Indiana's Online Medical Billing & Coding Schools: Top Programs

Spotlighting Indiana’s Medical Billing and Coding Programs Online

You’ll find that you have many options to pursue your medical billing and coding education, ranging in duration, prerequisites, level, and cost. The shortest and least intensive option is a certificate program (some offered in as little as four weeks of training), followed by a diploma, and then an associate degree.

Regardless of your program choice, most schools offer resources for medical billing and coding students that will help you succeed, and each program will provide you with the knowledge and skills you need to perform the role — secured through varying levels of specialized education. Your training may also prepare you to take a medical billing and coding certification exam after graduation.

Technology can allow you to complete many of these programs exclusively online. Online learning usually involves digital lectures and exams, interactive lessons, and real-world coding scenarios conducted through virtual labs. Your program will either be synchronous — where you meet online at a designated time with your instructor and other students — or asynchronous, meaning you can complete the assignments at your own pace.

Let’s explore three standout Indiana medical billing and coding programs below to get a better sense of the range of offerings.

Get Answers: Medical Billing and Coding Student FAQs

As you’re researching your potential education and future role as a medical biller or coder in Indiana, you’ll undoubtedly have questions. Below, find five of the most common questions prospective students have, along with answers. Keep reading to dive even deeper into the realities of becoming a successful Indiana medical biller or coder.

Does my Indiana medical billing and coding program need to be accredited?

Accreditation is a process conducted by objective, third-party agencies that analyze education quality and student experience. Enrolling in an accredited program ensures that an Indiana college provides the quality education you deserve and that you’re learning the skills employers need.

In Indiana, colleges and universities — such as Marian University, Indiana Tech, and Indiana University South Bend — are often accredited by the Higher Learning Commission. In some cases, a program may have an additional layer of accreditation called programmatic accreditation. But with most certificate or diploma programs, you’ll want to ensure your school offers institutional accreditation.

Is medical billing and coding worth it?

Pursuing a medical billing and coding career is worth investing time, money, and training. Not only does the profession have good earning potential, but estimates also show significant growth in the coming years. According to the U.S. Department of Labor, there will be an 8.5% increase in medical records specialist jobs — the closest match for medical billers or coders — between 2022 and 2032. This makes for a solid return on investment for a medical billing and coding program.

The benefits of the role are many — from a healthy employment outlook to advancement opportunities and more. The need for frequent communication, often with third parties, is a common frustration, but many students say the benefits far outweigh the challenges.

Is medical billing and coding hard?

Working as a medical biller or coder can be a rewarding career, but these are not considered easy jobs. However, after completing your Indiana certification program, you’ll be well-equipped with the knowledge and skills you’ll need to navigate the challenges that come with the territory.

Students often report that the most challenging part of the job is the attention to detail required to identify and source the necessary codes correctly. However, most positions will provide you with the required training to succeed in your role when combined with your education.

Is medical coding a good remote job?

Yes. You’ll likely be able to find employment in these roles if you have a stable internet connection. Many employers around the state, such as Cameron Memorial Community Hospital and Revele, hire medical billers and coders who work virtually.

The AAPC suggests that employers will often require two to five years of coding experience before offering a remote position, and some of these employers will allow you to gain experience while working in-house. So, working from home may not be your first work environment, but you can work toward a remote role by proving your skills in an office setting.

How much will an Indiana medical billing and coding program cost, and are there financial aid options?

The amount you pay for tuition will vary depending on your location and the type of education or training you’re pursuing. Some charge students for the entire program simultaneously, such as the tuition at Indiana University South Bend and Marian University at $2,995 and $3,695, respectively.

To help defray the cost of your education, you can receive scholarships, grants, and loans from various sources, such as the government or private companies. Also, financial aid may be available from the school you attend. For instance, students in the medical billing and coding program at Purdue University may be eligible for tuition savings.

Suggested Certifications for Medical Billers and Coders

To become qualified to be a medical biller or coder in Indiana, you’ll need to complete an education or training program offered by an accredited school. You may also want to consider sitting for a certification exam. While Indiana provides no specific guidelines regarding required state licensing exams, certification offered by one of the industry-standard examination agencies — such as AHIMA, AAPC, or the NHA — can help your resume stand out among your non-certificate-holding peers.

Recertification requirements will depend on the organization through which you’ve obtained your certificate. For example, AHIMA requires you to earn a specified number of Continuing Education Units (CEUs) during a two-year certification cycle. Check with your certification agency to determine the necessary steps you’ll need to take to recertify.

Students who want to expand their skills and make their resume more diverse can pursue additional certifications at any point. For example, Indiana University South Bend’s medical billing and coding program graduates who earn a CPC offered by the AAPC can later choose to test for AHIMA’s CCA or the CBCS provided by the NHA.

Earnings and Careers: Medical Billers and Coders in Indiana

Top Online Medical/Billing Coding Programs in Indiana