Medical Billing and Coding Schools in Tennessee

The steps to become a medical biller and coder in Tennessee can be very enjoyable, especially for those who know what they are doing. Of course, a huge part of knowing what to do is to understand the requirements as early as possible.

The following guide serves as a detailed resource for Tennessee residents looking to enter the profession. We analyze everything to keep in mind, from educational considerations, preparation, transferable skills, and training institutions to licensing and certification, average annual salaries, and factors driving career growth.

By the time they finish the page, readers should have everything they need to understand for a favorable outcome.

How to Become a Medical Biller & Coder in Tennessee

The following steps are necessary to become a successful medical biller and coder in Tennessee.

Transferable Skills

The transferable attributes necessary to survive as a medical biller and coder in Tennessee include planning and communication skills, as well as critical thinking, problem-solving, and organizational skills.

Of course, since the majority of record-keeping in medical establishments is done on computers, computer literacy is also crucial in the field.

Finishing Training

Prospective medical billers and coders don’t have to pursue campus-based or associate degree programs. It is possible to start a successful career in the profession through an online program that offers a certificate or even a non-credit certification preparation course.

These programs are enough to help students learn terminology, medical health records, information management, and both ICD-10-CM and HCPCS coding systems.

Below, we analyze some of the best training programs candidates can consider for these benefits and more.

Securing Employment

With the right level of training and certification, candidates can quickly secure employment as medical billers and coders in Tennessee. The field offers opportunities for professionals to work in hospitals, ambulatory care settings, surgical centers, government agencies, and more.

Career Growth & Continuing Education

Finally, even after employment, medical billers and coders need to continue improving their skills to take advantage of career opportunities. Certification is ideal for this, and we outline the requirements and available options below.

Explore trades with similar paths:

• How to become a freight broker in Tennessee

Licensure & Certification Requirements

Applicants seeking professional credentials and certification as medical billers and coders in Tennessee must follow a few steps. First, they need to choose a credentialing body and register with it.

Then, they need to choose a certification category and pass the certification examination in that category. Even after certification, candidates must continue to maintain their credentials by keeping up with the renewal requirements, which vary by organization.

Currently, the most popular credentials and credentialing bodies for medical billers and coders in Tennessee are the Certified Professional Coder credential from the American Academy of Professional Coders, the Certified Billing and Coding Specialist credential from the National Healthcareer Association, and the Certified Coding Associate credential from the American Health Information Management Association.

Top Medical Billing & Coding Schools in Tennessee

All of the institutions below are notable for providing excellent medical billing and coding education for residents of Tennessee.

Explore medical billing and coding schools in Tennessee by city:

• Medical billing and coding schools in Nashville

Salary & Career Outlook

The annual average salary for medical billers and coders in Tennessee can reach $42,814 for those in the median category, according to Indeed. This category is the most popular and is in line with the national average.

For those who are just starting or are still working their way to the top, it is possible to start in the bottom 10% making an average yearly salary of $33,818. However, once professionals reach the top 10%, they can earn an average annual salary of $54,202.

Along with their experience level, a professional’s location will also influence their yearly earnings. Currently, Nashville is where medical billers and coders in Tennessee earn the highest average salary, at $48,949.

Also worth mentioning are Memphis, with an annual average salary of $46,258; Chattanooga, with an annual average salary of $45,144; and Brentwood, with an annual average salary of $43,360.