Medical Billing and Coding Schools in Indiana (Programs & Salary Information)

If you hope to find an administrative position in the health industry, becoming a medical coder or biller might be the right option for you.

This article talks about the steps needed to enter this field, in Indiana.

What is Medical Coding?

For those who don’t know, a medical coder transforms the information seen in medical reports in coded data that can be used for many other purposes.

There are 3 types of code that can be used in this process:

• CPT,
• ICD,
• HCPCS

Each set follows different rules and is used in a specific manner.

What’s more, coders need to know better these codes, both in Indiana and elsewhere across the nation:

• CPT,
• ICD-10-CMN,
• HCPCS Level II coding

Without proper training, it is pretty difficult to know which are the sets and how to use them.

Once training is completed, those who pass the exam will receive the CPC certification.

What is Medical Billing?

One of the purposes of the codes mentioned above is to create invoices.

Clinics and hospitals will send these invoices to the patients so that they can pay for the medical services and procedures they received.

As a general rule, for this position, you must be familiar with:

• Specific terminology
• The insurance system
• Specific medical codes

It is pretty obvious that solid training is needed for those who wish to work in the medical billing field.

Once training is completed, those who pass the exam will receive the CPB certification.

Receiving the Appropriate Education and Certification

We already mentioned you can receive the certification for either the billing or the coding field, however, it’s best to get both.

To enroll in a training program you’ll need to first have a high school diploma or GED.

Luckily, there’s no requirement to earn a degree for either position, making the medical coding and billing the fastest route into the medical field.

The training program for a future medical coder and biller is around 8 months long.

The certifications were created by AAPC which is the sole institution issuing them.

And as mentioned, to receive your certification as a medical coder and biller you’ll have to pass the exam.

AAPC also offers educational programs for these certificates, but you can choose to enroll in a different school if you so want.

The classes for these occupations are available both in-person and online, and attending them according to your schedule is also possible.

Remember that the best schools help their graduates to find employment, so ensure your school also has this perk.

You should know that by law, having these certifications is not mandatory, however, those employing individuals without these diplomas are very few.

Most employers prefer the candidates who obtained both certificates, hence the recommendation to get both.

Employment and Salary Information

In Indiana, unemployment is decreasing, thus it is a good state to find employment.

Future medical billers and coders can find a job right after receiving their certifications.

How much they’ll earn will depend on their experience as well as the city in which they work.

Hammond and Gary are the cities where salaries for these professionals are generally higher.

Regional Salary in Indiana

Future medical billers and coders in Indiana can try getting hired at one of the institutions below:

• Adams Hospital is not very big but offers medical services for a variety of conditions.
  • Its employees have many benefits, such as vision and dental insurance, 403b plans, and tuition reimbursement.
• Indiana University Health offers its employees savings and retirement plans, Eldercare, COBRA, and health engagement programs, to name a few.
• Columbus Regional Hospital employs more than 2000 people who receive benefits such as 403b plans, elderly care, health, vision, and dental insurance.

Medical Billing and Coding Classes by City

Medical Billing and Coding Classes by State