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In Delaware, the medical field keeps growing, and this includes administrative jobs like billing and coding.
If you feel this is the right career path for you, have a look at the info we have brought you in this article.
You will get more info on the training and certifications required, as well as the salary you can earn.
Article Table of Contents
What is Medical Coding?
In healthcare, medical coders turn certain medical reports into short-codes.
In return, this makes the reports easier to use.
There are 3 main code sets:
- CPT
- ICD
- HCPCS
To work as a medical coder, you should be able to work with these codes and know their meanings.
These codes are organized differently and are also used in a different way as well.
CPT, ICD-10-CMN, and HCPCS Level II coding are required for medical coders in Delaware.
What is Medical Billing?
After clients get medical services or procedures done, they will need to be invoiced.
Insurance companies will also receive an invoice following the procedure.
These invoices are called billing, and they are required in order for healthcare workers to get paid.
As a medical biller, you will have to learn how the reimbursement and invoicing process works.
In billing, you will also need to learn specific terms just like in coding.
Getting the Appropriate Education and Certification
In order to get a job in the field, you will need to have a high school diploma or a GED.
You do not need an associate’s degree or any type of higher education.
You will, however, need to be certified in medical billing and coding.
The licenses are issued through the AAPC, the country’s biggest organization of its type.
You will need to get a CPB certification for billing, and a CPC certification for coding.
Before you can get either of these certifications, you need to enroll in a training program.
Programs for billing or coding do not last longer than 8 months, meaning you can start your career quite fast compared to other industries.
In Delaware, you have several options to choose from.
The most popular schools that provide programs can be seen below.
| School Name | Address |
|---|---|
| DAWN CAREER INSTITUTE INC | 3700 Lancaster Pike, Suite 105 Wilmington, DE |
| DELAWARE TECHNICAL COMMUNITY COLLEGE | 333 N. Shipley Street Wilmington, DE |
| HARRIS SCHOOL OF BUSINESS | 97 Commerce Way Ste 105 Dover, DE |
If you don’t have enough time to attend a program in person, you can easily attend one online.
You can also get job placements options if you want to get hired right after completing your program.
In addition, you can enroll in a program that focuses on both billing and coding at the same time.
By doing this, you can get a better career with a higher salary.
Expected Salary
The salaries in medical billing and coding vary depending on your level of experience and region.
For example, you will get higher pay if you work in a bigger city in Delaware.
You will also receive a higher salary if you already have some years of experience in the field.
Annual Salary Range:| Location | Avg. Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| Wilmington | $40,836 |
| Dover | $40,774 |
| Newark | $40,805 |
| Bear | $40,790 |
| Middletown | $40,711 |
| Hockessin | $40,836 |
| Smyrna | $40,728 |
| Milford | $40,874 |
| Claymont | $40,836 |
| Seaford | $40,031 |
Regional Salary in Delaware
| Region | Employed | Avg. Annual Salary | Avg. Hourly Pay | Top 10% Annual Salary | Bottom 10% Annual Salary |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Dover, DE | 100 | $49,450 | $23.77 | $65,960 | $33,980 |
* Employment conditions in your area may vary.
The medical billing and coding industry in Delaware has a good prognosis.
As per the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), the unemployment rate is under 5% in this state.
An advantage of working as a medical biller or coder is that unlike in other healthcare jobs, you can work from home.
Other Info
Once you get your certification, you can start looking for a job in the field.
Some of the most well-known employers in the Delaware area are:
- Nemours: This pediatric health care system is one of the most important employers in the state.
- The facility offers good retirement plans, disability options, and health insurance.
- Delaware Hospice: If you work in this facility, you will be able to have a vacation in your first year on the job.
- You can also get a flexible work schedule whenever needed.
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