The Best Online Medical Billing & Coding Programs in VT: Find Your Match

Becoming a doctor or nurse is not the only way to be a part of the healthcare field. If you’re interested in health and want to contribute to the community, there are many other career paths available. One of those is becoming a medical biller coder.

Medical billers and coders play a pivotal role in the healthcare system because their work helps ensure that the medical treatments patients receive are paid for. This is important and precise work, so those who want to enter the field must get high-quality training to meet the demands of the job. Online medical billing programs in Vermont provide that training.

Continue reading to find out what these programs entail through spotlights of some of the best online medical biller coder programs Vermont has to offer. Additionally, find out what happens when you complete an online medical billing program in VT, including what you may earn and what the job outlook is for the profession. This page also includes answers to some of the most common questions prospective students have about online medical billing programs in Vermont to help you make an informed decision about whether this is the right career path for you.

School Spotlight: Inside a Medical Billing & Coding Program in VT

Online medical billing programs in Vermont provide a solid understanding of the health insurance payment process and the codes professionals need to use to guarantee payments are made. These programs also teach the different types of care that medical professionals deliver as well as how the human body works. Continue reading to find examples of some online medical billing programs in VT to give you an idea of what to expect when you enroll.

Vermont State University

The Medical Billing and Coding program through Vermont State University requires 370 hours of instruction over 12 months. It provides a great deal of flexibility since not only is it offered entirely online, but it is also self-paced to allow students to easily incorporate their studies into their busy schedules. Vermont State University offers open enrollment for further flexibility.

The program covers medical terminology to create familiarity with the different systems of the body – cardiovascular, nervous, and endocrine systems, for example – and how they work. Students then learn how the health insurance industry works, including the different types of insurance patients may have, the managed care models they will encounter, and the insurance claim cycle. The program covers the different types of codes professionals are expected to master as well as pharmacology, clinical documentation, and the forms that need to be filled out to get claims paid.

Vermont State University, which is accredited by the New England Commission of Higher Education (NECHE), also provides preparation for the certification exams and job search tips to help students effectively write cover letters and resumes and answer interview questions to help graduates navigate job offers in healthcare.

Salary & Career Outlook for Vermont’s Medical Billing Coding Students

While the BLS does not provide data specifically for medical billing and coding, the data provided below is for medical records specialists, a role also encompassed in this work. The salary and career outlook are promising for this career field, both throughout the U.S. and in Vermont.

In Vermont, as the table below shows, the median salary of $49,610 and the 10th percentile salary of $38,570 is a bit higher than those groups throughout the U.S. Of course, the amount you can make with any healthcare degree depends on where you live. For example, in Burlington, VA the average salary of $46,490 and the 90th percentile salary of $61,290 is a bit lower than throughout VA or the U.S., while the 10th percentile salary of $39,230 for Burlington is higher.

In addition to decent income potential, the career outlook for medical records specialists like biller coders is strong with a 9.5 percent increase — 30 new jobs per year — through 2030. This is slightly higher than the national level projection of 8.5 percent (15,000 new jobs) yearly.

Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, May 2023

Source: Projections Central, 2020-2030

Careers for Medical Billing and Coding Certified Students

Billing Analyst

Billing analysts work with the finance and accounting departments to ensure the bills sent to customers are accurate. This entails comparing invoices to balance sheet reports to find and correct discrepancies. In addition, these professionals may work closely with their company’s customers when there are billing disputes to resolve issues. Billing analysts also review billing procedures to reveal areas in the process that can be improved.

Coding Auditor

When it comes to the accuracy of medical records, coding auditors are the last line of defense. These professionals review the work of coders in healthcare facilities to address any errors being made. If there are issues, coders are made aware of their weaknesses so they can improve them. Armed with their understanding of ICD-9-CM Diagnosis and Procedure Codes and CPT medical coding systems, coding auditors go through records to correct and document mistakes as needed. If coding professionals are making a lot of errors, auditors may report these issues to management who can then conduct training to resolve the issue.

Medical Record Coordinator

Medical record coordinators use their billing and coding knowledge – along with critical thinking, reasoning, and coordination skills – to maintain medical records at hospitals, surgical centers, doctor’s offices, and nursing homes. Medical record coordinators review information to ensure that it’s accurate and complete. They must keep in mind the healthcare regulations the industry is expected to comply with. Confidentiality is also a huge concern, so medical record coordinators create protocols to safeguard information obtained when delivering patient care.

Reimbursement Specialist

Reimbursement specialists play an integral role in helping healthcare facilities get paid for their services. These professionals may submit reimbursement claims, verify a patient’s health insurance coverage, and work with patients and providers to ensure that information is accurate and complete. In addition, if a claim is denied, a reimbursement specialist files an appeal with insurance companies to get the balance paid.

Answering Your Questions

What does medical billing and coding training cost?

College tuition for any medical degree depends on a variety of factors. Some online medical billing programs in VT charge by the credit, others by the semester, and still others charge a flat fee for the entire program. The programs at Vermont State University and the Vermont Adult Career & Technical Education Association, for example, both charge $2,995 for their medical billing and coding training programs.

Is it worth studying medical coding and billing?

After completing an online medical coding billing program in Vermont, graduates can earn between $38,570 and $69,630 per year. Also, there is expected to be a 9.5 percent increase in open positions through 2030. Ultimately, it depends on a combination of your salary expectations, your local job availability, and how much effort you’re willing to put in.

Are there online medical billing and coding programs in VT?

There are online medical billing programs in Vermont where students can take their courses in an entirely virtual format. In addition, some schools may offer hybrid programs that combine online and in-person instruction.

How long is a medical billing and coding program?

The time it takes to complete an online medical billing program in Vermont varies. Generally, they can be completed in one year or less. For those with stellar study skills and time management, there are even four-week certification courses.

How do I find an accredited online medical billing and coding program?

When you’re looking at online medical billing programs in VT, check to see if they are accredited first on their website and then by calling if the website doesn’t clearly indicate accreditation. You can also check with the New England Commission of Higher Education (NECHE) to see if a particular school in Vermont is accredited. Accreditation for medical coder biller programs is through one of several organizations, many of which also provide certification testing. Those include the AAPC, AHIMA, and the Commission on Accreditation for Health Informatics and Information Management Education (CAHIIM).