Working in the medical billing and coding field in Virginia can be a fulfilling career.
If you are considering this career path, have a look at what you need to do to get hired.
You will first need to train in a school to develop your skills and then get a certification.
Article Table of Contents
What is Medical Billing?
In billing, healthcare workers create invoices that allow them to receive payment.
After creating an invoice, it is sent to the insurance company as well as to the client.
You will first have to learn how to handle the insurance process and the reimbursement process.
You will also have to know some specific terminology used in billing.
What is Medical Coding?
The codes are actually a collection of data used by medical staff to name services and products.
These specific names are then used in the industry, and you will need to know how to organize them.
You will also have to know what every code means and how it is particularly used.
Just like in billing, you have to be familiar with coding terminology.
The 3 coding categories are:
• CPT,
• ICD,
• HCPCS
You will have to know how to work with the following codes: CPT, ICD-10-CMN, and HCPCS Level II
Getting the Appropriate Education and Certification
Before you can work in coding or billing, you have to develop your skills.
This is usually done by attending a trading school program.
While you are not required to get certified in Virginia, you should still consider it.
If you get a CPC certification which is for coding, or a CPB which is for billing, you can get better job prospects.
You can even opt to get both of these certifications at once, which will bring you a higher salary.
No matter what certification you choose, you need to take an exam managed by the AAPC,
This is the nation’s biggest medical association and license provider.
In order to be eligible for the test, you have to finish a training program.
In Virginia, the training school programs for coders and billers include:
School Name | Address |
---|---|
AMERICAN NATIONAL UNIVERSITY | 1813 E Main St Salem, VA |
BRYANT & STRATTON COLLEGE | 4410 East Claiborne Square, Suite 233 Hampton, VA |
BRYANT & STRATTON COLLEGE | 8141 Hull St Rd North Chesterfield, VA |
BRYANT & STRATTON COLLEGE | 301 Centre Pointe Dr Virginia Beach, VA |
CENTURA COLLEGE | 616 Denbigh Blvd Newport News, VA |
CENTURA COLLEGE | 7020 North Military Highway Norfolk, VA |
CENTURA COLLEGE | 7914 Midlothian Turnpike Richmond, VA |
MEDTECH INSTITUTE | 6565 Arlington Boulevard Falls Church, VA |
STRATFORD UNIVERSITY | 3201 Jermantown Road, Suite 500 Fairfax, VA |
VIRGINIA COLLEGE | 7200 Midlothian Turnpike Richmond, VA |
Most of the schools provide programs both online and in person.
This can help students who already have a second job.
To get into a training program, you only need to have a high school diploma.
The medical coding and billing programs last about 8 months.
This is one of the shortest training periods in the medical industry and will help you start a career faster.
If you want to get a higher paid job, you can opt for a 2 year long associates degree program.
Salary Expectations in Virginia
The BLS expects a 13% growth in medical billing and coding jobs over the next 10 years.
in Virginia, the industry is growing, and you have a high chance to find a job fast.
If you find a school that offers job placement, you can get hired right after you complete the program.
You will also earn a higher salary in bigger areas of the state, like Arlington, Alexandria, and Richmond.
Annual Salary Range:Location | Avg. Annual Salary |
---|---|
Virginia Beach | $36,688 |
Norfolk | $36,135 |
Chesapeake | $36,089 |
Arlington | $42,471 |
Richmond | $38,462 |
Newport News | $35,951 |
Alexandria | $42,471 |
Hampton | $35,951 |
Roanoke | $35,443 |
Portsmouth | $36,135 |
Regional Salary in Virginia
Region | Employed | Avg. Annual Salary | Avg. Hourly Pay | Top 10% Annual Salary | Bottom 10% Annual Salary |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
Blacksburg-Christiansburg-Radford, VA | 40 | $41,050 | $19.74 | $57,140 | $30,290 |
Charlottesville, VA | 200 | $54,530 | $26.22 | $67,220 | $40,140 |
Harrisonburg, VA | 70 | $43,580 | $20.95 | $53,340 | $34,080 |
Lynchburg, VA | 90 | $44,620 | $21.45 | $57,700 | $33,740 |
Richmond, VA | 1,130 | $54,000 | $25.96 | $69,740 | $38,750 |
Roanoke, VA | 240 | $50,650 | $24.35 | $75,240 | $34,000 |
Staunton-Waynesboro, VA | 80 | $49,660 | $23.88 | $69,350 | $35,230 |
Virginia Beach-Norfolk-Newport News, VA-NC | 840 | $50,570 | $24.31 | $70,470 | $35,800 |
Winchester, VA-WV | 80 | $44,910 | $21.59 | $57,120 | $33,830 |
* Employment conditions in your area may vary.
After you gain some work experience, you will make more compared to when you just start.
Other Info About Billing and Coding
Maybe you want to know where you can get hired.
In Virginia, the most significant health facilities are:
- Augusta Health
- Buchanan General Hospital
- Fauquier Health
All these entities offer dental, health, life and disability insurance, paid time off, an employee assistance program, and medical discounts.
As both medical coding and billing are administrative jobs, you can work from home if you have a mobility issue.
The first step to take is to attend a training program that will launch your career.
Read the full guide: How to Become a Medical Biller and Coder