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

Detailing Utah’s Online Medical Billing/Coding Classes

Many prospective students wonder if a certificate, diploma, or associate degree is best for becoming a medical biller or coder. With any option you choose, online medical billing and coding programs exist, making the road to this thriving career path all the more achievable. Virtual learning for this field is ideal for those who prefer a remote work setting with little to no face-to-face interaction, as you can still learn up on necessary courses such as anatomy, medical terminology, the ICD-10, and more through a digital classroom. Ultimately, the right online medical and billing program in Utah provides a comprehensive education that matches your career goals, schedule, budget requirements, and learning style. Continue on below to see three schools that match up with these ideal program traits, making them great choices for future students like you.

Answering Common UT Student Questions

As you contemplate your future as a medical biller or coder, many questions will likely arise. Of course you’ll want to know more about financing your program, what your education will look like, online formats, and more. Find answers to the top questions that students like you will benefit from by reading on.

How can I find medical billing coding courses that accept financial aid?

Do your own research, as each medical billing and coding course has its own financial aid process. Depending on the type of program, some accept federal financial aid or offer scholarships. Contact your program of interest directly to see what financial aid options they accept. If your school does accept financial aid, like scholarships and grants, here are a few ways to secure aid.

• Utilize online resources to search for scholarship and grant opportunities.
• Reach out to your school directly for specific financial aid options for your program.
• Explore federal and state financial aid to see if you’re able to secure a loan, scholarship, or Pell Grant. Government funding may also be available through the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act.

What does training for medical billing and coding involve?

To become a medical biller or coder, you must complete approved classroom training from an approved program. These programs provide you with both the education and hands-on experience you need to succeed as a medical biller or coder. They typically cover:

• Medical terminology
• Anatomy and physiology
• Medical coding systems
• Insurance billing and reimbursement
• Healthcare laws and regulations
• Electronic health records

Many medical billing and coding programs in Utah also prepare you to sit for several industry-recognized exams to help bolster your resume. These exams include:

• Certified Medical Coder (CMC)
• Certified Professional Coder (CPC)
• Certified Coding Specialist (CCS)

Can I get medical billing and coding certification completely online?

Yes, you can get medical billing and coding certification completely online, and there are many prominent online medical billing and coding programs in Utah that you can enroll in. Online programs empower you to pursue an education while still making time for work and personal commitments. The remote format for these types of courses are ideal for busy working professionals who need a convenient and flexible pathway to receive an education and kickstart a brand-new career.Though classes are digital, there are still support options available for distance learning students such as counselors and office hours, so you’ll have the same access to resources as on-campus students would have.

What are the most popular careers for medical billing and coding certified-students in Utah and what do they do?

You’ll have the option to pursue many top roles as medical biller or coder:

• Billing Analyst:
  • Oversees the financial aspects of healthcare services by ensuring bills are accurately prepared, submitted, and processed
  • Impacts satisfaction for patients through healthcare services
  • Assesses patient insurance eligibility, benefits, and copays
  • Creates and submits insurance claims
  • Identifies and resolves billing inaccuracies
• Coding Auditor
  • Reviews medical charts to verify the correct codes are assigned for procedures, diagnoses, and services
  • Ensures patients are billed properly, using close attention to detail
  • Educates healthcare professionals on proper coding practices
  • Pinpoints coding errors and discrepancies
  • Generates audit reports to identify areas for improvement
• Medical Records Coordinator
  • Manages and maintains patient records
  • Responds to requests for medical records from patients and other providers
  • Ensures compliance with HIPPA and other regulations
  • May work directly with medical coders to assist with coding medical records
• Reimbursement Specialist
  • Plays a key role in ensuring healthcare organizations receive payment for the services they provide
  • Works closely with insurance companies
  • Negotiates rates of healthcare services
  • Appeals denied claims and secure reimbursement, if necessary
  • Stays up to date on healthcare regulations to ensure compliance

What is the best certification for medical billing and coding?

According to the AAPC, the Certified Professional Coder (CPC) certification is the best option, as it is the most recognized certification in the healthcare industry for medical coding. In order to earn the credential, professionals must prove their knowledge across many facets, including medical coding regulations, correct coding for diagnoses and services, and payment policy changes for reimbursements.

In order to earn the CPC certification, hopeful candidates must follow certain steps. Beyond simply preparing to pass the exam, one must become an AAPC member to schedule the exam, pass the exam itself, upgrade their CPC-A (apprentice) status to CPC to verify their experience, and maintain certification through continuing education units (CEUs).

Certifications and Continuing Education in Utah

MedAssisting states that there are no specific licensing requirements for medical billing and coding professionals in Utah; however, certification is available for those who wish to pursue it. Certification should be obtained through a credible national certifying organization, so consider the CPC certification through the AAPC mentioned above, or another similar exam.

The cost of these certification exams range between $199 and $499. The price you pay will ultimately depend on the exam you select and the number of attempts allowed. For example, the CPC exam will be $299 for a single online attempt or $399 for a single in-person attempt. For those taking this exam, they will also need an AAPC membership, adding on an extra $180. Those with this credential must maintain their status by earning continuing education units (CEUs) every two years and pay the yearly membership fees.

How Much Do Medical Billers and Coders in Utah Make?