Comprehensive Guide to Medical Coding Refresher Courses and Free Training

Medical coding is a dynamic field requiring continuous learning and certification. For professionals looking to update their skills, re-certify, or explore new credentialing bodies, refresher courses are invaluable. This guide delves into various options, from structured certification programs to free introductory courses, helping you navigate the landscape of medical coding education.

Medical Management Institute (MMI) Refresher Course

The Medical Coding Refresher Course by MMI is specifically designed for three types of individuals:

• Someone who was a certified coder, but has let their certification lapse and needs a quick update before recertifying.
• Someone who has been in medical coding and has a lot of experience, but wants to make sure they understand the material before they get certified.
• Someone who already has a certification, but wants to change to a new credentialing body and get their RMC.

This self-paced course provides access to high-level content to ensure understanding of the knowledge and skills needed for the credentialing exam. You have the control to focus on specific topics within coding where you need more work. Instructors are available for assistance throughout the course. Upon completion, you will have unlimited attempts at the practice exam and two attempts at the RMC (Registered Medical Coder) exam, which is conducted online and included in the course. Passing the exam leads to official credentialing with the Medical Management Institute and receipt of your RMC certificate.

Program Focus and Content

The RMC refresher program prepares students to test for the Registered Medical Coder (RMC) certification exam through the Medical Management Institute (MMI). This program is specifically geared toward medical coding for outpatient/physician offices. The training is administered online and begins with the basics: identifying the purpose of the CPT®, ICD-10-CM, and HCPCS II code systems. Once those topics are established, it moves into federal healthcare regulations, audits, compliance, and how it all fits within the revenue cycle.

This training specifically covers:

• Coding conventions when assigning ICD-10-CM (diagnoses), CPT®, and HCPCS II (procedure) codes.
• Each section of the CPT® manual with an emphasis on terminology, modifier usage, coding guidelines, and coding practice.
• Evaluation & Management (E&M) coding with a detailed focus on levels of service.
• Additional guidance, updates, and learning tools on how to apply the ICD-10-CM coding guidelines (officially implemented October 2015).
• HCPCS Level II with an emphasis on temporary national codes, supplies and DME, and modifiers, as well as services that are routine, non-covered, or not medically necessary.
• An overview of the Medicare Program with additional training on special CMS coding rules, billing rules, modifiers, and the National Correct Coding Initiative.

While the RMC Training & Certification Program is available in an interactive or self-paced training environment, both versions cover the following content:

• Introduction to medical coding systems, healthcare delivery, and other revenue cycle functions within the healthcare arena.
• Introduction and overview of ICD-10-CM (Diagnosis) in comparison to ICD-9.
• ICD-10-CM coding guidelines and conventions.
• General CPT® (Procedural) coding overview, guidelines, and conventions.
• CPT® Evaluation & Management (E&M).
• CPT® Modifier.
• In-depth look at each CPT® code range.
• HCPCS coding system (emphasis on Level II).
• Federal healthcare regulations, laws and sentencing guidelines, audits, and compliance in revenue cycle.
• Medicare rules and regulations.
• OIG compliance and OIG work plan.
• Simulated practice exam (unlimited attempts).
• RMC certification exam (two attempts).

The RMC Coding Refresher Program was created by MMI’s team of seasoned and certified instructors. Required textbooks include CPT® Professional Edition, ICD-10-CM Expert for Physicians, and HCPCS Level II (current year editions). These textbooks are not included but are available to purchase through MMI at a discounted rate when enrolling in the program. To sign up for the Registered Medical Coder (RMC) refresher training, you must have a good background in medical coding.

Pricing for MMI Refresher Course

Item	Price	Notes
Tuition	$599
Required Materials (CPT, ICD-10, HCPCS)	$290	Includes Shipping
Anatomy & Terminology	$400	Optional
Career Development	$200	Optional

Sage Clinical RCM Refresher Courses

Sage Clinical RCM offers medical coding refresher courses on complex and challenging Inpatient, Outpatient, and ProFee coding topics. Through practical examples and real-world scenarios, coders and auditors will learn how to apply official coding guidelines, as well as review case studies and Coding Clinics, to become a master of these diagnoses and procedures. Learners and Corporate teams can access all content and medical coding refresher courses on their user-friendly Learning Management Software, conveniently accessible 24/7 on any device.

Why Choose Sage Clinical RCM

Sage Clinical RCM provides a cost-effective program to assess and identify coder’s coding skills, offering a personalized learning path for coders to learn, practice, and receive practical mentoring towards your organization’s coding quality goals. It is crucial to complete ongoing education to ensure coders have the most accurate and up-to-date coding knowledge. Their webinars, learning paths, and coder academies provide low-cost CEUs and education with practical examples and real-world scenarios on the latest medical coding and billing guidelines from nationally recognized educators.

Course Categories and Bundles

Sage Clinical RCM’s offerings include collections of courses focused on specific coding areas:

• ICD-10-CM COURSES: A practical review of complex diagnosis coding topics.
• ICD-10-PCS COURSES: Webinars allowing learners to hone their coding skills on challenging procedures.
• CPT COURSES: Training to help learners master the latest insights on CPT coding topics.

Courses are categorized, covering topics such as COVID-19 Medical Coding Training, CPT Coding Updates, CPT Training Refresher Courses, Free ICD-10 & CPT Medical Coding Webinars, ICD-10 Coding Updates, and Medical Coding Hot Topics. Annual Bundle Subscriptions offer 200+ CEUs annually. Coding Team Bundle Subscriptions provide unlimited access to practical, focused content for 12 months for one annual fee, with team functionality for supervisors to track progress.

Free Medical Billing and Coding Courses

For those interested in exploring the field of medical billing and coding without an initial financial commitment, free programs offer an excellent starting point. While these programs typically do not provide certification or degrees, they are a great way to learn if it’s the right career path for you.

Overview of Free Programs

Free medical billing and coding programs are typically short courses or one-off classes that may provide helpful introductory education and resources. Most of these programs do not result in a certificate, diploma, or degree. Here are some top free programs for 2025:

1. Introduction to Medical Coding Course, Absolute Medical Coding Institute (AMCI): A self-contained program covering fundamental medical coding, medical terminology, and anatomy. It benefits those exploring a medical coding career or needing a beginner-level refresher. Students can access it anytime.
2. Basics of Medical Billing & Coding Online Course: A self-paced course offering over 50 video lessons, 45 important medical office forms, and around 200 pages of downloadable materials. It's a shorter version of their Fundamentals of Medical Billing Course and does not provide certification. Learners can access it anytime.
3. 1-Hour Introductory Course on Medical Billing and Coding: Nearly 30K people have taken this course, with an average rating of 4.6 out of five stars. Course takers learn about medical coder and biller tasks, diagnostics coding and procedural coding, and how to gain work experience. This free course offers online video content, but no certificate or instructor Q&A. Students can sign up anytime.
4. Learn Medical Billing in One Hour: Dr. Chrono, YouTube: A helpful one-hour YouTube video providing a basic understanding of medical billing. Over 100 viewers commented on its helpfulness, praising its clear explanation. It's accessible anytime.
5. How to Become a Medical Biller & Coder in 6 Months or Less Masterclass: Offered by YouTuber Victoria Moll, these free videos guide aspiring medical coders on how to enter the profession without student debt or a college degree. She teaches common pitfalls, employer expectations, and resume essentials. Accessible anytime.

These free resources can serve as an excellent introduction or a beginner-level refresher for individuals considering a career in medical billing and coding.