Medical Billing and Coding
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Medical billing and coding is the process of translating healthcare services and procedures into standardized codes for the purpose of submitting claims to insurance companies for reimbursement. The responsibilities of a medical biller and coder include reviewing patient records, assigning the appropriate codes, and ensuring accurate and timely submission of claims.
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Medical billers and coders can find employment in a variety of healthcare settings, including hospitals, clinics, physician's offices, insurance companies, and billing services.
Steps to become a medical biller and coder in California:
Although it isn't required by law to have a high school diploma or GED to become a medical biller and coder, the main certifying organizations do require a diploma or GED for you to get your certification.
We strongly recommend certificate or diploma programs, since they're shorter (4-9 months). Employers don't particularly value Associate's degrees (1-2 years) over certificate/diploma options. Diploma and Associate's programs may have financial aid for those who qualify--you can see what options are available to you by searching for medical billing programs on Dreambound.
Take the certifying exam through AAPC's Certified Professional Coder (CPC) or AHIMA's Certified Billing and Coding Specialist (CBCS). Your school will tell you which certification it is meant to prepare you for.
Look for medical biller and coder positions in hospitals, clinics, and physician offices. There are also many 3rd party medical billing and coding agencies that contract with hospitals, clinics, etc. We recommend searching on Indeed for roles.
To become a medical biller and coder in California, a certification isn't required, but it certainly can help. Some employers may require you to obtain a certification, such as the Certified Professional Coder (CPC) or Certified Billing and Coding Specialist (CBCS) credential.
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Dreambound, the largest search engine for students to find and compare vocational training programs, can help you find medical billing and coding classes in California. You can compare certificate vs diploma vs Associate's degree options, plus compare different programs by cost, length, online vs. in-person, and much more. You can search by zipcode here, or search by city:
If you're considering a career shift or curious about different professional paths, Dreambound has written many guides to help you in making informed decisions. Here are a few we'd recommend:
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To get a job as a medical biller and coder, you can search for openings at healthcare facilities, insurance companies, or billing service providers. Networking, internships, and attending industry events can also help you connect with potential employers.
With a medical billing and coding certification, you can pursue a variety of career paths, including working as a medical biller, medical coder, billing manager, or even starting your own medical billing and coding service.
Becoming a medical biller and coder in California can be a rewarding and in-demand career path. By completing the necessary education and certification requirements, you can open the door to a variety of job opportunities in the healthcare industry.
Athena is Co-founder and CEO of Dreambound.