Medical Coding and Billing in Nebraska

All over the United States, states are reporting different levels of success with the Affordable Care Act. Nebraska is a state that has really embraced these changes and has seen an improvement in insurance statistics as a result. A report in late 2015 indicates that 2014 saw the amount of Nebraska residents without health insurance drop to below 10% (KLKN TV, 2015). This puts Nebraska well below the national average.

Many residents receive state care or federal subsidies for their health care expenses. Where the government spends money, it wants to make sure that money is being well spent. That is why medical coding and billing is a cornerstone of this industry. Professionals who can accurately and reliably code for a variety of procedures and diagnoses can save practitioners’ time, minimize the time spent trying to collect on bills, and make sure that expenses stay reasonable.

If you would like to work behind the scenes in the medical industry, keep reading to learn more about medical coding and billing programs in Nebraska.

What to Expect in Nebraska Medical Coding and Billing Training

Medical coding and billing specialists tend to work fairly independently. Small clinics or departments may only have one or two billing professionals, so it is absolutely essential that you know what you are doing by the time you graduate. You can develop a comprehensive understanding of medical coding and billing as a field by earning a diploma, certificate, or Associate’s degree. Options range from six months to two years in duration.

No matter which type of programs you are considering, you should ensure that you select one that offers a strong background in this field and plenty of practical experience. The clinical experience you get during your training may make or break your job options after graduation. To build up your knowledge of this industry, you may take classes like Legal Aspects of Health Care, CPT Coding, ICD-10 Coding, Hospital and Clinic Records, and Computers in Health Care.

Although there are numerous financial aid programs for health care students in a Nebraska, don’t forget that many of these programs closed submissions in late spring or summer for the following academic year. Applying early for scholarships through groups like the Nebraska Hospital Association may make a huge difference in your expenses.

Working as a Medical Billing and Coding Professional in Nebraska

Staying in Nebraska once you complete your education can really benefit you as a new coding and billing professional. The job outlook in this state is excellent, and you may find that it’s even better in rural parts of Nebraska. O*Net reports an expected 17% boost in medical records technician jobs by the year 2022 (2015). Throughout the state, the average salary for a medical records technician is $35,700 annually (O*Net, 2015).

Becoming an established part of the health care community of Nebraska is one of the best things you can do for the strength of your career. Connecting with healthcare leaders can give you special insight into what employers want from job applicants, which places have the best reputation in your community, and how you can improve your skills.

Certification is another excellent way to improve your job outlook. Certification, which is overseen by AAPC, gives outside verification of your knowledge and skills as a medical coding and billing professional.

Are you ready to take the plunge and explore life in the health care industry? Don’t hesitate—get involved now and check out our list of medical coding and billing programs in Nebraska.