Medical Billing and Coding Salary

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By Shawn M.

Medical billing and coding is an ever growing field with plenty of employment opportunities. The high demand for the billing and coding specialists helps them to earn a promising salary. Even though the salary is not very high, it is good enough to lead a normal lifestyle.

The salary of medical billing and coding professionals vary from place to place. People who work in larger cities like Boston, Houston, New York city and Chicago earn significantly higher salary. This is basically due to high cost of living and high minimum wage in those cities. The location of work also plays a major role in salary. Medical billing and coding professionals who work in large organizations like nursing homes and large hospital earn more when compared to people who work in the billing department of small doctor’s office. This variation in salary is due to the increased responsibilities for the billing and coding specialists in larger organizations.

Certificate or degree is not mandatory to work in the medical billing and coding field. However, doctors and other healthcare organizations look to hire people with knowledge in the field of billing and coding. Billing and coding professionals who have a degree or certificate get a better salary than others. Most of the certified billing and coding professionals work as specialists and others who are not certified work as assistants. According to the survey conducted by American Academy of professional coders (AAPC), a non-certified coder earns on average $30,000 per year and a certified coder earns $38000 per year. Studies have shown that 18% of the medical billing and coding positions are not filled due to lack of the skilled professionals.

Even though medical billing and medical coding are two separate entities, billing and coding are always correlated. Medical billing is a sub specialty of medical coding and both professionals work together to manage the financial activities of the health care sector. So, a person who knows both billing and coding earns better than a person who knows only coding. It is a good decision for an aspiring biller and coder to take up the training course which includes both billing and coding.

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Experience is another criterion that affects your billing and coding salary. Experienced billing and coding professionals are able to take lots of responsibilities without compromising the quality of work. They also know lots of codes by heart. This saves the time of referring the code book for each case and hence increases the productivity. As the billing and coding professional get experienced, the salary noticeably increases. The salary of an experienced coder goes as high as $50,000 per year.

Medical sector is an ever changing field due to lots of emerging diseases and rules and regulations. Every new disease is assigned a new universal code. Billing and coding job requires the professionals to keep up with the new information. Continuing education is a way to keep the knowledge up to date. Experienced medical billing professionals are expected to participate in the continuing education program. This helps the billers and coders to earn a higher salary.

Medical billing and coding professionals are employed by hospitals, doctor’s office, insurance companies, pharmacies and consulting firms. All the people who work in these organizations earn a fixed salary. Their salary ranges from $25,000-$50,000 based on their experience, certification and the responsibilities they handle. However, medical billing and coding professional can also work from home. They do so as an independent contractor. Their medical billing & coding salary is hourly based. Independent contractors who work from home can take up as many clients as they prefer. But one of the disadvantages of working as an independent contractor is that the job is not guaranteed. They usually earn $10-$12 per hour depending on the certification and experience they have. Working from home is very convenient to those who do not prefer to travel much and enjoy being at home.

People who are searching for a job in the medical billing and coding field should be aware of the scams that are going on. These unscrupulous scammers may appear legit and they also promise high salary which is not practical. They usually charge a hefty sum by giving false promises. Sometimes, they even try to sell their products such as billing software. But, once the candidate hands over the money to them; there is no job and no money. So, before signing any contract with any company, candidates should always check the client list of the company and the references.

Depending on the organizations billers and coders work, their work can be very hectic at times. So, medical billers and coders should be able to work under pressure. Nowadays, medical field is tremendously growing and so is medical billing and coding. Anyone who does justice to the job has a high demand. Medical billing and coding is ideal for someone who enjoys earning a promising salary.

askjanbrass profile image

askjanbrass 2 years ago

Useful information on your Hub!!!

Thanks..

Shawn M. profile image

Shawn M. Hub Author 2 years ago

Thanks, this is the kind of job that would be very useful for so many people with the current economic climate we are in.

Nisha shan 2 years ago

These information are important during this type of economic conditions.

bonnie 2 years ago

The salary is not accurate. I have ten years expirence and work remotely and make over $60,000. a year.

