A medical billing and coding specialist works in the administrative branch of the healthcare industry.
These professionals work in healthcare facilities and organize, arrange, and follow up on health insurance claims, payments, and invoices.
The coder will ensure that all services, treatments, diagnoses, and procedures are properly coded.
In addition, it is the job of the medical billing and coding expert to prepare and distribute invoices or claims for payment.
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5 Medical Billing & Coding Schools in Massachusetts
The following five schools offer courses in medical coding and billing that prepare students for working in the field, as well as to write the national examination.
Berkshire Community College
Berkshire Community College is located in Pittsfield, MA.
The school has been accredited since 1964 and has a relatively large student population of 3,045 students.
The college offers a certificate course in medical billing and coding.
The course builds foundational knowledge and technical skills in the field and prepares students for the CCA (Certified Coding Associate) examination.
Upon successful completion of this course, students should be able to describe and explain the physiology and anatomy of the human body, understand and possess knowledge of how to apply and interpret medical terminology, as well as demonstrate good computer skills.
The estimated tuition for this course is $6,692 without financial aid.
Bunker Hill Community College
The school is located in Boston, MA has a large student population of just under 22,000 students, and has been accredited since 1976.
Bunker Hill Community College offers a certificate course in Medical Information Management Assistant Certificate Program.
The course is a total of 27 credits and the second semester is a hybrid of online and in-classroom sessions.
Upon completion of this course, students should be proficient in medical terminology, demonstrate proficiency in the use of computer software and operations related to the medical billing and coding field, and also be proficient in communication media and office operations in the healthcare industry.
Course fees are expected to start at $3,400 and student aid is available to students.
Cape Cod Community College
Cape Cod Community College is located in West Barnstable, MA.
The school has a student population of 5,791 and has been accredited since 1967.
The school offers a medical coding and billing certificate course that runs over three semesters and is 29 credits.
The course covers medical office procedures, medical billing, anatomy, and physiology, medical coding, computer applications, as well as medical terminology.
Upon completion of the course, students are eligible to sit for the national qualifying examination for a Certified Coding Associate (CCA) which is offered through the American Health Information Management Association (AHIMA).
Alternatively, students can sit for the examination for a Certified Professional Coder (CPC) that is offered by the American Association of Professional Coders (AAPC).
In-state tuition at this school starts at $4,212.
Fisher College
Fisher College is located in Boston, MA, and has been accredited since 1970.
The school has a fairly large student population at just under 3,000 students.
The school has a student-teacher ratio of 14:1.
The school offers a medical coding certificate.
The course is 37-39 credits, fully online, and can be taken over an eight-week period.
Students typically take ten terms or 20 months to complete this course.
The credits obtained in this course may be applied to the Associate of Science degree in Health Information Technology.
The course prepares students for an entry-level position in a variety of medical settings, including a doctor’s office, physician’s office, hospital, clinics, insurance companies, etc.
Upon completion of the course, students are eligible to sit for the national examination in order to become a Certified Coding Associate (CCA) or a Certified Coding Specialist (CCS).
Tuition for this course is $34,150 for two semesters and financial aid is available to students.
Millennium Training Institute
Millennium Training Institute is located in Woburn, MA.
The school has been accredited since 2007 and has a student population of just under 300 students.
They offer a course in Medical Administration & Billing/Coding with a total of semester credit hours.
In addition, the course may be completed in 37 weeks or, alternatively, when taking only evening classes, 62 weeks.
The course prepares students for an entry-level position in medical billing and coding and covers the following subject matter: medical records and the healthcare environment, HIPAA regulations, computerized medical billing, computer application, medical office operations, anatomy, medical coding, insurance claim processing, medical law, and ethics, as well as medical terminology.
Upon completion of the course, students are eligible to sit for the national examination.
Billing and Coding Schools in Massachusetts – Summary Table
Top 5 Schools in Massachusetts
| School Name | Address |
|---|---|
| Berkshire Community College | 1350 West St, Pittsfield, MA 01201 |
| Bunker Hill Community College | 250 Rutherford Ave, Boston, MA 02129 |
| Cape Cod Community College | 2240 Iyannough Rd, West Barnstable, MA 02668 |
| Fisher College | 118 Beacon St, Boston, MA 02116 |
| Millennium Training Institute | 800 W Cummings Park #3550, Woburn, MA 01801 |
Salary
Candidates just starting out in this field may expect an entry-level salary of $38,267 while those working in the field with a fair amount of experience may expect a salary of $51,241.
High-end earners in this field are taking home $68,151 annually.
Annual Salary Range:Average Salary of Medical Biller and Coders in Massachusetts
| City Name | Salary |
|---|---|
| Boston | $46,200 |
| Worcester | $43,200 |
| Springfield | $42,600 |
| Lowell | $44,700 |
| Cambridge | $46,200 |
| Allston | $46,200 |
| New Bedford | $43,200 |
| Fall River | $43,200 |
| Lynn | $46,200 |
| Quincy | $46,200 |
Regional Salary in Massachusetts
| Region | Employed | Avg. Annual Salary | Avg. Hourly Pay | Top 10% Annual Salary | Bottom 10% Annual Salary |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Barnstable Town, MA | 90 | $62,420 | $30.01 | $85,540 | $42,650 |
| Boston-Cambridge-Nashua, MA-NH | 2,690 | $58,550 | $28.15 | $83,840 | $39,170 |
| Leominster-Gardner, MA | 50 | $54,120 | $26.02 | $79,110 | $38,730 |
| New Bedford, MA | 100 | $62,230 | $29.92 | $89,460 | $41,320 |
| Pittsfield, MA | 40 | $55,230 | $26.55 | $73,110 | $39,640 |
| Springfield, MA-CT | 380 | $56,190 | $27.02 | $73,960 | $38,180 |
| Worcester, MA-CT | 300 | $63,140 | $30.36 | $113,410 | $39,890 |
* Employment conditions in your area may vary.
Schools by City
Frequently Asked Questions
Do you need a license to practice as a medical billing and coding specialist in Massachusetts?
No, a license is not required.
However,upon completion of hte course, a national examination may be required to hold the title of a qualified coder.
Are coders in high-demand in the state of Massachusetts?
Yes.
In fact, coders are in high demand across the United States.
Do I have to take the national exam after completing my course?
You are not required to take the exam but you will not be able to hold the title of a qualified coder without it.
