IMBC Programs

Medical Billing and Coding (Diploma)

Diploma in Erie, PA or Pittsburgh, PA

Are you the type of person others call “detail-oriented?” Do you enjoy working with data, information, and computers? Are your strong organization skills second only to your passion for accuracy and organization? Keep reading to learn how a career in medical billing and coding might be right for you.

  • Program Length: About 14 Months1
  • Format: On-Campus (with an online option)2
  • Course Length: 6 Weeks
  • Average Class Size: 25 or Less
  • Job Outlook: 60,500 New Jobs by 20283
  • Job Placement Rate: 100% for Erie and Pittsburgh4

IMBC Student Stories

Margarita Yunikov

"What I like about IMBC is the hands-on training. Employers want real-life practical skills. That’s why IMBC graduates get great jobs. I’m glad I made the decision to attend IMBC."

Margarita Yunikov, Medical Billing & Coding (Diploma)

The healthcare and health insurance industries generate an enormous number of medical and patient records. In a medical billing and coding career, you are responsible for classifying individual diagnoses and medical procedures for billing and reimbursement purposes with ICD-10-CM, CPT, HCPCS and PCS codes. You’ll typically work in an office environment at a computer workstation reviewing electronic healthcare records (or EHR).

You’ll learn about medical terminology and the reference codes used for reimbursement between the doctor’s office or hospital and the insurance companies. You’ll also study office management, computer basics, medical terminology, and anatomy and physiology. Students in this program will receive hands-on training in medical billing software and in the completion, submission, and claims resolution techniques for CMS-1500 and UB04 forms.

Eligible students enrolled in the Erie or Pittsburgh campus diploma program may be able to take some of their courses online for additional scheduling flexibility. Contact admissions for additional information and requirements.

Toward the completion of your program, all students will participate in an internship that lets you practice your new skills in a real healthcare setting with professional supervision. Prior to your internship, students will be required to have a physical and to verify current and up-to-date vaccinations and immunizations. Some medical internship sites may also require a criminal background check. Please speak with your admissions representative prior to enrolling in this program if a drug test or background check presents an obstacle for you. You may be required to relocate to obtain gainful employment.

Finally, upon the successful completion of your program, you will be prepared to seek certification to demonstrate your mastery of the course material. The National Association for Health Professionals (NAHP) offers a Nationally Registered Certified Coding Specialist (NRCCS) exam and certification. The cost of the professional certification exam is included in your program. Certification exams are not required for employment; however, students who pass voluntary third-party certification exams validate their competencies, skills, and abilities in the specialized field of study. IMBC believes students passing certification exams have a more competitive employment advantage for being hired over students with no certification.

Does this sound like a great program for you? Contact IMBC using the form on this page to learn more about enrolling today!

Top questions about Medical Billing and Coding Diploma training and career outcomes:

  1. What does a medical billing and coding specialist do?
    Medical billing and coding specialists play a vital role in a healthcare facility or medical office by accurately recording patient procedures in healthcare records and properly submitting them to insurance companies for payment. Billing and coding specialists may also work directly with patients to help them navigate healthcare bills and reimbursements. You’ll typically work in an office setting at a desk with a computer and may spend time on the phone speaking with insurers and patients.
  2. What types of places does a medical biller and coder work at?
    Medical billing and coding specialists will typically work at hospitals, clinics, physician offices, dental offices, nursing care facilities, or insurance companies.
  3. How long is the medical billing and coding training program?
    Typical students will complete the medical billing and coding training program in about 14 months. However, your actual time will vary depending on your academic progress, success, the number of courses you take, and other factors.
  4. What should I look for in a top school for medical billing and coding training?
    Consider your options carefully by ensuring your school is accredited to make sure the program meets generally accepted academic standards. Look for a school that fits your schedule and work-life balance and can provide you the support you need, such as tutoring and career services. And finally, find out if your school will prepare you for taking any necessary certifications as well as cover those exam costs.
  5. Is there an internship for the medical billing and coding program?
    Yes, in IMBC’s Medical Billing and Coding training program, all students will participate in an internship that lets you practice your new skills in a real healthcare setting with professional supervision.
  6. What is the certification exam in the medical billing and coding training program?
    Upon the successful completion of your program, you will be prepared to seek a certification to demonstrate your mastery of the course material. The National Association for Health Professionals (NAHP) offers a Nationally Registered Certified Coding Specialist (NRCCS) exam and certification. The cost of the professional certification exam is included in your program. Certification exams are not required for employment; however, students who pass voluntary third-party certification exams validate their competencies, skills, and abilities in the specialized field of study. IMBC believes students passing certification exams have a more competitive employment advantage for being hired over students with no certification.

 

Graduates of this program are prepared to seek entry-level employment in the field of medical billing and coding in the following types of organizations:

  • Hospitals
  • Clinics
  • Physician offices
  • Dental offices
  • Nursing care facilities
  • Insurance companies

Some medical internship sites and employers may require a criminal background check prior to starting. Please speak with your admissions representative prior to enrolling in this program if a background check presents an obstacle for you. Students may need to relocate to obtain gainful employment.

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By submitting the information you have provided, you agree that IMBC or its authorized agents may contact you by phone, email, and text message via automated systems to provide you with information about training opportunities at the phone numbers you provided above, including any wireless number(s). You are under no obligation to consent to automated contact to enroll. Alternatively to submitting this form you may call us at 855.773.0758. Note that all calls are recorded for quality assurance.

By submitting the information you have provided, you agree that IMBC or its authorized agents may contact you by phone, email, and text message via automated systems to provide you with information about training opportunities at the phone numbers you provided above, including any wireless number(s). You are under no obligation to consent to automated contact to enroll. Alternatively to submitting this form you may call us at 855.773.0758. Note that all calls are recorded for quality assurance.

  1. This figure represents the typical length a program takes to complete. However, your actual program completion time may vary based upon your academic progress, course progression, and any breaks.
  2. Eligible students enrolled in the Erie or Pittsburgh campus diploma program may be able to take some courses in their program online for additional scheduling flexibility.
  3. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics and O*NET Online (https://www.onetonline.org/link/summary/43-3021.00)
  4. Reported ABHES placement rates for the 2021-2022 reporting year.