--- title: How to Become a Medical Biller and Coder | UMSL Online description: Learn how to become a medical biller and coder in St. Louis, Missouri, including training, certification, salary information, and local career opportunities. image: https://info.preppy.org/hubfs/UMSL%20Assets/UMSL-SocialPreview.png --- [![StraighterLine](https://info.preppy.org/hs-fs/hubfs/LOGO_StraighterLine_black-Jul-19-2023-02-37-12-8796-AM.png?width=350&height=100&name=LOGO_StraighterLine_black-Jul-19-2023-02-37-12-8796-AM.png "StraighterLine")](https://preppy.org/) [Get Started](https://info.preppy.org/umsl/medical-billing-coding/how-to-become-a-medical-biller-and-coder#link) [![UMSL Advanced Workforce Center](https://info.preppy.org/hs-fs/hubfs/Logo_UMSL-AdvancedWorkforceCenter_Full%20Color%203.png?width=220&height=59&name=Logo_UMSL-AdvancedWorkforceCenter_Full%20Color%203.png "UMSL Advanced Workforce Center")](https://info.preppy.org/umsl/) [Enroll Today](https://info.preppy.org/umsl/medical-assistant/) [All Programs](https://info.preppy.org/umsl/)  ❯  [Medical Billing & Coding](https://info.preppy.org/umsl/medical-billing-coding/)  ❯  Blog # How to Become a Medical Biller and Coder in St. Louis, Missouri: Salary, Jobs & Career Opportunities Explore how to become a medical biller and coder in St. Louis, from training and certification to local career opportunities and salary information. ![](https://info.preppy.org/hs-fs/hubfs/UMSL-ColorBorder-LandingPage.png?width=5000&height=28&name=UMSL-ColorBorder-LandingPage.png) HOW IT WORKS ## Flexible, Affordable Learning at Your Pace Interested in becoming a medical biller and coder in St. Louis, Missouri? With physician practices, specialty clinics, outpatient care centers, and healthcare administration organizations throughout the region, there are several places to explore as you prepare for this detail-focused healthcare career. Medical billing and coding specialists help turn patient encounters into the standardized information healthcare organizations use for documentation, insurance claims, reimbursement, and reporting. It is an important part of the healthcare system — and one that allows you to work in healthcare without providing direct patient care. Whether you are considering a new career or looking for a flexible way to enter the healthcare field, here is what to know about medical billing and coding jobs in St. Louis, including local pay, employers, training requirements, certification, and how to prepare for opportunities in the area. ## What Does a Medical Biller & Coder Do? Medical billers and coders support the financial and administrative side of patient care. They review healthcare documentation, assign standardized codes to diagnoses and services, and help ensure claims are submitted accurately to insurance providers. Depending on the role and employer, responsibilities may include: - Reviewing patient records for completeness and accuracy - Assigning diagnosis and procedure codes using systems such as ICD-10-CM, CPT, and HCPCS - Preparing, submitting, and following up on insurance claims - Verifying insurance coverage and patient information - Identifying coding or billing discrepancies that may affect reimbursement - Posting payments and helping resolve denied or rejected claims - Maintaining electronic health records and protecting patient privacy - Communicating with providers, insurance companies, and billing teams when clarification is needed In the St. Louis area, physician-based medical billing and coding professionals may work in physician offices, outpatient clinics, specialty practices, medical billing companies, and revenue cycle departments supporting physician services. The role can be a strong fit for people who are organized, comfortable working with technology, and interested in healthcare terminology and processes — but prefer a career that is less patient-facing than many clinical roles. ## Medical Billing & Coding Job Outlook Medical billing and coding positions are commonly included within the broader occupation of medical records specialists. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), employment of medical records specialists is projected to grow 8% nationwide between 2025 and 2035, faster than the 3% average projected for all occupations. The BLS projects an average of about 14,000 openings each year during that period. #### MEDICAL BILLING & CODING CAREER SNAPSHOT (ST. LOUIS, MO) | 1,410 Estimated medical records specialists employed in the St. Louis metro area, May 2025 | 8% Projected national employment growth, 2025–2035 | | --- | --- | Sources:[BLS occupational data](https://www.bls.gov/ooh/healthcare/medical-records-and-health-information-technicians.htm) and[WageDex](https://wagedex.com/jobs/medical-records-specialists/metro/st-louis-mo-il) May 2025 St. Louis metropolitan wage and employment estimates. Healthcare organizations continue to rely on accurate patient documentation, insurance processing, and data management. As the need for medical services grows, trained professionals are needed to help translate diagnoses and services into the codes used for reimbursement and healthcare records. For St. Louis residents, opportunities in physician-based medical billing and coding may be available with medical groups, specialty practices, outpatient centers, billing offices, and other organizations that manage physician documentation, patient records, and insurance claims. ## Major Healthcare Employers in the St. Louis Area One advantage of pursuing medical billing and coding in St. Louis is the area's large and varied healthcare market. These organizations can be useful places to begin researching revenue cycle, medical records, billing, coding, and related administrative opportunities. #### BJC HealthCare BJC HealthCare operates an extensive network of