Program Overview
The Medical Billing & Coding program is designed to prepare students for specialized administrative roles within the healthcare industry, focusing on the accurate documentation, classification, and processing of medical information for billing and insurance purposes. This comprehensive course provides in-depth training in diagnostic and procedural coding, healthcare reimbursement systems, and regulatory compliance.
Students will learn to translate medical diagnoses and procedures into standardized codes using the ICD-10-CM, CPT, and HCPCS coding systems. The curriculum also includes instruction on health insurance plans, billing procedures, electronic health records (EHR), and legal and ethical guidelines—including HIPAA compliance.
Skills and Competencies Gained
- Medical Coding Proficiency
- Health Insurance & Reimbursement
- Electronic Health Records (EHR) Management
- Legal Regulations and Compliance
Credential Information
Credential Attained:
Students who complete the program will be eligible to challenge the National Healthcareer Association (NHA) – Certified Billing & Coding Specialist (CBCS) exam and receive a Certificate of Completion with Continuing Education Units (CEUs).
Official Website:
https://www.nhanow.com/
Exam Format:
The Certified Billing & Coding Specialist (CBCS) certification exam is a computer-based test consisting of 100 scored multiple-choice questions and 20 pretest questions that do not count toward the final score. Candidates have 2 hours to complete the exam, which can be taken at any NHA-approved testing center or online through live remote proctoring.
Registration Requirements
- Must be at least 18 years of age
- High school diploma or GED
- Clean criminal background
- Proficiency in English (reading, writing, and speaking)
Additional Notes
A program uniform is required. The curriculum includes hands-on coding scenarios and practical application exercises to help students gain real-world experience and reinforce their understanding of medical billing and coding practices.
Need More Information?
Contact the Continuing Education Department:
Main Campus: (956) 721-5374
South Campus: (956) 794-4520
Email: CE_Staff@laredo.edu
Visit our class schedule for upcoming course dates.