Medical Billing & Coding Classes in Indiana: The Best Online Programs
Medical billing and coding programs in Indiana will train you for a rewarding healthcare career. See what these schools have to offer, what classes students take, and the occupational outlook around the state.
People who specialize in medical billing and coding do vitally important work behind the scenes in healthcare. They’re responsible for ensuring that patients’ medical records are accurate and insurance claims are paid. This is a high-stakes profession because medical billing surprises can cost Indiana residents a great deal of money — so much money that the state legislature has enacted a law to protect residents from those surprises.
If you’re considering becoming a part of this rewarding field, enrolling in a medical billing and coding program in Indiana will give you the training you need. During these programs, you will learn how medical practices bill insurance companies for different services, the codes you’re required to use during the billing process, and the different types of insurance coverage patients use.
Medical billing and coding classes also give students an understanding of anatomy and physiology, so they not only are knowledgeable about the body’s systems but also the procedures doctors perform on patients.
Continue reading this page to learn about these programs, including profiles of Indiana schools that offer medical billing and coding classes and the coursework you’ll take. You will also find advice on what to look for when considering schools and the salary you may earn when you pursue this career.
Program Profiles: Online Medical Billing & Coding Programs in Indiana
To let you know what to expect from a medical billing and coding program in Indiana, we feature some schools below. These programs don’t all provide the same benefits, although there are some similarities. Pay attention to what individual schools have to offer and compare them to your needs. Even if these programs don’t work for you, reviewing the schools below is still good research on what you are looking for in an education.
Indiana Tech
Indiana Tech’s medical coding certificate program prepares students to work in settings such as hospitals, private practices, and insurance companies by teaching them how to accurately assign CPT, ICD-10-PCS, HCPCS, and ICD-10-CM codes. When students complete the coursework, they also understand how to interpret medical record information and manage those records to ensure privacy. Specific classes include ambulatory services coding, diagnosis coding, and health information management.
Students enhance their learning through a hands-on practicum. This simulated coding experience is designed to help students apply what they have learned about medical coding to a practical environment.
Indiana Tech offers a variety of valuable services to students, including one-call customer support. The school also meets the distinctive needs of military families through its Veteran Center, where active duty or veteran students, and military spouses, can get information on scholarships and receive specialized services from staff members who have military experience.
Indiana University South Bend
The online medical billing and coding program at Indiana University South Bend helps students gain expertise in CPT Category II and ICD-10 codes, so they understand how these codes are used every day in the workplace. Additionally, students are trained to utilize the billing and coding software that employers expect them to master.
To provide this knowledge, the program’s coursework covers topics such as pharmacology for coders, clinical documentation improvement, and revenue cycle management. Also, the curriculum addresses how the systems of the body work, so students become well-versed in digestive, urinary, endocrine and reproductive systems and the medical procedures associated with them.
To support students’ success, Indiana University South Bend has coursework that helps them prepare for their job search. They receive an understanding of what employers want and invaluable resume, cover letter, and interview pointers that will help them demonstrate their skills and knowledge to organizations.
Marian University
Marian University’s certified medical administrative assistant with medical billing and coding program provides a comprehensive look at medical office work. The billing and coding coursework covers codes professionals are required to know how to use, different potential insurance coverage from patients, and insurance reimbursement laws.
During medical administrative assistant coursework, students learn how offices are professionally run. These classes cover written and verbal communication, patient scheduling, medical records management, and ethical issues that arise in healthcare.
After finishing the program, students are qualified to sit for different certification examinations. These include Certified Professional Coder from the American Academy of Professional Coders (AAPC); Certified Billing and Coding Specialist from the National Healthcareer Association; and the Certified Coding Associate offered by the American Health Information Management Association.
Factors to Compare Different Programs in Indiana
You will have certain needs in mind when you’re looking for a school in Indiana that offers a billing and coding program. And, your needs may not be the same as those of other prospective students. We’ve put together some important considerations that anyone can remember when evaluating programs. Having these criteria as a priority will make it easier for you to search for the best program to prepare for your career.
Accreditation
Accreditation is the process where schools are heavily scrutinized for education quality and student experience. By enrolling in an accredited program, you can ensure that an Indiana college is providing the quality education you deserve and that you’re learning the skills employers need.
In Indiana, colleges and universities — such as Marian University, Indiana Tech, and Indiana University South Bend — are accredited by the Higher Learning Commission. In some cases, an individual school within a university may have an additional layer of accreditation. For example, the medical coding program at the University of Southern Indiana is offered through its College of Nursing and Health Professions, and that school has been accredited by the AAPC.
Certification Exam Preparation
Thorough preparation for a certification exam is definitely important, since you’ll need to pass one to get a billing and coding job. In some cases, a school will give students extra help by offering exam preparation courses. Marian University and Indiana University South Bend offer coursework that helps students select the right certification for their career needs, adopt effective study strategies, and develop the right mindset during the exam.
You can also find resources outside of your program through the AAPC, which offers classes for Certified Professional Biller, Certified Professional Coder, Certified Evaluation and Management Coder, and Certified Emergency Department Coder exams.
Cost and Financial Aid
The amount you pay for tuition can be varied between schools. Some charge students for the entire program at once, such as the tuition at Indiana University South Bend and Marian University at $2,995 and $3,695, respectively. Schools like Indiana Tech, though, charge per-credit tuition rates, and in its case the school’s billing and coding program costs $399 per credit.