healthcare facilities and physician practices throughout Greater St. Louis. Its BJC Medical Group includes primary care and specialty practices that may offer opportunities in physician-based medical billing, coding, patient accounts, and revenue cycle support. [Explore BJC careers](https://jobs.bjc.org/) #### SSM Health SSM Health operates physician practices, specialty clinics, and outpatient care facilities throughout the St. Louis region. Its medical groups and ambulatory care operations are useful places to research physician-based billing, coding, and related administrative opportunities. [Explore SSM Health careers](https://jobs.ssmhealth.com/) #### Mercy Mercy has a large network of primary care providers, specialty practices, and outpatient facilities throughout Greater St. Louis. These settings may offer opportunities involving physician billing, medical coding, insurance claims, and revenue cycle operations. [Explore Mercy careers](https://careers.mercy.net/) Requirements can vary considerably by employer and job title. Some coding positions may require a professional credential, prior experience, or familiarity with a particular specialty or coding system. Entry-level opportunities may be listed under related titles such as billing specialist, patient accounts representative, revenue cycle specialist, claims representative, or medical records specialist. Beyond major health systems, medical billing and coding professionals may also find opportunities with independent physician practices, specialty clinics, surgery centers, community health organizations, insurance companies, and third-party billing organizations throughout St. Louis County, St. Charles County, and surrounding communities. Note: These organizations are examples of regional healthcare employers, not guaranteed current openings or UMSL placement partners. Individual job availability and qualifications vary. ## How Much Do Medical Billers & Coders Make in St. Louis? Pay for medical billing and coding professionals in St. Louis varies based on experience, certification, employer, specialty, and the type of work performed. Based on May 2025 BLS occupational wage data reported for the St. Louis, MO-IL metropolitan area, medical records specialists earned a median annual salary of approximately $51,260, or $24.64 per hour. Source:[May 2025 BLS OEWS estimates for the St. Louis metropolitan area](https://wagedex.com/jobs/medical-records-specialists/metro/st-louis-mo-il). Figures reflect occupational earnings and are not guaranteed starting salaries. Entry-level professionals may earn less than the area's median, while experienced coders or specialists with credentials, specialty knowledge, or advanced responsibilities may qualify for higher-paying opportunities. Pay can also differ between hospitals, physician offices, billing companies, and insurance-related roles. ## How to Become a Medical Biller & Coder in St. Louis Many people enter this field through career-focused training programs that help them develop knowledge of healthcare terminology, coding systems, billing processes, and compliance requirements. Here is how to get started in the St. Louis area. ### 1. Understand Employer Requirements Missouri does not generally require a state license to work in medical billing and coding. However, individual employers set their own qualifications, and some roles may require or prefer professional certification. Some employers may hire candidates with a high school diploma or GED and provide on-the-job training. Others prefer applicants who have completed a formal training program, understand common coding systems, or hold a recognized credential. Because expectations can differ by employer, it is helpful to review local job postings before choosing a training path. ### 2. Complete Medical Billing & Coding Training A medical billing and coding training program can help you build a foundation in the systems and processes used to support healthcare reimbursement and documentation. For St. Louis-area residents who need to balance training with work, family, or other obligations, online education can offer a flexible option. For example, the[University of Missouri–St. Louis (UMSL) online Medical Billing & Coding program](https://info.preppy.org/umsl/medical-billing-coding/) provides self-paced training designed to prepare students for entry-level opportunities and medical billing and coding certification. The program focuses on physician-based medical coding and billing, preparing students for opportunities involving professional healthcare services, insurance claims, and outpatient medical practice operations. It includes: - 100% online, self-paced coursework, with many students completing training in approximately 3-6 months - Training in medical terminology, healthcare workflows, insurance claims, billing processes, and industry standards - Instruction in ICD-10-CM, CPT, and HCPCS coding systems - Preparation for the Certified Professional Coder (CPC) or Certified Billing & Coding Specialist (CBCS) certification exam - A certification exam voucher included with tuition - Career coaching, resume guidance, interview preparation, and employment opportunity sourcing - Externship support for eligible students Students who complete the program receive a Certificate of Completion from UMSL. ### 3. Consider Professional Certification Although Missouri does not require a general state-issued license for medical billing and coding professionals, certification can help demonstrate your knowledge to prospective employers. Two common certification options include: - **Certified Professional Coder (CPC):** Offered by the American Academy of Professional Coders (AAPC) - **Certified Billing & Coding Specialist (CBCS):** Offered by the National Healthcareer Association (NHA) UMSL's online Medical