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What is Medical Insurance Coding?

Medical Insurance Coding is a health care professional focused on accurately processing clinical statements and the proper assignment of a standardized set of medical codes.  A medical insurance coding specialist is a vital part of the health information management continuum as they work hand in hand with a variety of healthcare stakeholders.  A medical insurance coder can work directly or indirectly with the following groups:

  • State agencies
  • Insurance providers
  • Local and national government agencies
  • Private healthcare organizations
  • Research organizations
  • International agencies
  • Epidemiological studies
  • Health resource managers
  • Public health organizations
  • Case managers
  • Medical billing professionals
  • Public and private education providers

Many professionals and lay-people often confuse a medical insurance coding specialist with a medical billing expert.  A billing expert is quite different from a insurance coding specialist.  To learn more about the difference between medical insurance coding and medical billing, check out our comprehensive career guide today.

Degree Median Salary vs Adjacent Degree Types

Source: BLS, US Census, and IPEDS

2024 Best Medical Insurance Coding Courses

Career Training Solutions (CTS) LCC is a career training center in Fredericksburg, Virginia dedicated to supporting individuals in the community through career-focused programs and training in the healthcare industry. As part of the program curriculum, students have access to marketing support and information sessions as well as externship placements.

The Medical Billing and Coding Specialist at CTC is a fully-online program that introduces students to the duties of medical professionals in terms of billing and coding. The program covers medical terminology, anatomy and physiology, insurance guidelines and compliance training, medical billing functions, legal and ethical issues, and basic diagnostic and procedural coding. Other tasks such as determining correct codes for patient records, using codes to bill insurance providers, and reading and analyzing patient records are also taught to students in order to build a solid foundation and gain experiences. Graduates are then eligible to sit for the Certified Professional Coder (CPC) examination from the American Academy of Professional Coders. Access the program curriculum at careertrainingsolutionsllc.com.

Acceptance Rate

63.89

Tuition

$31,479 / year

Student to Faculty Ratio

5:1

Chartered in 1766 as Queen’s College, Rutgers University - New Brunswick is the oldest campus among the three regional campuses of Rutgers University. It is a member of the most prestigious group of research universities in the United States. Located in New Brunswick, New Jersey, the university aims to make an impact through its scholarship, research, and community service.

The 21-credit Medical Coding Certificate at Rutgers - New Brunswick, offered as online medical coding classes, is one of the most preferred medical coding programs online. By the end of the program, students are prepared to work as medical coders who classifies medical data from inpatient, outpatient, and physician’s office records as well as apply appropriate codes from ICD-10-CM, ICD-10-PCS, ICD-9-CM, and CPT-4 coding schemes in medical documents using different coding manuals and encoder software. Access the program description at shp.rutgers.edu.

Acceptance Rate

61.22

Student to Faculty Ratio

16:1

Drexel University is one of the most comprehensive global research universities located in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. Founded in 1891, the university features a combination of experiential learning and academic rigor in one of the country’s premier education programs. Its online platform, Drexel Online, is one of the country’s oldest and most successful providers of online degree programs.

The Certificate in Medical Billing and Coding course at Drexel covers the principles of medical billing and coding for both in-patient and outpatient hospitals. The program, delivered online, is ideal for students who want to pursue a career in medical billing, coding, and medical record auditing. certification exams in these areas. Upon completion, students master the principles of medical billing and coding related to four coding manuals, CPT, ICD-10-CM, ICD-10-PCS, and HCPCS. Visit drexel.edu for more information.

Acceptance Rate

74.7

Student to Faculty Ratio

11:1

As part of the Touro College and University System, Touro College is a private Jewish university located in New York City, New York. Since its founding in 1970, the college has been offering top-notch programs, experiential learning opportunities, and experienced faculty members to over 19,000 students from different campuses in 4 countries.  The array of academic programs offered at Touro College provide students with choice and inspire confidence in their respective career opportunities.  The Touro school of Health Sciences has a top rated program from PT and OT to Speech and ABA.  Learn more about the array of academic programs available at Touro College today. 

