Embarking on a career as a Medical Biller and Coder in the Lone Star State? This rewarding profession is one of the leading careers in the healthcare industry! They are the bond in between patients, healthcare providers, and insurance companies. Let's explore the key aspects you need to know about becoming a Medical Biller and Coder in Texas.

• Medical Billers and Coders are the unsung heroes in managing critical patient data, ensuring accurate billing, and coding for medical procedures and diagnoses.

• To become a Medical Biller and Coder in Texas, you'll need to complete an accredited training program, typically offered at community colleges or vocational schools.

• The length of a Texas-based Medical Biller and Coder program varies, most can be completed in 1 to 2 years and can have a base cost of $1,000. Cost can get higher if books and equipment are added.

• In Texas, the salary range for a Medical Biller and Coder is competitive and is around $31,090 to $68,510.

What is Medical Billing and Coding?

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.

Where does a Medical Billing and Coder work?

Medical billers and coders can find employment in a variety of healthcare settings, including hospitals, clinics, physician's offices, insurance companies, and billing services.

How to Become a Medical Biller and Coder in Texas?

While a certification isn't required legally, it's strongly recommended for employment purposes. Here are the steps to become a medical biller and coder in Texas:

1. Earn a high school diploma or GED

The Medical Billing and Coding certifying organizations require a high school diploma or GED for you to take the certifying exam. If you don't have a high school diploma or GED, we strongly recommend you take a GED prep course and take the exam - it takes only a few weeks!

2. Find a class

You can use Dreambound to search for Medical Billing and Coding classes by zipcode. You'll be able to compare certificate, diploma, and Associate's options near you as well as compare by length, cost, distance, etc. We recommend certificate and diploma options as they are shorter and cheaper. Employers don't particularly value Associate's degrees over certificate/diplomas.

Certificate programs will have you pay out of pocket (there may be loan or payment plans available) whereas a diploma program may have financial aid available for those who qualify.

3. Pass the certification exam (Optional but Recommended):

Pursue certifications like AAPC's Certified Professional Coder (CPC) or AHIMA's Certified Billing and Coding Specialist (CBCS). Your school will tell you which one it is preparing you for, but they are similar.

4. Job Search

Look for medical biller and coder positions in hospitals, clinics, and physician offices. We recommend looking for classes on job boards like Indeed. You can also ask your school for connections they have.

What are the requirements to become a Medical Billing and Coding in Texas?

To become a medical biller and coder in Texas, you will need:

• A high school diploma or GED
• Be able to pass a background check
• (optional, but strongly recommended) A certification, such as the Certified Professional Coder (CPC) or Certified Billing and Coding Specialist (CBCS) credential
• Basic computer skills

Where can I find Medical Billing and Coding classes in Texas?

Dreambound, the largest search engine for students to find and compare vocational training programs, can help you find medical billing and coding classes in Texas. There are 51 Medical Billing and Coding programs we are aware of that are based in Texas: 24 are in-person, 6 are online, and 21 are hybrid. There are another 172 programs that are online and available for Texas residents. You can search by zipcode here, or search by city:

• Medical Billing Classes in Dallas/Fort Worth
• Medical Billing Classes in Houston
• Medical Billing Classes in San Antonio
• Medical Billing Classes in Austin

Other certifications besides Medical Billing and Coding

If you're interested in healthcare but on the administrative side, here are some other options for careers to consider:

• Medical Administrative Assistant - much like medical billers and coders, Medical Administrative Assistants gives administrative support. They also similarly work at medical offices, hospitals, and clinics. Also can be a certification or Associate's degree.
• Medical Assistant - similar to above but also has some clinical skills training, like drawing blood. Becoming a Medical Assistant is a great opportunity if you want to do both administrative work and clinical.
• Medical Transcriptionist - if you're not interested in direct patient care, consider becoming a medical transcriptionist (also called a scribe). They write down notes during patient meetings. Note that this role doesn't have as strong employment prospects.
• Pharmacy Technician - although the roles are not that similar, our data at Dreambound shows that Pharmacy Tech is one of the most considered programs by students interested in Medical Billing and Coding too.

Is Medical Billing and Coding A Good Career?

Pros of becoming a Medical Biller and Coder

• A lot of Dreambound students like medical billing and coding because of opportunities to work from home
• You still get to work in the healthcare field without having to do difficult clinical work, which isn't for everyone
• Short certification/diploma process that allows you to break into healthcare quickly for low-cost

Cons of becoming a Medical Biller and Coder

• It's a fast-paced, intense job. Sometimes there are quotas for how much work you have to do a day, and that can be a high-pressure environment
• If you want to do clinical work, you won't have the opportunity to do so in this role
• High automation risk - with AI, it's possible that medical billing and coding will be automated away versus clinical roles

How do I get a job as a Medical Billing and Coding?

It can be hard to break into the medical billing and coding field as an entry-level employee, but there are many opportunities available.

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. Your school should also have some connections and employer partners who are actively hiring.

Career Paths and Opportunities after Becoming a Medical Billing and Coding

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.

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does a medical biller coder make in Texas?

The mean annual salary for a medical biller coder in Texas is approximately $48,030, $23.09 per hour as of 2023, according to data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics.

Do you have to be a fast typer to be a medical coder?

Speed is not the primary requirement for a medical coder. While efficiency is important, the emphasis is more on accuracy and attention to detail. You also need to be proficient in medical terminology and coding systems to succeed in this role.

Do you need a medical degree to be a medical coder?

No, you do not need a medical degree to become a medical coder. Typically, a post-secondary certificate or associate's degree is required, and certification through the American Academy of Professional Coders (AAPC) is also highly recommended.

Is medical coding memorization?

Medical coding does require memorization, but it's also about understanding medical terminology, anatomy, procedures, and coding systems. Continuous learning and staying updated with changes in medical codes is a critical part of the job.

Final Thoughts

Becoming a medical biller and coder in Texas 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.