In the healthcare system, medical billing and coding professionals perform a crucial role. Their responsibility involves assigning standardized codes to diagnoses and treatments, as well as managing billing procedures to facilitate insurance companies in processing claims.
For individuals contemplating a career in medical billing and coding, it’s important to explore the various training options. To excel in this field, one needs a solid grasp of physiology, anatomy, and medical terminology, along with a robust understanding of medical coding systems.
Whether through paid or free courses, aspiring billing and coding professionals can receive the necessary training. This article delves into some of the available free options to help you kickstart your journey in this rewarding career.
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Table of Contents
Who is a Medical Biller and Coder?
A Medical Coder and Biller play crucial roles in handling patient information, managing healthcare facilities, processing payments, handling invoices, and dealing with insurance details. These professionals typically work in various healthcare settings such as hospitals, physician’s offices, nursing homes, or rehab center offices.
While their specific duties may vary depending on the workplace, their main responsibility remains consistent. In the course of their duties, medical coders might find themselves working on tasks like billing insurance and processing claims.
They also need to ensure they understand and uphold patients’ privacy when handling billing information, as well as maintain the accuracy of data among other responsibilities.
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Finding a Free Medical Billing and Coding Program
In the world of medical billing and coding, professionals play a crucial role. Their responsibilities differ based on the specific position they hold. For those starting, certain entry-level positions only demand a foundational understanding of coding and billing, along with practical experience. On the other hand, some roles may require formal training and successful completion of a medical billing and coding certification exam.
To gain a competitive edge in the job market, individuals can explore free or affordable online programs specializing in medical coding and billing. These programs are accessible because they don’t have prerequisites, making it easier for anyone interested to enroll. Additionally, they equip you with the necessary skills and knowledge, setting the stage for certification later in your career.
Why Should You Take a Free Medical Coding and Billing Course?
Individuals interested in pursuing medical billing and coding online courses will find that the cost varies depending on the course provider. For those unsure about whether a career in medical billing and coding is the right fit or for those still asking, “What is medical billing and coding?” engaging in a free training course is an excellent way to get a taste of the field.
Several free courses, highlighted below, cover a range of topics beyond just medical billing and coding. These courses can be beneficial not only for beginners exploring the field but also for professionals already working in the industry, offering opportunities to broaden their knowledge.
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Free Online Medical Billing and Coding Courses
Medical coding and billing professionals rely on various medical coding classification systems. These manuals are often covered in free courses since they are widely used in the field.
Mastering the shorthand of these classification systems can guide individuals in choosing a course that addresses their specific learning needs.
1 . AI and Big Data in Global Health Improvement
The course offered by Future Learn doesn’t specifically focus on medical coding and billing; instead, it delves into the broader scope of AI and big data in the entire medical field. Understanding this context is crucial for anyone aspiring to be a professional in medical coding and billing.
Future Learn, known for its extensive online courses, partners with various universities and institutions to provide a diverse catalog of classes. This particular course, spanning four weeks with an estimated commitment of 2 hours per week, has received a commendable rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars.
During this free online course, participants will gain insights into how big data can enhance the healthcare industry and communication within it. The curriculum also covers the utilization of data science and artificial intelligence to improve and standardize healthcare practices.
Notably, there are no prerequisites for this course, making it accessible to anyone with an interest in exploring the intersection of big data and artificial intelligence in the healthcare sector. Taipei Medical University, a leading force in Taiwan’s healthcare industry, is the provider of this course, bringing its expertise and innovation to the forefront of the educational experience.
2. Cybersecurity in Healthcare 
Provided by Erasmus University Rotterdam via Coursera
Similar to the previous course mentioned, this cybersecurity program doesn’t focus directly on healthcare coding and billing. However, it equips you with the essential IT knowledge to excel in the field. Erasmus University Rotterdam, a top-100-ranked research university in the Netherlands, offers this free course on Coursera.
Coursera collaborates with universities and institutions to provide students with both free and paid courses, along with degree programs that can be learned online at their own pace. There are no prerequisites for this course, and the content starts from the basics.
This course, offered by Erasmus University Rotterdam, emphasizes the critical role of security in hospitals. It delves into both the social and technological aspects of cybersecurity essential for maintaining the safety of healthcare institutions.
Participants will gain insights into the challenges posed by the increasingly digitized healthcare landscape. The modules cover various topics such as hacking, cyber hygiene, data breaches, and human behavior.
Completing the course requires just 15 hours, making it a manageable commitment for learners. It is designed to empower students with the skills needed to ensure the complete security of hospitals in today’s digital age.
3. What is Medical Coding and Billing?
Udemy operates as a platform where instructors can independently create and share their courses. Instructors have the freedom to set the course price and determine the level of interest it targets. The platform features a diverse array of courses, both paid and free, covering various subjects spanning professional and creative domains.
One noteworthy course on Udemy is the Medical Coding and Billing course, which requires just an hour to complete. It has garnered significant attention, with nearly 4,000 students having already participated, and given it an impressive 4.5 out of 5 star rating.
This particular course is particularly beneficial for individuals contemplating a career in medical coding and billing, offering valuable insights and information about potential job opportunities.
Developed by PPMC Academy, established in 2018, the institution is committed to providing affordable education and connecting students with medical practice management. In addition to the Medical Coding and Billing course, PPMC Academy offers other courses like Front Desk Administration and Practice Management.
Throughout the Medical Coding and Billing course, students gain knowledge about the daily responsibilities of a medical coder and biller, as well as essential topics like diagnostic coding, procedural coding, educational pathways, and practical work experience. The course is especially suitable for those seeking work-from-home opportunities, offering insights into tasks that can be performed remotely.
