Medical Coding and Billing in Kentucky

The health care industry has dominated both national and local news for several years now. As you’ve watched the industry grow and adjust to changes imposed by the Affordable Care Act, you may have thought about the benefits of working in this industry.

If you have put this dream aside because you aren’t interested in being a care provider or spending long days with patients, there are still career opportunities for you to consider. Every procedure and diagnosis done by care providers must be properly recorded and billed for, which is where medical coding and billing specialists come in.

In Kentucky, medical billing specialists have succeeded in keeping care costs low for out-of-pocket payers and insurance companies. Of course, this is a joint effort between all of the health care professionals in Kentucky. However, the result is that health care costs in Kentucky are lower than the national average—in some cases, 24% lower than the national average (WFPL, 2015). If you are ready to learn about the field of medical coding and billing, you can request information from medical coding and billing programs in Kentucky.

What to Expect in Kentucky Medical Coding and Billing Training

It should come as no surprise that you need to be properly trained to work in health care, even if you aren’t providing medical care to patients. Billing and coding are extremely crucial areas of this field, and mistakes can be quite costly or even trigger audits. However, by dedicating between six months and two years to your education, you can learn the ins and outs of this industry and get ready for your new job.

Although programs can clearly differ in length, the end goals are the same. When you walk out of that school with your diploma, you should understand how coding and billing work, understand the different systems and programs used, and be ready to apply your new skills to a variety of health care settings. To succeed in these goals, you may take courses like Medical Claims Reimbursement, Medical and Health Care Terminology, Medical Insurance Principles, and Medical Insurance Coding. You may want to select a school with an active internship program, since practical work experience can give you the edge over other job applicants.

Through government agencies, your school, and local associations, you may qualify for a range of grants and scholarships. The SAFE Scholarship Program is maintained through the Kentucky Safety and Health Network.

Working as a Medical Billing and Coding Professional in Kentucky

If you choose a school that prepares you for AAPC certification, you may be well on your way to a rewarding and thriving career. You can work in this field without certification, but certification may prepare you for more jobs, help employers consider the quality of your work, and give you access to special training courses. The AAPC offers certification programs in medical billing and medical coding.

Because of growth in Kentucky’s health and medical industry, the demand for medical records specialists is greater than it is in many parts of the country. Between 2012 and 2022, O*Net expects to see a 25% increase in job openings in Kentucky (O*Net, 2015). The average salary for a technician in this field is $33,300 per year (O*Net, 2015).

It will take several years for the health care industry of the United States to fully accomplish all of its aims. During that time, the need for administrative professionals may continue to increase.

Take advantage of this growth by contacting medical billing and coding programs in Kentucky.