If you want to work in either medical billing or coding, you first need to have info about it.
In the state of Wisconsin, you have to develop your skills before you can find employment.
Have a look at the article below to get a better idea of the certification process and how much you can earn.
Article Table of Contents
What is Medical Coding?
The medical coding branch turns data into some short codes, which need to be used in the industry.
These codes that are created represent various diseases, products, services, and other medical things.
To work in coding, you need to know how to use each of the codes, as they are different from each other.
You will have to know how to properly organize these codes as well, based on their type.
In Wisconsin, you need to know how to work with CPT, ICD-10-CMN, and HCPCS Level II codes.
What is Medical Billing?
In medical billing, you will need to create invoices that are later on sent to the customer and insurance company.
You will need to know how the insurance and reimbursement process works in order to bill.
The billing process helps medical workers get paid for the services they offer within the industry.
You will have to learn specific terms used in the billing branch as well.
Getting the Appropriate Education and Certification
If you want to work in medical billing or coding, you need to attend a training program.
The training program will help you develop your skills so you can pass the certification exam.
The exam and certification are handled by the country’s biggest medical entity, the AAPC.
In Wisconsin, you can find some schools that provide training, which are:
School Name | Address |
---|---|
BLACKHAWK TECHNICAL COLLEGE | 6004 County Road G Janesville, WI |
BRYANT & STRATTON COLLEGE | 500 Silverspring Rd Ste K340 Glendale, WI |
BRYANT & STRATTON COLLEGE | 310 W. Wisconsin Avenue Suite 500 Milwaukee, WI |
BRYANT & STRATTON COLLEGE | 10950 W Potter Road Wauwatosa, WI |
FOX VALLEY TECHNICAL COLLEGE | 1825 N Bluemound Dr Appleton, WI |
LAKESHORE TECHNICAL COLLEGE | 1290 North Avenue Cleveland, WI |
MADISON AREA TECHNICAL COLLEGE | 1701 Wright St Madison, WI |
MILWAUKEE AREA TECHNICAL COLLEGE | 700 W State St Milwaukee, WI |
MORAINE PARK TECHNICAL COLLEGE | 235 N National Avenue Fond du Lac, WI |
NORTHCENTRAL TECHNICAL COLLEGE | 1000 Campus Dr Wausau, WI |
NORTHEAST WISCONSIN TECHNICAL COLLEGE | 2740 W Mason St Green Bay, WI |
RASMUSSEN COLLEGE-WISCONSIN | 904 South Taylor Street, Suite 100 Green Bay, WI |
SOUTHWEST WISCONSIN TECHNICAL COLLEGE | 1800 Bronson Blvd Fennimore, WI |
WAUKESHA COUNTY TECHNICAL COLLEGE | 800 Main Street Pewaukee, WI |
WESTERN TECHNICAL COLLEGE | 400 Seventh St. North La Crosse, WI |
WISCONSIN INDIANHEAD TECHNICAL COLLEGE | 505 Pine Ridge Drive Shell Lake, WI |
Before you choose a school, you should consider whether you want to attend a program in person or online.
If you have a second job, an online program will help you save time.
Some schools also provide job placement options once you complete the program.
The training in medical billing and coding lasts for about 8 months.
With such a short duration, it will help you start your new career faster.
However, if you want to pursue higher education, such as an associate’s degree, you need to train for about 2 years.
The exam you will take is usually comprised of 150 questions.
You can choose to get certified for billing, coding, or for both.
If you opt for dual certification, you will get increased job prospects and a higher wage.
You will need the CPC certification for coding and the CPB certification for billing.
Certifications in medical billing and coding aren’t a requirement in Wisconsin.
But, you have more chances to score your first job in the field if you are certified.
Salary Expectations in Wisconsin
Once your certification is issued, you may want to know what the average salaries in this state.
As per the BLS, there will be a 13% increase in jobs in medical billing and coding in Wisconsin.
This process will take place between 2016 and 2026.
If you work in larger regions like Milwaukee-Waukesha-West Allis, Madison, Eau Claire, or Sheboygan, you may earn more.
Annual Salary Range:Location | Avg. Annual Salary |
---|---|
Milwaukee | $37,981 |
Madison | $37,762 |
Green Bay | $36,814 |
Kenosha | $37,624 |
Racine | $37,624 |
Appleton | $36,822 |
Waukesha | $37,837 |
Eau Claire | $35,519 |
Oshkosh | $36,584 |
Janesville | $37,630 |
Regional Salary in Wisconsin
Region | Employed | Avg. Annual Salary | Avg. Hourly Pay | Top 10% Annual Salary | Bottom 10% Annual Salary |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
Appleton, WI | 100 | $57,270 | $27.54 | $69,360 | $46,210 |
Eau Claire, WI | 130 | $53,180 | $25.57 | $67,500 | $36,980 |
Green Bay, WI | 450 | $46,900 | $22.55 | $60,980 | $37,560 |
Janesville-Beloit, WI | 120 | $55,910 | $26.88 | $65,060 | $47,770 |
La Crosse-Onalaska, WI-MN | 150 | $52,060 | $25.03 | $62,160 | $37,270 |
Madison, WI | 620 | $56,630 | $27.23 | $76,720 | $38,570 |
Milwaukee-Waukesha-West Allis, WI | 1,140 | $56,970 | $27.39 | $74,280 | $39,700 |
Oshkosh-Neenah, WI | 80 | $54,400 | $26.15 | $62,160 | $44,480 |
Racine, WI | 30 | $52,400 | $25.19 | $62,240 | $41,400 |
Sheboygan, WI | 80 | $53,640 | $25.79 | $66,550 | $42,420 |
Wausau, WI | 70 | $53,240 | $25.6 | $64,130 | $43,590 |
* Employment conditions in your area may vary.
You will also earn a higher wage after you have some work experience.
Other Info About Medical Billing and Coding
Now that you have your certification, you can start searching for a job.
In Wisconsin, the largest employing entities are:
- Baldwin Area Medical Center
- Aurora BayCare Health Center
- Edgerton Hospital
These facilities offer vision, health and life insurance, a 401(k) retirement plan, disability plans, and professional educational assistance.
The medical billing and coding branches enable you to work from home, which is helpful for people with mobility problems.
Read the full guide: How to Become a Medical Biller and Coder