Online Medical Billing & Coding Schools in New Jersey: Review Programs

Comparing NJ’s Online Medical Billing and Coding Programs

Becoming a medical billing and coding professional begins with an education on the ins and outs of billing, coding, ethics, HIPAA, insurance, and more. Since medical billers and coders can work remotely, many New Jersey schools offer online learning programs that can be completed from the comfort of your couch while delivering the same quality curriculum as traditional programs.

Classes may be taken synchronously — at scheduled times and taking place live — or asynchronously — completed any time you want, sometimes 24/7. While many certificate programs are offered entirely online and asynchronously, some schools offer associate degree programs requiring hands-on training, where classwork is completed online along with an on-campus or on-the-job component.

The timelines between these programs also differ, with certificate programs sometimes taking as little as four weeks and degree programs taking around two years. Which type of program you choose will depend on your personal preference, along with which type of medical billing and coding certification you want. Here’s a look at three online medical assistant programs in New Jersey, with details on the time frame, costs, admission requirements, and core curriculum.

Additional Student FAQs Answered

It’s important to be inquisitive as you make this crucial step to start your medical billing and coding career. Below, we’ve chosen some of the most frequently asked questions that students like you want answered, including the differences between billing and coding, processes when selecting a school, financial concerns, and the possibility of remote work.

What is the difference between billing and coding roles?

It’s possible that you will end up doing both as this type of healthcare professional. Still, there are specific duties for billing and coding and different educational needs to understand them both.

Medical billing specialists help manage claims by communicating with insurance companies — and sometimes directly with patients — making changes and updating claims to get the necessary approvals that result in payment. Medical coders review patient records for all diagnoses in a medical facility, as well as details on procedures, services, and equipment. Each receives a code the medical billing specialist uses to create insurance claims.

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

Applying to an online medical billing and coding school in New Jersey is relatively straightforward. If you’re interested in a program outside of a university setting, applying may be as simple as hitting “Enroll Now” on that business’ website and completing any subsequent steps. If you’re planning to complete a course through a college or university, you may need to submit an application with proof that you’ve graduated high school and meet any age requirements. You may also be required to complete prerequisites. It all varies between types of learning institutions, so always check their websites for the full details.

Is accreditation necessary for the medical billing and coding program I pick?

Accreditation is essential. Accredited programs have met specific educational quality standards, and earning your certificate or degree from one is required by most healthcare facilities. Organizations that accredit these programs include the Commission of Accreditation for Health Informatics and Information Management Education (CAHIIM), the American Academy of Professional Coders (AAPC), and the Accrediting Bureau of Health Education Schools (ABHES). The group that administers the school’s accreditation will likely depend on whether it is a private school, community college, or university, but look for some kind of validation from an independent source before you apply.

Is financial aid available for my medical billing and coding education?

While it depends on your learning institution, there are routes that students can take to earn financial aid dollars. Check with the college or university financial aid department to see what may be available for this educational track. There are also federal and private grants for health careers, federal or private bank loans, or work-study programs through a healthcare organization. The Free Application for Federal Student Aid, commonly known as a FASFA form, is another source. You may have to do some digging to get some financial help, but it is available.

Can I work remotely as a medical billing and coding professional?

Yes, working remotely is one of the perks of working as a medical biller and coder. The option to work from home is still highly sought-after, and these healthcare offices or facilities know that. How that gets handled for your working hours may vary, though. Some businesses can immediately start you 100% remote, while others request that you first perform a certain amount of billing or coding time in its office setting. In this scenario, the professional can negotiate their work location once they are more comfortable with the facility’s systems.

Certifications and Continuing Education in New Jersey

Being certified as a medical and coding specialist is essential to get a job at a New Jersey health facility. After you pass a course on medical billing and coding, three certification tests are standard.

To work exclusively in medical billing, you’ll want to take the AAPC Certified Professional Biller (CPB) exam. Meanwhile, you’ll want to take the AAPC Certified Professional Coder (CPC) exam to work in medical coding. For those looking to work in both career tracks, you’ll want to take the Certified Billing and Coding Specialist, or CBCS, exam administered by the National Healthcareer Association. The AAPC exams are $400 each, and the CBCS cost is $120, but many billing and coding programs offer vouchers for them that you pay as part of your tuition.

As for continuing education, the total of credits you need before renewal varies between 10 and 15 a year, depending on your exact certification.

How Much Do Medical Billers and Coders Make in New Jersey?