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  • Online Certificate in Medical Billing and Coding

    Designed for Your Medical Billing and Coding Career

    ***The Certificate in Medical Billing and Coding program is currently not accepting applications. Please check back for further updates.***

    Are you new to the fields of Medical Billing and Medical Coding?
    Drexel University’s medical billing and coding online certificate is designed to not only provide the foundational knowledge you need but prepare you for the national certifications that stand out to employers. The distinguished faculty from Drexel’s College of Nursing and Health Professions have carefully designed the medical billing and coding program curriculum to provide the skills and education you need to be successful in the rapidly evolving fields of medical billing and medical coding.

    Already experienced in Medical Billing and Coding?
    If you’re a current billing or coding professional working in a hospital, clinic, medical office, nursing home, or insurance organization looking for a medical billing and coding online training program that can take your career to new heights and won’t interfere with your current schedule, look no further. Designed with your career in mind, Drexel’s medical billing and coding online certificate is a fully-online, 30-quarter credit, 10-course program that has the flexibility to align the curriculum to the credentials you need to take your career to the next level.

    Medical Coding & Billing Facts: Did You Know?

    In 2007, 90% of physicians in the United States manually updated patient records and stored them in color-coded paper files. By 2018, those same 90% completed the transition from paper medical records to electronic health records (EHRs). This trend will drastically improve the way patient medical records are accessed and shared, creating a more efficient, cost effective, and safe environment.

    Why Choose Drexel's Online Certificate in Medical Billing and Coding Program?

    • Drexel’s College of Nursing and Health Professions’ medical coding training program is one of the most in-depth of its kind in the country.
    • The program’s comprehensive curriculum covers learning principles related to the four main coding manuals - CPT, HCPCS, ICD-10-CM, and ICD-10-PCS.
    • You will acquire a solid foundational understanding of medical billing, anatomy, software and terminology, as well as physician and hospital-based medical coding.
    • Upon completing the program, you will be qualified to sit for the associated national certification exams, including the:
      • American Health Information Management Association - Certified Coding Associate (CCA®), Certified Coding Specialist (CCS®), or Certified Coding Specialist Physician-Based (CCS-P®) Board Exam - The CCS & CCS-P credentials
      • American Medical Billing Association - Certified Medical Reimbursement Specialist (CRMS) Board Exam
      • AAPC - Certified Professional Coder (CPC®), Certified Outpatient Coder (COC™) [formerly CPC-H®], Certified Inpatient Coder (CIC™), or Certified Professional Medical Auditor (CPMA®) Board Exam
    • These 30 quarter credits may be applied as free electives toward our fully online BS in Health Services Administration program.
    • Drexel’s Medical Coding and Billing program is now eligible for financial aid.

    5 Reasons You Should Earn a Certificate in Medical Billing and Coding

    The job growth rate for medical records and health information specialists is 15% over the next few years. Kristine Mulhorn, PhD, MHSA, FGSA, chair of the Health Administration Department and Teaching Professor at Drexel University’s College of Nursing and Health Professions, discusses how a Certificate in Medical Billing and Coding prepares you for this growing field.

    What is medical billing and coding?

    According to the AHIMA, "Health Information Professionals work on the classification of diseases and treatments to ensure they are standardized for clinical, financial, and legal uses in healthcare. [Their work is integral to supporting] patients by caring for their medical data and are responsible for the quality, integrity, security, and protection of patients’ health information." When a patient receives medical treatment, there are fees associated with each service that is provided. Medical coders are the professionals tasked with providing the insurance company with the proper treatment and diagnosis codes so that the correct reimbursements are assigned. Medical billers then join the process and are responsible for the submission of the insurance claims and ultimately accountable for ensuring that payment is received.

    What does a medical biller and coder do?

    Medical billing and medical coding specialists play a crucial role in the business side of the healthcare industry. In addition to properly coding and processing healthcare claims to ensure insurance companies and providers are correctly reimbursed, you will be responsible for creating accurate patient records to avoid billing errors and provide a record of treatment for future evaluation. The switch to ICD-10 coding is making a complex industry even more intricate. Drexel’s online Certificate in Medical Billing and Coding provides a comprehensive curriculum that introduces you to the learning principles you need to successfully prepare for your future career. This includes the four main coding manuals - CPT, HCPCS, ICD-10-CM, and ICD-10-PCS.

    What are the national medical billing and coding certification license exams?

    Upon completion of Drexel’s online medical billing and coding program, you will have earned the educational requirements needed to sit for the renowned national certification exams listed above. Offered by leading professional associations, such as the American Health Information Management Association, American Medical Billing Association, and AAPC, these certification exams will give you the opportunity to earn the industry credentials you need to gain competitive career advantage and stand out to your current and future employers.

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

    While it depends on the number of courses you take per quarter, most students complete this program within 18 months. However, you'll be prepared to sit for the associated certification exams after successful completion of Part II of any of the billing and coding courses. As a result, you can achieve national certification even before completing the program.

    What classes are required for medical billing and coding?

    Drexel's online medical billing and coding courses focus on the four most commonly used coding manuals—CPT, HCPCS, ICD-10-CM, and ICD-10-PCS—providing all the relevant, up-to-date information you need to take the national certification exams with confidence. This includes beginning the program with a course on anatomy and another in medical terminology to ensure you have the proper introduction to the medical billing and coding field prior to starting your coding courses. The skills you’ll learn throughout the program are fully applicable to a wide array of medical billing and coding positions, meet all industry requirements, and can be leveraged wherever you go, serving as a valuable foundation for future endeavors.

