exam 2: Lessons 8–Final Exam
13. The Nervous System
14. Special Senses: The Eyes and Ears
15. The Integumentary System
16. The Endocrine System
17. Mental Health
18. Male and Female Reproductive Systems
19. Diagnostic Procedures, Nuclear Medicine, and Complementary Medicine
20. Final Exam
2. Medical Billing and Coding
   1. Introduction to Medical Billing and Coding
      1. Career Opportunities
      2. Personal and Technical Qualifications
      3. Employment Settings
      4. Telecommunications
      5. Professional Certifications
   2. Introduction to Health Insurance
      1. Health Insurance Terminology
      2. Commercial and Government Payers
      3. Healthcare Documentation
      4. Electronic Health Record
   3. Managed Healthcare
      1. Types of Reimbursement
      2. Managed Care Providers
      3. Managed Care Models
      4. Consumer-Directed Health Plans
   4. Revenue Cycle Management
      1. Phases of Revenue Cycle Management
      2. Encounter Form, Chargemaster
      3. Insurance Claim Cycle
      4. New Patient Registration
      5. Collection Practices
   5. Legal Aspects of Health Insurance and Reimbursement
      1. Laws Affecting Healthcare
      2. Protected Health Information
      3. Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA)
      4. Fraud and Abuse in Medical Billing and Coding
      5. Release of Information
   6. VI. ICD-10-CM Coding
      1. Overview of ICD-10-CM
      2. Key Features
      3. Organization of the Codebook
      4. Index to Diseases and Injuries
      5. Tabular List of Diseases and Injuries
      6. Coding Conventions
      7. Official Guidelines
   7. CPT Coding
      1. Overview of Healthcare Common Procedure Coding System (HCPCS)
      2. Category I, Category II, and Category III Codes
      3. Organization of the Codebook
      4. Main CPT Sections
      5. Evaluation and Management
      6. Anesthesia
      7. Surgery
      8. Radiology
      9. Pathology and Laboratory
      10. Medicine
      11. Code Modifiers
   8. HCPCS Level II Coding
      1. Overview of HCPCS Level II
      2. Organization of the Codebook
      3. Durable Medical Equipment
   9. ICD-10-PCS Coding
      1. Overview of ICD-10-PCS
      2. Code Structure
      3. Definitions
      4. Index
      5. Code Tables
      6. Coding Steps
   10. Pharmacology for Coders
       1. Pharmacodynamics and Pharmacokinetics
       2. Routes of Administration
       3. Drug Classifications
       4. Prescription Drugs and Over-the-Counter Drugs
       5. Controlled Substances
       6. Medication Lists and the Electronic Health Record
       7. MIDTERM
   11. Clinical Documentation Improvement (CDI)
       1. Deficiencies in Documentation
       2. Medical Necessity
       3. Auditing
       4. Coding From Patient Documentation
   12. Coding with Your Codify Encoder
   13. Insurance Claims
       1. National Uniform Claim Committee
       2. CMS-1500 Claim Form
       3. Patient and Insured Information
       4. Physician or Supplier Information
       5. UB-04 Claim Form
   14. Commercial Insurance
       1. Individual/Group Health Insurance, Automobile, Disability, Liability, Workers' Compensation
       2. Completing Commercial Health Insurance Claims
   15. Blue Cross Blue Shield
       1. History of BCBS
       2. Types of BCBS Plans
       3. Participating/Nonparticipating Providers
       4. BCBS Billing and Payment Guidelines
   16. Medicare
       1. Medicare Eligibility
       2. Medicare Part A, B, C, and D
       3. National Coverage Determinations/Local Coverage Determinations
       4. Participating/Nonparticipating Providers
       5. Physician Fee Schedule
       6. Medicare Billing and Payment Guidelines/NCCI
   17. Medicaid, CHIP, TRICARE, Workers' Compensation
       1. Medicaid
       2. Children's Health Insurance Program (CHIP)
       3. TRICARE
       4. Workers' Compensation
   18. Certification
       1. Selecting the Right Certification
       2. Study Strategies for the Certification Exam
       3. Prior to the Exam
       4. Morning of the Exam
       5. During the Exam
   19. How to Find a Job in Medical Billing and Coding
       1. Formulating Your Career Goals
       2. What Employers Want
       3. Showcasing Your Skills
       4. Resume Tips
       5. Cover Letter Tips
       6. Interview Questions
   20. Land the Job
   21. Mock Exam
   22. Final Exam
   23. ICD-11 Preview

