Medical Billing and Coding Schools in California

As an individual who would like to pursue a career as a medical biller/coder in California, it is important to become familiar with the process as early as possible. This way, candidates are equipped with a robust knowledge of optimizable steps for the most favorable outcomes.

They are also able to deal with challenges efficiently while setting themselves up for rapid career advancements. This page provides readers with a comprehensive resource that allows them to achieve all of these objectives.

The guide below contains preparatory requirements, educational pathways, licensing and certification considerations, and annual average salary projections, among others.

How to Become a Medical Biller and Coder in California

The following are the steps necessary to qualify as a medical biller and coder in California.

Soft Skills & Transferable Attributes

Even before completing a training program, prospective medical billers and coders in California must have an affinity towards organizing and planning. They must also have strong communication, analytical, problem-solving, and interpersonal skills.

Lastly, it is common for prominent training programs to set a high school diploma or GED as the basic admission requirement.

Education and training

A common approach to medical billing and coding education in California is to complete a diploma or associate degree program at a vocational institution or community college. Most programs can be completed in a few months, leading to straightforward job placement.

The majority of medical billing and coding programs focus on medical terminology and coding systems. Students will also learn about billing procedures and be able to develop foundational professional skills and transferable attributes.

It is also possible to complete medical billing and coding programs online or in a hybrid approach.

Job Placement

After training, individuals in California may consider earning a certification to improve their career prospects. In the next section, we analyze some possible approaches to certification.

For job placement, medical billers and coders may work with government agencies or private healthcare providers. They can also choose to work as freelancers or with insurance companies.

Explore trades with similar paths:

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Licensure & Certification Requirements

The major professional credential that candidates pursue as medical billers and coders in California is the Certified Professional Coder credential. The organization responsible for this credential is the American Academy of Professional Coders.

Certified medical billers and coders usually enjoy a host of professional benefits, including access to continuing education resources and networking, credibility, a show of commitment, and easier job placement. Those who would like to become certified by the AAPC must meet key requirements, such as passing the CPC examination that contains 100 multiple-choice questions.

The exam must be completed in 4 hours.

Other credentials to pursue include the Certified Medical Coder credential, also offered by the AAPC, and the Certified Billing and Coding Specialist credential offered by the National Healthcareer Association (NHA).

Top Medical Billing and Coding Schools in California

These are the top medical billing and coding schools in California.

Explore medical billing and coding schools in California by city:

• Medical billing and coding schools in Los Angeles

Salary & Career Outlook

Medical billers and coders who work in Santa Rosa are the highest-paid in California, taking home an annual average salary of $54,089. Those who work in San Jose and Walnut Creek are also very well-rewarded, with annual average salary figures of $52,780 and $47,198, respectively.

Even though location plays a key role in determining how much a professional in this field will make, it is not the only factor. How much medical billers and coders take home in California also depends on their experience level, professional credentials, and establishment of employment.

Generally, those who are on the favorable side of these factors can make an annual average salary of $57,438 in the top 10% category or an annual average salary of $43,497 in the median category. If they are yet to optimize the relevant factors, they can make an annual average salary of $32,940 in the bottom 10% category.