Online and School Support Resources for Medical Billing and Coding Students
From student support centers to online communities, learn where to find valuable resources and services that can give you an edge in college.
Completing a medical billing and coding program can be tough, yet the rewards are worth the effort. Knowing where to get support along the way is crucial, however. Valuable resources are available from a wide range of sources, from your school to professional organizations and helpful websites. They can help you find ways to pay for school, get the best grades possible, prepare for professional certification, discover employment opportunities after graduation, and much more. This guide designed as a comprehensive starting point to find these resources. Keep reading to see where to get the help you need for your medical billing and coding training.
Medical Billing and Coding Student Support Centers and Services
When looking for help as a medical billing and coding student (whether you’re taking classes online or on-campus), one of the first places you should contact is your school’s or department’s student support center. Whatever you need a hand with, from financial aid and tutoring to finding an internship or job leads, they’ll be able to point you in the right direction. And while every school offers some level of student services, some go above and beyond for their medical billing and coding students. We’ve spotlighted three of these schools to give you an idea of what quality student support looks like. Learn more about each school’s student support services below, and see if your school (or the one you’re considering attending) offers similar services.
University of Tennessee – Martin
The University of Tennessee – Martin (UTM) has a huge selection of almost a dozen online Health Ed Today online programs, including its Medical and Billing Coding program. This program can be completed in less than six months with a self-paced curriculum. To help students succeed in class and in practice, UTM assists them by offering a few special features. These include access to mentoring or instructor support 24/7, automatic access to career assistance (including resume writing and career instruction), online performance tracking, and special policies for student collaborative learning.
Texas A&M University – Kingsville
At the Texas A&M University – Kingsville, students can enroll in the six-month Medical Billing and Coding online certificate program. In addition to the coursework, there are three levels of services for students. First, there are student support services, which include technical support, student success calls, and study groups. Second, there are instructor services. Examples include mentoring, exam feedback, real-time test results, and prompt instructor response times. Finally, there are career services. Medical billing and coding students at Texas A&M – Kingsville can take advantage of externships, national certification guidance, and time management assistance.
Beaufort County Community College
Those seeking a medical billing and coding career with an administrative tilt will be interested in Beaufort County Community College’s (BCCC) Medical Office Administration – Medical Coding, Billing & Insurance program. The overall curriculum teaches the skills necessary to provide both administrative and billing and coding assistance. To provide academic assistance to students, BCCC has its Learning Enhancement Center. One of its premier services is tutoring. Tutors include student peers, industry professionals, and faculty. Students can get this assistance in-person with one-on-one or group tutoring sessions. For online students, there are online options available 24/7.
Resources for Online Medical Billing and Coding Students
If you choose to earn your medical billing and coding credential through an online program like many others are these days, you’ll want to know where find support. Whether it’s helping you find a program, pay for a program, or get the best grades possible, here’s a list of quality resources for future and current online medical billing and coding students.
- Accredited Medical Billing & Coding Schools Online with Financial Aid
Discover top schools offering financial aid packages, find scholarship opportunities for medical billing and coding students, and learn about other ways to pay for your medical billing and coding education. - The Best Online Medical Billing & Coding Schools
Compare this year’s top-ranked schools with online medical billing and coding programs, learn about all of the program options, and see if online learning is right for you. - Coding Intel
This online resource serves as a virtual library for anyone looking for additional guidance in learning medical coding, as well as recently implemented changes to the profession. - Find-a-Code
This database allows you to look up and learn more about various codes used in the medical and billing industry. - How to Choose a Medical Coding Credentialing Organization
An in-depth guide comparing and contrasting the two major medical billing and coding credentialing organizations: AHIMA and the AAPC. - Online Medical Billing & Coding Certification
This guide provides an informative explanation of the certifications available for medical billers and coders. Learn more about the certification process and how to prepare for certification exams.
Professional Associations
One of the best ways to make the most of your medical billing education and career is to join a professional organization. They provide networking and growth opportunities that simply cannot be found in the classroom, and many offer discounted rates and special perks for students. Learn about some of the most popular medical billing and coding organizations and associations below.
- AAPC
Formerly known as the American Academy of Professional Coders, the AAPC is an organization for professionals working in the areas of healthcare, including medical billing and coding. - American Health Information Management Association (AHIMA)
AHIMA works on behalf of improving the health information industry and offers several popular coding and related certifications. - American Medical Billing Association (AMBA)
This organization helps members advance their medical billing careers through networking and obtaining either the Certified Medical Reimbursement Specialist (CMRS) or Certified Medical Coding Specialist (CMCS) certifications. - Healthcare Business Management Association (HBMA)
The HMBA represents the interests of healthcare billing professionals. It accomplishes this goal by providing collaboration and learning opportunities for its members. - Medical Association of Billers
This membership organization is best known for the Certified Medical Billing Specialist (CMBS), which is the oldest billing and coding certification in the United States. - Medical Group Management Association (MGMA)
The MGMA represents the interests of healthcare managers and other leaders in a medical organization; it provides learning and professional advancement opportunities.
Social Media and Online Communities
If you’re interested in obtaining the most up-to-date news, as well as opinions and comments of online individuals and key organizations in the medical billing and coding field, you should keep an eye on social media. Below is a list of some of the more active, notable and influential social media platforms and other online communities.
- AAPC Facebook Group
This is the official Facebook Group of the AAPC, where individuals can learn more about events and news updates. - ahimaresources on Instagram
This is the official Instagram page of AHIMA, aiming to both educate and inform its followers. - Medical Billing and Coding Exchange Facebook Group
This public Facebook group offers the opportunity for students and professionals to ask questions, get answers, and discuss key issues concerning their work and education. - Medical Billing and Coding Forum – AAPC
Hosted by one of the preeminent professional organizations for the billing and coding profession, this forum allows current and prospective medical billers and coders to exchange ideas and ask questions. - r/CodingandBilling Subreddit
This subreddit allows members the opportunity to ask questions about the profession and discuss pertinent issues in the industry.
Articles, Videos and Books
Industry articles, videos, books can help you stay current and discover more about the medical billing and coding profession. You can find information on what programs are like, what the career itself will entail, how to make the transition from college to career, and so much more. Here are some of the most helpful and popular options within the medical billing and coding community.
- The ABCs of Medical Billing and Coding (YouTube)
This video doesn’t have the most recent information, but contains valuable lessons and guidance on applying billing and coding principles to the real world. - BC Advantage
This is a digital and print magazine for professionals in the medical billing industry. Published bimonthly, content includes articles, webinars, and continuing education resources. - ClaimCare Medical Billing Blog
Operated by a successful medical billing company, this blog offers a discussion on current issues and developments in the medical billing profession. - ICD-10-CM 2021: The Complete Official Codebook: Spiralbound with Guidelines
Published by the American Medical Association, this book contains the diagnostic code set of the ICD-10. This book is helpful when taking certification exams. - Introduction to ICD-10 Coding (YouTube)
Created by the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services, this video provides a brief overview of the current billing and coding standards. - RCM Advisor
The online journal from the Healthcare Business Management Association, this virtual periodical offers its access to news and developments in the healthcare management and administration industry.