Requirements:

Hardware Requirements:

• This course can be taken on either a PC, Mac, or Chromebook.

Software Requirements:

• PC: Windows 8 or later.
• Mac: macOS 12 or later.
• Browser: The latest version of Google Chrome or Mozilla Firefox is preferred. Microsoft Edge is also compatible.
• Microsoft Word or equivalent (not included with enrollment)
• Adobe Acrobat Reader .
• Software must be installed and fully operational before the course begins.

Other:

• Email capabilities and access to a personal email account.

Instructional Material Requirements:

The instructional materials required for this course are included in enrollment.

The following digital textbook for the Medical Terminology course is accessed via links in the course lessons:

• Comprehensive Medical Terminology for Health Professions, 1st Edition (eBook)

The following digital textbooks for Medical Billing and Coding are accessed via links in the course lessons:

• Understanding Health Insurance: A Guide to Billing and Reimbursement, by Michelle A. Green
• Accompanying Workbook: Understanding Health Insurance: A Guide to Billing and Reimbursement

The following textbooks will be shipped to you approximately 7-10 business days after enrollment in Medical Billing and Coding:

• ICD-10-CM Expert for Physicians
• CPT Professional
• HCPCS Level II Professional

Choice of study guide/voucher package upon course completion:

• Certified Professional Coder, CPC (AAPC): AAPC Membership, CPC Online Review Course, CPC Study Guide Bundle, Practice Exam Bundle, Practicode CPC-A Practicum, CPC Exam Voucher (2 exam attempts) and Codify Student (free upgrade to Codify Basic)
• Certified Coding Associate, CCA (AHIMA): AHIMA Student Membership, CCA Study Guide, and CCA Exam Voucher
• Certified Billing and Coding Specialist, CBCS (NHA): CBCS Study Guide, CBCS Practice Test, and CBCS Exam Voucher

Please note: You will receive a digital book if the physical book is on backorder.

*The course includes the current year of coding books, and you will be responsible for purchasing your updated coding books from year to year.

Prerequisites:

There are no prerequisites to take this course.

Certification Requirements:

In order to sit for national certification exams, candidates must have a high school diploma or equivalent. Therefore, it is recommended you have this before enrolling in this course. Certification exams offered by AAPC and NHA are only available online to candidates located in the US. AHIMA only offers in-person exams in both the US and Globally.

Nancy Smith

Nancy Smith has over 30 years of experience in the healthcare industry. Her clinical experience includes working as a medical assistant for a network of rural health clinics, and as a medical coder, insurance claims specialist, and medical records auditor. She worked as a medical office manager for ten years, where she recruited and trained all medical assistants. Nancy holds a bachelor's degree in vocational education and has developed and taught medical assistant programs.

LaTisha Cottingham

LaTisha Cottingham has over 20 years of experience in the healthcare industry. She has six years of teaching experience in the field of medical billing and coding and Medical Assisting. Currently, she is employed as an HIM Analyst for a Long-Term Care establishment that is based out of Alabama. Previously she was employed as the lead instructor for the Allied Health Department for a local career institute. LaTisha's field of expertise is in the area of physician-based inpatient coding and Emergency Department coding. The certifications that she holds are as follows: a Registered Health Information Technician (RHIT), a Certified Professional Coder (CPC), and a Certified Clinical Medical Assistant (CCMA). In preparation for ICD-10-CM, LaTisha received her ICD-10-CM/PCS Trainer Certification from American Health Information Association (AHIMA), where she is currently a member. LaTisha is also a member of the American Academy of Professional Coders (AAPC) and the National Healthcare Association (NHA) where she is a test proctor.

