Online Medical Billing & Coding Schools in Texas: Key Info for Students

Medical billing and coding is one of the most accessible professions in the healthcare field; students only need a high school diploma or GED to apply to certification programs and sit for licensure exams. Additionally, most programs require just one to three years of study to complete.

If that’s not reason enough to think seriously about pursuing this education, then consider the high demand for medical billing and coding professionals. According to the American Academy of Professional Coders (AAPC), this demand is fueled by an aging population, a growing shortage in physicians and other medical professionals, and a need to digitize medical information—all of which is likely to continue well into the future.

So how do you get started? A good place is by exploring top programs near you and learning about the ins-and-outs of medical billing and coding, from the required education to the career outlook after graduation. Keep reading to get an inside look at some popular programs in the Lone Star State!

Skills Medical Billing and Coding Students Need to Succeed

A successful career in medical billing and coding hinges on certain skills, including the ability to keep up with changing technology, pay close attention to detail, and follow privacy guidelines.

Keep in mind that improper billing or coding could affect a patient’s ability to receive future healthcare services and treatments, so treat developing these skills as seriously as you do the rest of your studies.

Adaptability to Technology

Medical billing and coding specialists are always learning something new, whether it’s memorizing new codes or familiarizing themselves with evolving medical technology.

Many organizations offer webinars, trainings, and various other resources to help you maintain your certification and stay aware of the latest updates.

Attention to Detail

As a medical billing or coding professional, you’ll need to be able to quickly and accurately convert medical services into the codes used to bill insurance companies. How you input that information can impact whether medical providers are reimbursed for the services they provide. It can also affect a patient’s insurance coverage.

As the late Stan Lee once wrote: “With great power comes great responsibility.”

Commitment to Confidentiality

Medical billing and coding professionals are responsible for processing a vast amount of patient information, including detailed medical records.

You must be able to handle that information discretely and professionally to safeguard patients’ rights to privacy and to protect your employers from liability. To do so, you’ll need to understand the laws surrounding the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPPA).

Strong Communication Skills

Medical billing and coding professionals act as the bridge between healthcare providers and a patients’ insurance companies. This means you’ll need to learn to communicate detailed information clearly when notifying insurance companies and other relevant parties of medical services that have been performed.

At times, you may also be required to speak with patients to answer questions they may have regarding their medical bill or insurance claim.

Finding a School: What to Consider

Finding the right medical billing and coding certification program or online school is crucial to the trajectory of your career. Consider looking at a program’s accreditation, financial aid, courses offerings, and delivery format.

Let’s look at why these factors are worth mulling over when searching for the right medical billing and coding program in Texas.

Accreditation

Accreditation guarantees the program or school you enroll in has met certain educational standards. There are two major accrediting bodies for health informatics programs, the AAPC and the Commission of Accreditation for Health Informatics and Information Management Education (CAHIIM). Look for programs/schools that feature their accreditation by one of these organizations.

If you’re having doubts about the importance of accreditation, keep in mind that employers strongly prefer to hire people who have received an education from an accredited school or program. This ensures that they’re hiring an employee who is up to date on industry procedures and best practices.

Cost & Financial Aid

Tuition varies depending on the school and the program you enroll in, where you live, and the amount of time it takes for you to complete the program. Be sure to check the webpages of the schools you plan to apply to for per-credit or total tuition costs, financial aid options, or payment plans.

Note that federal financial aid is only available to you if you attend an accredited program.

Curriculum & Certificate Preparation

If you have an idea of a niche specialization you’d like to go into within the medical billing and coding field, it can pay dividends to make sure that your chosen program offers training in that area. Alternatively, it can benefit you to look closely at the programs’ certificate preparation, since earning more than one certificate could allow you to expand your skill set and raise your qualifications in the job market.

Program Format

Medical billing and coding certification programs in Texas are offered in several formats. You can choose from online, hybrid, or traditional schools to further your education in a way that suits your learning style, schedule, preferences, and goals. Online asynchronous programs give you total control over your own schedule, while synchronous classes require you to log on at specific hours. Some programs offer a mix of online and in-person courses, many of which allow you to access campuses in Houston across the state, while traditional programs take place completely in-person.

Weighing the Pros and Cons of a Medical Billing & Coding Certification

Medical billing and coding professionals play an important role within the healthcare system, earn a decent salary and can secure jobs with little to no experience, but that’s not to say this career is without its challenges.

To help you decide if it is right for you, we’ve put together a list of pros and cons to pursuing a medical billing and coding certification and career.

Answering Your FAQs About Texas Medical Billing & Coding Schools

If you still have some lingering questions around pursuing a career in medical billing and coding in Texas, then you’re not alone. We’ve compiled prospective billing and coding students’ most frequently asked questions to address any concerns you may still have.

So, let’s talk all things course structure, prerequisites, salary, and certification!

Are medical billing and coding classes ever offered online or part-time?

Medical billing and coding classes are often offered online, in-person or in a hybrid format. For example, Central Texas College offers online courses for its Medical Coding and Billing program. The Medical Billing and Coding Program at the College of Health Care Professions, on the other hand, offers both virtual classes and hybrid courses.

And although most schools don’t explicitly say their programs can be completed on a part-time basis, some online asynchronous programs allow students to complete courses at their own pace.

Are there any prerequisites for medical billing and coding programs?

Most students only need a GED or a high school diploma to apply to a medical billing and coding program. However, some programs do require students to take an entrance exam. For example, the College of Health Care Professions requires students to earn a score of 17 or higher on the Scholastic Level Exam in order to apply to its Medical Billing and Coding Program.

Lone Star College also requires students to take a pre-assessment activity and placement test.

How much do medical billing and coding professionals make in Texas?

How much a medical billing or coding professional makes in Texas depends on the city, the level of education, the type and number of certificates they hold, and the skills and experience they have.

Medical billing and coding professionals’ salaries in Texas are on par with the national average. Certified Medical Coders with 0-1 years of experience earn an average of $39,335, while those with 5-9 years of experience earn an average of $50,318.

What certification exam(s) do I need to take before I can start working?

The certification exam you choose depends on your career goals. Keep in mind that medical billing and coding are two different professions that require separate certifications, although you can become certified in both. After completing your program, you will be prepared to sit for any of the following exams: Certified Billing and Coding Specialists (CBCS); Certified Coding Associate (CCA); Certified Coding Specialist (CCS); or Certified Professional Coder (CPC).

If you’re interested in working exclusively in billing,, you can sit for the Certified Professional Biller (CPB) exam, or the Certified Medical Reimbursement Specialist (CMRS) exam, among others.

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

Most schools require students to apply to both the school and the program. Many medical billing and coding programs also require you to submit an official transcript. Some may require test scores, and others may require proof of vaccination, particularly if you enroll in traditional in-person classes. See our dedicated medical billing and coding admissions guide for a more in-depth look at the application process.