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

The medical billing and coding field is growing in Maine.

If you want to work in the industry, you will first need to learn which are the requirements.

Read the article below to learn more about this job entails, along with expected salary and certification requirements.

What is Medical Coding?

Medical coding is made of shortcodes that are organized in a specific way.

These codes represent medical services offered to customers, as well as ailments.

Each code means something different and is also used in a different way.

There are 3 major code categories, and these are:

• CPT,
• ICD,
• HCPCS

In Maine, the codes you will need to know are CPT, ICD-10-CMN, and HCPCS Level II.

What is Medical Billing?

Medical billing is the process through which providers get paid for the services they offer.

When someone goes to get a medical procedure, the person and the insurance company will receive an invoice.

If you work in billing, you will need to know how to create such an invoice.

You will also need to be familiar with how insurance works, as well as the reimbursement process.

During your training, you will also need to learn specific terminology related to billing.

Getting the Appropriate Education and Certification

To get a job in the field, you will not need to have any higher education.

You will however need to present a high-school diploma or GED.

You will also need to attend a training course that is approved by the AAPC.

This is the biggest medical organization in the country.

After you finish your training course, you will have to take a certification exam.

If you want to work in billing, you will need the CPB certification.

If however, you want to work in coding, you will need the CPC certification.

Before you enroll in a training program, you should choose the desired school.

Many schools in Maine offer training programs for medical billing and coding.

You should choose based on whether you have a second job, or you can attend classes in person.

If not, you should know that classes are also available online.

The schools that provide training in Maine include the ones below.

You could also opt for a program that provides employment options after you finish.

Luckily, a career in medical coding and billing can be started without spending many years in school.

You can complete your program and get certified after about 8 months only.

Another option is to choose a program on both billing and coding.

In this case, you will be able to get a higher salary when you get your first job.

Expected Salary in Maine and Employment Information

In this state, you can get a bigger paycheck in larger cities compared to smaller regions.

The best cities to find a job in Maine include Portland-South Portland, Bangor, Northeast Maine, and Lewiston-Auburn.

According to the BLS, the unemployment rate in Maine is small and the job market will keep growing over the next years.

In this field, you can also work from home instead of going to the office daily.

Regional Salary in Maine

Receiving your certification means you can start searching for a job.

The biggest employers in Maine include the following:

• Acadia Hospital: If you work at this hospital, you will benefit from a retirement plan, paid leave, vacation time, dental and vision insurance, as well as flex spending accounts.
• Calais Hospital: This hospital was founded in 1918, and offers short- and long-term disability plans, a 401k plan, life insurance, and direct deposit.
• Maine Coast Memorial Hospital: This facility provides health insurance, a 403b with employer match, paid leave, and dental insurance plans.

Medical Billing and Coding Classes by City

Medical Billing and Coding Classes by State