What are the Best States for Medical Billers and Coders?

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), this career field is expanding. Growth in medical records and health information specialist jobs, such as medical billing and coding jobs, is projected to be about 8.5% through 2032, which is just higher than the average for all occupations nationally.

That level of growth is substantial. More important is the number of job openings expected each year for the next 10 years. Today there are more than 187,000 medical records and health information jobs in the U.S., according to the BLS, and more than 12,300 of these jobs will need to be filled each year due to expansion of services, retirements, promotions, and increased use of telemedicine. The median annual wage for this position is $48,780.

More than 12,300 medical records and health information jobs will need to be filled each year, according to the BLS.

The profession is in high demand nationally, but some states are expected to experience much higher growth rates than others. Based on the BLS forecast of open jobs from year to year, some states will have thousands of jobs available each year that must be filled—while employment levels in other states are less than 1,000. So in addition to reviewing job responsibilities and required education, you should consider which states may be best for medical billers and coders—and for you personally.

Top 10 Best States for Medical Billers and Coders

Most people ask about salary first. So which state pays the highest annual median wage? Disctrict of Columbia does, with a median wage of $70,900. But you won’t find Alaska in the top 10 because there are only 1,000 medical billers and coders employed in the state. Affordability is often top-of-mind for job seekers. Which state has the highest cost-of-living index? That would be Hawaii, at 185.6. And while it may be a beautiful state, it didn’t make the Top 10 list either—because it’s almost twice as expensive as the national average to live there.

11-50 State Ranking for Medical Billers and Coders

About the Job

According to the American Academy of Professional Coders, medical billing and coding is the process of identifying diagnoses, medical tests, treatments, and procedures and translating this patient data into standardized codes to bill the government (Medicare and Medicaid) and insurance companies for reimbursement.

Medical billers and coders are found in every healthcare setting and are the professionals in charge of processing patient data, treatment records, and insurance information. Both are involved in the revenue cycle for the organization or department in which they work. The financial health of a practice depends on the effectiveness of these professionals.

The financial health of a practice depends on the effectiveness of medical billers and coders.

Medical billing and coding are two different jobs. Medical coders translate the care a patient receives into codes by interpreting healthcare provider notes and updating patient records with procedure and diagnosis codes that reflect the care received. Medical billers analyze the records, and prepare and submit invoices on behalf of healthcare providers for reimbursement from government entities and insurance companies. In smaller organizations, such as a physician’s office, one person often handles both functions. In larger organizations, billing and coding are generally considered two separate functions.

Medical billers and medical coders are actually two different jobs, although many times the same person holds both roles.

Those who are good with numbers, comfortable with financial matters, and precise with detail do well in these roles. Analytic skills are essential, as are interpersonal skills. Medical billers and coders work with physicians, financial personnel, government and insurance company representatives, and patients as needed to clarify information.

Can I Advance my Salary by Advancing by Education?

Most medical biller and coder positions require a postsecondary certificate or degree. You’ll need to learn medical terminology, health data requirements, and classification and coding systems. At minimum, you’ll need a high school diploma and some experience in a healthcare setting to be an entry-level medical biller or coder. The more comprehensive your training, the better you’ll do on the job. Those who aspire to supervisory or management positions will find that earning an associate or bachelor’s degree helpful in achieving those goals. Any of these programs can be completed online.

Many employers prefer or require that you be certified as a medical biller or medical coder, or have dual certification in both roles. There are a number of certifications available for different levels of experience and expertise, including:

• Certified Coding Associate (CCA)
• Certified Professional Coder (CPC)
• Certified Professional Biller (CPB)
• Certified Professional Medical Auditor (CPMA)
• Certified Professional Compliance Officer (CPCO)

The salary of medical billers and coders can vary, depending on your level of education, experience, where you work, and certification.