Medical Coding and Billing in California
California’s health care industry is extremely complex, and it takes professionals of all different specialties to make it function smoothly. If you’re looking for a health care career that gives you the chance to learn a specialized skill, medical coding and billing is a career to consider.
With the Affordable Care Act, work done by medical coding and billing specialists is even more important in California. A recent report shows that a huge amount of money is spent on the review of medical bills in California. This makes it harder for people to receive the care they need and limits institutions’ ability to keep care costs low for patients.
By studying medical coding and billing, you can develop expertise in a field where accuracy and thoroughness are extremely important.
Are you ready to make your mark in one of the fastest growing health care careers in California? Make your move now by requesting information from medical coding and billing programs in California.
What to Expect in California Medical Coding and Billing Training
Medical coding and billing specialists complete a very specific set of tasks and duties throughout their days. However, these tasks require specialized knowledge and experience, which is why you need post-secondary training to get started in this field. Some programs require just one semester of study, typically diploma and certificate programs. Programs that lead to an Associate’s degree involve the completion of four semesters of work.
Financial aid plays a big role in many students’ decisions, so you may want to start applying for grants and scholarships as soon as you get accepted to a school. In California, the California Health Professions Education Foundation funds several different grant programs. In addition, they have loan forgiveness programs for health professionals who stay in California after graduation.
The training you receive in a coding and billing program should include a variety of classroom, computer, and practical experience hours. Courses commonly required in this program include Medical Office Terminology, Anatomy and Physiology, Medical Insurance Billing, Advanced Medical Coding, Microcomputer Applications, Medical Transcription, ICD Coding, and Medical Office Concepts. You may get some practical experience throughout your training, and many schools also require you to complete an internship or externship.
Working as a Medical Billing and Coding Professional in California
It should come as no surprise that job growth is expected to remain strong in California for several years, given how active the medical industry is in this state. By 2022, a 21% increase in job openings is predicted (O*Net, 2015). In California, this is expected to create almost 800 new jobs per year (O*Net, 2015). Medical billing specialists in California currently claim a median income of $41,400 per year (O*Net, 2014).
Although it may take some time and testing to earn your certification as a medical billing specialist or coder, it can often pay off with greater job opportunities or higher income potential. One of the most trusted certification programs in the United States is AAPC.
California has one of the most active health care industries in the United States. Help patients get the care they need and medical professionals make the most of their time by attending medical billing and coding schools in California.