Billing & Coding program prepares students for the CPC or CBCS exam and includes an exam voucher as part of the program. Before scheduling an exam, candidates should review the certification provider's current eligibility requirements. ### 4. Build Practical Experience Medical billing and coding is a detail-oriented field, and practical experience can help you become more familiar with real-world documentation, claims, and healthcare workflows. An externship can provide an opportunity to apply what you have learned in a healthcare setting while developing experience with the systems and communication processes used by medical offices and billing teams. While an externship is not required, eligible UMSL students who want hands-on experience can receive assistance identifying potential opportunities. Placement depends on factors such as eligibility, site availability, and location. ### 5. Start Your Job Search Once you have completed your training and met the qualifications for the roles you want to pursue, begin exploring opportunities with major healthcare systems, physician groups, specialty practices, and healthcare administration organizations. Consider searching for related job titles, including: - Medical Billing Specialist - Medical Coding Specialist - Revenue Cycle Specialist - Patient Accounts Representative - Claims Specialist - Medical Records Specialist UMSL students also have access to career resources, including resume support, interview preparation, career coaching, and help identifying relevant employment opportunities. ## Is Medical Billing & Coding a Good Career Path? Medical billing and coding may be worth considering if you want to work in healthcare, enjoy problem-solving and organization, and prefer a role centered on information, systems, and accuracy rather than direct patient care. The St. Louis area offers a range of healthcare employers, from large hospital networks to physician practices and specialty clinics. National employment projections for medical records specialists also point to continued demand over the coming decade, although individual opportunities will depend on local hiring needs and your qualifications. Medical billing and coding can also introduce you to the broader business and administrative side of healthcare. With experience and additional education or credentials, some professionals may pursue related opportunities in health information, revenue cycle management, compliance, or healthcare administration. ## Frequently Asked Questions About Medical Billing & Coding in St. Louis ### Do I need a degree to become a medical biller or coder in Missouri? No, a four-year college degree is not generally required to enter medical billing and coding. Many employers prefer candidates with postsecondary training or professional certification, particularly for coding-focused roles. ### How long does it take to become a medical biller and coder? Your timeline depends on the training program you choose and whether you plan to pursue certification. UMSL's online Medical Billing & Coding program is self-paced, with many students completing coursework in approximately 3-6 months. You may need additional time for certification and your job search. ### Do I need certification to work in medical billing and coding? Missouri does not generally require state licensure or universal professional certification for medical billing and coding roles. However, employers may require or prefer credentials such as the CPC or CBCS, especially for medical coding positions. ### Can I complete medical billing and coding training online? Yes, online medical billing and coding programs, including UMSL's, allow you to complete career-focused coursework remotely and on a flexible schedule. UMSL's program includes up to 12 months of access, giving students additional time to complete their training. ### Where can medical billers and coders work in St. Louis? Physician practices, specialty medical clinics, outpatient care centers, and medical billing companies are good places to begin researching opportunities in the St. Louis area. Large healthcare organizations such as BJC HealthCare, SSM Health, and Mercy may also have physician-based billing and coding opportunities within their medical groups and outpatient practices. ## Start Preparing for a Medical Billing and Coding Career in St. Louis Medical billing and coding can offer a pathway into healthcare for people who want to support patient care from behind the scenes. With physician practices, specialty clinics, outpatient care centers, and medical billing companies throughout the St. Louis region, there are several work environments to explore as you plan your next step. If you are ready to prepare for a healthcare career, the UMSL online Medical Billing & Coding program offers a flexible way to build job-ready knowledge, prepare for CPC or CBCS certification, and access career support as you pursue opportunities in the St. Louis area. --- ### Ready to take the next step? Explore [UMSL's Medical Billing & Coding program](https://info.preppy.org/umsl/medical-billing-coding/)or [connect with an enrollment advisor](https://info.preppy.org/umsl/info-request).  --- ![Brandon-SterileGuy-Circle](https://info.preppy.org/hubfs/Brandon-SterileGuy-Circle.png) ### “If anyone asks me where to start, UMSL is the one program I’ll always vouch for. It’s the fastest and most affordable way to get your foot in the door.” – Brandon Huffman, CST, Surgical Tech Expert ![](https://info.preppy.org/hs-fs/hubfs/UMSL-ColorBorder-LandingPage.png?width=5000&height=28&name=UMSL-ColorBorder-LandingPage.png) ### Healthcare needs medical billers like you. Train online with UMSL and take the first step toward certification and a rewarding career in healthcare. 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