Medical Billing and Coding Schools in Montana

The most efficient way to start a medical billing and coding career in Montana is to prepare properly. Candidates who take the time to become familiar with all the key steps and considerations that they will make in the process are usually well-positioned to make the best decisions across the board.

This is one of the major reasons we have provided the detailed resources below, which cover everything candidates need to launch a successful career as a medical biller and coder in Montana. Individuals will discover the best way to prepare for training, the best training programs to choose, the licensing and certification steps to consider, and the average annual salaries across several career stages

How to Become a Medical Biller & Coder in Montana

The following is a step-by-step guide to launching a successful medical billing and coding career in Montana.

High School Requirements

The state of Montana itself does not have stringent requirements for medical billers and coders. However, employers are usually particular about working with candidates who have attended the right programs.

As it happens, some top programs require a high school diploma or GED for admission. Others don’t, but having one anyway provides candidates with a great deal of confidence going forward.

Choosing a Top Program

There are several key concerns candidates should consider when choosing a medical billing and coding program. Obviously, accreditation is important, as are convenience and professional opportunities.

Busy students who would like a flexible learning arrangement can go for self-guided, online programs. Those who don’t mind spending a few years in training can go for campus-based associate degree programs.

There are also campus-based programs that offer faster completion times through a diploma or certificate of completion.

Certification & Job Placement

Certification and job placement are closely linked for medical billers and coders, as certified professionals are more likely to secure employment at top organizations. In this field, professionals also have the luxury of choosing among several work environments.

Candidates who prefer working in a healthcare setting can choose among doctors’ offices, hospitals, and clinics. Those who prefer a non-healthcare environment can choose to work for government agencies or insurance companies.

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Licensure & Certification Requirements

The state of Montana has no licensing requirements for medical billers and coders. As for certification, this is compulsory for professional opportunities, as hinted earlier.

The American Academy of Professional Coders (AAPC) has some suitable credentials for professionals in this field. These include the Certified Professional Coder and Certified Professional Biller credentials.

While these two are among the most recognized, there are other options for candidates to consider. These include the Certified Billing and Coding Specialist and the Certified Coding Associate credentials issued by the National Healthcareer Association (NHA) and the American Health Information Management Association (AHIMA), respectively.

Top Medical Billing & Coding Schools in Montana

Below are the best schools to attend for aspiring medical billers and coders in Montana.

Explore medical billing and coding schools in Montana by city:

• Medical billing and coding schools in Billings

Salary & Career Outlook

Kalispell, with an annual average salary of $39,235, currently holds the highest average salary among medical billers and coders in Montana. Coming in second and third place are Helena with an annual average salary of $38,097, and Bozeman with an annual average salary of $37,327.

Just as location, experience, professional credentials, specialty, and work environment influence how much professionals in this discipline earn, these factors also influence how much they earn. The highest-paid who fall on the favorable side of these factors can earn up to $45,517 in Montana.

The average medical biller and coder in the state earns an annual average salary of $36,982, while the lowest-paid earn $30,048.