Online Medical Billing & Coding Schools in Maryland: Top Programs

Navigating Online Medical Billing/Coding Classes in Maryland

Enrolling in a medical billing and coding program in Maryland is a worthwhile endeavor, and you need to understand your options. If you’re interested in an accelerated billing and coding education, you can find a program that takes one year or less to complete. However, if you want to spend more time in school, you can also enroll in an associate degree program that takes two years to finish.

Additionally, you can choose programs based on how they’re delivered. If you feel comfortable with online learning, some programs are completely virtual. If you prefer in-person instruction, a campus-based program is a better choice. Some schools have medical billing and coding programs offered on a hybrid basis—made up of online and in-person coursework—which allows you to enjoy the best of both worlds.

Answering Common Questions: FAQs for Students in Maryland

By now, you have almost everything you need to take your first steps toward your brand-new medical billing and coding career in Maryland. However, there may still be a question or two swirling around inside your head. That’s why we’ve answered some of the most common questions asked by prospective billing and coding students. Keep reading to see if your query is among them.

Are medical billing and coding classes ever offered online or part-time?

Yes, you can enroll in an online or part-time medical billing and coding program. Online and hybrid options are available at schools across Maryland and typically feature academic resources for the success of their students, no matter the format. For example, Morgan State University’s self-paced program is provided entirely online, while the program at Fortis College follows a hybrid format with some coursework completed online and some in-person. Part-time options, however, are less common. This is likely due to the fact that most programs are already relatively short—generally under one year. Nevertheless, an online, self-paced program does allow students to study on their own time, so this format offers many of the same advantages as being a part-time student.

Are there any prerequisites for medical billing and coding programs?

Generally, there are no strict prerequisites for medical billing and coding programs, but most will recommend that applicants possess at least a high school diploma or equivalent prior to enrolling. This is because in order to sit for certification tests, a high school diploma or its equivalent is generally required. However, in some cases, prospective students must also complete prerequisite courses to enroll in a medical billing and coding program. For example, to be admitted into the Medical Coding Certificate program offered by Anne Arundel Community College, applicants are expected to complete prerequisite coursework in biology, anatomy and physiology, and digital technology.

What are the pros and cons for becoming a medical biller and coder?

For prospective medical billing and coding students who prefer remote work with promising pay, the pros may outweigh the cons. Pros include the potential flexibility to work from anywhere, the opportunity to keep learning, and the growing demand for medical billers and coders in the industry. Cons include the challenges of dealing with insurance companies and patient questions about billing, limited patient interaction, and the potential for monotony over time. As with all healthcare careers, there are considerable pros and cons for medical billing and coding specialists to consider before entering the field, so your personal preferences will play a big role in deciding on this career.

What certification exam(s) do I need to take before I can start working?

No. You don’t have to take a certification exam to get a medical billing and coding job in Maryland because the state has no licensing requirements. However, it’s still a good idea to take one and earn a certification. This will prove to employers that you have the skills to meet their needs, and increases your chances of working in a job you love.

Your best bet is to earn a certification in the niche that interests you. The three most common certification exams are the certified professional coder, certified coding associate (CCA), and certified billing and coding specialist (CBCS). You can also choose to take the certified outpatient coder (COC) or certified inpatient coder (CIC) exams, which emphasize more specialized skill sets.

What is the process for applying to a medical billing and coding school?

The application process for a medical billing and coding program can vary from one school to the next. Some are as simple as clicking “enroll” and following subsequent steps to check out. In these cases, you can enroll immediately without completing any type of prerequisite coursework.

On the other hand, some schools have a more involved process. You may be required to take specific classes that familiarize you with certain topics in preparation for billing and coding program content. For example, Anne Arundel Community College’s application process includes attending an information session, completing prerequisites, and submitting standardized test scores or passing placement tests.

Medical Billing and Coding Certifications and Continuing Education: Your Options in Maryland

You do not have to earn a certification to work as a medical biller and coder in Maryland. However, obtaining a certification will generally make your job search more successful. Some of the most common certifications that professionals earn are the Certified Professional Coder, Certified Coding Specialist (CCS), Certified Billing and Coding Specialist credentials.

In order to earn any of these certifications, you generally need to complete an accredited billing and coding program. After getting this formal training, you will be required to pass a certification test. For example, the National Healthcareer Association provides the CBCS certification, which requires that people complete a medical billing and coding program and pass an examination to get the credential. Also, someone who has a high school diploma or its equivalent, along with at least one year of supervised billing and coding work experience, can sit for the certification exam.

To keep a certification current, professionals may be required to complete continuing education classes. Maintaining a CPC credential, which is issued by the American Academy of Professional Coders, entails completing 36 continuing education credits every two years.

How Much Do Maryland Medical Billers and Coders Make?