Go to the Commission on Accreditation for Health Informatics and Information Management Education (CAHIIM) website to choose a school that is accredited by the organization. Use the website's accredited program directory to find a school in your state by choosing the Accredited Association (HIT) Program level, type medical billing and coding in the box next to the program name, choose your state, distance-learning option and click "Search." Go to the CAHIIM-accredited school of your choice and sign up for its associate's degree program in medical billing and coding.
Complete classes in fundamentals of anatomy, Microsoft windows applications, English composition, diagnostic coding, procedural coding, introduction to human disease, health insurance and reimbursement management, general psychology, sociology and health information management. Obtain skills in medical coding, procedure coding, computer keyboarding, business administration, spreadsheet application, data entry, critical thinking, computer software and medical billing.
Take the exam given through the school to become certified as an insurance billing and coding specialist after you complete the two-year program. Pass the two-part test that consists of 60 multiple-choice questions and 180 hands-on medical-case records to examine and code, which you are required to complete in four hours.