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This article will tell you how you can start working in the American healthcare system one year after finishing high school.
This is possible by entering the medical coding and billing field, which is an important part of the healthcare system.
While coding and billing are different activities, they’re connected and in many cases, one person is enough to perform them.
Individuals wanting to enter the field and living in Connecticut, need to undergo a training program at one of the schools below and get certified.
Article Table of Contents
What is Medical Coding?
The information written in medical reports when a patient visits their doctor needs to be collected for:
- Creating invoices
- Creating statistics, whenever necessary
- Other purposes
To make these processes easier, AAPC created a selection of codes:
- ICD,
- HCPCS
- CPT
Individuals working as medical coders must be familiar with the following:
- CPT
- HCPCS Level II
- ICD-10-CMN
In Connecticut, future medical coders are expected to be familiar with:
- The medical terms used in charts
- How the codes are organized and used
It’s rather difficult to work as a medical coder without receiving proper training.
What is Medical Billing?
It goes without saying that without a medical invoice:
- Patients cannot pay for the treatments and procedures they received
- Medical personnel cannot receive the accurate remuneration for their services
These invoices are also needed by the insurance companies, to be able to properly offer their insurance services.
Individuals working in the field of medical billing, need specific knowledge related to:
- How insurances work
- Elements that may have an effect on the insurance
- Specific terms
Education and Certification For Medical Coders and Billers
It is nearly impossible to find employment in the medical coding and billing field without having a proper certification.
AAPC is the creator of the two certifications available for this domain.
These are:
- CPB: For future medical billers
- CPC: For future medical coders
As mentioned earlier, it’s possible to get both certificates.
This will increase your chances of finding a job.
Everyone who graduated from high school with a diploma or has a GED can enroll in the training program for medical coding and billing.
Degrees for this field are not needed, making the niche very accessible to many individuals.
The training program lasts for about 8 months, and in some instances, you can have the classes scheduled in such a way to fit in with your lifestyle.
Online classes are also available for those who cannot attend in person.
It’s not only AAPC who organizes these courses, but other educational institutions as well.
Make sure the school you choose offers help with finding a position once you graduate.
The certification is issued to those who pass the examination at the end of the program.
| School Name | Address |
|---|---|
| AMERICAN INSTITUTE | 99 South Street West Hartford, CT |
| BRANFORD HALL CAREER INSTITUTE | One Summit Place Branford, CT |
| BRANFORD HALL CAREER INSTITUTE | 35 N Main St Southington, CT |
| BRANFORD HALL CAREER INSTITUTE | 995 Day Hill Rd Windsor, CT |
| CAPITAL COMMUNITY COLLEGE | 950 Main Street Hartford, CT |
| CHARTER OAK STATE COLLEGE | 55 Paul Manafort Drive New Britain, CT |
| GOODWIN COLLEGE | One Riverside Drive East Hartford, CT |
| MANCHESTER COMMUNITY COLLEGE | Great Path Manchester, CT |
| MIDDLESEX COMMUNITY COLLEGE | 100 Training Hill Rd Middletown, CT |
| NORTHWESTERN CONNECTICUT COMMUNITY COLLEGE | Park Pl E Winsted, CT 06098 |
| PORTER AND CHESTER INSTITUTE OF STRATFORD | 670 Lordship Blvd Stratford, CT |
| QUINEBAUG VALLEY COMMUNITY COLLEGE | 742 Upper Maple St Danielson, CT |
| RIDLEY-LOWELL BUSINESS & TECHNICAL INSTITUTE | 44 Shelter Rock Rd Danbury, CT |
| RIDLEY-LOWELL BUSINESS & TECHNICAL INSTITUTE | 470 Bank Street New London, CT |
Expected Salary
In Connecticut, the average salary in this domain is higher than in other states.
The demand for medical coders and billers is also going strong in this state, making this occupation a good option for those seeking employment.
Annual Salary Range:
Location
Avg. Annual Salary
Bridgeport
$43,238
New Haven
$42,035
Stamford
$44,160
Hartford
$41,393
Waterbury
$41,296
Norwalk
$44,160
Danbury
$42,528
New Britain
$41,372
West Hartford
$41,393
Greenwich
$44,160
Regional Salary in Connecticut
Region
Employed
Avg. Annual Salary
Avg. Hourly Pay
Top 10% Annual Salary
Bottom 10% Annual Salary
Bridgeport-Stamford-Norwalk, CT 300 $57,410 $27.6 $80,700 $34,440 Danbury, CT 70 $55,610 $26.74 $78,210 $32,410 Hartford-West Hartford-East Hartford, CT 680 $64,590 $31.05 $85,530 $44,410 New Haven, CT 250 $69,410 $33.37 $98,710 $45,180 Norwich-New London-Westerly, CT-RI 110 $68,060 $32.72 $93,130 $38,350 Waterbury, CT 60 $56,730 $27.27 $84,080 $38,170
* Employment conditions in your area may vary.
Extra Information
A major requirement for working in this field is to be a detail-oriented person.
No matter where you get hired, you may have the possibility of working from home as well.
These are the most prestigious employers in Connecticut in the medical coding and billing field:
- Saint Francis Hospital and Medical Center: This institution operates for more than 100 years and is affiliated with the University of Connecticut Schools of Medicine and Dentistry.
- Hospital of Saint Raphael is affiliated with Yale University School of Medicine and has many community-based outreach programs.
- Masonicare: Connecticut’s first Masonic Lodge created this institution more than 100 years ago, and more than 2,500 people work for it.
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