Delaware's Top Online Medical Billing and Coding Programs: Start Your New Career
Pursue a new rewarding career through one of Delaware’s popular online Medical Billing and Coding programs. Begin with finding the right school for your lifestyle.
Ready to take the next step toward a fulfilling career in medical billing and coding? Enrolling in an online medical billing and coding program in Delaware could be the perfect fit for you. For those brand new to the medical industry or looking to transition to healthcare, medical billing and coding is a solid career choice as a fast-growing field with a 9% growth rate that is well above average. Skilled professionals are high in demand to help manage healthcare records and process insurance claims, and it’s the perfect career for those with a high attention to detail.
How do you choose the right online medical billing and coding program in Delaware? Flexibility is crucial, and that’s where online options shine. You can study at your own pace while balancing education with work and other responsibilities, all from the comfort of your own home.
This guide walks you through the best online medical billing programs in DE, details career options, and answers top questions. Continue reading to explore what the online medical billing and coding programs in Delaware have to offer.
Popular Picks for Delaware’s Top Online Medical Billing and Coding Program
If you’re searching for the best online medical billing and coding program in Delaware, see the top schools in the state profiled below. They offer flexible, accredited programs designed to equip you with the skills needed to excel in medical billing and coding.
Delaware Technical Community College
Delaware Technical Community College, the only community college in the state, offers a comprehensive online medical billing and coding program in Delaware through a partnership with Ed2Go. The 24-hour program comes in two versions: a self-guided program with three months of access and an instructor-moderated program with six weeks of access. Each program costs $135 and includes twelve courses but no prerequisites. You’ll learn CPT and ICD-10-CM codes, coding for various parts of the body, and surgical codes. A final set of practice scenarios tests everything you learned and makes sure you’re ready to work as a medical coder. Delaware Tech is accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education (MSCHE).
Sussex Tech
Sussex Tech’s Adult Division offers a flexible online medical billing and coding program in Delaware in partnership with Ed2Go. Designed to prepare students for entry-level positions in healthcare administration, the 200-hour program usually takes about six months to complete. As the program is self-paced, a dedicated learner can complete the course in even less time. The program costs $1,795 and prepares you to use ICD-10-CM and ICD-10-PCS. It also teaches you about various diseases, disorders, and conditions and assists you in accurately coding them. Frequent quizzes and exams help test your knowledge and make sure you’re keeping up.
Sussex’s medical coding program is fully online and has no prerequisites, though prior knowledge in anatomy and physiology is recommended. While it’s great for those who want to master ICD-10 in particular, you don’t need past coding experience since this course teaches you everything from scratch. Note that this course does not prepare you for medical coder biller certification. Sussex Tech is accredited by the MSCHE.
Delaware County Community College
Delaware County Community College (DCCC) is a good choice if you can’t find a program you like in Delaware itself. DCCC gives you plenty of options for medical billing and coding certificates. Its programs include a 30-credit Medical Coding and Billing Certificate of Proficiency, a 30-credit Medical Billing Certificate of Competency, and a 62-credit hybrid Medical Coding and Billing Associate of Applied Science (MCBA). The bulk of the work for these programs can be done online, but some require occasional trips on-campus for testing. Each can also be taken part-time or full-time, is comprehensive, and teaches the full fundamentals. The medical billing and coding certificate even includes a capstone course that provides professional practice experience. Students also benefit from the support of experienced faculty and access to Delaware County’s extensive student resources and financial aid opportunities.
Delaware County Community College is accredited by the MSCHE. Its medical billing and coding program prepares you to sit for the Certified Coding Associate (CCA) certification and to take the Certified Coding Specialist (CCS) or Certified Coding Specialist – Physician Based (CCS-P) exams offered by AHIMA. Tuition at DCCC ranges from $136 to $408 per credit hour.
Overview of Salaries & Careers for Delaware’s Medical Billing and Coding Students
Before committing to an online medical billing and coding program in Delaware, take time to understand what your salary might look like once you graduate. Though the field is growing fast, you want it to support your lifestyle. The Bureau of Labor Statistics does not track data specifically for medical billers/coders, but adjacent data is available under medical records specialists. You can see that data in the table below.
In Delaware, medical billing and coding professionals can expect a range of salaries based on experience and location. The 10th percentile in Delaware earns around $33,980 annually, while the mean wage is approximately $50,430. Those in the 90th percentile can make up to $69,830. These metrics are very similar in the city of Dover.
