What is the salary for a medical billing and coding role?
Medical records and health techs have a median salary of $47,180 per year.* Learn more about a potential career as a medical billing and coding specialist in our Medical Billing and Coding Salary Guide.
Where can I work as a medical billing and coding specialist?
Medical billing and coding specialists can find work in a variety of settings including:
- Doctor’s offices
- Hospitals
- Insurance companies
- Skilled nursing facilities
How much does a medical billing and coding certification cost?
We keep our program costs low so you can keep your goals within reach! Your program includes a CBCS Exam Voucher ($115 value) in the cost of the program and we offer discounts and payment plans. Visit our tuition page for the most current tuition information.
Is the medical billing & coding program accredited?
Penn Foster has been accredited for over 50 years. Penn Foster College has been thoroughly reviewed and has earned several important accreditations and licensing. Most importantly, Penn Foster College is nationally accredited by the DEAC. You can find more accreditation details on our Program Details page.
Do I get textbooks? What are my textbook options?
The majority of your study materials will be available online in the form of study guides and study units in your Student Portal. Your medical billing and coding program also includes 3 digital textbooks and 3 physical textbooks which will be delivered through the mail as you need them at no additional cost. Your books include exam preparation material.
What certifications will I receive from the medical billing and coding program?
Certifications are official documents presented after successfully passing an appropriate exam, which is separate from graduating from your program. Certification exams are administered by independent third parties and are not given as part of a school curriculum. Upon completing your Penn Foster Medical Billing and Coding Career Diploma Program, however, you’ll be better prepared to sit for industry-standard certification exams in the field, such as the National Healthcareer Association’s Billing and Coding Specialist Certification exam. Graduates of the program also receive a voucher to cover the cost of the exam, which is included in the price of tuition.
What skills do medical coders need?
Typically, medical coders and billers need to have a few different skills to be successful on the job, including:
- The ability to analyze data and processes
- Time management
- Organization
- Communication
- Adaptability
- Attention to detail
- Knowledge of commonly used codes
- Understanding of HIPAA
- Basic medical terminology
How long does it take to become a medical coder?
Depending on the path you choose, it can usually take about a year to become a medical coder. Most medical billing and coding training programs can be completed in about a year. Once you’ve completed training, you’ll sit for your certification exam and start applying for jobs.
What are the highest paid medical coding specialties?
After gaining some on-the-job experience, you may want to advance your medical billing and coding career. One good way to do this can be by specializing in a particular area of billing and coding. Some of the highest paid medical coding specialties include coding manager, hospital coder, coding and reimbursement specialist, and inpatient and outpatient coding.
Is medical coding a stressful job?
Like any job, there will be days that are stressful but medical billing and coding isn’t necessarily the kind of job where you’ll be stressed all the time. It may be more stressful when you have a lot of work to get done in a short period of time, but overall, it’s one of the more flexible jobs out there.
