In Nebraska, the unemployment rate is generally lower than in the rest of the country.
The medical field is one that is always looking for personnel, and the administration sector is rather welcoming.
Medical coding and billing is something you could consider if you’re searching for a new job.
Article Table of Contents
What is Medical Billing?
Patients can’t pay for the medical procedures they received without an invoice.
They also need the invoice for their health insurance companies who help cover the costs.
Nowadays, specially trained individuals are in charge of creating these medical bills with the info found in the medical reports.
The training of those interested in this position ends with a test.
Those who pass the test receive the AAPC’s CPB certification, without which they won’t be hired.
What is Medical Coding?
To make the billing process easier and faster, a shortcode is being used.
The information from the medical records is transformed into shortcode according to specific codes and rules.
Generally, there is a trained person taking care of this process.
Medical coders are supposed to know the following main code sets:
- CPT,
- ICD,
- HCPCS
What’s more, CPT, ICD-10-CMN, and HCPCS Level II coding are specifically used the most.
The training of those interested in this position ends with a test.
Those who pass the test, receive the AAPC’s CPC certification, without which they won’t be hired.
Getting Trained and the Certification
In Nebraska, as throughout the country, the candidates for the medical coding and billing training programs are expected to have a high school diploma or GED.
Fortunately, degrees such as Associates’ or Bachelors’ are not needed, except for those who want to develop a career.
The courses last for around 8 months, and all these requirements make this medical administrative field an accessible one for many.
AAPC is the main association in the country for medical coding and billing training, but there are also several other schools where these classes are organized.
Below you can see the schools in Nebraska that offer such training.
School Name | Address |
---|---|
Metropolitan Community College | 1234 E Hartman Ave, Omaha, NE 68110 |
NORTHEAST COMMUNITY COLLEGE | 801 E Benjamin Ave, Norfolk, NE 68701 |
It’s not uncommon to find classes for medical coding and billing offered both online and in person.
If you want better chances of finding employment, consider doing this:
- Obtain both certifications
- Enroll in a school that helps its graduates with job placement
You’d want both certifications because the operations are connected and medical billers need to know some medical coding as well.
Expected Salary and Other Employment Information
Medical coding and billing is a good occupational choice for those who wish they could work from home.
Do know that it’s common for employers to prefer candidates with both credentials.
While your salary will depend on experience, in the cities below the average is higher when compared to other cities across this state:
- Omaha
- Lincoln
- Bellevue
Location | Avg. Annual Salary |
---|---|
Omaha | $36,283 |
Lincoln | $36,108 |
Bellevue | $36,283 |
Grand Island | $35,609 |
Kearney | $35,609 |
Fremont | $35,741 |
Hastings | $35,609 |
Norfolk | $31,584 |
North Platte | $34,525 |
Columbus | $35,609 |
Regional Salary in Nebraska
Region | Employed | Avg. Annual Salary | Avg. Hourly Pay | Top 10% Annual Salary | Bottom 10% Annual Salary |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
Grand Island, NE | 90 | $52,560 | $25.27 | $70,440 | $34,980 |
Lincoln, NE | 300 | $48,920 | $23.52 | $63,390 | $34,240 |
Omaha-Council Bluffs, NE-IA | 780 | $60,610 | $29.14 | $69,100 | $36,070 |
* Employment conditions in your area may vary.
The largest employers in Nebraska for medical coding and billing professionals are:
- Avera St. Anthony’s Hospital where patients can go for diagnostic imaging, family medicine, kidney dialysis, and telemedicine among others.
- The employees receive benefits such as paid time off, employee discounts, and various packages for insurance and retirement.
- Children’s Hospital and Medical Center offer health services for children suffering from asthma, allergies, diabetes, or who need emergency and urgent care.
- The employees at this facility are offered the following benefits among others: health, dental, long- and short-term disability, as well as life and supplemental insurances.
- Great Plains Medical Center specializes in areas like weight management, neurology, endocrinology, or pain management, but not only.
- The center offers the following benefits to its staff: medical and dental insurance, life insurance, AD&D coverage, and 401(k) retirement plan, to name just a few.
Read the full guide: How to Become a Medical Biller and Coder