Medical billers and coders in North Carolina review and analyze medical records, track bill payments, and collect patient information. They do this to ensure accuracy and uniformity not only among various departments in a medical establishment but also across several institutions that utilize medical data, including insurance companies.
When launching a career as a medical biller and coder in North Carolina, candidates must follow a few steps to gain an edge in the field as quickly as possible. The following sections provide a rigorous discussion of these topics.
We also explore specific programs that candidates can enroll in and the salary figures they can expect at the beginning of their careers.
How to Become a Medical Biller and Coder in North Carolina
The following is a general outline of how to begin a medical billing and coding career in North Carolina.
Understanding the Job Requirements
In North Carolina, candidates who want to become medical billers and coders must first familiarize themselves with the job requirements. These typically include understanding medical codes and payment policies, becoming familiar with government regulations, and communicating with insurance companies.
High School Diploma or GED
After understanding the key responsibilities of the job, candidates can prepare the necessary documents to help secure admission into a training program and ultimately, job placement.
Typically, most programs offer admission to candidates who already hold a high school diploma or a GED equivalent.
Graduating from a Training Program
Employers typically determine the qualifications they seek in a medical biller and coder in North Carolina. Most employers will only choose to work with professionals who have already completed a formal program.
Candidates have a lot of luxury when choosing their desired program, as it is possible to complete an online program or a hybrid one that utilizes both online materials and in-person sessions.
Certification & Job Placement
Along with proper education, employers are also very insistent on hiring only medical billers and coders with some form of certification. Thankfully, candidates have many options regarding their specific credentials.
We analyze this deeper below.
After certification, professionals are free to update their resume and secure a job placement at their preferred establishment.
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Licensure & Certification Requirements
The National Healthcareer Association, the American Academy of Professional Coders, and the American Health Information Association all offer amazing credentials for medical billers and coders in North Carolina. These credentials can be obtained by completing a training program and achieving a passing score on the certification examination.
Many training programs already include preparation for certification in their curriculum. In fact, some even prepare candidates for specific credentials required by a single certifying body.
Even after certification, professionals are expected to continue renewing their credentials by meeting recertification conditions, which can include completing continuing education.
Top Medical Billing and Coding Schools in North Carolina
Aspiring medical billers and coders in North Carolina may attend any of the programs below for high-quality education.
North Carolina Central University
Online, NC Online Only
North Carolina Central University offers a comprehensive online medical billing and coding program that provides instruction in essential coding standards, including HCPCS, CPT Category II, and ICD-10.
Tuition
$3,295 - $3,890 per ProgramContact
(855) 520-6806
Wake Tech
Online, NC Online Only
Wake Tech offers a fully online medical billing and coding program that equips students with the skills necessary to code medical procedures and diagnoses accurately.
Tuition
$125 - $180 per SectionContact
(919) 532-5844
scbray@waketech.edu
Piedmont Community College
Online, NC Online Only
Piedmont Community College offers a structured, fully online program in medical billing and coding. No campus attendance is required.
Tuition
$185 per ProgramContact
(336) 694-8080
lori.watlington@piedmontcc.edu
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Salary & Career Outlook
At the beginning of a medical billing and coding career in North Carolina, professionals can expect an annual average salary ranging between $24,937 and $33,378. They may have to begin with the annual average salary of $24,937 simply because candidates typically would not have had the chance to optimize factors that can help them improve their yearly returns.
These factors include experience, credentials, and work environment, among others. As they work on these, they will be able to improve their salaries to the second figure, which corresponds to the median earners.
Ultimately, medical billers and coders in North Carolina who are among the top 10% can manage an annual average salary of $44,676. Location is another key factor. Cary, Raleigh, and Asheville are the cities with the highest pay for these professionals in the state.
The average annual salaries of those who work here are $37,303, $36,933, and $36,478, respectively.