To become a medical biller and coder in New York, individuals must begin with valuable soft skills like an eye for detail, multitasking abilities, and the skill to remain calm under pressure. The field is also expected to continue to enjoy a significant increase in employment rate, making it a perfect option for interested individuals in the state.
We have provided the comprehensive guide below to help candidates start a successful career in this profession straightforwardly and without complications. Readers will also discover other valuable resources, including training destinations and salary projections.
How to Become a Medical Biller and Coder in New York
The steps below are needed to become a medical biller and coder in New York.
Basic Requirements
Prospective medical billers and coders must develop strong organizational skills, a detail-oriented mindset, and the ability to communicate clearly as early as possible. Having a high school diploma and GED will also make it easier to enter a top training program.
Educational Considerations
As a prospective medical biller and coder in New York, there are a few broad educational considerations. The first is where to study, and the second is how long to spend in training.
Candidates generally consider medical billing and coding programs offered by community colleges and technical institutions in the state. However, these programs tend to be of varying lengths.
Some may be completed faster, in a few weeks, while others take a few months or up to two years.
The shorter programs, which can be completed in a few months, usually lead to a certificate, while those that can be completed in a couple of years lead to an associate degree.
Regardless of length, the objective is for students to gain crucial skills in medical terminology, coding principles, and medical insurance, among other areas.
Certification
Certification is not absolutely compulsory for prospective medical billers and coders, but it can be very beneficial in facilitating career opportunities. In the next section, we will explore specific certification agencies and qualifying steps.
Employment
Medical billers and coders in New York can work as part of a hospital or government agency. They can also work in private practices (offering support to physicians) or with insurance companies, helping with claims processing.
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Licensure & Certification Requirements
Becoming certified as a medical biller and coder in New York is an excellent way to stand out, attain credibility, show commitment, and enjoy straightforward job placement. Those who would like to become certified often look to the American Academy of Professional Coders (AAPC).
The academy offers two main credentials for fresh professionals: the Certified Medical Coder and Certified Professional Coder credentials. Acquiring either of these credentials involves sitting for a professional examination and obtaining a passing score.
Of course, the AAPC isn’t the only organization worth considering. We also have the National Healthcareer Association, with its Certified Billing and Coding Specialist credential, and the American Health Information Management Association, with its Certified Coding Associate credential.
Top Medical Billing and Coding Schools in New York
The following are the most prominent training programs for aspiring medical billers and coders in New York.
City College of New York
Online, NY Online Only
City College of New York offers a Certified Billing and Coding Specialist online program that includes 175 hours of detailed instruction.
Tuition
$2,225 per ProgramContact
(212) 650-7000
ace@ccny.cuny.edu
Borough of Manhattan Community College
Online, NY Online Only
Borough of Manhattan Community College provides an online medical billing and coding program that teaches students how to use common coding systems, such as CPT category II codes.
Tuition
$2,995 - $3,890 per ProgramContact
(855) 520-6806
Downstate Health Sciences University
Brooklyn, NY Campus + Online
Downstate Health Sciences offers a medical billing and coding program that prepares students to become certified coding specialists or professional coders.
Tuition
$3,500 per ProgramContact
(718) 270-7604
SOHPDeansOffice@Downstate.edu
Explore medical billing and coding schools in New York by city:
Salary & Career Outlook
According to a survey of medical billers and coders in New York carried out on the employment platform indeed.com, candidates tend to fall in the median category when starting a career in the field. In this case, they will be able to take home an annual average salary of $40,911.
For those who fell below the median category, the annual average salary at the bottom 10% of $32,337 is more common. Lastly, professionals who land among the top-paid can make up to $51,760 at the end of every year. Typically, factors like experience, location, and employer establishment can help candidates improve their yearly earnings.
Data also shows that the most favorable locations to work as medical billers and coders in New York are Centereach, with an annual average salary of $46,019; New York, with an annual average salary of $44,320; Melville, with an annual average salary of $43,846; and Merrick, with an annual average salary of $41,573.