Are There 4-Week Online Medical Billing and Coding Programs?
Medical billing and coding is a growing field with an expected growth of 8% over the next ten years according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS). There are endless possibilities for students interested, whether in-person, online, or a hybrid version. Deciding the best fit for you can be overwhelming, but there is one very quick way to become a professional fast.
This guide will discuss online 4-week medical billing and coding programs available to students interested in completing a self-paced accelerated program. Keep reading to learn more about this exciting career.
What Is an Online Medical Billing and Coding Program?
Online medical billing and coding programs are 100% online and allow individuals to earn their medical billing and coding certificate from an accredited program.
Online programs vary in their structure, so it’s important to discuss with the program if classes are asynchronous or synchronous. This may affect your desire to attend the program.
These programs are ideal for individuals requiring flexibility in start date(s) as well as class times. Online medical billing and coding programs can be accessed from the comfort of your home and are an excellent option for individuals who do not have access to a local in-person program. Additionally, online programs tend to be cheaper, so they are a great option for those who have financial difficulties.
Are There 4-week Online Medical Billing and Coding Programs?
Currently, there is only one 4-week online program available to those individuals interested in medical billing and coding offered by Medicalbillingcourse.com. The next shortest program available is roughly 16 weeks in length.
Why 4-Week Online Medical Billing and Coding Programs Aren’t Recommended
Four-week online programs are not typically recommended because of the amount of information required to learn for the certification.
In general, sometimes faster isn’t always better. While a 4-week online medical and billing program may allow you to sit for the certification exam quicker, it might not fully prepare you to pass.
Most online programs are self-paced and have a recommended completion timeline; however, you can work faster if your schedule permits.
Despite this, most programs do have set timelines for “how fast” you can go. If you are interested in completing a program faster than the recommended timeframe, discuss with the program available options.
There is One 4-Week Online Medical Billing and Coding Program Available
Medicalbillingcourse.com
The program offered by Medicalbillingcourse.com is 100% online and is the fastest program currently available. If you are interested in an accelerated program, then this is your best option.
It’s important to note that the program is NOT accredited by the Commission of Accreditation for Health Informatics and Information Management Education (CAHIIM) or the American Academy of Professional Coders (AAPC). This may be a significant deterrent as it could affect your job opportunities.
Students enrolled in the program generally complete the course in 6 weeks, but if you want to, it can be done easily in 4 weeks, according to the website.
Upon enrolling, students are assigned a personal course instructor, have access to 24/7 telephone, email, and chat support, and are placed into the job database for potential placement opportunities.
The course is organized into 10 sections, with end-of-the-chapter exams that students must complete and successfully pass in order to advance in the program.
- Tuition: $699 if paid at once - payment plans available
- Program Length: 3-5 Weeks
- Accreditation: None
- Application Deadline: Rolling
- Contact Info:
- Phone Number: (888) 274-2745
- Email: customerservice@medicalbillingcourse.com
- Online Options Available? Yes
In-Person Medical Billing and Coding Requirements
In-person medical billing and coding programs are extremely popular due to the ongoing shortage and the quickness you can earn a certification and start working.
Unlike other professions in healthcare, there are minimum requirements to apply for a medical billing and coding program. All applicants must have a high school diploma or GED equivalent.
Some programs will also require:
- Application
- Monetary application fee
- Interview
- Recommendation(s)
