Medical Billing and Coding Schools in Louisiana

The following guide covers everything an individual in the state of Louisiana needs to know to not only launch a medical billing and coding career, but to do so properly. We begin with a look at how to prepare for training and where to receive the best possible education.

From there, we move on to what candidates must do after completing their education, including what kinds of work environments to secure employment, what steps to take to pursue career opportunities, what to know about licensing and certification, and more. After providing a list of suitable training programs, the guide concludes with key figures on the annual average salaries of medical billers and coders in Louisiana.

How to Become a Medical Biller & Coder in Louisiana

Residents of Louisiana typically follow the framework below to launch their medical billing and coding career in the state.

Foundational Requirements

Although there are no laws mandating specific training pathways for medical billers and coders in Louisiana, candidates typically need a high school diploma or a GED to enter certain programs. They also need computer skills, as well as coordination and organizational skills, to succeed on the job.

Technical Education

Louisiana offers various training arrangements for prospective medical billers and coders, depending on the program’s duration, convenience, and structure. Some of the most popular programs are those that allow students to learn entirely online while preparing them for certification examinations.

These programs usually have few prerequisites and a faster completion time. Some even allow students to learn at their own pace.

Other options include campus-based certificate and associate degree programs. Some advantages of these programs include allowing students to learn more comprehensively while also providing time for practical learning and possible externships.

Networking & Career Chances

After completing training, candidates can begin networking to secure employment and enhance their career prospects. Becoming certified is an excellent way to enjoy professional opportunities and attend events where professionals can network.

There are several options available for certification in this field, and we explore some of the top choices below. Medical billers and coders in Louisiana have the flexibility to choose their work environment, with primary options including hospitals and clinics, physicians’ offices, and government agencies.

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Licensure & Certification Requirements

Freshly graduated medical billers and coders in Louisiana will be pleased to know that the steps to become certified in the state are relatively straightforward. They will also be glad to know that there are no mandatory licensing laws in place.

Professionals need only worry about obtaining proper education and certification; they will be well-equipped for the rest of their careers. Regarding certification, the most popular options are the Certified Professional Coder, Certified Coding Associate, and Certified Coding Specialist credentials, which are offered by organizations such as the National Healthcareer Association (NHA), the American Health Information Management Association (AHIMA), and the American Association of Professional Coders (AAPC).

Naturally, earning these credentials requires passing a professional examination. These organizations also offer credentials that reflect specialty areas, such as ambulatory care and general surgery.

Top Medical Billing & Coding Schools in Louisiana

Below are the schools in Louisiana with reputable medical billing and coding programs.

Explore medical billing and coding schools in Louisiana by city:

• Medical billing and coding schools in New Orleans

Salary & Career Outlook

Data provided by indeed.com shows the most favorable locations to work as a medical biller and coder in Louisiana, by annual average salary, to be as follows:

• Lake Charles, with an annual average salary of $36,700;
• Metairie, with an annual average salary of $36,437;
• New Orleans, with an annual average salary of $36,336; and
• Baton Rouge, with an annual average salary of $34,211.

The same data analyzed without focusing on any singular criterion shows the distributions to be as follows:

• The top 10% make an annual average salary of $40,372;
• The bottom 10% make an annual average salary of $24,041; and
• The median earners make an annual average salary of $31,154.