New Mexico's Best Medical Billing and Coding Programs: Discover Your New Career Path
Will your exciting new career head toward medical billing and coding? Explore online program options in New Mexico to get started today.
When you’re ready to take the next step into a promising allied health career, look no further than online medical billing and coding programs in New Mexico. These flexible programs are great ways to begin your education since online medical billing and coding programs in New Mexico allow you to handle your work, family, and community obligations while completing classroom requirements at times that work best for you.
This sort of flexibility is a convenient doorway to a career that offers you much of the same. Many medical billing and coding specialists work independently or find work-from-home positions, which means the flexibility of online learning follows you into a rewarding career in medical billing and coding.
The job growth of positions for those graduating from online medical billing and coding programs in New Mexico is impressive, reaching well over 18% for the next several years. Add in the comfortable pay, and you have a recipe for a steady salary, excellent job security, and the opportunity to make a difference in the lives of patients.
If you need help finding the right medical billing programs in NM, keep reading. This guide provides examples of strong programs, explains what accreditation means and why it matters, gives you an overview of the job outlook and salary expectations, and much more. Discover everything you need to know about online medical billing and coding programs in NM today.
Most Popular Online Medical Billing and Coding Programs in NM
Students seeking the best online medical billing and coding programs in New Mexico will likely come across the following schools since they stand out due to their online nature and flexibility, reasonable tuition and fees, time to completion, and accreditation from top accrediting bodies. Read on to learn more about these solid online medical billing programs in NM.
New Mexico Junior College
The Medical Billing and Coding Online Certification Course from New Mexico Junior College takes four to six months to complete. The program prepares students by teaching them medical terminology, body structure and systems, professional communication, diagnostic coding with the most common software available in the field, the use of local modifiers in coding, and ethical and legal practices for the billing and coding professional. Students can also get hands-on training in addition to online course content by working with school coordinators to join a volunteer externship opportunity in their local areas.
Aspiring students need a high school diploma or GED to enter this program, which costs $1,799 for all components. Payment plans are available. The program includes all textbooks and learning materials, 24/7 support resources via chat and email, lessons presented in video format, and the ability to study and work via mobile devices as well as a laptop.
San Juan College
Students in the Medical Insurance Coder/Biller Certificate online program at San Juan College in New Mexico can finish their courses in as little as 16 months. Two start dates, one in the fall and one in the spring, line up with typical semester scheduling. Upon graduation, students are ready to take the American Health Information Management Association’s Certified Coding Associate (CCA) exam.
Students in this program learn medical terminology, the laws and regulations pertaining to coding and billing practices, the use of various coding classification systems (including CPT-4, ICD-10-CM, ICD-10-PCS, and HCPCS), and the ins and outs of health information technology in the use of billing and coding and throughout the broader healthcare system.
This 100% online medical billing and coding program in New Mexico is $5,800 for the entire program with in-state tuition; out-of-state students pay $10,500. Additionally, some New Mexico residents can enjoy free tuition through the NM Opportunity and Lottery Scholarships.
Charter College
The Associate of Applied Science (AAS) in Medical Billing and Coding at Charter College takes as little as 15 months if certain general education courses have already been completed. This fully online program focuses on processing and coding for medical insurance, electronic health records, legal and ethical issues, regulatory requirements, medical terminology, the basics of the healthcare system, and billing and coding standards. Satisfactorily completion of all courses leads students to readiness for the national certification examination.
The admissions office at Charter College can help you determine the cost of attendance, which varies and is based on factors like transportation, living expenses, and more. Since this is an associate degree, many students qualify for federal student aid.
Salary & Career Outlook for Medical Billing & Coding Students in New Mexico
Before jumping into an online medical billing and coding program in NM, it helps to know what to expect concerning the job outlook and salary for medical billing and coding professions. Though the Bureau of Labor Statistics doesn’t offer data on medical billers and coders, it does offer information on medical records specialists, which medical billing and coding falls under.
In New Mexico, the median wage for medical records specialists is $45,240, but where you work matters. For instance, Las Cruces coders/billers make substantially less at $36,540, while those in Albuquerque make more than the average at $48,350. The highest median wage goes to those in Santa Fe at $51,200. The highest wages for those working in these positions for a while – those who make in the 90th percentile – go to those in Farmington with a rate of $71,480.
