Medical Billing and Coding Schools By State

Every single day, there are more and more people looking for a career change. Now, there is an answer in the medical profession. The abundance of growth in the medical sector has prompted the ongoing need for medical billers and coders. This essential part of the medical industry has opened up many new opportunities for those in search of a stable future. Options are far and wide for those who decide on a career in medical billing and coding.

Career Overview

Medical billing and coding pretty much go hand in hand as being skilled in one area typically means that same person is well-versed in the other area. Medical billers and coders are entrusted with maintaining precise records of medical services that have been rendered to patients. That includes the upkeep of a patient’s insurance information and medical history.

The coding part of the job refers to the codes that represent the medical histories and diagnoses of patients. These codes are also given to various treatments, diagnoses and tests given to patients. The data becomes coded and it is then added to billing invoices. There is also a responsibility for accuracy and confidentiality when creating any medical invoice or claim. This type of service is provided by using a sound knowledge of the billing and coding process.

The medical billing process is a rather complex one, particularly with so many insurance companies involved. Medical billers and coders sort through the complexities that come with the issuing of bills from companies like Medicaid and Medicare. Sorting through all those details enables a medical facility to run with extreme precision.

The high volume of business in the health care industry has led medical billers and coders to find work in hospitals, doctors’ offices, nursing homes, clinics and other types of facilities. Medical billers have a substantial responsibility to be certain that all patients are billed correctly. That is why professional medical billers and coders must be very detail oriented and extremely accurate.

While this kind of work is done in the medical industry, there are no actual clinical duties involved. For that reason, some medical billers and coders even work from home. An attention to detail and devotion to thoroughness are both necessary components of this particular job. There is also the ability to work independently while plenty of critical thinking is also involved.

 

Education Requirements

Those looking to delve into a career in medical billing and coding must first acquire a high school diploma or GED equivalency. Candidates should have some experience in science and algebra as it helps transition to the coursework. There are no post-secondary credits needed to begin the educational process as a medical biller and coder.

 

Meeting State License Requirements

No state requires its medical billers and coders to obtain a specific license. While there are specific formats and guidelines to follow, state medical boards have not initiated any type of licensing mandates. There has also been no discussions indicating that will change anytime in the near future.

 

Medical Billing and Coding Certification Requirements

There is specific training that needs to be completed before companies will hire a new medical biller and coder. The precise nature of the job requires that all medical billers and coders be well versed in their particular area of expertise. Certification programs are offered by technical institutes, community colleges and vocational schools throughout the country. These programs teach all the intricacies of medical billing and coding.

Within these program curriculums, students learn extensive medical terminology along with proper insurance protocol. Several procedures involving medical billing and coding are also taught and are combined with the proper ways to manage computer databases.

States do not make it a requirement for medical billers and coders to hold a certification, although most employers will demand some type of formal training before hiring new employees. An Associate’s Degree also doubles as an acceptable form of certification. The importance of this job typically deters employers from hiring any non-certified medical billers and coders.

 

Job Prospects and Potential Pay

The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics classifies medical billers and coders as medical records and health information technicians. It also lists their average salary at $34,410 per year. Salaries differ according to state as some annual pay rates can exceed $48,000. The job outlook is very promising for medical billers and coders as there is expected to be 30,000 new jobs in the next decade.

 

Resources

Medical Billing Job Opportunities

Browse through this medical website’s extensive job listing for medical billers throughout the country.

Medical Coder Jobs

LinkedIn provides more than 26,000 medical coder jobs listed in the United States. Browse by city and apply online.

Medical Coding Blog

Read stories on how to handle the job duties that come with medical coding on this informative blog.

Medical Billers and Coders Blog

Check out the latest news, trends and helpful hints on this entertaining blog that is utilized by a number of professionals in the medical industry.