admissions
admissions
High School Diploma or GED/ High school equivalent
Completion Time
Completion Time
The average student completes in 8-12 months
Average Salary
Average Salary
According to Occupational Outlook Handbook, the median salary is $48,780
Certification
Certification
Certified Professional Coder-Apprentice (CPC-A) through the American Academy of Professional Coders (AAPC)
Accreditations
Accreditations
What you will do
A medical billing and coding specialist is a healthcare professional that processes patient data, such as treatment records and related insurance information. Both medical billing and medical coding professions are involved in the medical reimbursement cycle, working together to ensure that healthcare providers are accurately and efficiently paid for the services they perform. Medical billing and coding specialists work in hospitals, health clinics, and physician offices. It’s possible to find positions that allow you to work from home. Medical billing and coding job responsibilities include:
- Accurately coding for services, procedures, diagnoses, and treatments
- Preparing and sending invoices or claims for payment
- Correcting rejected claims
- Tracking payments
- Following up with patients and insurance companies about outstanding bills
WHAT YOU WILL LEARN
Blackstone’s accredited, online Medical Billing and Coding Program offers foundational topics to prepare you for an entry-level position as a medical billing and coding specialist. Our curriculum includes CPT, HCPCS and ICD-10-CM coding with hands-on practice coding real world, redacted medical records using CPT®, ICD-10-CM and HCPCS Level II code sets. This career focused program presents the skills and knowledge along with practical lessons and hands-on experience needed in today’s health information industry.
Through our partnership with the American Academy of Professional Coders (AAPC), Blackstone’s online Medical Billing and Coding Program includes a voucher for the Certified Professional Coder (CPC®) exam, AAPC Practicode course, and a membership to the AAPC.
Those passing the CPC® examination earn the credential, CPC-A. When the CPC-A (apprentice) is ultimately combined with two year of practical coding experience, you’ll earn the full CPC® designation
Program outcomes
- Define and explain different learning styles and learning strategies
- Identify the parts of a computer and explain how technology is used in the office
- Identify common word elements in medical terms
- Identify common medical terms related to the organization of the body and the various body systems
- Analyze medical terms to determine their meaning
- Identify the parts of speech, the parts of sentences, and sentence type
- Demonstrate correct English usage by choosing the correct part of speech in a sentence
- Evaluate written communications to identify problems and suggest solutions
- Explain and identify types of health insurance
- Understand the life cycle of an insurance claim
- Demonstrate an understanding of ICD-10, HCPCS II, and CPT coding
- Study medical office procedures
- Evaluate resumes and cover letters to identify problems and offer solutions
- Consider ways to proactively search for work as a healthcare professional
what you will make
The expansion of the health services industry from technological advances in medicine and a growing and aging population creates an increasing need for those who want to work as a Medical Billing & Coding specialist. According to the U.S. Department of Labor, the number of Medical Billing & Coding specialist employed in the United States is expected to grow primarily due to the growth of the healthcare industry.
According to Occupational Outlook Handbook, the median salary is $48,780
MEDIAN SALARY
$48,780
*While Blackstone’s training and industry relevant certifications may be accepted and/or approved by your state, employers reserve the right to dictate prerequisite education, experience, or certification requirements for their positions. We advise prospective students to research your state requirements and restrictions prior to enrollment.
SELECT THE PAYMENT OPTION THAT WORKS FOR YOU
Blackstone Career Institute makes it easy for you to receive a quality education at an affordable price point. Everything you need to complete your online Medical Billing and Coding Program with Blackstone Career Institute is included in your tuition. Choose the payment plan that best fits your needs and learn how to become a Medical Billing & Coding Specialist today!
FULL PAYMENT
$
2,995
One time payment
-
Fastest completion time
-
Access to all lessons
-
Total $2,995
Full payment plan total costs includes $2,845 tuition and $150 registration fee.
PAYMENT PLAN I
$
149
Month
-
Most popular plan
-
$99 down payment, 19 monthly payments of $149, final payment of $65
-
Total $2,995
19 month autopay plan requires a down payment of $99 with 19 monthly payments of $149 and final payment of $65. Total cost includes $2,845 tuition, $150 registration fee, and $0 finance fee.
PAYMENT PLAN II
$
99
Month
-
Lowest monthly payments
-
$99 down payment, 29 monthly payments of $99, final payment of $25
-
Total $2,995
29 month autopay plan requires a down payment of $99 with 29 monthly payments of $99, and final payment of $25. Total cost includes $2,845 tuition, $150 registration fee, and $0 finance fee.
Refund Policy
At Blackstone, our Student Service team focuses on student satisfaction. However, if you choose not to continue your studies, we offer a refund policy. Cancellations within the first 5 days of enrollment receive a full refund. After the first 5 days, your refund amount is based on tuition collected, lessons completed and enrollment date. Learn more about our refund policy.
Program Materials included
Blackstone’s online Medical Billing and Coding Program includes resources from publishers – Pearson and Elsevier using VitalSource platforms all accessed through your Online Student account. Additionally, you will receive customized study guides directing you through all your coursework.
- HCPCS Code Book 2024
- AMA CPT® Professional 2024
- ICD-10-CM Code Book 2024
$1,362.89 Value
Meet Your Instructor
Kara Silvers, Medical Billing and Coding Consultant
CPC®, CPC-I
Kara Silvers is an instructor in the Medical Billing and Coding Department. She has a Bachelor’s degree in Business and a Master’s degree in Vocational Education, both from Auburn University. She also holds a Master’s degree in Special Education from Western Governor’s University and a Bachelor’s degree in Mathematics from Ottawa University. She currently works as an instructor at a couple of universities teaching Medical Billing and Coding classes, as well as independent coding for various companies. She is CPC® and CPC-I certified through the AAPC.
Blackstone is aware of the unique challenges faced by military members and their families. Our Medical Billing & Coding Program is approved for the G.I. Bill® and Army COOL benefits. Our Admissions Team is here to guide you through our application process and assist you in accessing the education benefits you have earned.
AS FEATURED IN
FAQs
Medical billing and coding standards become increasingly complex and require extensive knowledge and skills. AAPC certification attests to the highest levels of proficiency and is recognized by employers as the highest stamp of approval. An AAPC certification also elevates your earning potential by greater than $30,000 above annual salaries for persons without AAPC certification.
One of the major advantages in taking Blackstone’s Medical Billing and Coding Program is that students can work at their own pace. Many students complete the program in 6-12 months. Students have up to 18 months from their enrollment date to complete and graduate from their program.
The biggest tip to passing a certification exam is to complete the preparation courses which is included in your program. The medical terminology, anatomy, and pathophysiology courses are needed because this knowledge is essential to your career.
Medical billing and coding professionals work in a variety of settings: physician offices, clinics, labs, medical billing services, insurance companies, and more.
As a true distance education school, we are unable to provide job placement. We do feel confident that our online career programs that align with a certification give our graduates a leg up in finding entry-level employment. Our Career Center offers students and graduates resources to prepare an interview including writing a resume and cover letter. It also offers blog articles and networking insight.
CHANGE LOOKS GOOD ON YOU - REQUEST INFO TODAY!
BCI is committed to providing quality, relevant and affordable distance education programs that focus on the knowledge and skills needed for entry-level careers, professional development or personal goals.
