Medical Coding and Billing in Iowa

The health care industry of Iowa is going through major adaptations and changes as legislators, care providers, and executives attempt to meet the care needs of millions of Iowa residents. Perhaps you have worked in the health care industry before, or maybe you are ready to take your first step in this field. No matter why you are interested in this industry, there may be numerous opportunities for you to consider.

Proper processing, filing, and sending of paperwork is key under the Affordable Care Act. As a result, administrative professionals are extremely valuable in Iowa. With the help of medical billing and coding professionals, the uninsured rates in Iowa dropped by almost 2 points between 2013 and 2014. Now, fewer than 200,000 Iowa residents do not have health insurance. This number is expected to keep dropping over coming years.

The future of health care depends on the hard work of professionals in different specialties. Find out how you can get involved by contacting medical coding and billing programs in Iowa.

What to Expect in Iowa Medical Coding and Billing Training

If you are looking for an administrative career that does not require years upon years of training, you may have found what you’re looking for in medical coding and billing. There are numerous program options in Iowa, with most ranging from six months of training to two years of training. Upon graduating, you may be awarded a certificate, diploma, or Associate’s degree.

This field is a unique part of health care, since you must be extremely technically skilled and still know a lot about different medical specialties and terminology. Many of your skills will be developed in the workplace, but choosing a strong program can make it much easier to get started. In your curriculum, you may encounter courses like Health Information Technology, Medical Terminology, Advanced Coding Systems, ICD Coding Systems, Human Anatomy and Physiology, and Ambulatory Care Coding Systems.

As you work through your curriculum, you may learn from experienced coding and billing professionals. You may even discover what it’s like to be in the workplace, since many schools require clinical rotations, an internship, or practicum courses.

You should begin the process of applying for financial aid as soon as you get accepted to a coding and billing program. There are quite a few resources to look into, including private organizations and government agencies. The Bureau of Oral and Health Delivery Systems is a statewide organization with several scholarship programs.

Working as a Medical Billing and Coding Professional in Iowa

Committing to a new career can be intimidating, particularly if you don’t know what the economy is like in your new industry. Luckily, the job outlook in Iowa is strong. Between 2012 and 2022, O*Net anticipates an 18% boost in job openings in this field. Their statistics indicate that Iowa medical billing professionals earn an average of $35,400 per year (O*Net, 2015).

It is likely that your professors will discuss certification with you in many of your courses. Certification is not a required step in this field, but it may give you a way to demonstrate your skills to employers and indicate your dedication to this field. Through AAPC, you can take a certification exam and become certified in medical coding or medical billing. This is an ongoing effort, since you must maintain your certification through regular renewal and continuing education.

Are you ready to become part of the new health care industry in Iowa? Get started today by requesting information from medical coding and billing programs in Iowa.