Carline Dalgleish

Carline Dalgleish has worked in medical office administration for over 30 years. She holds a bachelor's degree in Business Information Systems, a master's degree in Leadership, and a post-baccalaureate certificate in Health Information Management. She is a Registered Health Information Administrator and an AHIMA Approved ICD-10-CM/PCS Trainer. Dalgleish is the author of an ICD-10 coding system and owns her own consulting firm.

Lydia S. Stewart

Lydia S. Stewart, RN, BSN, currently serves as the Revenue Cycle Manager at a large regional medical center. Lydia has been a Registered Nurse for 23 years, 15 of those years specializing in Critical Care Nursing and supervision. She is responsible for Medical Audits, Charge Capture, and governmental compliance audits and reviews. Lydia is a member of the Louisiana Medical Auditor Association and Healthcare Financial Management Association (HFMA).

Bunny Reeves

Bunny Reeves is the senior ambulatory surgery coder at the Maimonides Medical Center in Brooklyn, New York. She trains student coders at Maimonides Medical Center and previously trained and supervised entry-level coders at Staten Island's St. Vincent Medical Center. Reeves is a Certified Coding Specialist, accredited by the American Health Information Management Association (AHIMA).

Sharon L. Blackford

Sharon L. Blackford, MA, BA, RMA, has over 30 years of experience in the medical field. She has a Master's degree in Organizational Management, a Bachelor's degree in Business Management, and has served as a Registered Medical Assistant since 1994. Sharon was an active duty Clinical Specialist in the U.S. Army for 10 years. Sharon later moved to the Gulf Coast to accept a position as the Director of Education of Blue Cliff College and was promoted to Campus Director.

Stacey O'Brien

Stacey O'Brien has more than 10 years of experience in medical coding and reimbursement. Ms. O'Brien has been a risk adjustment coder for a Medicare advantage plan, audited medical records for a consulting firm, and currently supervises the coding and electronic claims submission process for a group medical practice. She has a bachelor's degree from the University of Pittsburgh and a CPC coding certification from the AAPC.

April Adams

April Adams, M.S., RHIA, CDIP, CPC-I, CPB, CPMA, has worked in the healthcare field since 2011, transitioning from a high school biology and chemistry teacher to a specialist in medical coding and auditing. She focuses on HCC, clinical documentation improvement (CDI), and DRGs and has taught health information management (HIM) courses, including medical terminology, law and ethics, coding, and revenue cycle management since 2018.

April possesses a master's in health information management with a specialization in data analytics.. She also serves on the board of the Dallas-Fort Worth Health Information Management Association and holds multiple industry certifications.

Medical Terminology Instructors

Our medical terminology course section is taught by multiple experienced instructors. See here for a full list of these instructors.

What is the salary for a medical biller and coder?

According to the AAPC 2025 salary survey results, medical records specialists without certification average $61,022 per year, while certified medical records specialists average $66,186 annually—8.5% more than their noncertified colleagues.

What is medical billing and coding? What does a medical biller and coder do?

Medical billers and coders are responsible for processing patient data, including medical records and related insurance. In this position, you will code a patient's diagnosis and then request payment from the patient's insurance company. You will play an important role in ensuring that healthcare providers are quickly and accurately paid for the treatment they give patients.

Where do you work as a medical biller and coder?

Medical billers and coders work in a variety of settings. The most common settings include hospitals, doctors' offices, and insurance agencies. Some medical billing and coding professionals work for companies that develop medical software, and some work for education institutions that work to train other medical billers and coders. Government agencies have also been known to employ medical billers and coders, including the National Center for Health Statistics and Medicaid offices. You may also work for a reputable company from your own home as the AAPC reports that remote work is currently up to 63%!

