Oregon's Popular Medical Billing & Coding Programs
Find your next career with an online medical billing and coding program. Get started with these reputable schools in OR and learn more about job opportunities and salaries.
Now that you’ve decided medical billing and coding is the right career path for you, it’s time to find the perfect program. There are many excellent online medical billing and coding programs in Oregon, but finding the right one can feel overwhelming.
Oregon’s online medical billing and coding programs include certificate, associate, and bachelor’s degrees, each offering a unique learning experience. When selecting an online medical billing and coding program in Oregon, consider:
- Curriculum: Review the program’s curriculum to ensure it covers all the essential topics.
- Accreditation: Ensure the program is accredited by a reputable organization, such as the Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs (CAAHEP).
- Resources: Look for programs that offer support resources, like job placement services, or have strong industry connections.
Ultimately, the right online medical billing and coding program in Oregon for you will not only provide you with the knowledge and skills needed to succeed in this field but it will also cater to your learning style, schedule, and budget.
In this guide, we’ll highlight popular online medical billing and coding programs in Oregon, dive into potential career paths, and answer some of the most frequently asked questions to help you find the best fit.
Reputable Online Medical Billing & Coding Programs in Oregon
Oregon offers several high-quality online medical billing and coding programs. In this section, we’ll explore three reputable online medical billing and coding programs that can help kickstart your new career.
Portland Community College
Portland Community College’s Online Medical Coding program offers a flexible and affordable path to a rewarding career that can be completed in just two to three terms. Over four online courses, you’ll develop the necessary knowledge and skills to sit for the American Academy of Professionals Coders (AAPC) national exam.
Led by experienced instructors in real-time, this online medical billing and coding program in Oregon provides an exceptional learning experience that enables you to learn from and engage with seasoned healthcare professionals.
Students learn to accurately code medical procedures and diagnoses using the latest guidelines and regulations. This includes understanding medical terminology, analyzing medical reports, identifying body systems, and applying coding rules for various healthcare services.
Cost: $3,688
Duration: Less than one year
Financial Aid: Scholarships, grants, and other forms of financial aid are available. Oregon residents over the age of 62 may also be eligible for free or discounted tuition.
Mt. Hood Community College
Mt. Hood Community College (MHCC) offers a convenient 100% online medical billing and coding program that will prepare you to work in medical offices, hospitals, clinics, insurance firms, government facilities, and nursing homes. The online medical billing and coding program is ideal for those wishing to pursue more advanced education, as graduates of the program can return at any time to earn an associate’s degree. The program provides students with a strong understanding of healthcare team dynamics, leadership principles, and effective problem-solving strategies. Upon completion, you will also be proficient in medical terminology, verbal and nonverbal communication, cultural sensitivity, and medical billing and coding processes.
Cost: $124 – $369 per credit depending on residency.
Duration: Four quarters
Financial Aid: MHCC offers scholarships, grants, and other forms of financial aid.
Institute of Technology
The Institute of Technology’s (IOT) hybrid Medical Office Administration Billing & Coding Program offers anaccelerated pathway to the medical billing and coding field. In as little as 40 weeks, you’ll gain hands-on training and real-world education that will empower you to take control of your career. Plus, you’ll have access to experienced instructors and tutoring services supporting you throughout your learning journey. As a graduate of the program, you may be eligible to sit for the Medical Office Administration (NCCT-NCMOA) OR Insurance and Coding (NCCT-NSICS) National Certification exam(s), which leads to nationally recognized credentials to boost your resume.
The hybrid program helps you fit education into your busy schedule with classes offered online seven days a week. One on-campus meeting is required weekly at the Salem campus.
Cost: $18,691 to $18,789 depending on location
Duration: As few as 40 weeks
Financial Aid: Financial aid is available depending on the campus and program.
Medical Billing & Coding Salary and Career Overview for OR
While the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) doesn’t provide specific data for “medical billers/coders,” we can get an understanding of the salary trajectory for medical billing and coding professionals in Oregon by examining the statistics for medical records specialists, which most closely matches the medical billing and coding profession.
In Oregon, job growth is significantly higher than the national average, and medical coding and billing specialists have a high level of job security. The salary potential for these roles can vary significantly depending on the region. For example, the 90th percentile salary in Bend-Redmond is significantly higher than in other areas at $125,030 per year. In contrast, areas like Salem offer lower salary potential, with a 90th percentile salary at $72,210.
The average annual wage in Oregon is generally above the national average of $48,780 per year, which promises a competitive salary no matter where you’re located within the state. However, it’s important to note that Oregon has a higher cost of living so, while you can expect your salary to be competitive, living expenses could also be higher, potentially impacting your finances.
