Medical Billing and Coding
Become a Certified Medical Billing and Coding Specialist
More than one million practicing physicians in the United States rely on medical billing and coding specialists to receive payment for their services. Play a vital role in ensuring healthcare facilities operate smoothly and efficiently with a new career as a Certified Billing and Coding Specialist. Prepare for the NHA CBCS exam and be ready for entry-level positions in as little as four months.
Medical billing and coding is the process of identifying diagnoses, medical tests, treatments, and procedures found in clinical documentation and transcribing this patient data into standardized codes to bill government and commercial payers for physician reimbursement.
Certified Billing and Coding Specialists (CBCS) are essential to all areas of healthcare and have an expansive range of opportunities for employment. Hospitals, physician offices, surgery centers, long-term care facilities, pharmacies, physical therapy practices, home healthcare agencies, mental health facilities and other health care providers all depend on medical billing and coding for insurance carrier reimbursement.
CBCS Training Program
The UIW CBCS training program covers the technical knowledge, healthcare information and related business topics necessary to pass the NHA certification exam. You will learn the legal, ethical and regulatory concepts central to maintaining electronic health-related data, including:
- Reviewing patient records for timeliness, completeness and accuracy
- Organizing and updating information in clinical databases or registries
- Using classification systems to assign clinical codes for insurance reimbursement and data analysis
- Electronically record data for collection, storage, analysis, retrieval and reporting
- Preventing fraud/abuse by auditing billing
- Maintaining confidentiality of patient records
This LIVE, virtual 17-week program provides theoretical and practical training experiences. Instruction is provided by an experienced CBCS currently working in the field.
Course Dates
LIVE-Virtual Synchronous course
June 3, 2025 - Sept. 25, 2025
Tuesday/Thursday 6-9 p.m.
Course Cost
The total cost of the CBCS course is $4,500.
The program fee includes all live instruction, and all materials including current Coding books and the CBCS certification exam (if taken). Our courses offer financial assistance through Sallie Mae loans, payment plans, MyCAA and Workforce Solutions funding (contact your nearest Texas Workforce Center).
Admissions Requirements
Below is a brief explanation of the course and the requirements for enrollment. Prerequisites for the course include:
- A high school diploma or General Education Diploma (GED).
- No felony or misdemeanor related to the sale of drugs. Traffic violations and any other issues must be cleared up before the externship. This is the sole responsibility of each student.
- Commitment to the rigorous 17-week course schedule
Is there a difference between medical billing and medical coding?
Yes. Medical coders translate patient care into current procedural terminology (CPT) codes. Their primary responsibility is to ensure that the medical services provided are accurately coded. Medical billers are responsible for creating a claim based on the codes a medical coder provides. Many professionals in this area do both medical billing and medical coding.
What are the requirements for a medical billing and coding career?
Entry-level positions typically require completion of a certificate and passing one of the certification exams or an associate degree program in medical billing and coding. Additionally, medical billing and coding professionals must understand the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA).
How long does it take to become a medical biller and coder?
In most cases, it takes between one and three years to become a medical biller and coder. Earning a medical billing and coding certification can take up to one year, while earning an associate degree can take up to three years.
What is the difference between certification exams (CPC, CCA, and CBCS)?
Obtaining a CPC, CCA, or CBCS certification implies that an individual has met competencies in the field of medical billing and coding. Certification is invaluable to the student's career goals. Students have an opportunity to make confident, informed decisions about the national certification they prefer.
The Certified Professional Coder (CPC) exam is offered by the American Academy of Professional Coders (AAPC). It is the gold standard entry-level coding certification for physician, or professional fee, coders.
The Certified Coding Associate (CCA) is offered by the American Health Information Management Association (AHIMA). It is an entry-level medical coding certification across all settings — physician practices and inpatient hospital.
The Certified Billing and Coding Specialist (CBCS) is offered by the National Healthcareer Association (NHA) and is currently an entry-level medical billing certification for physician practices. In the summer of 2021, the exam will transition to an entry-level billing and coding certification, with the inclusion of ICD-10-CM, CPT, and HCPCS Level II testing.
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), medical billing and coding specialists earn an average yearly salary of $50,250 (as of May 2024). Jobs for these professionals will likely increase by 9% through 2033, much faster than the average for all other professions (3%).
The BLS also estimates that at least 15,000 new jobs for medical billers and coders are expected annually, on average, over the decade. Texas has the second-highest employment level in the nation with 20,390 Medical Records Specialists jobs as of May 2024.
For registration information email Carmen Martinez Lewis at carmen@careereducationalservices.com or call (817) 716-2716.