Maybe you want to work in medical billing and coding in Montana.
If so, you should first have an idea of what this job entails and what certification you need.
Have a look at the article below, where you can learn more about the requirements so you can start your career.
Article Table of Contents
What is Medical Coding?
The collection of data used in healthcare to name various services and ailments is called short coding.
If you work in medical coding, you should be able to work with them.
You should also know how to organize each different code and what each of them means.
The main codes used in the field are:
• CPT,
• ICD,
• HCPCS
In Montana, you need to know the following codes: CPT, ICD-10-CMN, and HCPCS Level II.
What is Medical Billing?
The customers who pay for the medical services are issued an invoice.
The process of creating an invoice is named billing and is required to receive payment.
Therefore, you will have to know how to issue an invoice for the services offered.
You will need to know how insurance works as well, as the invoice is also sent to the insurance company.
In addition, you have to learn how the entire reimbursement process functions and some specific terms.
Getting the Appropriate Education and Certification
Before you can start your career, you need to get a certification.
You will need CPB certification for billing and the CPC certification for coding.
These certifications are handled by the AAPC.
The AAPC is the country’s largest medical association that deals with the licensing process.
You can choose to get one of the certifications, or both for increased job duties and salary.
The license is only available once you take an exam managed by the AAPC,
In order to take the exam, you have to attend a training program.
The training programs in medical billing and coding have a duration of only 8 months.
This is one of the professions with the shortest training time, which allows you to get hired faster.
In Montana, the schools providing training programs in the billing and coding field are listed below.
School Name | Address |
---|---|
FLATHEAD VALLEY COMMUNITY COLLEGE | 777 Grandview Dr Kalispell, MT |
GREAT FALLS COLLEGE MONTANA STATE UNIVERSITY | 2100 16th Ave S Great Falls, MT |
MONTANA STATE UNIVERSITY | 1500 University Drive Billings, MT |
Before you choose a school, you need to keep a few things in mind.
First of all, you will have to decide whether you want to attend a program in person or online.
The online programs are suitable for students who already have a job.
You can also search for a school that offers employment after you complete the program.
Salary Expectations and Employment Prospects in Montana
After you pass the exam and get certified, you might want to know how much you will earn.
The BLS has a good prognosis for this state, and the unemployment rate is also quite low.
You will probably earn more if you work in a metropolitan area, such as Billings and Miles City.
After you gain some years of experience in the field you will also earn a higher wage.
Annual Salary Range:Location | Avg. Annual Salary |
---|---|
Billings | $36,752 |
Missoula | $31,718 |
Great Falls | $33,272 |
Bozeman | $31,718 |
Butte | $31,718 |
Helena | $32,294 |
Kalispell | $34,059 |
Havre | $32,697 |
Anaconda | $31,718 |
Miles City | $36,177 |
Regional Salary in Montana
Region | Employed | Avg. Annual Salary | Avg. Hourly Pay | Top 10% Annual Salary | Bottom 10% Annual Salary |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
Billings, MT | 210 | $48,880 | $23.5 | $58,320 | $37,660 |
Great Falls, MT | 70 | $47,890 | $23.02 | $58,150 | $35,860 |
Missoula, MT | 110 | $47,180 | $22.68 | $57,960 | $33,260 |
* Employment conditions in your area may vary.
As these professions happen to be administrative, you can work from home whenever needed.
Below are some of the largest companies in Montana that hire medical billers and coders:
- Billings Clinic: This non-profit is quite big, and employees get significant benefits.
- Some of these include long-term disability, dental and vision insurance, several retirement plans to choose from, paid vacations, and paid leave.
- Wheatland Memorial Healthcare: The benefits you will be getting if you work in this facility are a 401 k plan, life and dental insurance, employee assistance, and paid time off.
The first thing you need to do before starting on your carer path is choosing a training program.
This will help you develop your skills so that you can have a successful career.
Read the full guide: How to Become a Medical Biller and Coder