Online Medical Billing & Coding Schools in Maine: Top Programs
If you want to play a vital role in Maine’s healthcare field, you may want to look at online medical billing and coding programs. Medical billers and coders are professionals with specialized training that help ensure that patient care is paid for by insurance companies. Continue reading this page to find out what this training entails and descriptions of programs in Maine. Also, you will find information about the salary potential of the profession and answers to frequently asked questions.
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Examining Online Medical Billing/Coding Classes in Maine
Becoming part of the medical billing and coding profession requires specialized training. People can get this education fairly quickly, with some programs lasting one year or less. In some cases, people may choose to earn an associate degree, which takes two years to complete. These degrees include a deeper dive into coding and the role it plays in the healthcare system, as well as general education classes that provide a well-rounded education experience. The length of the program you choose will be based on your goals, needs, and budget.
Keep in mind that you can also choose different types of programs. Some can be completed entirely online. People who want the campus experience can choose a hybrid program that includes virtual and in-person coursework. Also, schools have billing and coding education that is provided entirely on-campus. Think about what format best fits your learning style and your schedule as you make your choice.
Medical Coding & Electronic Health Records (Certificate or Associate) — Central Maine Community College
The program in Medical Coding & Electronic Health Records from Central Maine Community College offers students the option of a one-year certificate or a two-year associate degree. The certificate requires 28 to 30 credit hours of study, while the associate degree requires 60 to 62 credit hours.
Students who complete the program graduate with a solid knowledge of the coding systems and an understanding of privacy rules and regulations. Also, graduates can compute common healthcare statistics relevant to medical billing and coding, and contribute to improving quality care standards.
Online students in either the certificate or associate degree program receive online tutoring, advising, research help, and the opportunity for financial aid. Those who complete the associate degree program can transfer to St. Joseph’s College, which offers a bachelor’s degree in medical coding and electronic health records.
Duration: 12 months (certificate) or 24 months (associate degree)
Mode: Online
Cost: $96 per credit in-state; $144 per credit New England regional rate; $192 per credit out-of-state
Admissions Requirements:
- High school diploma or GED
- Be at least 18 years of age
Curriculum:
- Medical Terminology (3 credits)
- Health Information Management (4 credits)
- Medical Coding Seminar (1 credit)
- ICD CM Coding (3 credits)
- CPT & HCPCS Coding (3 credits)
- Medical Specialities & Pathophysiology (4 credits)
- Reimbursement Methodology (3 credits)
- Medical Ethics & Law (3 credits)
- Intermediate CPT & HCPCS Coding (3 credits)
- Health Care Statistics (2 credits)
- ICD PCS Coding (3 credits)
- Practicum (3 credits)
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Medical Coding Certificate — Northern Maine Community College
Northern Maine Community College’s Medical Coding Certificate program prepares students to handle data entry, classification, record keeping, insurance documentation, and billing. This program is approved by the American Health Information Management Association (AHIMA), which ensures it meets the standards of a high-quality education expected in the medical billing and coding field.
This nine-month program is made up of three semesters. The curriculum includes coursework covering clinical classification systems, medical terminology, pharmacology, and anatomy and physiology. Students spend the last part of the program in an internship, or other hands-on work experience that has been approved by the school.
It’s important to note that three prerequisites are required for this program: medical terminology, human biology with a laboratory component, and introduction to medical coding. These courses will prepare the student to leap right into the higher-level content of the program, where they get significant hands-on training in the coding systems they’ll use in their work. A grade of at least a “C” in all major courses is required to complete the certificate.
Duration: 9 months
Mode: Online
Cost: $96 per credit in-state; $144 per credit New England/New Brunswick rate; $192 per credit out-of-state
Admissions Requirements:
- High school diploma, HiSET, or GED
- Submit SAT scores or take a placement test
- Meet with admissions counselor
Curriculum:
- Clinical Classification Systems with Lab I (3 credits)
- Clinical Classification Systems with Lab II (3 credits)
- Medical Law, Reimbursement & Delivery Systems (3 credits)
- Pathophysiology & Pharmacology (3 credits)
- ICD-10-CM/PCS Coding Part II (3 credits)
- CPT Coding Part II (3 credits)
- Medical Coding Internship/Professional Practical Experience (2 credits)
Medical Coding Certificate — Kennebec Valley Community College
The Medical Coding Certificate offered by Kennebec Valley Community College prepares students to work in a variety of healthcare settings, including hospitals, nursing homes, and physician’s offices. The curriculum is designed to provide the skills and knowledge these employers are looking for, including the ability to code using ICD-10-CM/PCS and CPT standards. Also, people gain an understanding of the different types of healthcare services patients receive and the role coding plays in getting those services reimbursed.
Additionally, Kennebec Valley Community College prepares students for the professional conduct that organizations expect from its workers. The curriculum emphasizes communication skills that allow employees to work effectively as part of a healthcare team, as well as the ethical standards of the billing and coding profession.