What is a day in the life of a medical biller and coder like?

A day in the life of a medical biller and coder is a rewarding one. You are responsible for ensuring that healthcare providers receive appropriate compensation for the care they provide as well as helping patients get the maximum benefit of their insurance. It is a job that requires a high level of attention to detail at all times because codes must be correct to produce appropriate bills for services. Much of your time will be spent in front of a computer organizing statements, reviewing bills, and performing quality control. You also may be required to negotiate with insurance companies via phone on behalf of providers or patients. It's also important to coordinate with other coders to ensure accuracy and adherence to standards. Finally, you'll want to keep up on the latest developments and regulations in the industry through continuing education.

What is the difference between a medical biller and a medical coder?

Medical billers are mainly responsible for submitting patient records to government agencies and insurance companies for services that have been provided in the care of the patient. Medical coders gather information on patient records and assign the proper codes for patient diagnosis which are then used by medical billers to submit claim forms.

Is medical billing and coding in high demand?

Yes. There is a high demand for qualified medical billing and coding professionals in the healthcare industry today. Demand will increase as the population in the U.S. ages. For example, medical records specialists job openings are projected to add 14,200 new roles annually, by 2034, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.

How long do you have to go to school to become a medical coder?

Our medical coding courses are self-paced and completed in 12 months or less. You will then have the option to prepare and sit for one of the following national certifications: 1) NHA's Certified Billing and Coding Specialist (CBCS), 2) AAPC's Certified Professional Coder (CPC), or 3) AHIMA's Certified Coding Associate (CCA). Once you are certified, you'll have the qualifications you need to find an entry-level job.

How do I become a medical coder without experience?

The path to a career in medical billing and coding typically starts with certification. There are different medical billing and coding certifications offered through certifying bodies, so it's important to choose which one is right for you. This course allows you to choose one of three national certifications to sit for upon completion.

How do I get a medical coding certification online?

To become a medical coder, you need to take an online training course that teaches you the CPT®, ICD-10-CM, and HCPCS Level II code sets. Most employers are looking for applicants to have a medical coding certification. After successfully completing this course, you will have the knowledge and skillset to become a medical coder and can sit for one of three national certification exams included in your tuition: 1) NHA's Certified Billing and Coding Specialist (CBCS), 2) AAPC's Certified Professional Coder (CPC), or 3) AHIMA's Certified Coding Associate (CCA).

Do medical billers or medical coders make more money?

Due to the more technical nature of the job and increased training requirements, medical coders do tend to make more than medical billers on an annual basis. Both medical billers and medical coders are in high demand. According to the AAPC Annual Salary Survey results, medical records specialists without certification average $61,022 per year, while certified medical records specialists average $66,186 annually—8.5% more than their non-certified colleagues. Keep in mind, years of experience, specialty, geographic location, and multiple certifications can all play a part in this reporting average.

Can you get a job as both a medical biller and a medical coder?

Other than a handful of exceptions, medical billing and medical coding are two separate professions. You do not need a degree for either profession, but successful coders usually obtain certification. This medical billing and coding course will fully prepare you for a career as either a medical biller or a medical coder, including recommended certification. Once you've completed your training, you will decide which area fits your personality and career goals best and move in that direction.

Does this course prepare you for a certification?

Yes, this course prepares you for three medical billing and coding certifications: 1) Certified Billing and Coding Specialist (CBCS) exam, offered by the National Healthcareer Association (NHA), 2) Certified Professional Coder (CPC) exam, offered by American Academy of Professional Coders (AAPC), and 3) Certified Coding Associate (CCA) exam, offered by AHIMA. You will receive a voucher for the certification exam of your choosing after successfully completing the course. Online certification exams through NHA and AAPC are offered in the US only.