Remember, in addition to location, your actual salary will depend on factors like years of experience, education, company size, and additional certifications. The following data provides a career overview for medical records specialists in various regions of Oregon:
| Area | 10th Percentile | Mean Annual Wage | 90th Percentile |
|---|---|---|---|
| Oregon | $39,110 | $54,080 | $83,250 |
| Bend-Redmond, OR | $39,110 | $55,030 | $125,030 |
| Corvallis, OR | $47,610 | $67,770 | $83,200 |
| Eugene, OR | $37,020 | $46,530 | $79,920 |
| Medford, OR | $38,100 | $48,350 | $77,180 |
| Portland-Vancouver-Hillsboro, OR-WA | $41,330 | $57,870 | $86,880 |
| Salem, OR | $33,440 | $49,910 | $72,210 |
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 |
| Oregon | 2,440 | 2,790 | 350 | 14.3% | 210 |
Source: Projections Central, 2020-2030
Careers for the Medical Billing & Coding-Certified
Billing Analyst
A crucial role in healthcare, billing analysts ensure accurate and timely financial transactions. Medical billing analysts:
- Ensure patients have valid insurance coverage and that the correct policies are applied to their accounts
- Prepare and submit insurance claims
- Monitor the status of insurance claims and resolve any issues or delays to ensure timely payment.
- Investigate and correct errors, such as incorrect coding, duplicate charges, or payment disputes
- Help identify and prevent insurance fraud
- Analyze billing data to identify trends and optimize billing processes
Billing analysts need strong attention to detail, excellent communication skills, and a solid understanding of medical terminology and insurance regulations. You’ll also need to be comfortable using specialized billing software and electronic health records (EHR) systems.
Coding Auditor
A coding auditor reviews medical records to ensure that diagnoses and procedures are accurately coded. These professionals ensure healthcare providers receive appropriate reimbursement and that patients are billed correctly. Coding auditors:
- Review medical records to verify the accuracy of codes
- Identify coding errors and inconsistencies
- Educate healthcare providers about coding guidelines
- Analyze coding data to identify trends and improve processes
Coding auditors must be detail-oriented and have excellent analytical skills. Additionally, coding auditors often need to be certified by a recognized organization, such as the American Health Information Management Association (AHIMA). They typically work in hospitals, medical offices, or insurance companies.
Medical Records Coordinator
A vital role for patient privacy and HIPAA compliance, medical records coordinators ensure the accuracy, completeness, and confidentiality of these records, which are essential for patient care, research, and legal purposes. Medical records coordinators:
- Organize and store patient records
- Retrieve records when requested
- Ensure records are current with the latest patient information
- Protect the confidentiality of patient records in compliance with HIPAA regulations
- Assist with record audits and implement improvement initiatives
Medical record coordinators need strong organizational skills, attention to detail, and a good understanding of medical terminology. They must also be familiar with HIPAA regulations and other privacy laws.
Reimbursement Specialist
Reimbursement specialists play key roles in ensuring healthcare organizations receive payment for the services they provide. They work closely with insurance companies to:
- Negotiate rates of healthcare services
- Appeal denied claims and secure reimbursement, if necessary
- Stay up to date on healthcare regulations to ensure compliance
Since reimbursement specialists often negotiate with insurance companies, they need strong communication skills. They also need analytical and problem-solving skills to help them identify opportunities to increase reimbursement and make the healthcare organization more revenue.
Your Questions, Answered
What is the average medical billing and coding salary in Oregon?
While the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics provides specific data for “medical billers/coders,” they do provide data for “medical records specialists,” a close match. The average salary in Oregon is $54,080, which is higher than the national average of $48,780. However, the average medical billing and coding salary in Oregon can vary depending on factors such as experience, location, and specific job duties.
How long is a medical billing and coding program?
There are many medical billing and coding programs available in Oregon, including diploma, certificate, associate’s, and bachelor’s programs. Ultimately, the length of the program will depend on the type and institution offering it. Certificate programs can usually be completed in under a year, while degree programs will typically take at least 2-3 years or more to complete.
How much does a medical billing and coding program cost?
The cost of a medical billing and coding program can vary significantly depending on the institution, the type of program, and whether you attend a public or private school. Online medical billing and coding programs in Oregon may also be cheaper than traditional on-campus programs. However, regardless of the program you choose, you can expect to pay tuition costs, fees, and textbook costs. Some online medical billing and coding programs in Oregon offer financial aid options, such as grants or scholarships, to help minimize the financial burden.
How should I choose which online medical billing and coding program to take?
When choosing an online medical billing and coding program in Oregon, you should consider the following:
- Cost: Compare the tuition costs and financial aid options of different programs to make sure you can afford it.
- Accreditation: Ensure the program is accredited by a reputable organization, such as the Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs (CAAHEP).
- Curriculum: Review the program’s curriculum to make sure it covers all the necessary terminology and topics to succeed as a medical billing and coding professional. You should also opt for programs that offer hands-on learning experiences to further build your skills.
- Job placement assistance: Some online medical billing and coding programs in Oregon may offer job placement assistance to help you land a role after completing the program.
- Schedule and flexibility: It’s crucial to find an online medical billing and coding program that caters to your busy schedule. Look for a program that’s able to fit seamlessly into your life and offers flexible scheduling options.
