Medical Billing and Coding Certification in Delaware | Get Certified in 2023
Dreaming of a fulfilling career in the healthcare industry? Delaware is a fantastic place to consider for medical billing and coding professionals, offering promising job growth, competitive salaries, and a variety of educational opportunities. Delaware offers promising job growth, competitive salaries, and a variety of educational opportunities for medical billing and coding professionals. If you’re seeking medical billing and coding certification in Delaware, let’s dive into the exciting world of this industry in 2023!
Short Summary
- Delaware’s healthcare industry is booming, offering exciting opportunities for medical billing and coding professionals!
- Get certified now to take advantage of 13% job growth by 2023 with salaries ranging from $35K-$50K.
- Explore educational & internship options in Delaware’s top cities – Wilmington, Dover, Newark and Bear, leading employers await you!
Delaware’s Growing Healthcare Industry
Delaware’s healthcare industry is on the rise, providing a fertile ground for medical billing and coding professionals to flourish. With the demand for skilled medical billers and coders at a premium, pursuing a professional certification in this field can significantly boost your career prospects and job security.
Delaware Hospice is committed to creating a productive workplace. They are also willing to reimburse the costs of certifications and continuing education.
Job Outlook for Medical Billers and Coders
The job outlook for medical billers and coders in Delaware is incredibly positive. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the employment of medical records specialists, which includes medical billers and coders, is projected to grow 7 percent from 2021 to 2031 in Delaware, about as fast as the average for all occupations.
Although the current employment rate for medical billers and coders in Delaware is fewer than 1,000 people, it’s projected to experience a 13% job growth by 2023. There’s no better time to align your career goals with this high-demand field and secure your future in the booming healthcare industry.
Salary Expectations
Salaries for medical billers and coders in Delaware are quite competitive, ranging from $35,000 to $50,000 depending on experience and location. In fact, the average salary for medical billers and coders in Delaware is higher than all states on the Eastern Seaboard except Virginia and Maryland.
Starting salaries in Delaware range from $38,000 to $44,000, with the average salary for medical billers and coders in Dover, DE being $34,490 annually. With such attractive salary prospects, it’s no wonder that many individuals are eager to pursue a career in medical billing and coding in Delaware.
Certification Bodies for Medical Billing and Coding Professionals
There are two main third-party certifying bodies for medical billing and coding professionals in the United States: the American Academy of Professional Coders (AAPC) and the American Health Information Management Association (AHIMA).
Aspiring medical billing and coding professionals can benefit from discipline-specific education, which can lead to achieving professional certification sooner and making a smoother transition into the workforce.
AAPC Certification
The AAPC issues the Certified Professional Coder (CPC) certification, which is a highly regarded credential in the medical coding field. The CPC examination covers a range of concepts such as medical terminology, coding guidelines, and compliance and regulatory issues, requiring candidates to apply their knowledge of ICD coding. To obtain the CPC certification, candidates must meet experience and examination requirements, although an apprentice-level certification (CPC-A) can be granted before meeting the experience requirements.
Excitingly, education credits can even shorten the experience period for the CPC certification. Additionally, the AAPC offers related certifications such as Certified Professional Coder – Payer (CPC-P), Certified Outpatient Coder (COC), and specialty certifications like Certified Ambulatory Surgery Center Coder (CASCC), Certified Internal Medicine Coder (CIMC), and Certified Hematology and Oncology Coder (CHONC).
AHIMA Certification
AHIMA offers the Certified Coding Specialist (CCS) and Certified Coding Specialist-Physician-based (CCS-P) certifications for medical coders in Delaware, obtainable through experience or education with mandatory courses, such as medical terminology, anatomy and physiology, pathophysiology, and pharmacology.
AHIMA also offers the lower-level Certified Coding Associate (CCA) certification for those looking to start their medical coding career. The cost range for AHIMA’s CCS examination fee is $299 to $399, making it a worthwhile investment in your future career.
Exploring Educational Opportunities in Delaware
Delaware offers a variety of educational opportunities for aspiring medical billing and coding professionals. Certificate, diploma, or associate level programs are available, providing the essential knowledge and skills required for a successful career in this field.
Additionally, some online learning options and opportunities for practical experience are available for those who cannot attend traditional classes or prefer a more flexible learning schedule.
Certificate, Diploma, and Associate Programs
Medical billing and coding students in Delaware can choose from certificate, diploma, and associate programs, each offering a different level of education and focus. Certificate programs, such as those offered by Black Hawk College, Central Maine Community College, Washtenaw Community College, and Phoenix College, provide a targeted education, often taking less time to complete than diploma or associate programs.
Diploma programs provide a more comprehensive education, typically taking one to two years to complete and covering courses in medical terminology, coding systems, and medical office procedures. For those seeking an even more in-depth education, associate programs offer a two-year curriculum, including courses in medical terminology, coding systems, medical office procedures, and other related topics.
Regardless of the program type, all three options provide the necessary knowledge and skills for a successful career in medical billing and coding.
