Are you looking to start a career in the medical field, in Hawaii?
If so, you may be interested in an administrative branch such as coding and billing.
If you don’t know what these professions entail, read on below for information in certification and salaries in Hawaii.
Article Table of Contents
What is Medical Coding?
Medical codes are short-codes used in the field to name various products, services, and ailments.
If you work in the field, you should know how to organize these codes and what they are used for.
Each of the codes has a different usage, and you need to know how to use the CPT, ICD-10-CMN, and HCPCS Level II coding.
There are 3 major code sets, which are:
- CPT,
- ICD,
- HCPCS
What is Medical Billing?
The services healthcare workers provide to clients are invoiced so that they can get paid.
These invoices are delivered to the person who receives the services but also the insurance company.
This process is named medical billing, and for this, you will need to know how to create an invoice.
You will also have to learn how the reimbursement process works, as well as specific terms.
Getting the Appropriate Education and Certification
If you plan on working in the field, you should know higher education is not required.
You are only required to have a high-school diploma or a GED.
In order to get your first job, you first need to attend a training program.
The training program you decide upon should be personalized to fit your requirements.
For instance, you can attend classes in person or you can opt for an online program.
This can be helpful if you are already working.
You can also opt for a school that will look for a job for you once you are finished with your program.
In Hawaii, the schools that provide medical coding and billing programs can be seen below.
School Name | Address |
---|---|
HAWAII MEDICAL COLLEGE | 1221 Kapiolani Boulevard Honolulu, HI |
MED-ASSIST SCHOOL OF HAWAII INC | 33 S King Ste 223 Honolulu, HI |
After you finish the program, you will need to get a certification.
The certifications in medical coding and billing are handled by the AAPC, the largest entity of its kind in the US.
You will need to either get a CPB certification for billing or a CPC certification is for coding.
Alternatively, you can choose to get both certifications at the same time in order to get a higher paying job.
Expected Salary in Hawaii
Just like in any other industry, your salary will depend on several factors.
First of all, you will need to have some years of experience before receiving a higher salary.
The region you live in also matters, as big cities generally offer higher salaries compared to smaller ones.
Annual Salary Range:Location | Avg. Annual Salary |
---|---|
Honolulu | $39,939 |
Hilo | $39,671 |
Pearl City | $39,939 |
Waipahu | $39,921 |
Kailua | $39,939 |
Kaneohe | $39,939 |
Kahului | $39,671 |
Kihei | $39,671 |
Kapolei | $39,850 |
Wahiawa | $39,814 |
Regional Salary in Hawaii
Region | Employed | Avg. Annual Salary | Avg. Hourly Pay | Top 10% Annual Salary | Bottom 10% Annual Salary |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
Kahului-Wailuku-Lahaina, HI | 30 | $58,350 | $28.05 | $90,390 | $38,670 |
Urban Honolulu, HI | 490 | $63,850 | $30.7 | $85,760 | $43,700 |
* Employment conditions in your area may vary.
The cities with the most diverse job offers are Honolulu, Kahului-Wailuku-Lahaina, and the Kauai non-metro area.
If you choose to work in medical billing and coding, you will be able to work from home sometimes.
Other Info
Once you get the required certification, you will need to know where you can get hired.
Some of the major employers in Hawaii include the following:
- Hawaii Health Systems Corporation: This association is the biggest in Hawaii and manages all others in the state.
- It was founded in 1996 and some of the benefits it offers include 3 weeks of vacation each year, paid leave, health and vision insurance.
- West Kauai Medical Center / KVMH: This center was opened in 1927 and provides benefits like dental and vision insurance, a 401k plan, and disability plans.
- Kula Hospital is over a century old and offers a retirement plan, paid leave, disability options, and flex spending accounts.
- Hilo Medical Center: The center was founded in 1897 and provides a 401k plan, vacation time, health insurance, and paid leave.
Read the full guide: How to Become a Medical Biller and Coder