As of April 2022, the average medical billing and coding salary in Texas is approximately $51,000. Medical billing and coding salaries in Dallas, TX are well above the state’s average with salaries roughly averaging $78,000. It is important to note that these are average wages as billing and coding salaries in Texas can vary greatly depending on numerous factors, including position, years of experience, location, and level of education.
How to Become Medical Biller and Coder
Medical coders assign codes to medical terms such as treatments, procedures, equipment, and services, and billers use special software to input medical codes and file claims with insurance companies or government agencies such as Medicare. Medical billers are also more likely to work with patients and also discuss medical charges with patients, healthcare providers, and insurance carriers. Sometimes one person does both medical billing and coding for medical practices.
Here are the steps to becoming a medical biller and/or coder.
- Earn a high school diploma
Although an individual can pursue an entry-level job in medical billing with a high school diploma or GED certificate, billing and coding certifications can highly boost career opportunities and earning potential. Also, if you want to enroll for a certification or diploma, it would require you to have a high school diploma or its equivalent for admission.
- Enroll in Certificate/Diploma Programs
Aspiring professionals can enroll at vocational and technical schools to pursue a medical billing and coding career. These programs provide the training for national coding certification exams and entry-level positions and take only a year or even less to complete.
Read Also: How to Hire a Medical Biller
Employers such as insurance companies, government, and healthcare providers typically prefer to hire associate degree-holders, which can take two years and offers a foundation in general education with a focus on medical terminology, coding, and IT.
- Pass Certification Examinations
A number of employers typically prefer billers and coders who have earned certifications because they get to master complex billing and government-mandated coding requirements. So anyone who wants to pursue this career path is likely to get more and better job opportunities with higher salaries if they have passed the certification examinations.
- Find a Medical Billing or Coding Job
A number of schools that offer billing and coding training, also offer career services. So once you have passed the certification exam, contact the career office of your institute. Moreover, apply online for related job postings.
