Online Medical Billing & Coding Schools in Montana: Review & Compare

In-Depth Review of Online Medical Billing/Coding Classes in Montana

Online medical billing and coding programs are a quick and inexpensive way to enter the medical field. While most programs just focus on entry-level work and certification, some offer associate-level medical coder/biller degrees. An associate degree is more expensive and takes more time than a certification, but it also sets you up for earning a bachelor’s degree later in less time. Most associate degree programs take two years, while some certificate programs take less than a year. Both associate degree and certification medical coder/biller programs are typically fully online with a mix of synchronous and asynchronous learning, which makes earning them much easier while also keeping up with other responsibilities. The three program spotlights provide solid examples of quality billing/coding classes available in Montana.

Answering Key Questions for Students in Montana

Most students considering a medical billing and coding program in Montana have many of the same questions. Below are answers to the top questions students like you typically have, including those related to accreditation, career potential, and income possibilities. You’ll also learn more about what medical coders and billers do to help confirm that you are on the right path for entry into a fulfilling medical billing and coding career.

How do I know if a medical billing and coding program is accredited?

To find out if a medical billing and coding program is accredited, check both the school’s and program’s accreditation status. A school’s accreditation is provided by national or regional accrediting boards. The University of Montana, for example, is accredited by the Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities (NWCCU). Unlike nursing, programmatic accreditation is not a requirement for medical coding programs, though it can help your degree stand out on job applications. Common accrediting bodies that certify medical billing and coding programs include the National Healthcare Association (NHA) and the American Academy of Professional Coders (AAPC). A school’s website usually indicates both its institutional and programmatic accreditation, but you can also check the sites of accrediting bodies for a school and program’s accreditation.

How much do medical billing and coding programs in Montana cost?

The cost of medical billing and coding programs in Montana ranges from a few thousand for certification programs to over $20,000 for certifications packaged within an associate degree. Online programs are more cost-effective than in-person ones, even if an online degree has the same tuition cost as an in-person counterpart since online students save on some student fees and transportation costs. Financial aid opportunities like student loans, scholarships, and grants can lower costs significantly. This is especially true for associate degree programs since they are more likely to qualify for funding. There are even some scholarships and financial aid options specifically for medical billing and coding students. State-specific scholarships, such as the Medical Education Scholarship from the Montana Medical Association, exist as well.

How long does a medical billing and coding program take?

Most medical billing and coding programs take seven months to two years to complete. Longer programs often result in an associate’s degree and medical billing certificate while shorter degrees only provide the latter. For those with little time to dedicate, there are accelerated medical coding and billing courses that can be completed in as little as four weeks. Also, factor the time it takes to find programs to apply to and complete applications into your timeline since the admissions process can add three to six months to your education journey. In that same vein, becoming certified can add time to the end of the process if the certification prep and exam time are not included in the program.

Is medical billing and coding a good career?

Medical billing and coding is an in-demand career with options to work remotely and be promoted into leadership roles. It’s also a healthcare career with a low barrier to entry since it takes about one year to complete many medical billing programs as opposed to four years to get a bachelor’s degree in nursing or healthcare administration. Plus, medical billers and coders don’t have clinical duties, making it a great healthcare career for those who don’t like blood. Job stability and opportunities within a variety of medical settings make this career even more appealing. If you complete an associate degree program, you’re also set up to earn a bachelor’s degree more quickly later to help you move into other healthcare positions after gaining experience.

Is there a difference between medical billing and medical coding?

Medical coders translate patient care into the codes needed for insurance and billing procedures. Medical billers create claims based on those codes. Many healthcare providers hire professionals who do both medical billing and coding, though some may separate these job responsibilities. Either way, the purpose of medical coding and billing is the processing of patient data (i.e., medical records and related insurance) to ensure healthcare providers are quickly and accurately paid for services provided. Both medical billing and medical coding are crucial roles and require in-depth knowledge of medical terminology even though each works slightly differently with patients and providers.

Certifications and Skill Enhancement in Montana

Certification for medical coders/billers is not required in Montana. However, obtaining it can enhance your job prospects and make you more appealing to employers. Some employers prefer – and may even require – certification for any coder/billers they hire, but you can also pursue certification later in your career to advance your position, increase your earnings, or move into a specialty area.

Options for colder/biller certification include the Certified Professional Coder (CPC) and the Certified Coding Specialist (CCS). Certifying bodies usually require continuing education units (CEUs) for certification renewal, typically over a two-year cycle. The American Academy of Professional Coders (AAPC) and the American Health Information Management Association (AHIMA) are the main certification bodies for coders/billers in Montana.

The cost for certification ranges from just over $100 to just under $500, and some have additional fees for study materials, courses, membership fees, etc. There are also specialty certifications available, including ambulatory surgical center coding, family practice coding, ophthalmology coding, and pediatrics coding. Requirements for certification include completing a medical coder/biller training program and passing an exam. Some certifications also require a certain amount of on-the-job training hours.

What is the Average Salary for Medical Billers and Coders in Montana?