Medical Billing and Coding Schools in Washington

All medical billers and coders require an in-depth understanding of diagnostic and procedural coding, healthcare communication, and revenue cycle and billing management. Attending a top-class program is an excellent way to develop significant expertise in all of these areas.

The following guide not only introduces aspiring medical billers and coders in Washington to these programs but also provides a detailed overview of everything else they need to know to start a successful career in the profession. We have sections dealing with educational requirements, licensing and certification, and career advancement.

We also explore the possibilities for annual average salaries and the career outlook.

How to Become a Medical Biller & Coder in Washington

Below is an established framework for launching a medical billing and coding career in Washington state.

Meeting Basic Requirements

Before they can start a medical billing and coding career, candidates in Washington must first meet the basic requirements. These include possessing soft skills such as organizational skills, attention to detail, and computer literacy.

They must also have a high school diploma or GED to secure admission into the best programs and have a general idea of what their job requirements will ultimately be.

Receiving Robust Training

All medical billers and coders in Washington are required to receive training at an accredited institution. However, candidates can choose their preferred school and training duration.

Some programs take a few months to complete, while others may last for a year or more.

Candidates are also advised to choose an institution accredited by the Accrediting Bureau of Health Education. Topics covered in a typical training program include coding foundations, health care communication, medical law and ethics, medical terminology, and more.

Job Placement

After completing training, prospective medical billers and coders can secure employment. However, becoming certified is crucial in the field to facilitate employment and help candidates stand out.

We will explore the steps required to become certified as a medical biller and coder in Washington in the next section.

Explore trades with similar paths:

• Learn how to become a personal trainer in Washington

Licensure & Certification Requirements

The American Academy of Professional Coders offers certification opportunities for medical billers and coders nationwide, including in Washington. Professionals can participate in the credentialing process to become Certified Professional Coders, Certified Coding Associates, and Certified Coding Specialists.

In addition to obtaining any of these certifications, candidates may also want to focus on a specific area of medical coding and billing. In this case, they may have to pursue even more specialized credentials in areas such as general surgery, anesthesia, ambulatory care, and family practice.

Finally, medical billers and coders in Washington are pleased to know they are not required by law to register or obtain a license.

Top Medical Billing & Coding Schools in Washington

The entries below are among the top schools offering excellent medical billing and coding programs in Washington state.

Explore medical billing and coding schools in Washington by city:

• Medical billing and coding schools in Seattle

Salary & Career Outlook

A medical biller and coder working in Washington usually ends the year with an annual average salary of $37,132 at the start of their careers. However, with a few optimizations in place, they can increase their yearly earnings to approximately $49,084.

This figure is sufficient to place it in the median-earning category, where most professionals typically fall. The highest-paid medical billers and coders in Washington earn up to $64,883.

Optimizable factors for upward mobility include experience, location, and establishment of employment. According to indeed.com, the following are the top destinations to work as a medical biller and coder in Washington, sorting only by annual average salary:

• Olympia, with an annual average salary of $50,000;
• Spokane, with an annual average salary of $49,297;
• Vancouver, with an annual average salary of $48,687; and
• Seattle has an annual average salary of $48,359.