Can I test-out of medical terminology content if I have previous knowledge of medical terminology?

Yes. This course includes two, optional, Test-Out Exam features that will allow you to test out of content and graded assessments if your score demonstrates the level of mastery required (80%). It does not count toward your overall score in this course if you do not achieve the minimum score required for mastery. Please note: Third party funded students may not be eligible.

When can I start this course?

This course is open enrollment, so you can register and start the course whenever you are ready. Access to your course can take 24-48 business hours.

How long does it take to complete this course?

After you register, you will receive 12 months to complete the course. The time allotted for completion has been calculated based on the number of course hours.

What if I don't have enough time to complete the course within the time frame provided?

If you are unable to complete the course, contact your Student Advisor to help you work out a suitable completion date. Please note that an extension fee will be charged. If you are funded through a third-party organization, approval may also be required.

What kind of support will I receive?

Our courses are designed to accommodate various learning preferences. Depending on the course structure, you may get different forms of support. Self-paced courses are designed to be user-friendly and independent, minimizing the need for external support. In courses with instructors, our direct platform support feature includes opportunities for questions, discussions, and remediation, with email and phone support available for select courses. Our student advising team is available to guide you on program requirements and administrative requests, but they do not provide assistance with course content. Our goal is to provide you with the necessary support for success, whether it's through self-paced exploration, direct communication, or guidance from our advising team.

What happens when I complete the course?

Upon successfully passing the final exam, you will be awarded a certificate of completion from the school or organization that you registered through. In addition, you will receive an exam voucher and applicable study materials for your choice of the following national certification exams: 1) NHA's Certified Billing and Coding Specialist (CBCS), 2) AAPC's Certified Professional Coder (CPC), or 3) AHIMA's Certified Coding Associate (CCA).

Am I guaranteed a job?

Hope Training Academy courses will help you gain the skills you need to obtain an entry-level position in most cases. However, you should always research the job market in your area before enrolling.

Can I get financial assistance?

Hope Training Academy courses are non-credit, so they do not qualify for federal aid, FAFSA, and Pell Grant. In some states, vocational rehab or workforce development boards may provide funding to take our courses. Additionally, you may qualify for financial assistance if you meet certain requirements. To learn more about financial assistance.

How can I get more information about this course?

If you have questions that are not answered on our website, representatives are available by phone. You can also call us at 1-855-532-7642 during regular business hours to have your questions promptly answered. If you are visiting us during non-business hours, please send us a question using the "Contact Us."

I would recommend Hope Training Academy because learning at my own pace was wonderful and the best way to learn for me. I felt like the process was super easy and everyone I spoke to was friendly and knowledgeable.

It’s a great program and you can do it at your own pace.

I would recommend Hope Training Academy online programs to others because they are worthwhile and beneficial. I liked the option of a self-paced course, which is less expensive than other places I have researched.

I would recommend Hope Training Academy online program to any busy working professional, it gives the option to work at your own pace.

I loved the flexibility this program offered, as well as the vouchers included. I felt like I had time to really study and absorb the material in the time given to complete the course. I work full time and have classes & homework through my job as well, so being able to do these classes on my own schedule really benefited me. Nancy was very helpful when I had questions and I knew that if I struggled there was help out there even though the course was online. I would definitely recommend this path to others, and will hopefully be taking another Hope Training Academy course in the future.

It was a very easy course to take and follow.

Just a great program. Easy to navigate and everyone was always helpful.

I would recommend this program to others because of the flexibility and ability to work at your own pace. All the materials support the lessons and I feel I was able to learn each concept easily. The assignments related to real life tasks and patient scenarios which I found helpful and valuable.

I would recommend this program to others because its very easy to navigate. I loved that I could work on it at my own pace but also had a specific deadline for the class to be completed and that if I had any questions the teachers were very helpful.

I love the on line atmosphere because I work full-time still it works with my everyday life style and allows me to build my career.