Acceptance Rate

69.42

Student to Faculty Ratio

13:1

Daymar College is a private technical-vocational school in Bowling Green, Kentucky that provides student-centered programs in the field of accounting, healthcare, business, criminal justice, and office administration. With several campuses in Tennessee and Ohio, the college has been offering over 30 degree programs since 1963 and today, utilizing an online learning format.

The Billing & Coding Specialist program at Bowling Green campus prepares students for the duties and responsibilities of billing and coding professionals in different healthcare settings. The knowledge and skills required in pursuing a career as a medical biller or coder include medical terminology, computer applications, reimbursement and coding, anatomy and physiology, ICD, reimbursement methodology, procedural coding, claims procedure, and medical office management. The program curriculum was built by a committee of college administrators and billing and coding professionals, making graduates employment-ready. The program is also available on campuses in Columbus, Ohio and Clarksville, Murfreesboro, and Nashville, Tennessee. To get more information about the program, go to daymarcollege.edu.

Acceptance Rate

94.38

Student to Faculty Ratio

15:1

Located in Maumee Ohio the Professional Skills Institute is a private college offering career training in the medical field that can be completed in 2 years or less.  The school was founded in 1984 by a Registered Nurse interested in going beyond traditional vocational education.  From a beginning of two programs and 2 students, today PSI has over 400 students and offers diploma programs in practical nursing, medical insurance specialization; and associate degrees in physical therapy assisting and medical assisting. The Accrediting Bureau of Health Education Schools (ABHES) has granted institutional accreditation to the Professional Skills Institute and approval to award Associate of Applied Science Degrees as well as program diplomas. The Practical Nursing Program prepares candidates to take the National Council Licensure Examination for Practical/Vocational Nurses (NCLEX-PN) to become Licensed Practical Nurses (LPN).  For the 2011/2012 academic year the approximate total cost of this program was about $23,000.  The average three year placement rate for program graduates from 2009/2010 academic year to the 2011/2012 was 70%. In addition to Title IV federal financial aid, PSI works with students to tap into other sources of assistance, including state-based Workforce Investment Act (WIA) funding for displaced workers and low income students.  The Ohio National Guard has grants available to its members and the Bureau of Vocational Rehabilitation (BVR) for the disabled.

Acceptance Rate

80.85

Student to Faculty Ratio

14:1

Established in 1905 by the Sisters of St. Joseph of Carondelet, St. Catherine University (St. Kate), formerly called the College of St. Catherine, is a private, Catholic university committed to providing higher education grounded in the liberal arts and catholic values. It is among the largest private women's universities in the United States situated in St. Paul, Minnesota.  SCU offers a large number of academic pathways for both undergraduate and graduate students to consider.  Obtain admissions information from Saint Catherine University today and learn what options are available for you and your vocational future. 

Acceptance Rate

67.33

Student to Faculty Ratio

10:1

Focused on providing education in the health sciences, Mercy College of Ohio is a Catholic college located in Toledo, Ohio. The college, founded in 1917 by the Sisters of Mercy, is dedicated to providing high-quality education to all students to prepare them for their respective professions.

For students who plan to pursue a career in the health information industry, the 26-credit Medical Coding certificate program at Mercy College is an online program offering education and training in selecting appropriate diagnostic and procedural codes of various medical services for both data analysis and reimbursement. The program includes lectures and didactic and simulated laboratories to prepare students for their careers as medical coders. Graduates are also eligible to take the Certified Coding Associate (CCA) exam. For more details, go to mercycollege.edu.

Acceptance Rate

60.13

Student to Faculty Ratio

7:1

Montana State University (MSU), located in Bozeman, Montana, is recognized as one of 131 colleges and universities in the nation with very high research activity by the Carnegie Foundation for the Advancement of Teaching. The university was established in 1893 and is now the largest research university in Montana which provides many opportunities for students to perform meaningful hands-on research and creative projects.

