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Massachusetts is a good state to start a career in the medical coding and billing field.
This is an administrative medical field, does require training and certification, and is a perfect choice for those who want to work in the healthcare industry but not being a doctor or a nurse.
Read on if you think you found yourself in the description above as we’ll share info about where to get trained and how much you’ll earn on this position.
Article Table of Contents
What is Medical Coding?
Medical coding is the process of transforming medical information into a shorter code.
The code represents affections as well as the treatments received, and this info is found on medical records.
Those who work as medical coders need to be familiar with these codes:
- CPT,
- ICD,
- HCPCS
However, in this field, CPT, ICD-10-CMN, and HCPCS Level II are more important, regardless they work in Massachusetts or elsewhere.
The training for future medical coders was initiated by AAPC who is also issuing the CPC certification for this occupation after candidates pass an exam.
What is Medical Billing?
Medical billing is the process in which a professional creates invoices for the patients, for the procedures they received.
Usually, these invoices are also needed by health insurance companies.
Those who work in the medical billing field need to have knowledge about:
- How to create an invoice
- How to use the code for invoicing
- Aspects related to health insurance
All this knowledge is learned in a specialized medical billing training course.
Such a course ends with a test ad those who pass it receive their CPB certification from AAPC.
Getting the Appropriate Education and Certification
To enroll in the above-mentioned training program, you only need to have either a high school diploma or GED.
There is no need for a higher degree here, such as Associates or Bachelors but you can still obtain them if you want to develop a career.
AAPC organizes training programs for the CPC and CPB certifications, but these can be obtained from other institutions as well.
The classes for these specializations can be held both in a traditional or virtual classroom setting.
The programs don’t last more than 8 months, allowing you to find employment really fast after receiving your credentials.
Below you can see which colleges offer medical coding and billing classes.
| School Name | Address |
|---|---|
| BERKSHIRE COMMUNITY COLLEGE | 1350 West Street Pittsfield, MA |
| BRANFORD HALL CAREER INSTITUTE-SPRINGFIELD CAMPUS | 112 Industry Avenue Springfield, MA |
| BUNKER HILL COMMUNITY COLLEGE | 250 New Rutherford Ave Boston, MA |
| CAPE COD COMMUNITY COLLEGE | 2240 Iyannough Rd West Barnstable, MA |
| FISHER COLLEGE | 118 Beacon Street Boston, MA |
| MASSASOIT COMMUNITY COLLEGE | One Massasoit Boulevard Brockton, MA |
| MILLENNIUM TRAINING INSTITUTE | 600 West Cummings Park, Suite 2550 Woburn, MA |
| MOUNT WACHUSETT COMMUNITY COLLEGE | 444 Green St Gardner, MA |
| NORTH SHORE COMMUNITY COLLEGE | 1 Ferncroft Rd Danvers, MA |
| NORTHERN ESSEX COMMUNITY COLLEGE | 100 Elliott Street Haverhill, MA |
| SALTER COLLEGE | 184 West Boylston Suite # 1 West Boylston, MA |
| SALTER SCHOOL-FALL RIVER | 82 Hartwell Street Fall River, MA |
| SPRINGFIELD TECHNICAL COMMUNITY COLLEGE | 1 Armory Sq Springfield, MA |
| THE SALTER SCHOOL | 2 Florence Street Malden, MA |
| THE SALTER SCHOOL | 515 Woburn Street Tewksbury, MA |
Many individuals choose to obtain both certifications, as their chances of finding employment increase greatly.
Expected Salary in Massachusetts and Employment Information
Overall, in Massachusetts, the average salary for a medical coder and biller is higher compared to the rest of the country.
Additionally, the demand for professionals in this field is also growing.
The best cities to find a position in this field, in Massachusetts, including Boston, Cambridge, Quincy, and Lynn.
Medical coders and billers have the possibility of working from home as well.
Annual Salary Range:| Location | Avg. Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| Boston | $43,315 |
| Worcester | $40,410 |
| Springfield | $40,103 |
| Cambridge | $43,315 |
| Lowell | $41,830 |
| Brockton | $41,562 |
| New Bedford | $40,449 |
| Quincy | $43,315 |
| Lynn | $43,315 |
| Fall River | $40,449 |
Regional Salary in Massachusetts
| Region | Employed | Avg. Annual Salary | Avg. Hourly Pay | Top 10% Annual Salary | Bottom 10% Annual Salary |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Barnstable Town, MA | 90 | $62,420 | $30.01 | $85,540 | $42,650 |
| Boston-Cambridge-Nashua, MA-NH | 2,690 | $58,550 | $28.15 | $83,840 | $39,170 |
| Leominster-Gardner, MA | 50 | $54,120 | $26.02 | $79,110 | $38,730 |
| New Bedford, MA | 100 | $62,230 | $29.92 | $89,460 | $41,320 |
| Pittsfield, MA | 40 | $55,230 | $26.55 | $73,110 | $39,640 |
| Springfield, MA-CT | 380 | $56,190 | $27.02 | $73,960 | $38,180 |
| Worcester, MA-CT | 300 | $63,140 | $30.36 | $113,410 | $39,890 |
* Employment conditions in your area may vary.
The biggest employers in Massachusetts include the following:
- Beverly Hospital which is an acute care center.
- Its employees receive benefits such as on-site child care and preschool, hospital discounts, paid time off, a paid time off cash-in option, and others.
- Fairlawn Rehabilitation Hospital also deals with acute cases, such as rehab for amputees, arthritis sufferers, and brain injuries, among other specialties.
- Those working here receive benefits such as medical, dental, and vision insurance, loan forgiveness, a 401k, and 529 college savings plan, and more.
- Arbour Hospital offers 24-hour evaluations and partial adult hospitalization, to mention just a few specialties.
- If you get hired here you can receive benefits such as dental, disability, and life insurance, paid time off, access to the 401k plan after the first 30 days of employment, and tuition assistance among others.
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