The job outlook for medical records specialists is promising. Delaware job growth for medical record specialists is projected at 15.6%, significantly higher than the national average of 8.5%. There are around 450 medical billing and coding jobs in Delaware with an expected increase of 70 new positions by 2030.
| Area | 10th Percentile | Mean Annual Wage | 90th Percentile |
|---|---|---|---|
| Delaware | $33,980 | $50,430 | $69,830 |
| Dover, DE | $33,980 | $50,080 | $65,960 |
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 |
| Delaware | 450 | 520 | 70 | 15.6% | 40 |
Source: Projections Central, 2020-2030
Careers for Medical Billing and Coding Certified Students
Earning certification in medical billing and coding opens doors to a variety of career paths in the healthcare industry. You can work for insurance companies or directly in hospitals and clinics. A few common career options are highlighted below.
Billing Analyst
A billing analyst is responsible for ensuring that clients are billed correctly and don’t overpay or underpay for their healthcare. On a day-to-day basis, billing analysts send invoices, review patient records, process claims, and communicate with clients. Billing analysts work closely with insurance companies and healthcare providers. Strong analytical skills and a deep understanding of medical billing codes are essential for this role. It’s an ideal position for those who are detail-oriented and enjoy working with numbers and data.
Coding Auditor
Mistakes are easy to make in the process of medical billing and coding. Someone may submit incorrect information, or the billing system may not generate the correct cost for services. It’s the job of coding auditors to catch and fix these errors. A coding auditor audits medical records to ensure that the correct codes (e.g., CPT, ICD-10, and HCPCS) are applied based on the provided documentation. Coding auditors help healthcare organizations avoid costly mistakes and reduce the risk of penalties from insurance providers or the government. They spend a lot of time working with electronic health records, and the job requires a high degree of accuracy and expertise in coding standards.
Medical Records Coordinator
A medical record coordinator manages and organizes patient health records within healthcare facilities, ensuring that all medical documentation is accurate, secure, and easily accessible.
Daily duties include maintaining electronic health records, retrieving patient info for healthcare providers, and ensuring HIPAA compliance. Medical record coordinators are responsible for updating these records with new information and transitioning paper records into the electronic system.
Reimbursement Specialist
A reimbursement specialist ensures that healthcare providers receive proper payment for services rendered. This involves reviewing and submitting claims to insurance companies, government programs, and patients as well as resolving issues related to denied or underpaid claims. A reimbursement specialist must be well-versed in insurance policies, medical billing codes, and the nuances of healthcare reimbursement systems. Strong communication skills and an in-depth understanding of billing procedures are a must.
Your Questions, Answered
What do medical billing and coding classes cost?
The cost of medical billing and coding classes depends on the school and the type of program. An associate degree in medical billing and coding, like the one at Delaware County Community College, costs a lot more – over $10k – than standalone certificate programs that cost $135 to $1,795. Costs typically cover the coursework, but you may also need to budget for additional expenses such as textbooks and certification exam fees. Some programs offer financial aid or payment plans to help manage these costs, and federal or state aid may also be available.
How can I get medical billing and coding certification?
To earn your medical billing and coding certification, you’ll first need to be admitted into an accredited medical billing and coding program, either in-person or online. Once you complete your coursework, you’ll need to pass a certification exam. The most recognized certifications in the field include the Certified Professional Coder (CPC) from the AAPC and the Certified Coding Associate (CCA) from the American Health Information Management Association (AHIMA). These exams test your knowledge of medical codes and billing procedures. Certification isn’t required in Delaware, but employers may require certification from one of these entities. Plus, certification may help you stand out among other applicants. Check jobs in your area to see what type of certification you should pursue.
What is the medical billing and coding salary in Delaware?
Medical records specialists, including medical billers and coders, in Delaware earn a mean salary of $50,430 per year. Earnings vary depending on your level of expertise and where you live in the state. For example, the lowest earners in the state make around $33,980, while experienced professionals can make up to $69,830.
Can I get medical billing and coding certification online?
You can earn your medical billing and coding certification completely online. Many accredited schools offer fully online medical billing and coding programs that allow you to complete your coursework from home. These programs provide the same curriculum as in-person options, so you’re not missing out on any key knowledge. Upon completing an online program, you can sit for certification exams such as the CPC or CCA, which can also be taken online with remote proctoring or at testing centers.