Shawn M. profile image

Shawn M. Hub Author 2 years ago

Bonnie, I guess you can say that your experience would give you a higher salary than i have listed or have you found the starting salaries to actually be much higher than i listed?

Hema 2 years ago

Thanks for the information it come in very handy thanks again

Richard 2 years ago

Thanks Shawn! I now feel even more confident that I made the right decision. I begin my 9-month course (diploma) at Remington College in Cleveland, OH. I'm 42 and getting out of the mortgage industry. I was looking for a more stable career. Something that I can do for the next 25-30 years. Have a great day!

FeliceA profile image

FeliceA 2 years ago

Thanks for the info! I'm considering getting training for coding and billing. Do you recommend any school in particular? (I'm in NY.) Some people I know think I would be 'bored to death', but I'm not sure why. Do you find it a satisfying field?

ameerahnicole 2 years ago

Richard!!! I'm in cleveland to, I was going to take the course at remington to, is remington a good school and has it worked out for you so far, i mean how is the teachers there and the program?

opismedia profile image

opismedia 20 months ago

Very interesting hub, although it's prolly too late for me to switch to this domain. Anyway thanks for sharing.

Tammy A 20 months ago

I too work from home as a coder. It can be extremely boring and hard to stay on task. I have been offered by my physician to be a coding consultant for her practice but I'm not sure what or how to charge her (i.e. perchart/hourly/salery) Do you have any suggestions? I'm Really good at what I do so I dont want to charge to little. Thanks for your help in advance.

westdrug profile image

westdrug 19 months ago

Considering the fact that the hangover of the economic slowdown is yet to pass, this perhaps is the best job solution for many of the under-employed thus far. Great hub by the way, knew a lot more than I had set out to.. ;)

Btwn, you may also like to check out my hubs on similar topics.

Regards,

Phil.

medical billing 19 months ago

well as the economic situation is going good now hope to see in increament.

lisa 18 months ago

ive been in the field for over 6 years. Im certified in medical billing and coding and i live in florida i dont get paid much for the expiernce i know.

Medical springs 18 months ago

I work in the springs manufacturing business and we provide a wide range of medical springs. Sometimes i think i earn more than i desreve comparing with whats said in this article.

sam 18 months ago

Medical coding is a growing profession and salaries are increasing.

lisa 17 months ago

are any of the online schools legitimate or should u do a brick and mortar school?

MyraD 17 months ago

I just finised my MBC classes and am ready to go out on externship. I went to a school in PA that is accredited, so I earned college credits while getting my certificate. I was afraid I would be bored with the actual Coding itself. I was laid off from the Marketing Research Industry after over 30 years and starting over.

Sounds wierd, but I really enjoy coding itself. I would be happy to someday be able sit in a room with my books and code all day long for work.

MyraD 17 months ago

Any thoughts on this?

It was suggested that I not put my dates of employment on my resume as it would show my age. I worked for 20 years at one company, and 13 at the other. Sadly,I know there is Age discrimination out there, but more so in certain professions. Would this be a concern in the MBC field?

My work history is something that I'm proud of. I feel it shows dedication,dependability and longevity. Any suggestions?

Shawn M. profile image

Shawn M. Hub Author 17 months ago

Myra,

While I understand the concern, if you reside in the US, laws prohibit employers from not hiring based on age, race, color, etc... Therefore, you probably could place you work history, ESPECIALLY since you have over 30 year of Marketing Research experience!!!

Also, if you have experience over that time in managing people, since the medical billing field is growing, employers might also be looking for that sort of thing on your resume.

In addition, make sure that your resume is true accurate and to focused on the job you are looking to get. So many applicants simply try to plu-n-play one resume to fit them all, that just doesn't work in this economy.

Finally, even though these are tough times for you right now, you have done something that few people would ever even try, reinventing yourself. So when you go for that job interview or online interview, be confident knowing you have the experience in life and knowledge to help this company.

Hope this all helps!

MyraD 17 months ago

Thanks so much Shawn! And yes, I do have experience managing people. Sad to say, but I don't think that Marketing Research is exactly a thriving industry these days. I know that things have not really picked up in my old company.

