Drexel University Launches Online Medical Billing and Coding Certification

Drexel University Online, a pioneer in Internet-based education programs, launched an online Medical Billing and Coding Certification program. The 18-credit certificate program is designed to prepare students for careers in medical billing and coding or for certification exams in these areas.

This certificate program is based on medical billing and coding principles from the three main coding manuals, CPT, ICD-9-CM and HCPCS. The courses cover principles of medical billing and coding for in-patient and out-patient hospitals and the curriculum is designed to prepare students for certification and board exams from the American Medical Billing Association, American Academy of Professional Coder’s, and the American Health Information Management Association.

Students who complete the Medical Billing and Coding Certification program will be able to earn 18 college credits and apply them toward the 180 quarter credits required for the Bachelor of Science in Health Services Administration degree. "One of the biggest benefits of the certificate courses is that students can be earning a degree while preparing for a national certification in medical billing and coding," said Gerald Bello, Ph.D., Director of the certificate program and head of Drexel’s Health Services Bachelor of Science Degree Administration Program.

"Our online programs have been designed especially for adult learners, who want to advance their education and earning potential, but don’t have the time and/or ability to commute to campus," said Dr. Kenneth Hartman, academic director at Drexel University Online.

Students can complete the certificate program in one year and can achieve national certification before completing the program. The tuition for the program is based on the number of credits taken and not the entire program, which makes students not obligated to complete every course in the curriculum.

Medical billing or coding professionals serve as experts on patient data that doctors, nurses and other providers rely on to perform their jobs. By maintaining, collecting and analyzing health information, medical billing practices are an important contribution to the delivery of quality care. Medical billing professionals also help prevent legal difficulties and ensure that providers receive full reimbursement in a timely manner.