Duration: 12 months
Mode: Online
Cost: $96 per credit in-state; $144 per credit New England regional rate; $192 per credit out-of-state
Admissions Requirements:
- High school diploma, HiSET, or GED
- Be at least 18 years of age
Curriculum:
- Medical Terminology (3 credits)
- Introduction to Coding & Classification (3 credits)
- ICD-1 0-CM/PCS Coding & Classification Systems (4 credits)
- CPT‑4 Coding (4 credits)
Addressing Frequently Asked Questions from Maine Students
As you research medical billing and coding programs, chances are you have questions about this education. The good news is, we have answers. Let’s take a look at some of the most common questions prospective students have to help you make an informed choice. Below we provide information about program costs, duration, and more.
What is the cost of a medical billing and coding program in Maine?
The cost of an online medical billing and coding program in Maine is usually between $2,000 and $4,000. This typically includes instruction, materials, and a voucher for the certification test itself, which is awarded once you have satisfactorily completed the course.
However, keep in mind that the cost you will pay depends upon the institution, whether you are an in-state or out-of-state student, the availability of financial aid, and how long it takes you to complete the course. Accelerated courses are often cheaper than traditional-length programs.
Most courses take less than a year to complete. If you choose to earn a degree, however, the time and costs go up. An associate degree can be well over $10,000, depending upon the school and the other factors listed above.
How long is a medical billing and coding program?
The time you spend on your online medical billing and coding studies in Maine can vary. Some programs may be completed in as little as four months. Most online programs are about one year because the curriculum only covers medical billing and coding coursework.
However, you can earn an associate degree, or even a bachelor’s degree, which includes medical billing and coding instruction along with general education coursework. In that case, expect to spend about two years in an associate degree program, or four years in a bachelor’s degree program. Enrolling on a part-time basis can increase your studies by a year or more.
What is the best online medical billing and coding program?
The best online medical billing programs in Maine have earned accreditation. This means a school or program has been thoroughly evaluated by an impartial accrediting body and meets the standards of a high-quality education. Accreditation can be at the programmatic level or the school level.
To find the best accredited online medical billing programs in Maine, check with the Council for Higher Education Accreditation (CHEA). If you’re looking for programmatic accreditation, check out the Commission on Accreditation for Health Informatics and Information Management Education (CAHIIM) or the American Academy of Professional Coders (AAPC).
If you’ll need financial aid, keep in mind that only accredited online medical billing programs in Maine are eligible for federal financial assistance.
How hard is the medical billing and coding program?
It depends on your individual strengths and weaknesses. Someone who has a strong knack for numbers and a good memory will do quite well in a medical billing program. Also, if you’re interested in the human body and willing to become familiar with medical terminology, procedures, and diagnoses, you will excel in your studies.
Additionally, people who are self-starters and detail-oriented will do well in a medical billing and coding program in Maine. Once you enter the field, you should also be a lifelong learner. This will motivate you to stay up-to-date on changes in the profession and take the continuing education classes needed to keep certification active.
How much do medical billers and coders make in Maine?
In Maine, medical records specialists—a common job title for medical billers and coders—earn a mean salary of $49,270 per year, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. This is slightly less than the national mean salary of $53,690 annually.
The amount you earn varies depending on the area of the state you live in. In Bangor, professionals make $45,040 per year, while those in the Dover-Durham area earn $43,580. Keep in mind that earnings can also be influenced by other factors, including how many years of work experience you’ve amassed, what level of education you completed, and the type of employer you chose.
Certification and Continuing Education Requirements in Maine
In Maine, medical billers and coders are not required to obtain a certification in order to find employment. However, you should strongly consider earning a credential after completing your education to get the best chance of finding a good job.
The most common certification that medical billers and coders earn is the Certified Professional Coder (CPC), offered by the American Academy of Professional Coders (AAPC). This is considered the gold standard of the field, so getting this certification is a good way to demonstrate to employers that you have the knowledge and skills they are looking for.
To earn a CPC, you are required to pass a test that is made up of 100 multiple-choice questions that cover areas such as pathophysiology, medical terminology, and anatomy. The exam can be taken at a testing center or at home with a remote proctor. The cost for CPC exam registration is $399 for one attempt or $499 for two attempts. The AAPC requires those with a CPC to complete 36 continuing education credits every two years in order to keep their certification current.
How Much Do Medical Billers and Coders Make in Maine?
| Area ↕ | Curr. Jobs ↕ | Proj. Jobs ↕ | New Jobs ↕ | Growth % ↕ | Avg. Ann. Openings ↕ |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| United States | 194,300 | 210,900 | 16,600 | 8.50% | 15,000 |
| Maine | 1,280 | 1,320 | 40 | 3.10% | 90 |
Source: Projections Central
Data based on national numbers, not school-specific information.
| Area ↕ | 10th Percentile ↕ | Median ↕ | 90th Percentile ↕ |
|---|---|---|---|
| U.S. | $35,080 | $48,780 | $77,810 |
| Maine | $37,190 | $45,630 | $68,640 |
| Bangor, ME | $33,390 | $43,080 | $61,730 |
| Lewiston-Auburn, ME | $35,410 | $46,170 | $71,380 |
| Portland-South Portland, ME | $37,720 | $43,750 | $69,700 |
Source: Medical Records Specialists, Occupational Employment and Wages, May 2023, U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.
Data based on national numbers, not school-specific information.
