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If you want to work in healthcare in Mississippi, but would prefer a position in its administrative sector, you can consider medical coding and billing.
Here you can learn more about what this field entails and how you can enter it.
Article Table of Contents
What is Medical Coding?
The medical reports created while a person receives treatment in a clinic or hospital are mainly used to invoice them.
The process is easier when using a code, and through medical coding, professionals transform the info into a code.
This code can be used for other reasons as well.
If you work in this field, you’ll be expected to know these main code sets:
- CPT,
- ICD,
- HCPCS
Furthermore, CPT, ICD-10-CMN, and HCPCS Level II coding are used the most.
It goes without saying the code sets are organized and used in different ways.
Specialized training that ends with a test and then the CPC certification from AAPC, is how you learn all about these codes.
What is Medical Billing?
Specially trained personnel is in charge of preparing the invoices for those who were treated in a clinic or hospital.
This process is called medical billing.
As mentioned already, billers need to have at least some knowledge of medical coding.
They need to know much more than coding, and they learn everything in classes organized by AAPC.
At the end of these classes, as a future biller, you’re supposed to pass a test and then you’ll receive your CPB certificate.
Getting the Appropriate Education and Certification
In Mississippi, as well as elsewhere in the country, individuals are expected to have a high school diploma or GED before enrolling in the training program of choice.
The training programs last for approximately 8 months and no further education is needed.
These aspects make the medical coding and billing field an easily accessible one for many.
While AAPC is the nation’s main association for medical coding and billing training, there are several other colleges where these classes are organized.
Below you can see the schools in Mississippi.
| School Name | Address |
|---|---|
| ANTONELLI COLLEGE | 1500 N 31st Ave Hattiesburg, MS |
| ANTONELLI COLLEGE | 2323 Lakeland Drive Jackson, MS |
| COAHOMA COMMUNITY COLLEGE | 3240 Friars Point Rd Clarksdale, MS |
| DELTA TECHNICAL COLLEGE | 6550 D Interstate Blvd. Horn Lake, MS |
| HINDS COMMUNITY COLLEGE | 505 East Main Street Raymond, MS |
| MERIDIAN COMMUNITY COLLEGE | 910 Hwy 19 N Meridian, MS |
| MIDWEST TECHNICAL INSTITUTE-RIDGELAND | 113 Market Ridge Drive Ridgeland, MS |
| MISSISSIPPI DELTA COMMUNITY COLLEGE | Hwy 3 and Cherry St Moorhead, MS |
| MISSISSIPPI GULF COAST COMMUNITY COLLEGE | 51 Main Street Perkinston, MS |
| SOUTHWEST MISSISSIPPI COMMUNITY COLLEGE | 1156 College Dr Summit, MS |
| VIRGINIA COLLEGE | 920 Cedar Lake Rd-Ste C Biloxi, MS |
| VIRGINIA COLLEGE | 5841 Ridgewood Rd Jackson, MS |
It is quite common for these classes to be offered on campus or online, though even a combination or on campus and online is possible.
While it’s relatively easy to find employment with the CPC and CPB diplomas, it’s better to consider enrolling at a school that helps with job placement.
Expected Salary and Other Employment Information
Medical coding and billing is a field in which the professionals have the possibility of working from home, even in Mississippi.
The healthcare industry in this state is expected to have an increase in job openings, this being some good news for individuals specializing in this field.
The salary will depend on experience, but in the cities below the average salary is higher compared to other locations across the state:
- Horn Lake
- Olive Branch
- Southaven
| Location | Avg. Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| Jackson | $34,321 |
| Gulfport | $33,744 |
| Southaven | $35,510 |
| Hattiesburg | $33,533 |
| Biloxi | $34,013 |
| Meridian | $34,008 |
| Tupelo | $32,374 |
| Olive Branch | $35,420 |
| Greenville | $34,117 |
| Horn Lake | $35,492 |
Regional Salary in Mississippi
| Region | Employed | Avg. Annual Salary | Avg. Hourly Pay | Top 10% Annual Salary | Bottom 10% Annual Salary |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Gulfport-Biloxi-Pascagoula, MS | 170 | $46,620 | $22.41 | $63,990 | $30,850 |
| Hattiesburg, MS | 190 | $41,860 | $20.12 | $58,850 | $28,300 |
| Jackson, MS | 680 | $42,900 | $20.62 | $61,090 | $30,310 |
* Employment conditions in your area may vary.
Billing and coding are separate processes, yet they’re closely related, and many medical coders are also medical billers, as they chose to get both certifications.
The largest employers in Mississippi for medical coding and billing professionals are:
- North Mississippi Medical Center is a not-for-profit facility with nearly 100 years of history.
- The befits offered here include paid vacations, tuition reimbursement, and coverage for health, dental, life, and vision.
- Central Mississippi Medical Center has more than 4 decades of experience, and its employees receive benefits such as health, dental, and vision coverage, flexible spending program, credit union, 401(k) and more.
- Forest General Hospital is a Level II regional trauma center hospital that offers several types of treatments from different specialties.
- The benefits at this facility include paid time off, retirement plan, health, dental, and vision insurance, 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