Medical Coding and Billing in North Carolina

North Carolina has faced its share of challenges in the age of the Affordable Care Act, particularly given the makeup of its population. A significant portion of North Carolina’s population lives below the poverty line, which makes even subsidized health care plans seem like unsustainable expenses for many families. The state government, while looking for solutions, has found a new way to address Medicaid expenses and costs.

North Carolina is in the process of privatizing its Medicaid system, rather than taking federal funds for a state-run program (The Times News, 2015). As different companies bid to take over North Carolina’s Medicaid system, you may see companies going through bills and forms with a fine-tooth comb. If they can avoid billing errors or overcharges, they can save more money for the state of North Carolina and improve the quality of life for its residents.

Do you want to use your career to keep health care costs low in North Carolina? Keep reading to learn more about medical coding and billing programs in North Carolina.

What to Expect in North Carolina Medical Coding and Billing Training

To start working as a medical coding and billing technician in North Carolina, you have to have some very specific skills and a strong knowledge base. Although you won’t provide care to any patients throughout your career, you must still understand diagnoses, procedures, and human anatomy and physiology. In addition, you should discover how to use coding programs to process information.

While earning your degree over a period of six months to two years, you may take many challenging courses that build your skills in specific ways. Classes that are commonly required in this field include Software Applications for Health Care, Human Disease for Health Professions, CPT Coding, ICD Diagnosis Coding, Health Care Reimbursement, and ICD Procedure Coding. At some schools, you’ll be either required or recommended to complete an internship in your last semester of school. Taking advantage of this opportunity is a great idea—you never know who can lead you to your next job.

You may find financial aid opportunities through local government agencies, federal programs, your school, and professional organizations. In this state, the North Carolina Public Health Association is a good source of grants and scholarships.

Working as a Medical Billing and Coding Professional in North Carolina

One of the exciting parts of working as a medical coding and billing technician is the variety of work environments in which you can work. In particular, North Carolina’s rural, remote communities may need specialized professionals like you. Look for openings at clinics, hospitals, nursing homes, and health insurance companies.

Obtaining certification may be one way to expand your career options, particularly if you are looking for employment in a specific area or setting. Through AAPC, you can earn your certification through an application, verification, and examination process. Many schools prepare students for AAPC certification, so your school may give you everything you need to know for your certification test.

North Carolina has a growing need for those who can handle the administrative side of health care. From 2012 through 2022, O*Net anticipates a 22% increase in job openings, which is right in line with national averages (O*Net, 2015). According to O*Net, the average salary for a medical records technician in North Carolina is $32,400 per year (O*Net, 2015).

The future of North Carolina relies on the quality of life of its residents. Help combat the health care worker shortage by contacting medical coding and billing schools in North Carolina.