The Certificate of Applied Science in Health Information Coding at MSU is a program that trains students to code and work in clinics,  hospitals, and various healthcare settings. The curriculum consists of 35 hours of course work involving medical terminology, human form and function, beginning procedural and diagnostic coding, communication in medical settings, health data content and structure, medical billing fundamentals, legal and regulatory aspects of healthcare, and advanced medical coding. Graduates of the program are then qualified to take the certification exam offered by the American Health Information Management Associations (AHIMA). Read more about the program at montana.edu.

Acceptance Rate

81.94

Student to Faculty Ratio

19:1

Living Arts College, also known as America’s Creativity College, is a private art school with campuses across North Carolina that provides exceptional education and training in different creative fields such as animation, interactive media, filmmaking, photography, and interior design. Located on Raleigh and Winston-Salem campuses, The School of Medical Arts offers complete programs in the health sciences.

The Medical Billing and Coding course at Living Arts College School of Medical Arts is a program that builds a foundation in the medical knowledge and technical skills necessary for success in the profession of medical billing and coding. Students are trained to understand and execute the complete coding and billing cycle with options to take day or evening classes in just a span of less than a year. Through a supervised externship, students also gain real-world experience before taking the certification exam from the American Academy of Professional Coders. Explore the program at golivingarts.com.

Acceptance Rate

100

Student to Faculty Ratio

10:1

For the past 90 years, Penn Commercial Business/Technical School has been providing education for students seeking in-demand careers. The university, located in Washington, Pennsylvania, features accelerated programs, financial assistance for qualified students, in-demand career paths, and connections to local employers that can jumpstart anyone’s career.  The Penn Commercial medical programs that are offered by the school span from medical assisting to practical nursing.  Penn’s reputation for quality academics has earned it a top ranked position on our study this year.  Learn more about the Penn Commercial Business and Technical School today. 

Acceptance Rate

75.46

Student to Faculty Ratio

14:1

Originated from two academic institutions, Herzing University at Minneapolis, Minnesota offers innovative career programs with flexible learning options and convenient scheduling for both students and professionals. It is one of the campuses of 10-campus Herzing University providing a variety of undergraduate, graduate, and online programs in the fields of healthcare, public safety, business, legal studies, and technology.

In as fast as 8 months, the online Medical Coding program at Herzing University can be completed by students who want to pursue a career as medical coders. The diploma program gives students the option to focus on Inpatient Coding or Outpatient Coding. Through the guidance of industry-experienced faculty members, students learn the basics of medical coding such as assigning codes for diagnosis and procedure classification, and acquire a working knowledge of medical terminology, anatomy, physiology, and disease processes. Graduates of the program may then take the Certified Coding Specialist (CCS) examination offered by the American Health Information Management Association. There is also an available online associate degree program in the same field. Check the program curriculum at herzing.edu.

Acceptance Rate

79.31

Student to Faculty Ratio

12:1

Headquartered in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, Herzing University is a private university with several campuses across the United States. The Brookfield campus, located in Brookfield, Wisconsin, offers on-campus and online degree programs in areas including nursing, technology, business, legal studies, healthcare, and public safety.

The online Medical Coding program at Herzing University is a diploma program that prepares students to become competent medical coders and specialize in either inpatient or outpatient coding. Students are required to finish 25 credits in as fast as 8 months to have a working understanding of topics like medical terminology, anatomy and physiology, disease processes, analysis of medical records, and code assignment for diagnosis and procedure classification. After graduation, students are ready to take the examination for the Certified Coding Specialist (CCS) given by the American Health Information Management Association. There is also a medical coding program that leads to an associate degree that can be finished within 20 months. Access the program requirements at herzing.edu.

Acceptance Rate

81.33

Student to Faculty Ratio

13:1

The College of Westchester is a private for-profit college based in White Plains, New York offering certificate, associate, and bachelor's degree programs focused on career enhancement. Since its founding in 1915, the college has been providing day, evening, and online classes in fulfilling program requirements in accounting, business, allied health, technology, and digital media.

The School of Health Professions at The College of Westchester offers an Associate in Occupational Studies in Health Information Management that prepares students seeking employment in medical offices where medical billing and coding is a vital function. This program trains students to organize, maintain, analyze, and evaluate patient health information in hard copy and electronic formats, use health information indexes, and store and retrieve medical records. The college also offers a certificate program in Health Information Specialist which also requires half the amount of credits in the associate degree. To know more about the programs, go to cw.edu.

Acceptance Rate

94.07

Student to Faculty Ratio

18:1

Founded in 1881 as a teacher training school called the normal school, Dakota State University (DSU) is a public university located in Madison, South Dakota that consistently ranks as one of the best universities in the country. The university offers more than 45 pre-professional and online degree programs in business, education, healthcare, technology, math and sciences, and digital media.

The online Health Care Coding program at DSU is a certificate program that focuses on two industry standards for billing and coding: the International Classifications of Diseases (ICD) and Current Procedural Terminology (CPT) code sets. Students in the program are equipped with the knowledge and skills to properly code diseases, procedures, and operations within a classification system by performing an analysis of health records and compliance with standards and regulations. Students who wish to advance their studies may enroll in Associate of Science in Health Information Technology and Bachelor of Science in Health Information Administration and credit some of the courses in the certificate program. Graduates of the program can then take the certification examinations for Certified Coding Associate (CCA), Certified Coding Specialist (CCS) or Certified Coding Specialist-Physician (CCS-P). Explore the program requirements at dsu.edu.

Acceptance Rate

77.4

Student to Faculty Ratio

18:1

Located in the city of Kenner in New Orleans, Louisiana, Herzing University New Orleans is a private university known for providing a personalized approach to education. The campus offers on-campus and online degree programs in the areas of healthcare, nursing, business, legal studies, public safety, and technology.

The Associate Degree in Medical Coding at Herzing University is an online program that focuses on inpatient, outpatient, and advanced coding that can prepare students for the Certified Coding Associate (CCA) and Certified Coding Specialist (CCS) examinations. Students are equipped with thorough instruction in anatomy and physiology, disease processes, medical terminology, basic and advanced coding methods, patient privacy, and ethical conduct. There is also a required capstone and internship in Insurance Billing and Coding where students can gain hands-on experience and explore the different aspects of the profession. More details about the program can be seen at herzing.edu.

Acceptance Rate

73.68

Student to Faculty Ratio

16:1

As part of the 10-campus Herzing University, Herzing University Atlanta campus is a private university located in Atlanta, Georgia that specializes in information technology, business, nursing, and paralegal. With a diverse student population, the campus is widely known as a popular destination for international students.

With the online Associate Degree in Medical Coding at Herzing University, students are able to prepare themselves for the administrative functions of medical coders in the field. The curriculum consists of courses in medical terminology, patient privacy, Current Procedural Terminology (CPT) coding, International Classification of Diseases (ICD) 10 CM coding, advanced coding, pathophysiology, pharmacology, and insurance claims processing. Graduates of the program are then qualified to take the examinations in Certified Professional Coder (CPC) credential from the American Academy of Professional Coders and Certified Coding Specialist (CCS) credential from the American Health Information Management Association. There is also a diploma program in the same field that can be completed in less than a year. Visit herzing.edu to see the entire program curriculum.

Acceptance Rate

89.74

Student to Faculty Ratio

14:1

Herzing University is a private university with numerous campuses around the United States offering on-campus and online degree programs in fields like technology, nursing, business, healthcare, legal studies, and public safety. The Kenosha campus is located in Kenosha, Wisconsin, near the Milwaukee campus, and it gives students the option to take day or evening classes.