I wish the best to all of the others in my situation, and I can't wait to get started.

Thanks again for the possitive input. I'm feeling better about my 51 year old self already!

Brittany 17 months ago

I am a recent graduate from a tech school in the Dallas, Texas area...I am getting certified as a Medical Biller/Coder...And I can't find a job. So right now it looks like I made the wrong choice!!!!!

Shawn M. profile image

Shawn M. Hub Author 16 months ago

Brittany, not sure these links will come through but here is a search for medical coding via monster.com

http://jobsearch.monster.com/Search.aspx?vw=b&yell

This next link lists 388 jobs.

http://jobs.biohealthmatics.com/Jobs/MedicalCoding

This link shows over 600+ medical coding related jobs 100 miles from Dallas.

http://www.aapc.com/medical-coding-jobs/index.aspx

I wouldn't want to contradict your findings, but hopefully these links can help you to find a job in this industry.

Tellisa Payne 16 months ago

is it possible to get a medical billing & coding job with no experience but will currently taking medical billing & coding online classes

sheri 16 months ago

I am thinking about going back to college for medical billing/coder. My concern is the salary rate (around $10.00 to $11.00hr), what companies would pay more...meaning insurance, private or hospitals? Also, can you work from home, if so, where would you look for working at home?

Nicole 15 months ago

I want to go to a community college and take a coding program online. Would it be to hard to do this program online?

Shawn M. profile image

Shawn M. Hub Author 15 months ago

@Sheri, I would keep looking online for those work from home job sites. Some of the recommended places are listed above.

@Nicole, Obviously a balance act is in store for you if you do that. My wife is in the midst of expanding her education and it does take a toll on you. So, while I would say that anyone can do it if they put their mind to it, some things to consider:

- Do you have the passion to make this work (lack of passion can kill any dream

- Do you have a plan to make it happen? Contact school? Contact businesses to research this more? Have you researched this to see if this is the type of occupation for you

- Do you have a financial plan to make this work? Will you have to work at the same time? Will others be supporting you while you go and do both?

The Medical Billing and Coding field is a great opportunity for anyone, but a dream with no plan isn't going to go very far.

Best of Luck!!! Hope this was helpful!!!

K. Russell 15 months ago

This was very helpful. Now I know for sure I chose the right program. I am getting my Associate's Degree at Virginia College, and includes heavy medical billing and coding. I just needed to know what I could expect as far as salary wise when I'm done.

MyraD 15 months ago

Hi Sean,

I need some more of your expert advice. I've graduated from my Certification program with a 4.0, am looking into financing for my Associates in Allied Health and am praparing for the CPC with one of my instructors, but I still can't find a job.

Most of the ads I see even for Recetionists want experience in a healthcare setting and although I have been volunteering at a local hospital for a year now, I don't know how much that accounts for :-)

The people at the school keep telling me to apply for those positions anyway, but I feel kind of stupid sending a resume and cover letter without the experience that they are looking for. Is it wasting both mine and the employers time to do this?

Shawn M. profile image

Shawn M. Hub Author 15 months ago

MyraD, Hope to help with these words.

If you lack the experience that is NO reason not to apply for a position. More then likely, while I dont know you, the main reason you might not want to apply is because of fear.

The truth is, while you might not have "work" experience, you obviously possess the aptitude to grasp the concepts. understand the work load and I am sure you have had some practicum experience during your studies.

Therefore, leverage this on your application, focus on what you have accomplished and when you are in the interview, stay confident, knowing that you can do it and know you are the best asset to the company you WILL work for.

Someone once told me this, "You need to first act as if, before you can be the person you want to be." Some call this self talk, others call it positive thinking... All you need to think about is, yes, I can do it and I will do the best job they have ever seen.

Well, that's enough of my rambling, go for it!!! And please let me know when you get a position!

Lousia 14 months ago

I am a RN ( 18 yrs +)that is unable to return to my work because of a work-related injury. Because of this I will have to "re-invent" myself as I have many years ahead that I will have to work. My question is: do you think that this is a viable field for me? It has been suggested to me that it may be. Thanks.

