What does someone working in medical billing and coding do?

Medical office specialists or medical secretaries trained in medical billing and coding help organize and manage health information and help manage billing for medical practices. They may transcribe provider’s recommendations and diagnoses into medical records, complete insurance or other claim forms, and perform bookkeeping duties, such as credits or collections, preparing and sending financial statements or bills, and keeping financial records

Where can I work after learning medical billing and coding?

Medical office specialists or medical secretaries trained in medical billing and coding work in healthcare settings like physicians' offices.

How long is an online medical biller and coder program?

SJVC’s Medical Billing and Coding program can be completed online in as few as seven months. Students pursuing a Certificate of Completion can do so in as few as seven months, while those seeking an Associate of Science Degree can do so in as few as 15 months.

Medical & Dental Programs

Online Medical Billing and Coding

Q: What is medical billing and coding?

Medical billing and coding is the practice of organizing, managing, and coding health information data so that it can be tracked in electronic records and submitted to insurance companies for payment.

Students in SJVC’s online Medical Billing and Coding program learn to work in the administrative side of healthcare. Earn a Certificate in as few as 7 months or an Associate’s degree in as few as 15 months.

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REAL-WORLD SKILLS

With many classes to guide you, you’re certain to be prepared for your career.

CHOOSE YOUR PATH

Both Certificate of Completion and Associate of Science programs.

FLEXIBLE LEARNING OPTIONS

Conveniently available online.

AFFORDABLE TUITION

Affordable tuition varies by program and location.

Program Details

Upon completion of our Medical Billing and Coding program, the successful student will be able to:

Demonstrate proficiency in reviewing and assigning medical codes across a wide range of medical services
Facilitate timely reimbursement by preparing and submitting claims with accurately assigned codes
Use EHR/EMR systems to research, code, and abstract patient information and other coded data
Support the efficient operation of a medical office by accurately reviewing, documenting, and maintaining patient financial records
Effectively communicate with other medical professionals using correct medical and insurance terminology in written and oral communication
Assist with patient registration and intake
Provide CPR and First Aid
Relate and apply concepts of communication, reasoning, critical analysis, ethical behavior, and appropriate interpersonal interaction to situations in his or her career and personal life
Demonstrate the social skills, professional appearance, attitudes, and behavior that employers expect of all SJVC graduates

Education is the most important investment you can make in your future. There is a financial plan available for everyone, including a broad range of financial assistance options. Visit SJVC’s Net Price Calculator to get personalized information on college costs and financial aid. Check out SJVC’s Academic Catalog to learn about program costs by campus and credential level. You also can talk to an Admissions Advisor to discuss the costs of your chosen program and schedule an appointment with an experienced financial aid officer. Student loans, grants, and scholarships are available to those who qualify.

SJVC’s Medical Billing and Coding Certificate and Associate degree programs are available online.

Institutional Accreditation

San Joaquin Valley College is accredited by the WASC Senior College and University Commission (WSCUC), 1080 Marina Village Parkway, Suite 500, Alameda, CA 94501, (510)748-9001.

www.wscuc.org

The WSCUC is an institutional accrediting body recognized by the Council for Higher Education Accreditation and the U.S. Department of Education.

State Approvals

CALIFORNIA

SJVC is a private institution and is approved to operate as an accredited institution by the California Bureau of Private Postsecondary Education (BPPE). Approval to operate means that SJVC has been found in compliance with the standards set forth in the California Private Postsecondary Education Act of 2009 (as amended) and Title 5, Division 7.5, – Private Postsecondary Education of the California Code of Regulations. As a prospective student, you are encouraged to review this catalog prior to signing an enrollment agreement. You are also encouraged to review the School Performance Fact Sheet, which must be provided to you prior to signing an enrollment agreement.

A student or any member of the public may file a complaint about this institution with the Bureau for Private Postsecondary Education by calling (888) 370-7589 or by completing a complaint form, which can be obtained on the Bureau’s internet website (www.bppe.ca.gov).

View additional State Approvals for SJVC.

What Will I Learn?

Foundational Medical Office Skills

Medical Insurance Principles

CPR & First Aid

Patient Registration & Intake

Ready to Do This?

Find your path in Medical Billing and Coding

Talk to an Admissions Advisor about your options and earn your online Certificate in as few as 7 months.

Talk To Us

“”

I love working in the medical field and absolutely love where I work right now. I really like my coworkers; some have worked in oncology for 15 years or more and are extremely passionate about it. I actually know about chemo infusion—one of the things they do there—because I have to get infusions for my autoimmune disease. It’s fulfilling to be part of someone’s treatment and road to hopefully recovery.

Phillip W.
2020 Graduate Medical Billing And Coding

Career Opportunities

Medical Billing and Coding are key drivers behind the modern health care industry. Without either field, health professionals would not be able to transfer important data and get paid for their services. Although people use medical billing and coding together, they are still two separate jobs.

Medical coders translate written copy–such as a patient’s diagnosis or patient prescriptions–into a numeric or alphanumeric code. For every medical case or injury, there is a corresponding code to match. Billing specialists then take the information from medical coders to make a bill or claim for the insurance company.¹

SJVC Online Medical Billing Coding Career Opportunities

Check out our guide on a career in the Medical Billing and Coding field in California

Medical Billing and Coding is at the cornerstone of today’s health care revenue system, ensuring payers and patients reimburse providers for their services. One benefit of becoming a professional Biller or Coder is how quickly you can train to get started in the field. Many students earn their Certificate online, which allows them to work part-time as they study. Learn more about how you can train for a career in the Medical Billing and Coding field.

See Career Guide

SJVC Online Medical Billing Coding Career Guide

Successful Grads

Ask one of our graduates about their SJVC experience and they’ll likely describe it as life-changing.

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Online Medical Billing and Coding FAQs

What is medical billing and coding?

Medical billing and coding is the process that documents what the medical team did for each patient so it can be properly billed. Standardized codes and billing procedures are just a few of the career-focused skills that a billing and coding program can help you learn. At SJVC, we offer two online Medical Billing and Coding programs—a certificate that can be completed in as few as seven months or an associate degree that can be completed in as few as 14 months. These programs can help you prepare for and pursue career opportunities in the field.

Is medical billing and coding hard?

There are a number of procedures and codes to learn, and the same or similar procedure could have a different code attached to it depending on how the procedure was used, so it can be challenging. To perform in this field, you will need to be detail-oriented and use critical-thinking skills every day. Wondering which school for medical billing and coding you should attend? Make plans for SJVC.

How long is a Medical Billing and Coding program?

That depends on the medical billing and coding programs your learning institution has to offer. At SJVC, we offer two online programs to help you pursue a career in the industry. Our Certificate of Completion program is designed to get you the skills to pursue an entry-level position in this field in as few as seven months. Our Associate of Science in Medical Billing and Coding offers a more comprehensive education in as little as 14 months to help you prepare for more career opportunities—including potential leadership roles—in the future.