Best Online Medical Billing and Coding Programs in UT
Could a rewarding career in medical billing and coding be your next move? Pursue your future by looking at your online program options in Utah.
Decided a career as a medical billing or coding professional is right for you? That’s great news since the medical coding and billing field is critical to our healthcare system. It’s also a rewarding career choice for skilled professionals looking to make a difference.
As you begin your journey in this growing field, you’re likely starting to research and evaluate medical billing and coding programs. If you’re a busy working professional or have an already jam-packed schedule, an online medical billing and coding program in Utah might be the perfect fit for you.
Online medical billing/coding programs in Utah maximize convenience and flexibility, allowing you to easily balance your education with work and personal commitments. Luckily, there are many exceptional online medical and billing coding programs to choose from, but how do you know which one is right for you?
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. This guide will help you make an informed decision about your medical billing and coding education and help you feel comfortable taking the next step. It explores three popular onlineprograms in Utah, dives into the career outlook for this growing field, and answers several of the most common questions.
Top Choices for Utah’s Online Medical Billing & Coding Programs
Utah is home to several high-quality online medical and billing programs, each offering its own unique learning experience. Whether you’re looking for a flexible schedule, robust support options, or hands-on learning experience, these top online medical billing and coding programs in Utah can kickstart a rewarding career in the medical billing and coding field. The section below explores what makes each of these programs unique.
Snow College
In partnership with Ed2Go,Snow College’s 100% online Medical Billing and Coding program offers comprehensive training that provides practical, hands-on experience in the field. Led by experienced instructors, the self-paced program covers a wide range of key topics, including medical terminology, coding systems, and billing software. You also receive access to study materials for industry-recognized exams and receive a voucher upon completion for a professional certification exam to demonstrate your competency and boost your resume. Those exams include the Certified Professional Coder (CPC), Certified Coding Associate (CCA), or Certified Billing and Coding Specialist (CBCS).
Cost: $2,995
Duration: 12 months
Financial Aid: Note that since this course is offered in partnership with Ed2Go, limited financial aid options are available. However, Ed2Go does offer financing aid and accepts government funding.
The University of Utah
In partnership with Career Step, the University of Utah’s self-paced online Medical Billing and Coding Professional Program equips you with the knowledge and skills needed to pass the CPC certification exam. In a flexible learning environment, you work with seasoned instructors for personalized, one-on-one support to ensure you have the tools and resources to succeed. The course covers key topics in medical billing and coding, including health information management (HIM), medical terminology, and medical record coding. You also get hands-on experience with 3M encoding software to give you real-world practice. Additionally, you receive career support and coaching to help you transition into the field.
Cost: $3,699
Duration: You have 12 months of access to course content, but the self-paced format allows you to complete it as quickly or slowly as needed within that timeframe.
Financial Aid: Since this course is offered in partnership with CareerStep, limited financial aid options are available.
Ogden-Weber Technical College
Ogden-Weber Technical College offers a flexible in-person and online Medical Coding and Billing program that makes it easy for you to break into the field quickly. Through competency-based education, you gain a solid understanding of medical terminology, anatomy, legal and ethical responsibilities, medical coding and billing methods, medical coding software, and the Electronic Health Record (EHR). You also gain practical, hands-on experience that prepares you for the CPC examination offered by the American Academy of Professional Coders (AAPC). Led by knowledgeable and dedicated instructors, the program is offered both in-person and online for maximum flexibility. The program also offers career support, including assistance with certification expenses and job placement.
Cost: $2,895
Duration: This program takes eight to 16 months.
Financial Aid: Ogden-Weber Technical College does accept federal financial aid and offers scholarships and grants.
Salary & Career Outlook in UT for Medical Billing and Coding Students
Medical billing and coding is a rapidly growing field offering a competitive salary. While the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) doesn’t provide specific data for medical billers/coders, the data for medical records specialists includes them.
The mean annual wage for medical records specialists in Utah is $49,750, slightly higher than the national average of $48,780 per year. Your salary potential depends on your location, though. For example, the top earners in Salt Lake City have an earning potential of $103,980 while those in the Provo-Orem area hover around $61,500. Your earning potential ultimately depends on your experience, education, company, and certification.
Utah offers significant opportunities in terms of job growth. The job growth rate is projected at 33.8%, nearly four times higher than the national average of 8.5%. Plus, medical billing and coding can often be done remotely, which opens an additional pool of 16,600 jobs per year across the U.S.
The table below breaks down the salary and career outlook for medical records specialists in various regions of Utah.
| Area | 10th Percentile | Mean Annual Wage | 90th Percentile |
|---|---|---|---|
| Utah | $35,230 | $49,750 | $90,770 |
| Ogden-Clearfield, UT | $33,950 | $44,870 | $72,650 |
| Provo-Orem, UT | $30,250 | $40,600 | $61,500 |
| St. George, UT | $30,230 | $44,190 | $76,610 |
| Salt Lake City, UT | $38,540 | $59,930 | $103,980 |
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 |
| Utah | 1,390 | 1,860 | 470 | 33.8% | 150 |
Source: Projections Central, 2020-2030
Popular Careers for Utah’s Medical Billing & Coding-Certified Students
Billing Analyst
A billing analyst oversees the financial aspects of healthcare services by ensuring bills are accurately prepared, submitted, and processed. Billing analysts are a crucial part of the patient experience as their role directly impacts satisfaction with healthcare services. A billing analyst also:
- Assesses patient insurance eligibility, benefits, and copays
- Creates and submit insurance claims
- Identifies and resolve billing inaccuracies
A medical billing analyst must be detail-oriented and have a knack for problem-solving. Communication and interpersonal skills are a must for interacting with patients, insurance companies, and providers. A working knowledge of finance and accounting best practices is also important.
Coding Auditor
Coding auditors are crucial in medical coding as they review medical charts to ensure the correct codes are assigned for procedures, diagnoses, and services. These codes make sure patients are billed properly, so they must be accurate. Medical coding auditors also:
- Educate healthcare professionals on proper coding practices
- Pinpoint coding errors and discrepancies
- Generate audit reports to identify areas for improvement
Coding auditors need an analytical mind and attention to detail to ensure all codes in medical charts are accurate and up to date. They also need to know coding guidelines, including ICD-9 and CPT codes.
Medical Records Coordinator
Medical records coordinators have a direct impact on patient care and aid collaboration between healthcare providers. In addition to managing and maintaining patient records, medical record coordinators also:
- Respond to requests for medical records from patients and other providers
- Ensure compliance with HIPPA and other regulations
- May work directly with medical coders to assist with coding medical records
Strong organizational and time management skills are essential for medical record coordinators to effectively manage patient charts. Additionally, medical record coordinators need a collaborative mindset since they work closely with patients, insurance companies, and healthcare providers.
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.
Answering Your Pressing Questions
What is the medical billing and coding salary in Utah?
While the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics doesn’t provide data for medical billers/coders, it does provide information on medical records specialists, which is a close equivalent. In Utah, these professionals average $49,750 per year. However, the salary varies depending on location. For example, Salt Lake City professionals can make as much as $103,980 per year. These are just estimates, and your salary ultimately depends on factors like location, company, experience, and certifications.
How can I find medical billing coding courses that accept financial aid?
Each medical billing and coding course has its own financial aid process, so do your research. 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?
You can get an 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. Online medical billing and coding programs in Utah are ideal for busy working professionals who need a convenient and flexible pathway to receive an education and kickstart a brand-new career.
