How to Become a Medical Biller in California

Medical billers play an essential role within medical offices and healthcare organizations, as they handle all aspects of insurance claims and the reimbursement process. A consistent flow of payments allows providers to keep their doors open and continue delivering timely care to patients, so the value of an efficient medical biller should not be overlooked.

Medical billing can be especially multifaceted in California, given the state’s large population, complex insurance system with a diverse range of health insurance payers, and strict insurance laws and regulations. This is why it’s important to complete a comprehensive training program if you’re interested in pursuing a career in medical billing in the Golden State.

In this career guide, we share the steps for becoming a medical biller.

Earn a High School Diploma or Equivalent
Complete a Comprehensive Medical Billing Program
Earn a Medical Billing Certification (Optional)
Apply for Jobs and Start Your Career
Start Working Toward Your Goal Today

Want more details about the Medical Billing program?

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Earn a High School Diploma or Equivalent

Whether you’re looking to go straight into the workforce and learn on the job or you’re planning to enroll in a medical billing program, you will need to have a high school diploma or the equivalent (such as a GED or HSE). You also typically need to be at least 18 years old to work in an entry-level medical billing role. If you apply for a medical billing program and you’re under the age of 18, you will likely need a signature from a parent or guardian.

If you choose to apply to a program, you may need to fulfill additional requirements, which will vary based on the school. For example, you may need to pass a standardized entrance exam, meet with an admissions advisor, or undergo a background check.

Complete a Comprehensive Medical Billing Program

While not required in California, it is common for employers to look for candidates who have completed a medical billing program, such as a diploma or associate degree program. A medical billing program provides you with the foundational knowledge you need in order to handle all aspects of insurance claims and patient collections for a healthcare facility or organization, or for an insurance company.

In your medical billing program, you should learn about topics such as:

Medical billing procedures (including those related to hospitals)
Billing for various types of health plans
Insurance claims processing
Reimbursement and denial management

Many aspiring medical billers choose diploma programs because they can typically be completed in less time than associate degree programs. For example, American Career College’s online medical billing diploma program can be completed in approximately seven months.

While the program’s coursework is completed online, ACC medical billing students gain practical hands-on experience through a 180-hour, in-person externship that is completed prior to graduation.

When researching medical billing programs, make sure to choose an institution that is accredited and accommodates your needs — whether that means one-on-one career guidance, access to no-cost tutoring, or a flexible online format.

Learn more about ACC's Medical Billing program

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View full program details

Earn a Medical Billing Certification (Optional)

While you do not have to be licensed or certified to work as a medical biller in California, earning a professional certification can serve as additional proof of your knowledge and expertise within the field. Being certified by a reputable industry association or organization could help you stand out to employers (and some employers may even require certification), potentially giving you a competitive edge.

A few certifications you may want to consider include the:

Certified Professional Biller (CPB) certification offered by the American Academy of Professional Coders (AAPC)
Certified Billing and Coding Specialist (CBCS) certification offered by the National Healthcareer Association (NHA)
Certified Medical Reimbursement Specialist (CMRS) certification offered by the Certifying Board of the American Medical Billing Association (CBAMBA)

It’s important to note that many medical billing professionals also have certifications in medical coding. You may want to explore AAPC’s Certified Professional Coder (CPC) and CPB dual certifications for medical billers and coders, as well as other coding-specific certifications. You may also want to consider a certification that is relevant to any healthcare specialty in which you work or aspire to work.

When looking for a training program, make sure to choose one that builds certification exam prep into your formal education. The Medical Billing program at ACC helps its students prepare for the CPB and CMRS exams.

Apply for Jobs and Start Your Career

A good medical billing training program will provide you with resources to help get started in your career. This can range from one-on-one career counseling to professional development workshops to hands-on assistance with job placement.

American Career College has a Career Services department that provides all ACC students and alumni with these support services and more. Be sure to leverage any career support services that are offered by your program and tap into any connections you have built through your networking.

Start Working Toward Your Goal Today

If you’re ready to pursue your medical billing education, it’s an excellent time to get started!

With its industry-current curriculum, hands-on training, and flexible online format, ACC’s online Medical Billing program may be the right fit for you. Earn your diploma in approximately 7 months and get the support you need to transition from college to career.

Learn more about the Medical Billing program at ACC and apply today!