To help defray the cost of your education, you can receive scholarships, grants, and loans from various sources, such as the government or private companies. Also, financial aid may be available from the school you attend. Students in the medical billing and coding program at Purdue University, for instance, may be eligible for savings on their tuition.
Curriculum and Specializations
The curriculum that billing and coding programs in Indiana offer are similar, but there can be some variations. For example, students at Saint Joseph’s College take coursework that covers healthcare laws and regulations, as well as fraud and abuse that may occur. Those who want to specialize in medical coding can enroll in the program offered by Vincennes University, where they take courses in health information management and reimbursement processes.
Duration and Flexibility
Generally, you can complete a billing and coding program in one year, though some programs may take less time. Schools offer levels of flexibility to accommodate students who are working full-time as they receive their education. For instance, Indiana University South Bend and Indiana Tech allow students to begin the online program at any time and to work at their own pace.
Format
Indiana’s medical billing and coding programs may be offered on campus, online, or as a combination of both. Programs at Indiana Tech, Indiana University South Bend, and Marian University are offered entirely online. Programs at the University of Southern Indiana are offered as hybrids, while students at Ivy Tech Community College complete their studies entirely on campus.
Medical Billing and Coding Salaries in Indiana
You can go on to make a good living after completing a medical billing and coding program in Indiana. On average, professionals around the state make $48,220, with a salary range between $34,370 and $65,360.
In the Lafayette-West Lafayette region, the average salary is $50,080 per year, which means you’ll be among the top median earners in the state. The second highest-paid medical billers and coders are in Terre Haute with an annual average of $49,620. On the other hand, the lowest-average-earning medical billing coding workers are in Columbus and Evansville, where they earn $44,900 and $42,880, respectively.
On the national level, medical billers and coders earn between $35,080 and $77,810, with the average earner making $53,690. Please note that this data, which was provided by the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, is for medical record specialists because it is the closest match to the medical billing and coding profession.
| Area | 10th Percentile | Mean Annual Wage | 90th Percentile |
|---|---|---|---|
| United States | $35,080 | $53,690 | $77,810 |
| Indiana | $34,370 | $48,220 | $65,360 |
| Bloomington, IN | $34,990 | $47,160 | $64,810 |
| Columbus, IN | $30,310 | $42,880 | $57,190 |
| Elkhart-Goshen, IN | $32,250 | $47,900 | $68,610 |
| Evansville, IN-KY | $33,870 | $44,900 | $53,470 |
| Fort Wayne, IN | $32,820 | $48,380 | $65,360 |
| Indianapolis-Carmel-Anderson, IN | $35,550 | $48,640 | $67,830 |
| Lafayette-West Lafayette, IN | $35,410 | $50,080 | $72,000 |
| Michigan City-La Porte, IN | $35,310 | $48,110 | $65,530 |
| Muncie, IN | $30,620 | $46,210 | $64,000 |
| South Bend-Mishawaka, IN-MI | $33,170 | $46,060 | $62,000 |
| Terre Haute, IN | $36,230 | $49,620 | $67,420 |
Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, May 2023
Indiana Career Outlook for Medical Billers Coders
If you’re concerned about the job market for medical billers and coders, you should know that Indiana, as well as the country as a whole, will experience significant job growth in this area from now through 2030. According to Projections Central, there will be an 8.5 percent increase in jobs in this decade around the country, and an 8 percent increase in Indiana. This means that on average, there will be 27,400 new jobs created in the United States every year, while Indiana will produce 490 new jobs each year.
Keep in mind that while this is a good representation of billing and coding specialist occupational growth, the figures below are specifically for medical record specialists.
| Area | New Jobs | Job Growth Rate | Avg. Annual Openings |
|---|---|---|---|
| United States | 28,600 | 8.5% | 27,400 |
| Indiana | 480 | 8% | 490 |
Source: Projections Central, 2020 – 2030
Your Questions, Answered
As you think about entering the medical billing and coding field, chances are you have a lot of questions. To help you get the information you need before choosing a school, we answer some of the most frequently asked questions from prospective students.
How do I become a medical coder in Indiana?
In order to do this, you need to complete an education program offered by an accredited school, and then you should pass a certification exam. There are no required state licensing exams, but there are certifications offered by the AAPC and the American Health Information Management Association, such as Certified Professional Biller and Certified Professional Coder credentials.
How much does medical billing and coding pay in Indiana?
In Indiana, medical billers and coders earn between $34,370 and $65,360. Some areas of the state have higher wages than others. In the Lafayette-West Lafayette area, the salary range is between $35,410 and $72,000, making it the region with the highest salaries. On the other hand, the lowest earnings are found in Evansville, where medical billers and coders make between $33,870 and $53,470.
Is medical billing and coding worth it?
Pursuing a medical billing and coding career is definitely worth it. Not only does the profession have good earning potential, there will be a significant amount of growth in the coming years. According to Projections Central, there will be an 8 percent increase in jobs between 2020 and 2030. This makes for a solid return on investment for a medical billing and coding program.
Is medical billing and coding hard?
Medical billing and coding is a rewarding career, but it is not an easy one. However, after finishing an education program in Indiana you will have the knowledge and skills needed to navigate the challenges that come with the territory.
Is medical coding a good remote job?
Yes. You’re able to find employment in the field if you have a stable internet connection. Many employers around the state, like Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Revele, and Banner Health, do hire medical billers and coders to work virtually.
