Online Medical Billing and Coding Schools in Wyoming: Top Programs

A Closer Look at Online Medical Billing/Coding Classes in Wyoming

There are several course options available for Wyoming students seeking medical billing and coding training. They include non-credit certification exam prep courses that provide the quickest and most affordable route to obtaining national medical biller/coder certification. Other options include for-credit certificates and associate degrees for students interested in more breadth to their studies with a possible eye toward returning to school in the future to pursue an advanced degree. We’ve spotlighted below three programs representing these different options to give you a good idea of what you can expect to find during your program search in terms of cost, program content and delivery methods, access to valuable academic and career support services, and more.

Responding to Common Inquiries from Students

While the spotlights above offer lots of useful information on what online medical billing and coding programs in Wyoming are all about, you likely have several questions about medical billing/coding training and careers in general. Here are five FAQs to help you answer some of those questions:

Is there a difference between medical billing and medical coding?

Medical billing and medical coding are separate practices, although they are often handled by professionals trained to do both. It’s important that you understand the differences between the two before signing onto any medical billing/coding course. That’s because while some courses train students in both medical billing and coding, others focus entirely on only one or the other activity. In general terms:

• Medical coding involves the use of alphanumeric coding systems to translate information on medical diagnoses, treatments, and services into an understandable form for use in medical records and billing.
• Medical billing concerns the processing and submitting claims for reimbursement to patients and insurance companies for medical services provided.

What is the cost of a medical billing and coding program in Wyoming?

As shown by the figures listed in the spotlights above, the costs of medical billing and coding programs in Wyoming vary widely depending on factors such as the program’s purpose and corresponding content depth and breadth (certification exam prep course, certificate, associate degree) and whether a program prepares students for work as medical billers, medical coders, or both. Students should expect costs of around $3,000 to $3,500 for basic certification exam prep classes up to as much as $20,000 or more for a full associate degree program.

It’s important to keep in mind, though, that financial aid is often available to qualifying students in many programs, particularly those offering college credits. So, be sure to speak with a financial aid representative at each of the programs you’re considering to see what (if any) funding help is available.

Is it really possible to work remotely as a medical biller or coder?

It’s absolutely possible to work from home or other off-site locations as a medical biller or coder. In fact, there are a number of healthcare-related occupations that lend themselves well to remote work. Whether you actually do work remotely, though, will depend on your specific employer and job duties. If you are able to work remotely, you’ll need a reliable computer installed with the proper medical billing and coding applications (often supplied by your employer) and a HIPAA-compliant secure internet connection. It is often the case that medical billers and coders split their time between working from home and at their employer’s place of business. Other billers and coders, especially those who are independent contractors, will be able to work remotely on a full-time basis.

What skills do I need to be a successful medical biller and coder?

Your online medical billing and coding program will provide you with the education and training you need to carry out the tasks and duties of the occupation. However, becoming a successful biller or coder requires a number of general skills as well, such as attention to detail, the ability to work with numbers and figures, oral and written communication skills, and basic competence in working with computers and technology. Those who intend to work remotely will additionally need to be highly organized self-starters who are comfortable working independently (i.e., not under direct supervision). By the way, you’ll gain practice in all of these skills throughout your online medical billing and coding course of study.

What types of jobs are available in medical billing and coding?

You might be surprised to learn that there are lots of job options available in the healthcare services field for medical billers and coders. Your foundational training in medical billing and coding along with national certification will qualify you to fill a variety of entry-level positions. Common entry-level job titles include Certified Professional Coder, Medical Billing Clerk, Health Information Clerk, Certified Medical Billing/Coding Specialist, and Medical Records Technician. Moving up the career ladder to mid-level and senior positions typically requires several years of work experience along with additional training in specialized practice and/or leadership and management. You may also need to get advanced national certification.

Standard Certifications and Continuing Education

There are no state-mandated licenses, certification, or continuing education requirements to work as a medical biller or coder in Wyoming. In fact, there are no state education requirements, either. That doesn’t mean, however, you’ll be able to find employment as a medical biller or coder in Wyoming without completing a formal education program (like any of those mentioned in this guide) and obtaining national certification in the medical billing and coding field. Virtually all employers of medical billing and coding professionals consider only those job applicants who have been properly trained and possess national certification.

There are a variety of national certification options. Popular entry-level certifications include the Certified Billing & Coding Specialist (CBCS) from the National Healthcareer Association and the Certified Professional Coder (CPC) and Certified Professional Biller (CPB) from the AACP. Certifications recognizing skills in advanced or specialized areas within the medical billing and coding field are also available but often require additional training and work experience.

Earnings of Medical Billers and Coders in Wyoming