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In the USA, the healthcare system can only operate properly with the help of personnel specialized in medical coding and billing.
For those who don’t know, medical coding and billing are different activities, but they’re closely related and in many instances, one person can perform both.
This field requires both proper training and certification but allows individuals to enter the medical field very fast.
Here you’ll learn more about becoming a medical coder and biller in Arkansas.
Article Table of Contents
What is Medical Coding?
Medical coding is used to collect information from medical charts in a way that can be easily interpreted, analyzed, and used for various purposes, including compiling invoices.
As such, various codes are assigned to illnesses and procedures, and these codes are used and organized in specific ways.
The person trained as a medical coder must be familiar with the following codes:
- CPT
- HCPCS Level II
- ICD-10-CMN
CPT is a whole set of code, while the other two are part of these code-sets:
- ICD,
- HCPCS
In Arkansas, medical coders are expected to know how to:
- Navigate the medical terms used in the charts
- Navigate the organization of these codes
- Properly use the code
What is Medical Billing?
It goes without saying that a medical invoice will help:
- Patients pay for the treatments and procedures they received
- Medical personnel receive payment for their services
It’s important to employ a person who trained and got certified in this field, to ensure the process goes smoothly and without errors.
To work in the field of medical billing, an individual needs to know:
- How the insurance system functions
- What affects the insurance system
- Specific terms
Those who want to work in the medical coding and billing field need to be able to pay a great deal of attention to details.
Education and Certification For Medical Coders and Billers
Almost all employers will hire candidates that obtained the appropriate certification for medical coding and billing niche.
There are 2 certifications available, and both are issued by AAPC:
- CPB: For future medical billers
- CPC: For future medical coders
Individuals also have the possibility of receiving both certifications, and they’re generally preferred by employers.
The first step for being awarded this diploma is to graduate from high school.
The second step is to enroll in a training program with the last one being passing an exam.
For this occupation, you don’t need to obtain any degree.
This means that you can seek employment right after receiving your certificate.
The training even lasts for about 8 months and depending on the school you enroll in, you might even be able to study at your own pace, and even online.
Training programs for the medical coding and billing field are organized by AAPC but also by other institutions.
For this occupation, it is common for the institution to help its graduates find a permanent, full-time position.
| School Name | Address |
|---|---|
| ARKANSAS STATE UNIVERSITY | 1600 South College Street Mountain Home, AR |
| BLACK RIVER TECHNICAL COLLEGE | 1410 Hwy 304 East Pocahontas, AR |
| REMINGTON COLLEGE | 19 Remington Dr. Little Rock, AR |
| SOUTH ARKANSAS COMMUNITY COLLEGE | 300 S West Ave El Dorado, AR |
Expected Salary
In Arkansas, the demand for medical coders and billers is steady, which means these professionals won’t have a hard time finding a job.
The salary might not be too high, but the more experience you gather in this field, the more you’ll earn.
Annual Salary Range:
Location
Avg. Annual Salary
Little Rock
$35,604
Fort Smith
$33,312
Fayetteville
$34,526
Springdale
$34,526
Jonesboro
$35,231
North Little Rock
$35,604
Conway
$35,259
Rogers
$34,320
Bentonville
$34,251
Pine Bluff
$34,285
Regional Salary in Arkansas
Region
Employed
Avg. Annual Salary
Avg. Hourly Pay
Top 10% Annual Salary
Bottom 10% Annual Salary
Fayetteville-Springdale-Rogers, AR-MO 290 $44,320 $21.31 $64,420 $31,990 Fort Smith, AR-OK 90 $44,370 $21.33 $69,750 $30,690 Hot Springs, AR 60 $40,390 $19.42 $58,120 $29,210 Jonesboro, AR 80 $41,860 $20.12 $57,580 $30,240 Little Rock-North Little Rock-Conway, AR 780 $47,040 $22.61 $67,930 $32,610 Pine Bluff, AR 40 $41,080 $19.75 $58,840 $30,600
* Employment conditions in your area may vary.
Where to Find Employment
When searching for jobs in the medical coding and billing field, in Arkansas, check out the following employers:
- Baptist Health: There are several types of health centers under this name, and the institution has more than 8 decades of experience in the health department
- The University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences: It employs more than 1,000 people
- Arkansas Children’s Hospital: This children’s hospital serves not only those in Arkansas but everyone under the age of 21 from across the nation.
Make sure to also ask about the possibility of working from home, as it is not mandatory to work in the office on this position.
Read the full guide: How to Become a Medical Biller and Coder
Medical Billing and Coding Classes by City
Medical Billing and Coding Classes by State