Medical Billing and Coding Careers

Billing and Coding Resources:

Each procedure and diagnosis has an assigned code and for a hospital, diagnostic center or medical provider's office to be reimbursed by an insurance company these codes need to be entered and filed correctly. The relationship between health care providing facilities and health insurance companies has become quite complex with regards to coding and billing. These complexities have created a high demand for professionals formally trained and certified in this field. This is an opportunistic time to become a medical billing and coding specialist.

This is obviously a new era in health care we are entering an many new opportunities for formally trained professionals in health care have been created. A new trend in medical billing and coding has been to freelance or work from home, processing claims and related duties. This is an exciting new vertical to pursue.

The first step to becoming a medical billing and coding specialist is to earn a degree in medical billing and coding, health care information systems or health care administration. An associate degree will get you in the door and qualify you to sit for the national certification exams. If you are interested in an administrator level coding position a bachelor's degree will be necessary. We are here to help you find a program that fits your career goals.

Salary for Medical Billing and Coding

The American Academy of Professional Coders (AAPC) 2007 salary survey found that certified medical coders earn, on average, 17% more than non-certified coders. The (AAPC) found reported that coders with a bachelor's degree earned $40,000 to $45,000 a year, while those with an associate's or some college earned $30,000 to $35,000 a year. They found that administrator and consultants averaged more than $85,000 a year. These salaries are conssitent with salary.com and payscale. Salaries are impacted by location, facility size, experience, education and other factors. Make sure to check with the employer to see what type of medical billing and coding certification they require and if it will be financially beneficial for you to pursue.

Medical Billing and Coding Schools

Click Here to search for medical billing & coding schools by state

American InterContinental University:

Programs:

Associate's (AABA) in Health Care Administration
Associate's in Medical Coding and Billing

University of Phoenix:

Programs:

Associate (AA) in Health Care Administration (3 specializations - General, Medical Records, Pharmacy Practice
Associate (AA) Human Services Management

Colorado Technical University Online:

Programs:

Associate of Science in Medical Billing and Coding
Bachelors (BS) in Health Services Administration

DeVry University - Online Learning Undergraduate:

Programs:

Associate's - Health Information Technology

Everest University Online:

Programs:

Associate's in Medical Insurance Billing/Coding

Fortis College - Online:

Programs:

Associate's - Medical Administrative Assistant
Associate's - Medical Billing & Coding

Herzing University:

Programs:

Associate's Medical Office Administration
Associate's Medical Billing and Insurance Coding
Associate's Medical Assisting

Harrison College Online:

Programs:

Associate of Science - Medical Reimbursement Technology
Medical Office Assistant - Certificate
Bachelor of Science - Health Care Management

Hodges University Online:

Programs:

Associate's - Health Information Technology

Iowa Central College Online:

Programs:

Medical Transcription and Coding
Associate's - Health Care Administration

Kaplan University - School of Health Sciences:

Programs:

AAS in Medical Office Management
AAS in Medical Transcription
AAS in Medical Assisting
AAS in Health Information Technology

Kaplan University - Healthcare Pathways:

Programs:

Medical Coding Certificate, Medical Billing, Medical Transcription, Medical Office Management
Pharmacy Technician
Forensic Nursing, Legal Nurse Consultant

Keiser University:

Programs: