Online Medical Billing & Coding Schools in Florida: Top Programs

Inside Florida’s Medical Billing and Coding Programs

Online programs are flexible and accessible, making them great for students in Florida pursuing medical billing and coding education. Students can choose from online certificate, diploma, and associate degree programs, depending on their career ambitions and salary needs. But how do they work? How long do they take? Can you get in? Review some of Florida’s top online medical billing and coding programs below.

MBC Student FAQs: Your Questions Answered

We’ve already covered the basics of medical billing and coding schools, programs, and classes, but you likely still have questions. Think of this guide as a jumping-off point for more in-depth research. To help answer any remaining questions, we have gathered this list of frequently asked questions from prospective medical billing/coding students. Keep reading to learn more.

Are there any prerequisites for medical billing and coding schools?

It depends on the school. Most medical billing and coding programs require a high school diploma or equivalent. If the program you choose is a standalone course, you likely won’t have any other prerequisites besides access to basic computer skills. If you select a degree program, you may need to complete additional coursework or experience. For example, Seminole State College’s certificate program mandates the completion of medical terminology courses.

Do medical billing and coding schools offer online or part-time options?

Many medical billing and coding courses are offered online, making it a great path to follow if you need flexible education. If a medical billing and coding program isn’t available entirely online, it will likely be at least hybrid, meaning partially online and partially on-campus.

Florida Gulf Coast University and Florida International University offer online programs, allowing you to balance school work with professional and other obligations. Additionally, many medical billing and coding courses are often self-paced, allowing you to study when you can around other responsibilities.

Is medical billing and coding hard to learn?

Learning medical billing and coding can be challenging but manageable with dedication and the right resources. The field requires several skills, including a sound understanding of medical terminology and the ability to navigate coding systems like HCPCS, CPT, and ICD-10.

Several other skills can help you succeed in medical billing and coding, such as:

1. Attention to Detail: Accuracy is crucial when coding medical records and billing information.
2. Analytical Skills: Ability to interpret medical records and understand complex coding guidelines.
3. Technical Proficiency: Comfort with medical billing software and electronic health records (EHR) systems.
4. Communication Skills: Clear communication with healthcare providers and insurance companies.
5. Time Management: Efficiently managing tasks and meeting deadlines.
6. Problem-solving: Addressing discrepancies and resolving billing issues.

Combined with your training, these skills will prepare you for a successful career in this field.

How long is medical billing and coding school?

The duration of medical billing and coding programs in Florida can vary, but they typically range from 8 to 12 months. For example, Eastern Florida State College offers a one-year Applied Technical Diploma (ATD) program that prepares students for entry-level positions in various healthcare settings, including physicians’ offices, hospitals, and insurance companies.

Penn Foster provides a flexible, self-paced online program that can be completed in about 11 months. If you choose to pursue an associate degree in medical billing and coding, you can expect it to take closer to two years since you’ll also need to complete general education courses.

What is the process for applying to a medical billing and coding school?

The application process is straightforward once you find the program that fits you best. Though specific requirements vary by program and school, some general admissions requirements include a high school diploma (or equivalent) and a GPA of 2.0 or higher. You will typically need to submit your scores from the SAT or ACT exam if you plan to enroll in a degree-seeking program.

Certification Made Simple for Medical Billing and Coding

You have three options for certification exams when becoming a certified medical biller and coder in Florida: the CPC, CCA, and CBCS exams. Each of these certifications signals that you have mastered the fundamentals of billing and coding. Most online billing and coding programs include a voucher for one free attempt at the test of your choice.

• The Certified Professional Coder (CPC) exam is offered by the American Academy of Professional Coders (AAPC) and is the gold standard entry-level coding certification. It costs $400.
• The Certified Coding Associate (CCA) is offered by the American Health Information Management Association (AHIMA). This entry-level medical coding certification qualifies students to work across various medical settings—from physician practices to inpatient hospitals. It costs $199 for AHIMA members and $299 for non-members.
• 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. It costs $125.

These exams all require that you have a high school diploma or equivalent and complete an approved medical billing and coding course or have at least one year of supervised experience.

Certification as a medical billing and coding specialist is good for two years. Renewal requires a fee and the submission of continuing education credits (around 10), depending on which certification you earned.

Florida’s Medical Billing and Coding Salary Trends