Several professionals play critical roles in the healthcare industry’s day-to-day operations, including medical billers and coders.
They ensure that information and records adhere to the same standards, allowing for uniformity and consistency not only within an establishment but across the entire industry. Candidates in Ohio can contribute to this amazing profession by launching a career in accordance with the guidelines below.
The resources on the page also introduce candidates to the best training environments and the potential annual salary brackets they can expect to fall into at various points in their careers.
How to Become a Medical Biller and Coder in Ohio
Below is the general framework required to enter the medical billing and coding discipline in Ohio.
Basic Prerequisites
Proper education is the most important step to becoming a successful medical biller and coder. However, before they can focus on proper education, candidates must also meet a few basic requirements that will allow them to choose the best programs.
These include having a high school diploma or GED and possessing critical thinking, analytical, organizational, and planning skills.
Develop Technical Proficiency
During their time in a training program, individuals interested in pursuing a career in medical billing and coding in Ohio must develop a comprehensive understanding of several key aspects of the profession, including procedural and diagnostic coding, medical terminology, and medical law/ethics.
Ultimately, candidates may choose to attend a convenient training program that can be completed online or a campus-only program. Those who would like to enjoy the best of both worlds may go for hybrid programs that have both campus and online elements.
Become Certified
Medical billers and coders are expected to become certified after completing a training program. In fact, the majority of programs already include examination preparation materials and sometimes vouchers for candidates to take certification exams.
Candidates will also be glad to know that they have complete freedom when it comes to choosing their desired certification organization. Below, we analyze some of the best options to consider.
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Licensure & Certification Requirements
Although there is no law mandating a license or certification for medical billers and coders in Ohio, candidates typically have a stronger chance of career success if they pursue certification. For the best certification and professional credentials, candidates must insist on going with a top organization.
The majority of training programs also include certification preparation in their curriculum. These may be geared towards a particular organization or multiple approaches.
The most common options are the Certified Professional Coder and Certified Medical Coder credentials offered by the American Academy of Professional Coders and the Certified Billing and Coding Specialist credential issued by the National Healthcareer Association.
Top Medical Billing and Coding Schools in Ohio
The following are the top training programs for future medical billers and coders in Ohio.
University of Cincinnati
Online, OH Online Only
The University of Cincinnati offers a medical coder training program consisting of 30 credits, delivered fully online. Graduates also receive a certificate from the school.
Tuition
$312 - $327 per CreditContact
(833) 556-4428
admissions@uc.edu
Cuyahoga Community College
Cleveland, OH Campus + Online
Cuyahoga Community College offers a comprehensive 24-week program that strikes a balance between flexibility and rigorous academic preparation.
Tuition
$4,200 - $5,600 per ProgramContact
(216) 987-6000
cpereg@tri-c.edu
Rhodes State College
Online, OH Online Only
Rhodes State College offers a Medical Billing and Coding Certificate program that is fully online and designed to train students for entry-level roles across a wide variety of healthcare environments, including clinics, physician offices, and insurance companies.
Tuition
$195 - $390 per CreditContact
(419) 995-8080
best.a@rhodesstate.edu
Explore medical billing and coding schools in Ohio by city:
Salary & Career Outlook
Medical billers and coders in Reynoldsburg earn an average annual salary of $38,790. This makes them the highest-paid in the state of Ohio.
Following them are those who work in Columbus and Mason, where the annual average salaries are $37,427 and $36,748, respectively. Medical billers and coders in Middleburg Heights earn an annual average salary of $36,748.
Location is not the only factor to consider when analyzing the annual average salary of these professionals. Naturally, factors such as experience, work environment, and professional credentials also contribute significantly.
On a general level, medical billers and coders in Ohio make an annual average salary of $33,236 in the median category and $42,946 in the top category. Those who start their careers among the bottom 10% can still make an annual average salary of $25,722.