Medical Billing and Coding Certification in Idaho – What You Need to Know
With the increasing demand for healthcare services, medical billing and coding professionals in Idaho are finding themselves in high demand. This growing field offers a rewarding career path for those who are detail-oriented and interested in the healthcare industry. But how can you become a certified medical billing and coding professional in Idaho? And what are the benefits of obtaining certification? In this blog post, we will explore the role of medical billing and coding professionals in Idaho, discuss educational pathways, and outline the steps to obtaining certification and staying up-to-date with industry trends.
Short Summary
- Medical billing and coding professionals in Idaho are essential for maintaining accuracy and processing payments.
- Idaho offers a variety of educational pathways to obtain medical billing and coding certification, with post-secondary schools, vocational schools, community colleges, and online programs available.
- Professional association membership provides networking opportunities as well as access to industry news & updates. Continuing education is necessary for maintaining certifications.
The Role of Medical Billing and Coding Professionals in Idaho
Medical billing and coding professionals in Idaho play a crucial role in the healthcare industry, ensuring accuracy in medical coding and processing payments for healthcare services. These professionals work in a variety of medical facilities, including hospitals, doctors’ offices, and healthcare centers.
They need a strong grasp of medical terminology, anatomy, and physiology, along with excellent multitasking and communication skills. Although they are often mentioned together, medical billing and coding are two separate roles, each with its own distinct duties and processes.
Medical Billing: Duties and Processes
Medical billing involves managing both patients and insurance companies to ensure the billing process is accurate. Medical billers are responsible for coding medical services and procedures, submitting claims to insurance companies, and following up on unpaid claims.
In Idaho Falls, medical billers and coders earn an average hourly wage of $13.74 and an average annual salary of $28,590. To obtain certification, one can pursue training through accredited organizations such as the American Health Management Association (AHIMA) or the AAPC.
Medical Coding: Assigning Codes and Ensuring Accuracy
The primary responsibility of a medical coder is to assign the relevant codes to the services administered by a healthcare professional to a patient. These codes are essential for insurance reimbursement and maintaining accurate health records. Medical coders work with coding books and tools, such as the CPT (Current Procedural Terminology) manual and ICD-10-CM (International Classification of Diseases, 10th Revision, Clinical Modification).
While an academic degree is not necessarily required for a medical coder, it can be beneficial. Comprehensive knowledge of various coding systems and attention to detail are crucial skills for medical coders to ensure accuracy in their daily tasks.
Educational Pathways for Medical Billing and Coding Certification in Idaho
A high school diploma or GED is the starting point for medical billing and coding certification in Idaho. From there, post-secondary schools, vocational schools, community colleges, and online programs offer further education to help individuals obtain certification and develop the necessary skills for this career.
These educational pathways teach students medical terminology, coding, insurance reimbursement, medicolegal issues, and the necessary manual and data entry skills.
High School Diploma or GED: The Starting Point
While a high school diploma or GED is not specifically mandated for medical billing and coding certification in Idaho, it is generally essential for most positions and is the basis for any additional education or training in the area.
It is highly recommended to have a high school diploma or GED equivalent before enrolling in a medical billing and coding program. This helps to ensure a better chance of getting accepted into the program.
Post-Secondary Schools, Vocational Schools, and Community Colleges
Post-secondary schools in Idaho provide certification programs in medical billing and coding, which teach the fundamentals of the field and offer students a Certificate of Completion upon completion. To test as a Certified Coding Specialist in Idaho, individuals must have knowledge of anatomy and physiology, disease process, medical terminology, insurance reimbursement, and intermediate/advanced diagnosis and procedure coding.
These programs help prepare students for certification exams and provide them with the necessary skills to succeed in the field.
Online Programs and Accredited Organizations
Online programs for medical billing and coding certification in Idaho are designed to provide students with the requisite education to pursue certification, such as AAPC certification. These programs offer flexibility for students who need to work while attending school or who have other commitments.
Although AHIMA and AAPC certifications are not mandatory to work as a medical biller or coder in Idaho, they can be advantageous when seeking employment or a higher wage.
Benefits of Professional Association Membership
Membership of organizations such as the American Health Information Management Association (AHIMA) and the American Academy of Professional Coders (AAPC) can offer networking prospects, training, and certification opportunities for medical billing and coding professionals in Idaho.
Being a part of these professional associations not only enhances one’s credibility in the field, but also provides access to valuable resources and information.
Networking and Mentorship Opportunities
Networking and mentorship opportunities for medical billing and coding professionals in Idaho can offer them the chance to gain insight from their peers, exchange information and experiences, and potentially uncover new job openings. These connections can also assist them in keeping abreast of industry trends and alterations, form professional references, and acquire mentoring, coaching, and supplementary assistance.
Resources for networking and mentorship opportunities include professional associations, online forums, and local events.
Access to Industry News and Updates
Gaining access to industry news can assist medical billing and coding professionals in Idaho in remaining apprised of modifications in regulations, coding directives, and technology, as well as industry inclinations and optimal practices. This can assist them in providing superior services to their clients and remaining competitive in the job market.
Medical billing and coding professionals in Idaho can access industry news and updates through professional associations, industry publications, and online resources to stay abreast of the latest developments.
Continuing Education and Skill Development
Continuing education is essential for medical billing and coding professionals in Idaho to maintain their expertise and stay current with the newest regulations and techniques. Professional associations furnish members with access to continuing education and skill development opportunities, enabling them to remain abreast of the most recent trends and techniques in the field.
