Medical Coding and Billing in Massachusetts
It doesn’t matter if you have previously worked in the health care industry or if this is the first time you’ve ever considered a career in this field. The bottom line is that you are in the right place. Massachusetts has been considered a model of health care growth and quality since it adapted to the standards of the Affordable Care Act (Boston Globe, 2015). Because of the rapid growth seen in this field, the need for medical professionals at all levels of education has expanded quite a bit.
This includes the need for those who can process and analyze paperwork quickly and accurately. Medical coding and billing specialists in Massachusetts create and submit paperwork related to procedures done, time spent, and equipment used. It’s clear that this is an important role in the health care industry of Massachusetts, since it is what allows health care professionals in Massachusetts to get paid.
Interested in starting a career behind the scenes of health care? Take the first step now and find out more about medical coding and billing programs in Massachusetts.
What to Expect in Massachusetts Medical Coding and Billing Training
Even if you know very little about the medical industry, you could still be able to earn your medical coding and billing diploma or certificate in a matter of months. These programs tend to be fairly short, as they focus solely on the skills you need for this profession, rather than general education. Associate’s degree programs require about 60 credits, so they may be a bit longer.
Get familiar with the curriculum of your medical coding program so that you know exactly what you can learn in this field. By the time you graduate, you may have taken courses like ICD-10 Coding, CPT Coating, Reimbursement Methods, Medical Terminology, Diagnostic Coding, Procedure Coding, and Medical Office Terms. If you want to jump start your career, consider completing an internship, as you may get job offers before you graduate.
Financial aid is widely available in many parts of Massachusetts, but you may need to wait until you have been accepted to a program before you begin applying. Scholarships are offered through the Massachusetts Senior Care Foundation. You may qualify for a grant through this organization if you want to work in a nursing home or another type of institution that focuses on care for elderly Massachusetts residents.
Working as a Medical Billing and Coding Professional in Massachusetts
If you’ve ever looked into nursing or other health care careers, you may be wondering what it takes to become licensed as a medical coding and billing professional. The good news is that licensing is not required in this field, so you may start working as soon as you graduate. However, many graduates who are really dedicated to this field choose to pursue certification through AAPC. You can find out if this is important in your area by looking at medical coding job listings.
In general, salaries for this specialty in Massachusetts are close to national averages. According to O*Net, the average salary for a Massachusetts medical records technician is $39,000 per year (2015). The job outlook in this area is positive; by the year 2022, you may see a 19% increase in job openings throughout the state (O*Net, 2015).
As a health care professional, you can do a lot to make health care more accessible to the people of Massachusetts. Get started now by contacting medical coding and billing schools in Massachusetts.