In as fast as 20 months, students in the Medical Coding associate degree are qualified to take the examinations to earn the Certified Professional Coder (CPC) credential through the American Academy of Professional Coders and Certified Coding Specialist (CCS) credential from the American Health Information Management Association. Students in the online program are trained to conduct inpatient, outpatient, and advanced coding methods through expanding knowledge in medical terminology and coding systems. Some of the courses in the 60 credit curriculum are Patient Privacy, Current Procedural Terminology Coding, International Classification of Diseases 10 CM Coding, Advanced Coding, Pathophysiology and Pharmacology, and Introduction to Anatomy and Physiology. The campus also offers an online diploma program in the same field which gives students the option to specialize in an inpatient or outpatient coding. For further information about the program, go to herzing.edu.

Acceptance Rate

57.14

Student to Faculty Ratio

16:1

Founded in 1909, Arkansas Tech University (Arkansas Tech) is a public university with three campuses in Arkansas offering academic, career, and technical programs at the associate, baccalaureate, master, and doctoral levels. The university is dedicated to providing access to quality education and learning opportunities for academic excellence and intellectual development of its diverse campus community.

The Certificate of Proficiency in Medical Coding at Arkansas Ozark campus is a program that prepares students in careers as medical coders in various healthcare facilities. In a span of 15 hours, students learn the basics of coding by taking courses like Medical Terminology, Human Anatomical Structure, Diagnostic (ICD-10) Coding, and Procedural (CPT) Coding. Some of the courses in the program can be credited to the Technical Certificate and Associate of Applied Science degree in Health Information Management. Read more about the program requirements at atu.edu.

Acceptance Rate

94.74

Student to Faculty Ratio

18:1

Lewis-Clark State College (LCSC) is among the top four-year public colleges in the nation founded in 1893 with the aim to provide career and technical education, and community programs within its college location in Lewiston, Idaho. Accommodating more than 4,000 students, LCSC provides over 130 degrees and certificate programs that focus on social sciences and humanities, criminal justice, natural sciences, education, nursing, and business.

The 24-credit Medical Coder Certificate program at LCSC is a program that enables students to prepare for entry-level employment related to insurance billing and coding. With the courses in the program, students learn medical terminology, basic coding techniques, and insurance preparation in order to properly follow the guidelines from the American Hospital Association guidelines in applying CD-10 codes to diagnoses and CPT codes to procedures. Graduates of the program can then sit for the Certified Professional Coder exam administered by the American Academy of Professional Coders. Inquire about the program requirements at lcsc.edu.

Acceptance Rate

99.76

Student to Faculty Ratio

12:1

Indiana University Southeast (IU Southeast) is a four-year public university in New Albany, Indiana that is also one of the regional campuses of Indiana University. Established in 1941, the university provides high-quality and exceptional educational programs and opportunities in order to foster a comprehensive learning environment that can help students become productive leaders of society.

The Coding Technology Certificate program at IU Southeast is an 18-credit program that trains students to perform the duties of medical coders such as coding information using ICD-9-CM, CPT, and HCPCS systems. The program covers billing and reimbursement concepts of commercial insurance carriers, introduction to ICD-10-CM coding principles, as well as an on-site hospital training where students can gain hands-on experience in the profession. Upon completion of the program, graduates are qualified to take the Certified Professional Coder (CPC) examination through the American Academy of Professional Coders as well as the Certified Coding Specialist (CCS) examination through the American Health Information Management Association. Learn more about the program curriculum at ius.edu.

Acceptance Rate

81.91

Student to Faculty Ratio

14:1

Accommodating more than 8,000 students, the University of Alaska Fairbanks (UAF) is a public land-grant research university with its main campus in Fairbanks, Alaska, and additional campuses within the state. It was established in 1922 as the Alaska Agricultural College and School of Mines which is considered the flagship campus of the University of Alaska system.

The degree in Medical Coding at UAF Community and Technical College is a fully-online degree that prepares students to perform tasks related to medical coding. The curriculum focuses on enhancing students’ knowledge and skills in medical terminology, human diseases, medical coding, and office computer applications. Students are also trained in the proper analysis of medical records and information which helps in assigning codes for indexing and diagnosis. Since the program is online, students have the option to study and work at their own pace on either a part-time or full-time basis. Graduates of the program can then sit for the Certified Coding Specialist (CCS) exam from the American Health Information Management Association and the Certified Professional Coder (CPC) exam from the American Academy of Professional Coders. More information about the program is available at ctc.uaf.edu.