Online Learning Options
For those who cannot attend traditional classes or prefer a more flexible learning schedule, online learning options are available. Delaware offers AAPC-approved classroom training programs, stackable certificate programs, and self-paced online courses for medical billing and coding.
Some programs even include online coursework and practical experience, ensuring students receive well-rounded education and hands-on training in their chosen field.
Practical Experience and Internships
Internships and practical experience play a crucial role in the education of medical billing and coding professionals in Delaware. Gaining hands-on experience through internships and job shadowing not only enhances your skills and knowledge, but also provides invaluable networking opportunities with potential employers.
Benefits of Internships
The benefits of completing internships in medical billing and coding are numerous. Internships provide students with invigorating real-world experience, allowing them to apply the knowledge and skills they’ve learned in their education to real-life situations.
Additionally, internships provide the opportunity to build relationships with employers in the field, increasing the likelihood of securing a job upon completion of your program.
Lastly, internships allow students to develop amazing professional skills such as communication, problem-solving, and time management, which are essential for success in the workplace.
Finding Internship Opportunities
Locating internship opportunities in Delaware requires research and networking. Students should check with local hospitals and medical offices for available internships, as well as inquire about opportunities within their educational institutions.
Additionally, students can explore resources such as job boards, professional organizations, and online forums to discover more opportunities for internships and practical experience in medical billing and coding.
Navigating the Certification Process in Delaware
The certification process for medical billing and coding professionals in Delaware involves passing one of the nationally recognized certification exams, such as those offered by the AAPC or AHIMA. While certification is not mandatory for all medical billers and coders in Delaware, obtaining a certification can greatly improve your career prospects and job security.
Students interested in pursuing medical billing and coding certification in Delaware should also consider participating in internships or work experience opportunities to enhance their skills and knowledge.
Preparing for Certification Exams
To prepare for certification exams, it is recommended to study and practice coding exercises, as well as take practice exams to familiarize yourself with the test format. Resources such as code books, exam study guides, and online courses offered by certifying bodies and educational institutions can be invaluable tools for preparing for certification exams.
Additionally, staying up-to-date with changes in regulations and coding guidelines is essential for maintaining your certification.
Maintaining Certification
Maintaining your certification in medical billing and coding requires continuing education and recertification every two years. Pursuing continuing education opportunities, such as those offered by the AAPC and other organizations, is an excellent way to stay current with changes in regulations and coding guidelines.
By staying informed and engaged in your field, you’ll ensure your knowledge and skills remain relevant, allowing you to provide the best possible service to your patients and employers.
Top Employers and Cities for Medical Billing and Coding Careers in Delaware
Delaware offers ample job opportunities for medical billing and coding professionals. Some of the leading employers in this field include Nemours, Delaware Hospice, and Peninsula Regional Medical.
Moreover, top cities for medical billing and coding careers in Delaware are Wilmington, Dover, Newark, and Bear.
Leading Healthcare Employers
Nemours, a renowned children’s health system with locations in Delaware, Florida, Pennsylvania, and New Jersey, is one of the top employers for medical billing and coding professionals in the state. Delaware Hospice, a non-profit organization providing hospice and palliative care services, offers flexible schedules and generous benefits to its employees, including reimbursement for certification and continuing education.
Christiana Care Health System, a not-for-profit healthcare system serving Delaware and parts of Pennsylvania, Maryland, and New Jersey, is another leading healthcare employer in the state.
Best Cities for Medical Billing and Coding Careers
The best cities for medical billing and coding careers in Delaware include Wilmington, Dover, Newark, and Bear. These cities offer a variety of job opportunities in hospitals, clinics, and remote positions for medical billers and coders.
By pursuing a career in one of these thriving cities, you’ll not only enjoy the benefits of a growing healthcare industry, but also have access to top employers and educational opportunities to further advance your career.
Summary
In conclusion, Delaware’s booming healthcare industry offers exciting opportunities for medical billing and coding professionals. With a positive job outlook, competitive salaries, and a variety of certification and educational options, now is the perfect time to pursue a career in medical billing and coding in Delaware. By obtaining certification, engaging in continuing education, and seeking practical experience through internships, you’ll be well-equipped to succeed in this rewarding and in-demand field.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a medical biller and coder make in Delaware?
On average, a medical biller and coder in Delaware can expect to make between $33,400-$42,700 per year.
How much does a medical coding specialist earn in Delaware?
Exciting news!
A medical coding specialist in Delaware can earn an average salary of up to $62,508 a year!
Which certification is best for medical billing and coding?
If you’re looking for the best certification for medical billing and coding, the CBCS is definitely worth considering! It’s recognized internationally, so it provides an excellent opportunity to demonstrate your mastery of the necessary skills, and the credential never expires.
This makes it a great choice if you want to advance your career in the long-term.
Is the Certified Medical Coder exam hard?
If you’re considering taking the Certified Medical Coder exam, be prepared: it’s not easy! With an average pass rate of 50%, the CPC® exam requires determination and focus to ace.
New changes to the test for 2022 have made mastering each answer more important than ever.