    What is ICD-10?

    The International Classification of Diseases (ICD) is the recognized standard international diagnostic classification system for documenting and monitoring illnesses. It allows health organizations around the world to compare, monitor, and share data in a consistent and standardized Endorsed by the World Health Assembly in 1990 and adopted by the World Health Organization (WHO) members in 1994, the current, endorsed version is the tenth edition of ICD.  ICD-10 contains more than 70,000 different codes for diseases, symptoms, and diagnoses, which is significantly up from the 14,000+ codes that were contained in its predecessor, ICD-9. The adoption of ICD-10 in the United States took place on October 1, 2015. Recently, development has begun on the next edition, ICD-11, which is expected to be implemented in 2022.

    What jobs can I get with a medical billing and coding certificate?

    The Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) projects a 13% increase in medical records and health information technician jobs by 2026. That results in more than 27,800 new jobs between 2016 and 2026.

    Those who have completed the Certificate in Medical Billing and Coding program can look forward to career opportunities in:

    • Medical Billing
    • Medical Coding
    • Medical Auditing
    • Medical Records
    • Medical Transcription
    • Practice Management and Education
    • And many more...

    Organizations such as inpatient and outpatient hospitals, private medical practices, nursing care facilities, administrative and support services, and professional, scientific and technical services all require medical billing and coding professionals in order to be successful.

    How much does a medical biller and coder make in a year?

    According to the BLS, professionals in the medical billing and coding fields can potentially earn a median annual salary of $42,630 per year or $20,50 per hour for medical records and health information technicians and $33,380 per year or $16.05 per hour for medical transcriptionists. These salary ranges do vary by employer type:

    Employer

    Average Median Salary*

    Hospitals (State, Local, and Private)

    $45,710

    Administrative and Support Services

    $43,200

    Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services

    $43,050

    Nursing Care Facilities (Skilled Nursing Facilities)

    $38,270

    Physician Offices

    $38,040

    Source: bls.gov

    Can you work from home as a medical biller and coder?

    Work from home career opportunities do exist for medical billing and coding professionals. However, these types of positions are harder to earn and are most often awarded to professionals with extensive professional experience.

    Related Program

    Questions? We're Here to Help!

    Gina Yacovelli, DHSc, CCS, CCS-P, CPC, CPMA, CEMC, CPB
    Director, Medical Billing and Coding Program
    gy75@drexel.edu
     


    This program is only available on a part-time basis.
    State restrictions may apply to some programs.

    Curriculum

    This program is organized into four 10-week quarters per year (as opposed to the traditional two semester system) which means you can take more courses in a shorter time period. One semester credit is equivalent to 1.5 quarter credits.

    Required Courses  
    HSCI 125
    or DMBC 120
    Medical Terminology
    or Practical Applications in Electronic Health Records
    3.0

    HSCI 202
    or DMBC 200
    Regional Anatomy
    or Practical Applications in Healthcare Reimbursement
    3.0

    DMBC 320 Pathophysiology for Medical Billers & Coders 3.0
    DMBC 321 Pharmacology for Medical Billers & Coders 3.0
    DMBC 322 Diagnostic Coding I 3.0
    DMBC 324 Diagnostic Coding II 3.0
    DMBC 323 Procedural Coding I 3.0
    DMBC 325 Procedural Coding II 3.0
    DMBC 326 Understanding Insurance, Administration, and the Law for Medical Billers & Coders 3.0
    DMBC 327 Virtual Lab for Medical Billers & Coders 3.0
    Total Credits
    30.0

    View Course Descriptions

    Admissions Criteria

    • A high school diploma or GED

    Required Documents

    With multiple ways to submit documents, Drexel makes it easy to complete your application. Learn more by visiting our Completing Your Application Guide.

    Tuition

    The tuition rate for the academic year 0-1 is $0 per credit.

    • This program is now financial aid eligible.
    • Special tuition rates available for Drexel University AlumniMilitary members, and members of our Partner Organizations
      • These rates apply only to new online students and students being readmitted.
      • These rates apply only to fully online courses. Hybrid or on-campus courses may have different rates.
      • Tuition rates are subject to increase with the start of each academic year in the fall term.
      • All students must contact applyDUonline@drexel.edu within the first two weeks of the term to request tuition savings for which they qualify.
      • Special rates cannot be combined. If you qualify for more than one special rate, you'll be given the one with the largest savings.
      • When receiving special tuition plans with Drexel University Online, you may not combine them with other tuition benefits that may be available from Drexel University.

     

    Academic Calendar

    2023-2024 Academic Year

    Term

    Classes Begin

    Classes End

    Exams Begin

    Exams End

    Fall 2023

    September 26, 2023

    December 9, 2023

    December 11, 2023

    December 16, 2023

    Winter 2024

    January 8, 2024

    March 16, 2024

    March 18, 2024

    March 23, 2024

    Spring 2024

    April 1, 2024

    June 8, 2024

    June 10, 2024

    June 15, 2024

    Summer 2024

    June 24, 2024

    August 31, 2024

    September 3, 2024

    September 7, 2024

     

    Apply for admission to Drexel University

    This program is not currently accepting new applicants.

    Previously enrolled at Drexel? Learn more about readmission.

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