Acceptance Rate

75.99

Student to Faculty Ratio

11:1

Located in Boston, Massachusetts, Fisher College is a private not-for-profit institution of higher learning that provides students with the necessary knowledge and skills in their intellectual and career goals. The college aims to become the college of choice for young adults and professionals as it embraces innovation at every point of its student’s professional development.

The Medical Coding degree at Fisher is an online certificate program that prepares students for entry-level coding positions in medical offices, hospitals, ambulatory surgery centers, and other healthcare settings with data in diagnosis and procedures that need to be coded for reimbursement purposes. The courses in the curriculum include Introduction to Health Information Technology, Coding and Classifications Systems, Health Care Reimbursement Methodologies, Medical Terminology, and Essentials of Anatomy and Physiology. Most of the credits in the program are applicable to the Associate of Science degree in Health Information Technology. Graduates can then take the examinations for a Certified Coding Associate (CCA) or a Certified Coding Specialist (CCS) credential. Go to fisher.edu to access the complete program curriculum.

Acceptance Rate

69.29

Student to Faculty Ratio

16:1

Founded in 1951, Presentation College is a private college in Aberdeen, South Dakota that provides undergraduate programs in the fields of nursing, health and natural sciences, and social and behavioral sciences. The college, built on a Catholic intellectual tradition, whole person education, and education of distinction, is the only college worldwide sponsored by the Presentation Sisters of the Blessed Virgin Mary.

The Bachelor of Science in Healthcare Administration at Presentation College is a 120-credit program that prepares individuals in seeking entry-level healthcare administration positions. The program equips students with the essential knowledge and skills in areas like human relations, budgeting, applying medical coding, maintaining electronic health records, healthcare economics, and total quality management. The college also offers a Medical Coding Minor which involves anatomy and physiology, concepts of human biology, introduction to healthcare information, advanced coding, and healthcare reimbursement. Check more details of the program at presentation.edu.

Acceptance Rate

90.19

Student to Faculty Ratio

11:1

Since its founding in 1907, Cox College has been a private college in Springfield, Missouri that accommodates individuals interested to pursue careers in the fields of nursing, occupational therapy, radiography, and many more. The college aims to provide the educational needs of individuals in order to meet the demands of the healthcare community.  The exceptional programs offered at Cox College allow student to become the best version of themselves while learning and growing in the exciting healthcare arena.  Collect information about the admissions process from Cox College today. 

Acceptance Rate

38.89

Student to Faculty Ratio

9:1

Medical Insurance Coding Classes

In terms of educational requirements, Medical Insurance Coding Specialist degree holders will have typically studied the following courses while in college:

Employment for Medical Insurance Coders

Students that earn a degree, certificate, or diploma in medical insurance coding or medical records technology can step into various medical job opportunities. A broad survey performed by the BLS indicates that trained medical coders are aptly fit for jobs similar in nature. Examples of jobs that require similar core skills as a medical coder include a medical transcriptionist, an information clerk, medical service manager, and administrative assistant. The common thread of transferrable skills of medical coders include are analytic skills, attention to detail, technical prowess, and communication skills. Enhancing each will help secure a job in the healthcare area and help you posture yourself for a bright future.

Medical Coders Salary

Income for a medical coder is currently estimated at $39,180 per year on average. The top ten percent of medical coders will average $64,610 a year with the bottom 10% averaging just under twenty-six thousand dollars a year. Income will be dependent upon a variety of factors that can include your experience, job duties, organization type, and city of residence.

Job growth for medical insurance coders is well above the national average job forecast. In fact, the medical records technology field is estimated to grow twice the rate of the national average. Medical coders can expect a 13% rise in jobs in the coming decade adding some 28,000 jobs during this time.

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