Medical Coding and Billing in Colorado

While the new federal legislation regarding health care has taken quite a bit of work and time to implement, it has greatly improved the quality of life for millions of Colorado residents. In fact, National Public Radio reports that the uninsured rate in Colorado is down, which means that thousands of Colorado residents can now get the emergency and preventative care that they need.

This development has increased the need for medical professionals in Colorado, particularly support staff. People who can properly communicate with insurance communities, process claims, and handle incoming and outgoing paperwork permit health care professionals to make the most of their time with patients. Medical billing and coding specialists can do all of this and more.

If you are looking for the perfect health care support career for you, keep reading to learn more about medical coding and billing programs in Colorado.

What to Expect in Colorado Medical Coding and Billing Training

Getting the proper training is the key to thriving in a medical coding and billing career. You may have several different training options in Colorado, depending on which type of degree you would like to earn. Diploma and certificate programs are often very short, usually lasting between six months and one year. A slightly longer option is an Associate’s degree program, which requires two years of study.

Throughout your training, you should take various courses that prepare you for billing, coding, insurance reimbursement, cash payments, and other tasks that come with this career. Some of the courses you may enroll in include Procedural Medical Coding, Diagnostic Medical Coding, Anatomy and Physiology, Electronic Health Records, and Health Claims & Insurance. In many of these courses, you should work with billing and coding computer programs to gain practical experience. You may put this practice to work in an internship or externship at the end of your program.

Financial aid can go a long way in making your education more affordable. In addition to programs that are offered through your school or government agencies, you may wish to consider the Health Careers Scholarship Program.

Working as a Medical Billing and Coding Professional in Colorado

Throughout Colorado, the demand for medical billing specialists is high. Between 2012 and 2022, O*Net anticipates a 27% increase in job openings. This growth rate is 5% higher than the national average (O*Net, 2015). O*Net indicates that the average salary for a medical records technician in Colorado is $42,780 per year.

It’s important to remember that, although licensure is not required in Colorado, certification is recommended. Certification can be earned through AAPC once you pass their rigorous exam. Certification may help you apply for a greater variety of jobs after graduation, as it is a recognized standard among employers. In addition, taking this extra step may put you in a position to earn more money as a medical billing specialist.

You may want to be flexible with your job applications, since the skills gained in this type of program can be used in many different settings. Common employment settings include hospitals, insurance agencies, nursing homes, clinics, and government agencies.

Are you ready to explore your career options in the health care industry? Get started now by contacting medical billing and coding programs in Colorado.