Graduates of online medical billing and coding programs in New Mexico can expect job growth of 18.7%, much greater than the 8.5% job growth for medical records specialists in the U.S. That means 230 new jobs each year in New Mexico for those who graduated from an accredited program.
The tables below break down the median wages and give further growth information.
| Area | 10th Percentile | Median | 90th Percentile |
|---|---|---|---|
| New Mexico | $34,140 | $45,240 | $67,440 |
| Albuquerque, NM | $35,380 | $48,350 | $70,700 |
| Farmington, NM | $34,140 | $49,000 | $71,480 |
| Las Cruces, NM | $30,920 | $36,540 | $55,250 |
| Santa Fe, NM | $36,080 | $51,200 | $66,750 |
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 |
| New Mexico | 1,230 | 1,460 | 230 | 18.7% | 110 |
Source: Projections Central, 2020-2030
Careers for Medical Billing and Coding-Certified Students
Billing Analyst
A billing analyst often works for a billing department in a hospital or other clinical setting where they ensure that billing is correct. Duties include invoicing patients and insurance companies, ensuring codes are correct, figuring out reasons for insurance reimbursement rejections, and double-checking all steps so the company gets the revenue expected. A billing analyst might focus mostly on billing but still needs to have a solid knowledge of coding to catch and solve problems as they arise.
Coding Auditor
Coding auditors dive deep into medical procedure and treatment codes to make sure they are used properly when communicating with insurance companies and patients. The coding auditor double-checks the work of other coders to ensure they are using the right codes, that any mistakes are handled promptly, and that paperwork is resubmitted appropriately. They also look for repeated errors and note where a coder might need more training and support.
Medical Records Coordinator
Medical record coordinators compile, coordinate, maintain, and process medical records for patients in line with the guidelines of their healthcare system. This means being aware of legal, ethical, administrative, and medical guidelines on the local, state, and federal levels. Medical billing and coding experience helps them spot problems in procedures, treatments, diagnoses, and other codes that could have financial implications for patients or the healthcare facility.
Reimbursement Specialist
A reimbursement specialist in the medical field focuses on compensation and benefits for employees as well as job analysis for employers. Their work requires them to understand medical and health services, medical terminology, billing and coding practices, and requirements for compensation and benefits to ensure that employees receive their entitled benefits. Expect this job to include quite a bit of auditing to ensure that any reimbursements are accurate.
Answering Your Pressing Questions
Can you take medical billing and coding online?
There are numerous online medical billing and coding programs in NM with no need to ever step into a classroom. These programs are especially suited to online work because students must use a computer for most of the class even if they are sitting in a classroom. After all, much of the medical billing and coding profession requires using coding programs and resources.
How much are online medical billing and coding classes?
Most online medical billing and coding programs in NM take about a year to complete and cost $2,000 to $4,000 for the entire program and the certification exam. Costs vary depending on the school, the availability of financial aid, and how long it takes you to complete the course.
To get an accurate idea of the cost, contact each school individually. Most list their tuition rates clearly on their websites but don’t hesitate to get in touch with the financial aid office or office of admissions at the school of your choice for verification and details.
How long is medical billing and coding school?
The length of the program depends upon the school, but programs can take as little as four weeks or as long as four years. Online programs tend to take around one year to complete. If you choose to earn an associate degree, count on two years of full-time study. Some schools offer bachelor’s degrees that focus on medical billing and coding, and those take about four years, though accelerated programs might cut that down to three years or so.
What schools are accredited for medical billing and coding?
When choosing an online medical and billing program in NM, make sure the school or program is fully accredited. Accreditation means that the school or program was evaluated by an independent body that determines whether a school meets the standards of a high-quality education. Ensure a school is accredited by checking with the Council for Higher Education Accreditation (CHEA) and that a program is accredited by the American Academy of Professional Coders (AAPC) or the Commission of Accreditation for Health Informatics and Information Management Education (CAHIIM).
Even if a program is not accredited by AAPC or CAHIIM, the school’s accreditation ensures your program is accepted by credentialing agencies. A school or program must be accredited for you to be eligible for federal financial aid.