4. Basics of Medical Coding & Billing
Individuals interested in diving into the world of medical coding and billing without the financial commitment of formal education or paid courses will find Free Medical Billing Training to be a valuable resource. This website presents a complimentary version of their renowned paid medical coding and billing course, complete with over 50 instructive video lessons.
The free course is a condensed yet comprehensive introduction, featuring 10 topics that span crucial aspects of medical coding and billing. Subjects covered include resolving claim issues, an introduction to medical coding, setting up providers and patients, and understanding health insurance plans.
While the lessons are presented in written format, this abbreviated course serves as an excellent opportunity to explore the basics of medical coding and billing. It allows individuals to gauge their interest in the field before committing to a more extensive program.
For those who discover a passion for the subject, there’s an option to purchase the full medical coding and billing fundamentals course, providing an in-depth exploration of the covered topics.
Additionally, users can take advantage of a free account on the website, offering a more extensive preview of the fundamentals course without any cost.
5. Learn Medical Billing in One Hour
Provided by YouTube and Dr. Chrono
Although one might not typically think of learning medical coding and billing in just an hour, Dr. Chrono’s crash course manages to make it quite accessible. Dr. Chrono, a YouTube channel, hosts a range of free educational videos covering medical coding, billing, and other healthcare-related subjects.
This channel is a collective effort of individuals dedicated to improving the healthcare world, eager to share their knowledge with others. With over 1 million total views, the channel addresses various challenges in the healthcare field, offering solutions to a diverse array of problems.
One specific video from Dr. Chrono focuses on the revenue management applications Apollo and Apollo+, demonstrating how to use them effectively. This tutorial aims to streamline the billing process, making it more seamless for viewers. By utilizing the Apollo billing platform, staff members can efficiently manage billing tasks, enhancing the overall medical payment process.
Additionally, Dr. Chrono extends an invitation to students to sign up for free on their website. By doing so, students gain access to the medical billing and records platform, providing an opportunity to delve deeper into the intricacies of these processes.
6. Video Tutorials for Medical Coding & Billing
MB&CC provides five free video lectures on its website, covering the fundamental aspects of the medical coding and billing field. MB&CC aims to educate individuals about the general landscape of medical coding and billing, offering insights into educational options and providing guidance on establishing one’s own medical coding and billing practice.
In addition to the lectures, MB&CC offers students access to complimentary downloadable materials, including sample problems, extra vocabulary resources, PowerPoint presentations, and quizzes.
The first lecture introduces you to the entire realm of medical coding and billing, explaining the reasons for pursuing this field. Sections two and three cover the basics of medical coding and billing, while section four allows you to apply your newfound knowledge to real-world problems.
The concluding section guides you through preparing for the American Association of Professional Coders Certified Professional Coder exam. Finally, the lectures wrap up with a discussion on choosing the right school for medical coding and billing and the steps to achieve your dream job.
7. Medical Coding ICD 10 CM
Udemy offers an excellent learning platform where instructors can share courses tailored to their interests and expertise. The course in question is a concise half-hour session crafted by Udaykumar Talloju, a certified inpatient coder with the right qualifications to guide you through the intricacies of medical coding.
Despite its brevity, this course packs a punch with crucial insights into ICD 10 CM medical coding. To make the most of this free offering, it’s advisable to have a foundational knowledge of medicine or a degree in Life Sciences. Throughout the course, participants will delve into the fundamentals of medical coding specific to ICD-10 CM.
Practical examples are provided to aid in understanding and applying the codes in a real-world context. This course is particularly beneficial for registered nurses or healthcare professionals, who require less prior knowledge of medical coding compared to those without any background in the field.
8. Introduction to Medical Coding
Contempo Coding runs a YouTube channel offering short, informative courses and lectures on medical coding and billing. On this extensive video-sharing platform, users can find numerous free courses uploaded by instructors, making it a valuable resource.
In Contempo Coding’s videos, the instructor covers the basics of medical coding and billing. The content is designed to be user-friendly, making it an excellent tool for those looking to understand the field better. The introductory video provides a comprehensive overview of the requirements and steps to become a certified medical coder.
Throughout the video, Contempo Coding guides viewers through the necessary certifications for a career in medical coding. The instructor also shares insights on how to obtain the best education to navigate the certification process successfully.
In addition to certification guidance, the videos delve into the daily tasks of a medical coder, giving viewers a realistic preview of what their routine would look like in this profession. Contempo Coding’s channel is a valuable resource for anyone interested in medical coding, offering a range of videos to explore and enhance their understanding of the subject.
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Conclusion
In conclusion, free medical billing and coding courses in the USA offer a fantastic chance for individuals looking to join the healthcare field. These courses not only open doors to a fulfilling career but also represent a commendable effort to make education more accessible.
Navigating the intricacies of the healthcare system can be challenging, but the opportunity to gain crucial skills without financial barriers is a source of hope. Seizing these opportunities can empower individuals, contributing not only to their personal development but also enhancing our healthcare workforce overall.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Which certification is best for medical billing and coding?
The Certified Professional Coder (CPC) and Certified Coding Associate (CCA) certifications offer great versatility across various settings. Meanwhile, the Certified Billing and Coding Specialist (CBCS) certification might catch the eye of employers in the insurance industry. To pursue any of these certifications, individuals need at least a high school diploma or its equivalent.
Which medical coding is best for beginners?
The CPC training program is designed for individuals starting their journey in medical coding. It concentrates specifically on ICD-10-CM, CPT®, and HCPCS Level II coding. It is widely regarded as the optimal starting point for new medical coders.
What is free ICD 10 training?
The WHO Electronic ICD-10 training tool is crafted for both self-learning and classroom settings. Its modular structure empowers users to customize their learning journey.
