Comprehensive Medical Billing Training

Medical billing is the process used by healthcare providers and insurance companies to collect payment for health insurance claims. According to the American Medical Billing Association, for a medical biller working for a doctor’s office or other healthcare provider, the process involves submitting claims, inquiring about unpaid claims, and appealing improper claim denials. Medical billers are an integral part of a healthcare provider’s reimbursement process, though they can also work for independent third-party billing companies.

Medical billers and health claims examiners interact with patients, healthcare providers and insurance companies to accurately record procedures and provide explanation of payment options. In our Medical Billing training, students will learn how to do the following:

• Recognize terminology related to healthcare procedures for the purposes of effective billing
• Understand billing and reimbursement methods used by hospitals, medical offices, and various types of health plans
• Process health insurance claims through every stage of the claims cycle, from initial submission to denial appeals
• Determine and discuss billing and reimbursement options with patients
• Use logic-based, computerized medical billing software

If you’re interested in a career on the business side of healthcare, medical billing might be a good fit for you.

Here are some of the top skills and attributes that make for a great medical biller:

Active listening — Medical billers need to be able to communicate with patients, doctors, and insurance companies. This includes active listening and understanding.

Service orientation — A great healthcare worker is one with a passion for helping patients and for providing the best possible care experience.

Complex problem solving — Are you good at logic puzzles? Medical billers often need to review information, evaluate viable options and implement solutions.

Time management — A good medical biller manages their time in order to process patient information in an efficient manner.

Communication — Medical billers often need to use their knowledge of medical terminology and procedures to communicate with both patients and insurance companies.

To be admitted into the Medical Billing program at ACC, you must show proof of high school graduation or a recognized equivalent. You must also pass an entrance exam, meet with an admissions advisor, sign an enrollment agreement, and pay a non-refundable application fee. For the full list of admission requirements, please visit the ACC Catalog.

Medical billers and health claims examiners can work in a variety of settings, including:

• Physicians’ offices
• Dentists’ offices
• General medical and surgical hospitals
• Offices of other health practitioners
• Insurance companies
• Independent billing companies^1,2

¹California Employment Development Department Occupation Profile, Medical Secretaries
²American Medical Billing Association

Yes! At ACC, we provide you with the support you need as you prepare to transition from college to career. Our Career Services team can assist you with career planning, one-on-one career counseling, job placement assistance, professional development workshops, and more. Learn more on our Career Services page.

Yes, at ACC, our Medical Billing coursework is 100% online, which gives you greater flexibility to work while you’re completing your program. You will, however, be required to complete a 180-hour, in-person externship at the end of the program at a site in the greater Los Angeles area.

The American Career College medical billing curriculum is divided into standalone learning units called class modules, which include:

• Medical Billing Procedures
• Claims Processing
• Hospital Billing
• Reimbursement and Denial Management
• Managed Care and Private Health Plans
• State and Government Health Plans

In these modules, students learn about different types of health insurance plans and reimbursement methods, the claims cycle, logic-based computerized software, day-to-day office procedures and more.

Our medical billing students also participate in an in-person, 180-hour externship, which allows them to put the knowledge and skills they learned into practice. Externs work under the direct supervision of qualified personnel at the externship site under the general supervision of college staff.

For a complete description of coursework in these modules, please refer to the ACC Catalog.

Students can earn their diploma to become a medical biller and health claims examiner in approximately 7 months.

Our admissions advisors and financial aid advisors are here to support you. They can help you figure out the cost of medical billing school and help you explore financial aid options.

To learn more about ACC’s Medical Billing program cost, access our tuition info.

You do not need a certification to become a medical biller in California. However, passing a certification exam can help demonstrate that you are proficient in the medical billing process, and some employers may make certification a requirement.¹ Two medical billing certification options include the Certified Medical Reimbursement Specialist (CMRS) Exam administered by the American Medical Billing Association² and the Certified Professional Biller (CPB) Exam administered by the American Academy of Professional Coders.³

¹What is medical billing?”, American Medical Billing Association
²“CMRS Information for medical billing certification,” American Medical Billing Association
³“Certified Professional Biller (CPB)® certification,” American Academy of Professional Coders

Yes, financial aid and scholarships are available for those who qualify.

Yes! ACC's Medical Billing program includes an in-person, 180-hour externship which gives students the opportunity to demonstrate and reinforce the knowledge and skills they acquired learning hands-on throughout the training program.