Medical Coding and Billing in Michigan

When you are talking about a field that is as regulated as health care, it is clear that Michigan is going to struggle a bit more than most other states. Divided into the Upper Peninsula and the Lower Peninsula, Michigan basically has one state government to legislate two very different areas. This, of course, means that federal health care changes have had a significant impact on Michigan’s economy.

The Upper Peninsula needs professionals who can work in remote, sparsely populated areas, while the Lower Peninsula needs more health care specialists who are willing to work in underserved urban areas. In order to help Michigan meet its health care staffing needs, the federal government has awarded over $18 million in Affordable Care Act funding to the state’s health care centers (Crain’s Detroit Business, 2015).

This could be great news for you. If you are ready for a change in your career or you simply want to benefit from the great job outlook in the health care industry, you could thrive as a medical coding and billing specialist. Keep reading to find out more about medical coding and billing programs in Michigan.

What to Expect in Michigan Medical Coding and Billing Training

Coding and billing programs are often available at technical colleges and community colleges. Depending on what your long-term career and educational goals are, you may want to consider diploma, certificate, or Associate’s degree programs. The shortest programs in this field only require one semester of study, but some require up to four semesters.

Even though there are many medical billing programs in Michigan, curriculum requirements tend to be pretty similar. Becoming a skilled billing specialist may involve taking courses like Procedure Coding, Diagnostic Coding, Medical Terms and Terminology, Anatomy and Physiology, and Medical Insurance Principles. As you navigate these courses, you should also get hands-on experience with different coding programs and apps.

If you are willing to stay and work in Michigan after graduating, you may want to apply for scholarships through professional associations, employers, and government agencies. Through MidMichigan Health, you can apply for several different scholarships each year that you are a student. Remember, too, that your school likely has financial aid opportunities that are specific to your field of study.

Working as a Medical Billing and Coding Professional in Michigan

What is it like to work as a medical coding and billing specialist in Michigan? Your work experience depends a lot on where you decide to seek employment. If you work in a specialty clinic, you may become an expert at specific medical codes and terminology related to that specialty. If you work in a general clinic setting, you may find that your work is much more diverse. As a coding specialist in a nursing home, you may find that most of your work focuses on diseases and procedures that come with age.

You may benefit greatly from a solid job outlook in Michigan. Growth in this industry is expected to lead to a 12% increase in job openings through the year 2022 (O*Net, 2015). The average salary in this field is $35,400 per year (O*Net, 2015). Pay rates may differ a lot between Michigan’s two peninsulas.
If you want to give yourself a running start in your career, look into what it takes to become certified as a medical coding and billing technician. AAPC offers certification in coding, billing, and specialty areas of both fields.

Building a career for yourself in the bright future of the medical industry may help you create a great future for yourself. Scroll down and check out our list of medical coding and billing schools in Michigan.