How to Become a Medical Biller and Coder in New York
.jpg)
Table of Contents
If you’ve been to the doctor, you’ve probably benefited from the work of medical coders and billers without even realizing it. In this guide, we’ll explore everything you need to know about becoming a medical biller and coder in New York, from selecting a program to obtaining certification and landing your first job.
Quick Overview:
- Medical billing and coding is a crucial component of health care in New York.
- While New York doesn't require a specific license, most employers value professional certification.
- Training programs can often be completed in a matter of months.
Key Responsibilities of Medical Coders in New York:
- Analyzing patient charts and clinical documentation with precision
- Applying appropriate ICD-10, CPT, and HCPCS codes to reflect diagnoses and procedures
- Collaborating with healthcare providers to clarify documentation when needed
- Processing and submitting coded information to insurance companies and government programs
- Monitoring claim statuses and addressing any rejections or denials
- Staying up-to-date with New York state health care regulations and coding guidelines
By bridging the gap between clinical care and financial processes, medical coders are indispensable to the efficient operation of New York's health care institutions, from major medical centers in New York City to community hospitals in upstate regions.
Common Coding Systems Explained
What Does Medical Billing Involve?
Medical billers handle the financial aspects of healthcare, working with patients, providers, and insurance companies. Here are the main responsibilities of a medical biller:
- Claim submission: Convert medical codes into insurance claims, ensuring accuracy and completeness.
- Payment follow-up: Track unpaid claims and follow up with insurance companies or patients as needed.
- Quality control: Review claims for errors before submission to prevent delays or denials.
- Denial management: Address rejected claims by troubleshooting issues and resubmitting corrected claims.
- Patient billing: Bill patients directly for costs not covered by insurance, explaining charges clearly.
- Insurance policy knowledge: Stay informed about different insurance company rules and requirements to ensure smooth claim processing.
In summary, medical billing requires attention to detail, strong communication skills, and the ability to understand both medical procedures and insurance policies. It's a role that combines financial tasks with healthcare knowledge.
Do I Need a Medical Billing and Coding Certification in New York?
While New York doesn't legally require certification for medical billers and coders, getting certified can greatly improve your job prospects and potential earnings. Some employers may even require it. For example, this medical coding specialist position listed by Weill Cornell Medical College requires candidates to either have an AAPC CPC certificate or an AHIMA CCS-P certificate.
Becoming a Certified Medical Biller or Coder in New York
Step 1: Enroll in a Certification Prep Course
To begin your journey, you'll need to invest in education. New York offers a variety of medical billing and coding programs through:
- Local community colleges
- Vocational schools
- Online institutions
When choosing a program, consider these factors:
- Cost
- Program length (some can be completed in just a few months)
- Whether the program instructor has been trained by AAPC or whether the program has been approved by AHIMA
{{ programs-component }}
Step 2: Get Certified (CPC, CCS or Equivalent)
After completing your certification prep course, it's time to put your knowledge to the test. In New York, as in other states, two major organizations dominate the certification landscape for medical coding and billing:
- AAPC's Certified Professional Coder (CPC)
- AHIMA's Certified Coding Specialist (CCS)
When choosing between these certifications, consider the following factors:
- Which exam does your training program prepare you for?
- Check job listings in New York to see which certifications are in demand by local employers.
- Consider your career goals: CPC is popular for outpatient settings, while CCS might be more suitable for hospital coding positions.
Step 3: Find a Medical Billing Job in New York (Or Remote)
Finding a medical coding and billing job in New York is similar to job hunting in any field. You can apply directly to employers, search job boards, or tap into your professional network. New York offers many opportunities for medical billing and coding professionals, with several major health care systems as key employers.
Some of New York's largest health care employers include:
- NewYork-Presbyterian Hospital: A world-class academic medical center with multiple locations across New York City.
- Northwell Health: The largest health care provider in New York State, with facilities throughout the New York metropolitan area.
- Mount Sinai Health System: A renowned network of hospitals and medical facilities in New York City.
- NYU Langone Health: A major academic medical center in New York City known for its excellence in patient care, research, and education.
- Montefiore Health System: A large health care system serving the Bronx and lower Hudson Valley.
- Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center: A world-renowned cancer treatment and research institution in New York City.
Health systems and smaller hospitals, clinics, and private practices in New York regularly employ medical billing and coding professionals. The diversity of healthcare providers, from major medical centers in New York City to community hospitals in upstate regions, offers a range of opportunities in this field.
Besides applying directly to these healthcare providers, you can also keep an eye on medical billing and coding job boards, such as:
Step 4: Maintain Your Certification
Earning your certification is just the beginning. To keep your credentials current and demonstrate ongoing expertise, you'll need to fulfill regular maintenance requirements. Here's what you need to know for maintaining an AAPC certificate (AHIMA and other certifying bodies have different requirements).
- Complete continuing education units (CEUs) every two years.
- The required CEUs vary based on your certifications.
- Earn CEUs through webinars, workshops, and other approved events.
- Report completed CEUs through your online account.
Frequently Asked Questions
What Do Medical Billing and Coding Professionals Earn in New York?
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), medical records specialists—including medical coders and billers—earn $60,510 per year or $29.09 per hour in New York. However, the BLS’s figure doesn’t reflect the salary variation for medical billing and coding. For that, we turn to AAPC’s New York salary report.
Average Salary in New York by AAPC Certification
Career Growth: Where Can Medical Billing and Coding Take You in New York?
One way to advance is by focusing on a particular area of medical coding and obtaining specialized certificates. For instance, you might specialize in cardiology coding, which could be particularly valuable in New York's renowned cardiac care centers.
Another route for career growth is pursuing higher education at one of New York's many excellent institutions, such as:
- Earning a degree in Health Information Management (HIM) ster
- Studying Healthcare Administration
Medical billing and coding gives you insight into the inner workings of hospitals and other healthcare providers. When combined with an advanced degree, a foundation in billing and coding could give you an advantage in healthcare administration or non-clinical healthcare positions throughout New York's extensive healthcare network.
Bottom Line
Starting a medical billing and coding career is ideal for those who prefer behind-the-scenes roles in New York's hospitals or health care providers. Many training programs can be completed in a few months, providing quick entry into New York's robust and innovative healthcare industry.
If you're considering this career path in New York, explore:
