Alaska's Online & Campus Medical Billing and Coding Programs: Find Your Perfect Match
If you live in Alaska and want to pursue remote opportunities while helping others, discover the online or hybrid medical billing coding programs available for you. Start a new and exciting career trajectory today.
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Ready to launch a rewarding healthcare career as a medical biller or coder? There are many online medical billing and coding programs in Alaska to equip you with the essential skills and knowledge to succeed in this in-demand field.
Medical billing and coding is a critical component of the healthcare industry responsible for accurately documenting patient diagnoses and procedures, which includes submitting insurance claims for reimbursement. An online medical billing and coding program in Alaska provides you with the knowledge, skills, and experience you need to thrive in this field. As a medical biller or coder, you benefit from a stable income, flexible work arrangements, and the opportunity to make a meaningful impact on patient care.
Compared to traditional programs, online medical billing and coding programs in Alaska offer a more convenient and accessible pathway to kickstarting this fulfilling career. These programs provide flexibility for students to balance their education with work or family commitments, allowing them to learn at their own pace and from anywhere with an internet connection.
This page explores several of the most popular online medical billing and coding programs in Alaska. It also discusses the career outlook and answers some of the most common questions about the profession.
Alaska’s Popular Medical Billing & Coding Programs
Choosing the right online medical billing and coding program in Alaska is crucial to your success. Fortunately, the state offers several top-notch online options that provide comprehensive coursework and hands-on learning experiences to prepare you for success. Explore three of the most popular online medical billing and coding programs in Alaska, highlighted below, to get you started.
University of Alaska Fairbanks
The University of Alaska Fairbanks (UAF) offers an online Medical Coding training program designed to prepare students for entry-level positions in hospitals, clinics, medical offices, and other healthcare settings. The program’s comprehensive curriculum covers key concepts such as analyzing medical records and assigning appropriate codes for diagnoses and reimbursement. Coursework also includes computer business applications. Students graduate prepared to take the Information Management Association (AHIMA) and American Academy of Professional Coders (AAPC) coding exams that lead to nationally recognized certification.
As an entirely online program, students can access their education from anywhere. The online learning environment provides opportunities for collaboration with faculty, peers, and advisors. The program can be completed part-time or full-time, depending on your needs and preferences, allowing for even greater flexibility. Regardless of location, you pay in-state tuition of $4,575. In terms of financial aid, the University of Alaska Fairbanks offers over 400 scholarships that you can apply for online. UAF is accredited by the Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities (NCCU).
Kodiak College – University of Alaska Anchorage
Kodiak College, a satellite campus of the University of Alaska Anchorage (UAA) College of Health, offers a fully online Occupational Endorsement Certificate (OEC) in Medical Office Coding. Led by experienced faculty, this online program utilizes advanced technology to enhance the learning experience, including interactive lab activities.
The curriculum helps you become proficient in Current Procedural Terminology (CPT), Healthcare Common Procedure Coding System (HCPCS), and International Classification of Diseases, learning both the ICD-9CM and ICD-10 code sets. You can also choose elective courses in human biology, anatomy, physiology, or billing and insurance to tailor the program to your career goals. There’s also the opportunity to enroll in an optional study course to prepare for the Certified Professional Coder (CPC) exam.
Kodiak College offers multiple start dates empowering you to finish the program in just 18 months and putting you on the fast track to your new career. This program costs $234 per credit and requires 17 credits. Kodiak College is accredited by the NCCU.
Salary & Career Overview for Medical Billing and Coding Specialists in AK
The Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) does not provide specific data for “medical billers/coders.” However, data for the broader category of “medical records specialists” encompasses this in-demand occupation.
Medical billing and coding specialists in Alaska can expect competitive salaries, though figures vary based on factors like experience, location, and the specific healthcare setting. Medical records specialists in Alaska earned an average annual salary of $55,280 in 2020, which was decently higher than the national average of $48,780. Salaries can differ significantly across Alaska, though. For example, urban areas like Anchorage and Fairbanks often offer higher compensation due to increased demand and competition.
In terms of job growth and demand for medical billing and coding specialists, Alaska is expected to remain strong. The state’s job growth is slightly higher than the national average at 8.8%. However, with less than 400 jobs available across the state annually, competition is likely to be high. This level of competition makes getting certified by an industry-recognized organization critical to boost your resume.