Engaging in continuing education also helps professionals maintain their certifications, such as the AAPC certification.
Job Outlook and Salary Expectations for Medical Billing and Coding Professionals in Idaho
The data suggests that there is a demand for medical billing and coding professionals in Idaho, with 156 job openings currently listed on Indeed.com. Additionally, it is projected that there will be a 17% growth in the need for medical billing and coding professionals in Idaho over the next eight years.
The average yearly income for medical billers and coders in the state of Idaho is $35,330, with salaries reaching up to $53,645 at the upper end.
Employment Trends and Projected Growth
Research conducted on Indeed and ZipRecruiter reveals that there is a current abundance of job postings for medical billing and coding professionals in Idaho. The demand for medical billing and coding positions in Idaho is projected to increase by 17% over the next eight years.
This growth in demand indicates a promising job outlook for individuals pursuing a career in medical billing and coding in Idaho.
Average Salaries and Factors Influencing Pay
Medical billing and coding professionals in Idaho can anticipate earning an average salary of $35,330, with the average hourly rate in Boise City – Nampa, ID being $18,33. Variables such as experience and location can affect remuneration.
For example, the average annual salary for medical billers and coders in the South-central Idaho non-metro area is $36,750, while in Coeur d’Alene it is $38,460.
Top Cities for Medical Billing and Coding Careers in Idaho
Coeur d’Alene, Lewiston, Twin Falls, and Boise are the cities in Idaho that possess the greatest demand for medical billing and coding professionals. In Idaho, other popular cities/areas for medical billing and coding jobs include North Idaho (non-metro area), Southwest Idaho (non-metro area), Boise City, Nampa, East Idaho (non-metro area), and South Central Idaho (non-metro area). These areas provide great possibilities and opportunities in Medical Billing and Coding.
Prospective medical billing and coding professionals should consider these locations when seeking employment opportunities in Idaho.
Steps to Obtaining Medical Billing and Coding Certification in Idaho
In order to acquire medical billing and coding certification in Idaho, individuals may enroll in one of the 10 AAPC-approved classroom training programs located throughout the state, or complete an online program. It is essential for individuals to possess a high school diploma or GED equivalent before beginning education in medical billing and coding in Idaho. Obtaining such qualifications is highly recommended.
There are no specific prerequisites for these programs, though individuals must possess two years of on-the-job experience using the CPT®, ICD-10-CM, or HCPCS Level II code sets to obtain AAPC certification.
Choosing the Right Program
When selecting a program for medical billing and coding certification in Idaho, it is important to consider the program’s accreditation, cost, duration, and curriculum. Prospective students should also consider their personal learning style and scheduling availability when choosing a program.
Ensuring that the program incorporates the coding systems used in Idaho is essential for a successful career in medical billing and coding.
Preparing for Certification Exams
The fee for CCA certification examination for individuals who are not members of AHIMA is $299, and the fee for CCS certification examination for nonmembers of AHIMA is $399. Individuals may self-schedule for AHIMA certification exams in Idaho at participating Pearson VUE testing sites.
To transition from Certified Professional Coder-Apprentice (CPC-A) to Certified Professional Coder (CPC) with the AAPC, individuals without an 80-hour program completion must have a two-year experience period.
Maintaining Certification and Pursuing Continuing Education
Continuing Education Units (CEUs) are units of credit earned by completing approved continuing education activities, which are utilized to sustain certification in medical billing and coding in Idaho. The American Medical Billing Association mandates that 15 CEUs must be submitted each year in order to sustain certification in medical billing and coding in Idaho.
Engaging in continuing education assists medical billing and coding professionals in remaining cognizant of the most recent industry trends and regulations, as well as cultivating new abilities and knowledge.
Summary
In conclusion, the growing demand for medical billing and coding professionals in Idaho presents a rewarding career opportunity for those interested in the healthcare industry. Obtaining certification and staying up-to-date with industry trends is essential to excel in this field. By pursuing the right educational pathways, joining professional associations, and continuously investing in skill development, individuals can enhance their career prospects in medical billing and coding in Idaho.
Take the first step towards a fulfilling career in medical billing and coding by enrolling in a certification program and joining professional associations. The opportunities for growth and success await you in this thriving field. Are you ready to embark on this exciting journey?
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a medical biller and coder make in Idaho?
On average, medical billers and coders in Idaho can expect to make an annual salary of around $47,398.
How much does a medical coder make in Idaho?
Certified Medical Coders in Idaho can earn an average salary of $55,279 per year, or an hourly rate of $27.09. This figure is well above the state average, making it a lucrative career for those based in the Gem State.
Which certification is best for medical billing and coding?
Certified Professional Coder (CPC) is the best certification for medical billing and coding. Offered by the American Academy of Professional Coders (AAPC), it is the most popular certification students pursue and will give you the necessary skills to succeed in the industry.
Having a CPC certification will give you an edge in the job market and will help you stand out from the competition. It will also give you the confidence to tackle any coding challenge.
Is the Certified Medical Coder exam hard?
Based on the experiences of test takers, it is clear that the Certified Medical Coder exam is challenging and requires commitment and dedication to master the material. With the recent changes to the exam for 2022, this already demanding test has become even more difficult to pass.
Clearly, taking the CPC® is no small feat!
