Online Medical Billing & Coding Schools in Tennessee: Program Review

Breaking Down Online Medical Billing/Coding Classes in Tennessee

There is a wide array of program options for learning the skills of medical billing and coding. You can complete a training program, certificate program, or even an associate’s degree to acquire the relevant knowledge. Some of the major credentials in this field – such as the Certified Professional Coder (CPC) or Certified Coding Associate (CCA) – do not have an educational requirement for certification, you just need to have sufficient content knowledge to pass the exam. However, others, like the Certified Billing and Coding Specialist (CBCS), do require completing a training or education program in Medical Billing and Coding in the last five years.

With that in mind, when looking for programs, consider cost, content delivery (virtual or on-campus), type of learning (synchronous or asynchronous), and whether you’d like an additional credential at the end of the process, like an associate’s degree. Our highlighted programs give you a spectrum of options to find what will align best with your life, responsibilities, and goals.

Responding to Frequently Asked Questions by Tennessee Students

As you begin exploring medical billing and coding schools in Tennessee, you’ll likely have some questions regarding the process and career trajectory. In this section, we’ll tackle some of the most frequently asked questions to help you make an informed decision and launch a rewarding career in healthcare.

What are the steps to becoming a medical billing and coding specialist in Tennessee?

As addressed above, to start your career on the strongest footing, you will find it helpful to complete a medical billing and coding program in Tennessee. You can complete a training program, certificate program, or earn an associate’s degree. These programs equip you with the necessary knowledge and skills for medical terminology, coding systems, and healthcare regulations while preparing you for the credentialing exam. There are even accelerated online medical billing and coding programs that can be completed in as little as four weeks.

Just as we want our clinical providers to hold relevant credentials and licenses, after you complete your program, the best course is to earn a certification from a reputable organization to enhance employability. Consider looking at job postings for desired prospective employers to see which credentials they prefer for available positions.

How much does medical billing and coding pay in Tennessee?

Medical billing and coding salaries in Tennessee are competitive. The average is around $55,950 annually, with a range of $35,040 for entry-level to $78,760 for experienced professionals. Higher salaries are available in top-paying areas like Chattanooga. It’s important to remember that your starting salary will depend on your background, experience, and skills. In many healthcare organizations, you will typically earn annual increases in salary as you accrue years of service. Earning a certification will increase your earning potential and you may even elect to earn additional certifications in the industry that increase your value to your workplace.

Is medical billing and coding worth it?

Absolutely! Whether you believe a career in medical billing and coding is worth it depends on your goals, lifestyle, and personal preferences. However, in Tennessee, the field offers a lot of great benefits including good salary potential, a growing job market, and the opportunity to make an impact. This is also a career that will always be necessary and whose prospects are not contingent on economic circumstances – people are always going to seek medical care and providers are always going to need reimbursement. If the financial investment for training is your main concern with pursuing this career path, remember to look for programs that offer financial aid.

Is medical billing and coding difficult?

Like learning any new skill, it does take time and effort to master the terminology and coding systems, as well as learn the policies and procedures for an employer and practice. With a strong educational foundation from a reputable program many students succeed, especially those who enjoy detail-oriented tasks. However, if you struggle with remote learning, there are many resources for online students to make sure you get the most out of your education and are best prepared for your career.

Even the most seasoned medical billing and coding specialist will make errors, but the system accounts for that and you should be able to correct it when it happens. While you will need to accrue a fair amount of knowledge to pass your certification exam, you will be able to use your reference texts for your job responsibilities, so if you learn the base knowledge and know where to look for the answer, you will likely be successful in this field.

Is medical billing and coding a good remote job?

Medical billing and coding can be a great career option for those interested in remote work. Many healthcare companies offer remote positions that allow you to work from anywhere with a stable internet connection. This flexibility and convenience are ideal for those seeking to maximize work-life balance or location independence. Furthermore, smaller practices or individual providers will often be able to hire a shared medical billing and coding specialist who can process their claims. In that case, since there is no single workplace responsible for the employee, remote work is ideal so the medical billing and coding specialist can complete their responsibilities for each practice.

Tennessee Certifications and Continuing Education

There are three top bodies that offer certifications for medical billing and coding – the AAPC (American Academy of Professional Coders), the AHIMA (American Health Information Management Association), and the NHA (National Healthcareer Association). Each body offers credentials for medical billing and coding and is recognized and revered on a state and national level. The AAPC and AHIMA credentials do not have education requirements but recommend completing an approved coding program prior to sitting for the exam. The NHA’s exam (the Certified Billing and Coding Specialist, or CBCS) requires a high school diploma/equivalent and completion of a medical billing and coding training program in the last five years or comparable work experience.

Typically, exams cost between $125 and $399, depending on which certification you choose. While certifications are not required, they are strongly preferred in the job market as they signal to your employer a base level of knowledge and competence in the field. Each credential does have continuing education requirements, requiring 10-36 Continuing Education Units (CEUs) every two years, depending on the certification. These CEUs, plus an applicable fee, will keep your knowledge current and certification up to date.

For those who are curious about further possibilities, AAPC and AHIMA offer several credential options. With AAPC, they have advanced certification options for those who have been in the field and want to either expand their capabilities or further specialize in one area, such as ambulatory practice or medical specialties like ophthalmology or family practice. AHIMA has further specializations as a health data analyst or healthcare privacy and security. The capacity to expand your knowledge and credentials may be a great way to keep your career fresh over time as you explore new content and acquire more areas of expertise.

Income Potential for Medical Billers and Coders in Tennessee

As a graduate of a medical billing and coding educational program in Tennessee, you can look forward to a robust job market with the potential to earn a comfortable living. Medical billing and coding professionals are projected to be in high demand across the country, with job openings expected to grow at an above-average rate of 8.5% over the next decade. However, that rate is even higher in Tennessee, where the job growth rate is projected to be 21.5% over the next decade, more than double the national average. Furthermore, the average medical billing and coding salary was $49,340 as of 2023. This figure is just a general average, with more densely populated areas typically offering higher salaries. For instance, medical billing and coding workers in Memphis can expect some of the highest salaries in the state, with an average of $56,040 per year in 2023, and the top 90th percentile earning over $80,000 a year on average. Read on for more data and an even clearer picture.