What Is Medical Billing & Coding?
Medical Billing & Coding is the process of translating healthcare services into standardized medical codes and submitting insurance claims so healthcare providers can be reimbursed for the care they provide.
Although they work closely together, medical coding and medical billing are two different roles.
Medical Coding
Medical coders review patient medical records and assign standardized codes that describe:
Diagnoses (why the patient was treated)
Medical procedures performed
Laboratory services
Medical equipment and supplies
Healthcare services provided
These codes ensure healthcare providers communicate consistently with insurance companies and government programs.
Medical Billing
Medical billers use the medical codes created by the coder to:
Prepare insurance claims
Submit claims to insurance companies
Follow up on unpaid or denied claims
Process insurance payments
Bill patients for remaining balances
Resolve claim errors and payment issues
Maintain accurate patient financial records
Medical billers help ensure healthcare providers receive timely and accurate reimbursement for their services.
What You'll Learn
Throughout this course, you will learn:
Medical terminology
Anatomy and physiology basics
Healthcare insurance fundamentals
Medical documentation
ICD diagnosis coding
CPT procedure coding
HCPCS coding
Insurance claim processing
Electronic health records (EHR)
Medicare, Medicaid, and commercial insurance
Claim denials and appeals
HIPAA compliance and patient privacy
Revenue cycle management
Professional communication skills
Career Opportunities
After completing your training, you may pursue careers in:
Hospitals
Physician offices
Urgent care centers
Specialty medical practices
Outpatient surgery centers
Insurance companies
Medical billing companies
Government healthcare agencies
Remote medical billing and coding positions