Medical Billing & Coding Schools Online in Alaska: Top Programs

Online Medical Billing/Coding Classes in Alaska: Understanding Your Options

Choosing the right online medical billing and coding program in Alaska is crucial to your academic and professional success. Fortunately, there are several top-notch fully-online and hybrid-formatted program options available that will prepare you for success in any of several medical billing and coding careers. To get you started in your program search, here are spotlights of three quality Alaska-based programs currently available. These spotlights will help you gain a solid understanding what you can expect from your medical billing and coding education in terms of curriculum, content delivery, program completion times and costs, and preparation for national certification.

FAQs to Common Alaska Student Questions

If you’ve read through the program spotlights above, you’ve likely thought of a number questions regarding medical billing and coding programs and careers generally. Here are the answers to five of the most often asked questions by prospective medical billing and coding students. If you have additional questions, don’t hesitate to contact the programs you’re considering directly for answers.

What’s the cost of a medical billing and coding program in AK?

Costs of medical billing and coding programs in Alaska vary, sometimes substantially, depending on several factors including the program’s subject (billing, coding, or combination of both), credential type (certificate, associate degree, etc.), particular school (public or private), and whether you attend classes online or on campus. The cost figures listed in the spotlights above offer a good idea of the range of prices you’ll find during your program search. It’s important to keep in mind, though, that many students will be able to get help in paying for their medical billing and coding training through one or more financial aid resources such as in-house or external scholarships and grants, employer tuition reimbursement programs, and student loans. Be sure to contact the financial aid offices at the programs you’re considering for detailed information on available funding resources.

How can I tell if a medical billing and coding program is accredited?

Accreditation is a major factor to consider when choosing your medical billing and coding program. Accredited programs have been rigorously reviewed to ensure they meet specific needs and provide a quality education that prepares you to succeed. The two major accreditors of medical billing and coding programs in the U.S. are the Commission of Accreditation for Health Informatics and Information Management Education (CAHIIM) and the American Academy of Professional Coders (AAPC). You can check current program accreditation status on the AAPC and CAHIIM websites. You’ll also typically find accreditation information on program websites. If not, be sure to contact the program directly.

Are medical billing and coding the same thing?

While there are many similarities between medical billing and medical coding (with some overlapping tasks), there are clear differences as well. Generally speaking, medical billing involves the submission of claims to insurance companies and patients for payment. Medical coding, on the other hand, is the process of translating medical procedures and treatments into a language understood throughout the healthcare and insurance industries via use of a standard alphanumeric coding system. Although medical billing and coding are separate activities, it is not uncommon for individuals to do both. Overall, both medical billing and coding are critical components in the process of providing healthcare services to patients.

Can I work from home as a medical biller or coder?

That depends on the particular job and employer. But it’s not uncommon for medical billers and coders to work remotely on either a part-time or full-time basis. That’s due to the nature of the job tasks themselves, which are conducted primarily online through the use of billing and coding software programs. Along with completion of your medical billing and coding training program, requirements for working as a medical biller or coder from home include a computer with the necessary software applications (often provided by your employer) and a secure, HIPAA-compliant internet connection. And, as with your online medical coding and billing education program, you’ll need a strong foundation in self-discipline that allows you to work effectively and independently to meet job deadlines and responsibilities.

Is medical billing and coding a good career?

That depends on your unique professional and personal skills, needs and interests. For example, medical billing and coding can be a rewarding career choice for individuals who enjoy working with numbers, have a strong attention to detail, and are interested in the healthcare industry. Additionally, medical billers and coders – particularly top earners – enjoy competitive salaries (further details on medical billing and coding salaries in Alaska can be found below). And if family obligations and a better work-life balance are important factors for you, then the convenience of working full-time or part-time from home makes medical billing and coding a good career choice.

Alaska’s Options for Medical Billing and Coding Certifications and Continuing Education

Certification is not required by the State of Alaska to work as a medical biller or coder in the state. It is, however, often either required or preferred by employers. So, possessing one or more national certifications in the medical billing and coding field is highly recommended to bolster your resume and help you stand out in a competitive job market. Among the most widely recognized national certifications are the AAPC’s Certified Professional Biller (CPB) and Certified Professional Coder (CPC), and the AHIMA’s Certified Coding Associate (CCA) and Certified Coding Specialist (CCS). Obtaining any of these or other certifications requires meeting specific education and work experience requirements along with passing a certification exam. It’s important, therefore, to confirm that any education program you consider provides eligibility for one or more of these certifications.

It’s also important to bear in mind that once you’ve obtained your national certification, you’ll need to renew it on a regular basis. Renewal requirements vary by certification, but most cases include completion of a given number of continuing education units (CEUs) within a specified period of time.

Earning Potential: How Much Do Medical Billers and Coders Make in Alaska?