The tables below give you a better idea of the salary and career outlook for medical billing and coding professionals.
| Area | 10th Percentile | Median | 90th Percentile |
|---|---|---|---|
| U.S. | $35,080 | $48,780 | $77,810 |
| Alaska | $43,230 | $55,280 | $81,530 |
| Anchorage | $42,490 | $56,260 | $82,730 |
| Fairbanks | $43,230 | $52,880 | $68,460 |
Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, May 2023
| Area | Current Jobs | Projected Jobs | New Jobs | Job Growth | Avg. Annual Openings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| United States | 194,300 | 210,900 | 16,600 | 8.5% | 15,000 |
| Alaska | 340 | 370 | 30 | 8.8% | 30 |
Source: Projections Central, 2020-2030
Medical Billing and Coding Careers
Billing Analyst
Billing analysts play a crucial role in ensuring healthcare providers receive appropriate reimbursement for services rendered. They’re responsible for ensuring accurate and timely submission of insurance claims, reviewing patient records, verifying coding accuracy, and identifying errors or discrepancies to prevent claim denials. Key tasks include preparing and submitting claims, following up on claims, and reconciling accounts receivable.
Billing analysts interact with a variety of individuals, including insurance representatives, patients, medical coders, and healthcare administrators. They work closely with medical coders to ensure that coding is accurate and complete, and they collaborate with healthcare administrators to resolve billing issues and improve the revenue cycle. Billing analysts need strong communication, problem-solving, and analytical skills to be able to effectively communicate with insurance payers, patients, and healthcare providers.
Coding Auditor
Coding auditors are essential for maintaining accurate financial records and preventing fraud. They review medical records to verify the accuracy of coding assignments and compare the documented diagnoses and procedures to the appropriate codes used for billing. By identifying coding errors, auditors help prevent overpayments or underpayments, ensuring compliance with regulatory standards.
Coding auditors primarily interact with medical coders, but they may also work with physicians, nurses, and healthcare administrators. Coding auditors need attention to detail, analytical skills, and a strong understanding of medical terminology and coding guidelines.
Medical Record Coordinator
Medical record coordinators play a vital role in the efficient operation of healthcare facilities and the protection of patient privacy. They oversee the management and maintenance of patient medical records while ensuring that records are complete, accurate, and accessible when needed. They’re responsible for organizing and storing records, responding to requests for information, and ensuring compliance with HIPAA regulations.
Medical record coordinators work closely with a wide range of individuals, including physicians, nurses, patients, and other healthcare staff. They collaborate with physicians and nurses to ensure that medical records are correct. Medical record coordinators need organizational skills, high attention to detail, and a strong understanding of medical terminology and HIPAA regulations.
Reimbursement Specialist
Reimbursement specialists help ensure the financial stability of healthcare organizations. These professionals are responsible for maximizing revenue by ensuring that healthcare providers receive appropriate payments for services provided. They analyze insurance policies, negotiate rates with payers, and resolve billing disputes. Key tasks include reviewing denials, appealing claims, and identifying opportunities for increased reimbursement.
Reimbursement specialists work primarily with insurance payers, but they may also work with medical coders, billing analysts, and healthcare administrators. Reimbursement specialists need strong communication, negotiation, and analytical skills as they must be able to effectively communicate with insurance payers, healthcare providers, and patients.
Answering Your Top Questions
What’s the cost of a medical billing and coding program in AK?
The cost of a medical billing and coding program in Alaska varies depending on several factors, including the type of program, the school, and whether you attend online or in-person classes. For example, an associate or bachelor’s program may be more expensive than a certificate program. Additionally, online programs may have additional technology fees associated with them.
Medical billing and coding programs in Alaska usually offer some form of financial aid or assistance to help make them more affordable. Some programs accept federal financial aid or government funding in the form of scholarships, grants, or loans. If your school does accept federal financial aid, fill out the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) to start the process. Contact your school’s financial aid office for more information.
How can I tell if a medical billing and coding program is accredited?
Accreditation is a crucial factor to consider when choosing a reputable medical billing and coding program. Accredited programs have been rigorously reviewed to ensure they meet specific needs and can provide a quality education that prepares you to succeed. Check if a program is accredited by visiting your school’s website or checking with accrediting organizations such as the Commission of Accreditation for Health Informatics and Information Management Education (CAHIIM). These organizations accredit programs in medical billing and coding, and their websites provide lists of accredited institutions.
Is medical billing and coding a good career?
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. In Alaska, medical billers and coders can earn a competitive salary with top earners reaching $82,730, according to the BLS. Additionally, medical billing and coding can also be done remotely, offering greater flexibility and a better work-life balance compared to other healthcare careers.
How can I get certified to be a medical billing and coding specialist?
While getting certified is not always a requirement for medical billers and coders, it can bolster your resume and help you stand out in a competitive job market. Two of the most widely recognized certifications for medical coder billers are the Certified Professional Coder (CPC) and the Certified Coding Specialist (CCS). To obtain these certifications, you need to meet certain education and experience requirements and pass a comprehensive examination. The American Academy of Professional Coders (AAPC) and the American Health Information Management Association (AHIMA) offer these certifications and provide information on the requirements and exam preparation materials. Some schools offer vouchers to take certain certifications, so be sure to check with your program.