Shawn M. profile image

Shawn M. Hub Author 14 months ago

What you might want to do is contact a few of the online schools that offer medical billing and coding to get a career assessment. This will help you to better understand what a medical & billing person would do and also whether or not it matches with the skill sets that you possess.

Here are three to start with, in no particular order.

http://www.medicalbillingcourses.com/

http://choose.herzing.edu/medicalcoding_online

http://www.lincolncollegeonline-usa.com/?source=lc

BarbN 14 months ago

I am considering getting training for Medical Billing/Coding. It sounds like a decent salary. I am wondering how much math you need for this. Also, do you need experience to get hired? I finished a program for Central Services Technician 1 year ago and I can't find employment in that field. Wondering whether to go for more schooling as I am not getting interviews or anything. Need input/advice! Thanks!

Alesha 13 months ago

Richard- i am also about to start the 9 month program at remington and am interested on what you got from it is it a great school and have you found a great job?

Ronide 13 months ago

Hi, i am taking the same class now since 2 months. From what i am learning, there is no math at all. You need to have a good understanding of medical terminology, you will also take a medical office course(billing and coding) etc.. No math from my proglam and it is a 9 months program.

And o, i reallly love it. Hopefully i get a job when i graduate but i think positive.

Hillary 13 months ago

This was really helpful thank you but is this salary accurate for Columbus Ohio?... I work for a hospital now and was going to go back to school at Columbus State CC for the Combined Medical Billing and Coding Certificate but it takes 2 years and I make that much now.... without any certificates... I wanted to have my work help pay for this and then work here for 4 more years and then move..... If you have any advice about this please post.....

Amy 12 months ago

ok reading this dear god made my head hurt. people want a get rich quick job and this isn't it. to the person whom asked who would pay more for no experience are you serious? come on and think about that for a moment. you want to get paid more for not knowing anything about what you are doing. and what gives me the right to say this. i have 8 years billing and 2 years coding experience as well as my coding credentials. there is no quick way to learn to do this the correct way. only hard work will do it.

Penny 7 months ago

I got my diploma at the University of Phoenix in Health care Administration/Medical Records. I received my diploma in January 2010. I have no other experience in this field. What are some ways that I can work on to achieve a job in this field? I am volunteering at our local hospital in the gift shop.Can I get certifications now for the RHIA or RHIT?

Jessie 5 months ago

Dear Shawn,

Do you any good medical coding and billing school in Dayton, Ohio. I am thinking about pursuing a career in this field and I do need some advice in this matter. Thank you for your assistance in this matter.

Shawn M. profile image

Shawn M. Hub Author 5 months ago

Jessie, take a look at Fortis, they are about 10 minutes from dayton in centerville, OH - http://www.fortis.edu/medicalBilling.php

varshitha 5 months ago

sir, iam interested in medical coding job ,my background is microbiologist,i want do my job in my flexible hrs.their is possible in this field.what is the feature of this field.

Mary 5 months ago

Hi Shawn,

I will be taking Medical Coding & Biling and would like to get certified. What is the certification website, so l can prepare for it.

Thankyou

Shawn M. profile image

Shawn M. Hub Author 2 months ago

Saw this ad recently: http://seeker.dice.com/jobsearch/servlet/JobSearch/c/2/c2123ead15b5f5a0c14fa25a501de0a1@endecaindex&c=1&source=20&cmpid=AG:7&utm_source=Indeed&utm_medium=organic&utm_campaign=Indeed

Joy 4 weeks ago

Could you please tell me the legitimate school where I can study online for Medical Billing and Coding? Is there a possibility that I can also get certified online and get work online? I reside in the Philippines.

Cortney 2 weeks ago

Please do not use National American University! They are just going to suck the money and life right out of you. THEY ARE BOGUS! I have been with this school for the past 14 mnts. It was only going to take 9 mnts. I have straight A's also and they keep moving my grad date and adding more and more classes putting me more and more in debt. Currently working on a lawsuit as we speak.

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