Medical Coding and Billing in New Hampshire
It’s no secret that health insurance has changed a lot in recent years, and these changes are expected to keep on coming until every state in the country meets the standards of the Affordable Care Act. This includes the cost of care and the quality of care.
New Hampshire has seen a lot of success in helping residents get insurance. In fact, 93% of New Hampshire residents now have health insurance, putting the uninsured rate of New Hampshire well below the national average (V News, 2015).
Now, the focus is shifting from getting patients signed up to making sure that they can actually use their insurance. To reach this goal, medical institutions are increasing staffing levels, tightening up their billing and coding standards, and expecting a higher quality of work from health care professionals.
Perhaps you are good with numbers, able to work independently, and interested in a career that does not focus on patient care. If that describes you, the field of medical coding and billing may be exactly what you’re looking for.
Learn more now by contacting medical coding and billing programs in New Hampshire.
What to Expect in New Hampshire Medical Coding and Billing Training
You can learn more about all of the New Hampshire medical coding and billing programs with our list below. As you compare schools, you may notice that they have different degree programs. The shorter options tend to be certificate and diploma programs, as these may require one year or less of training.
Since an Associate’s degree has general education requirements, this program takes up to two years. However, it may also lay the groundwork for you to return to school at a later date and earn your Bachelor’s degree.
Getting familiar with your school’s curriculum can give you a good sense of what you are expected to learn by the time you graduate. Some of the courses that are commonly included in medical coding and billing are CPT Coding, Medical Reimbursement, Human Disease, Hospital and Clinic Records, Basic ICD-10 Coding, and Survey of Health Care Delivery.
Since the demand for health care professionals is growing in many parts of the country, you may uncover many financial aid programs in New Hampshire. One of the biggest health care scholarship sources in this state is the New Hampshire Long Term Care Foundation, which awards scholarships ranging from $1000 to $5000.
Working as a Medical Billing and Coding Professional in New Hampshire
Certification, while not a required part of this job path, is considered beneficial for many health care professionals. Getting certified in medical coding and billing may help you qualify for more prestigious jobs, display your expertise to potential employers, and help you start networking with other health care professionals in your area. Once you complete your training, you can apply to start the certification process through AAPC.
Salaries in New Hampshire are, generally speaking, close to national averages. As a medical coding and billing technician, you may get paid an hourly rate. As you gain experience and work in different specialties, your income potential may increase. Currently, the average salary for a medical records technician in this state is $35,300 per year (O*Net, 2015). Job openings in this specialty are expected to increase 21% by the year 2022 (O*Net, 2015). You may find that your skills are needed in many different settings, from hospitals and clinics to health insurance companies and nursing homes.
As a medical coding and billing specialist, you can use your specialized knowledge to make the most of the money spent on health care. Get involved now by contacting medical billing and coding programs in New Hampshire.