So, you decided you want to work in medical billing and coding in Wyoming.
If so, you should learn what you need to do to get certified and start your new career.
Article Table of Contents
What is Medical Billing?
When medical workers are offering their services, they also have to be paid for it.
The process through which they receive payment is called billing.
Billing is done by creating an invoice, and then sending it to the insurance company and the client.
In order to do this, you will need to know how to make an invoice.
You also need to know how the reimbursement process and the insurance process function.
What is Medical Coding?
Medical coding represents a collection of data turned into shortcodes.
The resulting shortcodes will be used in various branches of the industry.
Each shortcode is different, so you will have to learn how they function.
You will also need to learn how to organize these codes according to their usage.
In Wyoming, you will need to know the following codes: CPT, ICD-10-CMN, and HCPCS Level II.
Getting the Appropriate Education and Certification
In this state, certification in billing or coding is not required.
But, you should consider getting a certification as it is the only way to get hired.
You will need the CPC or the CPB certification, depending on whether you choose billing or coding.
You can also get certified in both billing and coding for increased job prospects.
The certifications are offered through the AAPC, which is the nation’s biggest medical entity.
In order to get certified, you need to develop your skills and pass an exam.
The exam is typically 150 questions long and tests your billing and coding knowledge.
To be eligible, you have to attend one of the training programs in Wyoming.
The trade schools that provide billing and coding programs include the ones below.
School Name | Address |
---|---|
LARAMIE COUNTY COMMUNITY COLLEGE | 1400 E College Dr Cheyenne, WY |
There are a few things to think about before deciding on a school.
First of all, you should consider whether you can attend the program in person or online.
The second is whether you plan in getting hired right away.
If so, you can look for a school that provides employment options as well as online programs.
On average, the training in medical billing and coding only lasts for 8 months.
Salary Expectations in Wyoming
If you are wondering how much you can earn, you should know the numbers vary.
You will be able to earn a higher salary if you already worked for some years.
You will also make more if you find a job in a metropolitan area.
Such areas in Wyoming include Sheridan and Casper.
Annual Salary Range:Location | Avg. Annual Salary |
---|---|
Cheyenne | $34,815 |
Casper | $35,751 |
Gillette | $33,953 |
Laramie | $35,229 |
Rock Springs | $35,219 |
Sheridan | $36,177 |
Green River | $35,219 |
Evanston | $35,512 |
Riverton | $35,176 |
Jackson | $34,310 |
Regional Salary in Wyoming
Region | Employed | Avg. Annual Salary | Avg. Hourly Pay | Top 10% Annual Salary | Bottom 10% Annual Salary |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
Casper, WY | 40 | $48,700 | $23.42 | $75,360 | $35,360 |
Cheyenne, WY | 80 | $56,320 | $27.08 | $77,490 | $39,730 |
* Employment conditions in your area may vary.
If you work in a smaller region, you might make less, but still enough to be happy with your career.
According to the BLS, jobs in medical coding and billing will gradually increase.
In the period between 2016 and 2026, it is reported an expected growth of 13% in jobs in the industry.
This means that no matter where you choose to work, you will have a stable career.
Other Info on Coding and Billing in Wyoming
Medical billing and coding are both positions in the administrative field.
This means that you can work from home whenever needed.
If you got your certification, you are probably wondering where you can work.
The largest employers in Wyoming include:
- Campbell County Memorial Hospital
- Memorial Hospital of Carbon County
Some of the benefits offered by these facilities are short and long term advisability plans, several retirement plans, dental, vision, and health insurance, and paid leave.
You can also benefit from flex spending accounts, professional education assistance, and paid vacations.
Read the full guide: How to Become a Medical Biller and Coder