Medical Billing and Coding Schools in Pennsylvania

Medical billers and coders in Pennsylvania diligently record information, retrieve patient data, employ classification systems for effective analysis, and ensure accuracy and completeness. These tasks are very valuable to the smooth running of any healthcare establishment.

This is why there is significant demand for medical billers and coders in the state, and the demand is set to continue increasing over the next decade.

Following the framework analyzed below will help readers start their careers smoothly and straightforwardly. They will also be able to recognize top training destinations and gain a clear sense of what to expect when they start their professional careers.

How to Become a Medical Biller and Coder in Pennsylvania

The framework below covers all the considerations necessary to become a medical biller and coder in Pennsylvania.

High School Diploma or GED

Aspiring medical billers and coders should ensure that they have at least a high school diploma. Those who don’t have a diploma from high school can also achieve the same result with a GED equivalent.

In the early stages, individuals must also familiarize themselves with the job requirements while developing transferable attributes like teamwork, communication, and organizational skills.

Completing a Training Program

Completing a training program is essential for prospective medical billers and coders in Pennsylvania. It allows them to develop technical skills and a general understanding of medical terminology, and it also sets them up for direct job placement, thanks to the fact that they leave with a diploma, certificate, or associate degree.

The exact award that a student graduates with will depend on which program they complete and how long they spend in training. Some programs can be completed in just a few weeks or a few months, leading to a diploma or a certificate. Associate degree programs, such as compassion courses in general education and medical terminology, can be completed in a year or two.

Job Placement & Continuing Education

Medical billers and coders can consider certification, as analyzed in the next section, to boost their career chances. They can then put together a resume and start applying to their desired work environment.

Professionals in this field can work at private practices, clinics and hospitals, government agencies, and insurance companies. Because the field is ever-evolving, professionals must continue to improve through continuing education even after securing employment.

Explore trades with similar paths:

• Learn how to become a medical assistant in Pennsylvania

Licensure & Certification Requirements

Several certification agencies and credentials are available for medical billers and codas in Pennsylvania. Obtaining any of these credentials should lead to several career opportunities, including direct job placement, credibility, and continuing education.

Some of the most prominent and most recognizable of these credentials include:

• The Certified Professional Coder credential from the American Academy of Professional Coders;
• The Certified Medical Coder credential, also from the American Academy of Professional Coders;
• The Certified Billing and Coding Specialist credential offered by the National Healthcareer Association and the
• Certified Coding Associate credential from the American Health Information Management Association.

To acquire any of these credentials, individuals must be preferred to pass the certification examination. Some also have renewal requirements that involve continuing education.

Top Medical Billing and Coding Schools in Pennsylvania

The following are the top training programs for aspiring medical billers and coders in Pennsylvania.

Explore medical billing and coding schools in Pennsylvania by city:

• Medical billing and coding schools in Philadelphia

Salary & Career Outlook

The majority of medical billers and coders in Pennsylvania fall into the average earning category, managing an annual salary of around $35,224, which is in line with the national average. However, it is also possible for professionals to manage a yearly return figure that is higher or lower.

Those who are among the top 10%, for example, can make up to $45,023 in annual average salary, while those who are among the bottom 10% still manage an annual average salary of $27,558. Candidates improve their yearly returns through factors like experience and location.

Currently, the highest-paying locations to work as medical billers and coders in Pennsylvania are Springfield, with an annual average salary of $40,633; Philadelphia, with an annual average salary of $38,562; Lititz, with an annual average salary of $37,280; and Plymouth Meeting, with an annual average salary of $36,587.