Careers in the education and health services have a good outlook in the future according to statistics released by the Oregon Labor Market Information System, which identified the sector as the fastest growing industry in the state. Medical billing and coding jobs are part of the increasing health services sector and also have an increasingly bright potential in the coming future. In the decade leading up to 2020, medical billing and coding positions are projected to increase by over 31 percent.
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The Oregon Department of Employment recently published several attributes in regard to medical billing and coding jobs, stating that between now and the year 2020 these will:
- Grow at a much faster rate than the statewide average for all occupations
- Have a much higher number of job openings than the statewide average
- In 2010, this sector was much larger than the statewide average for all occupations
Working in Oregon
According to recent statistics there were 7,720 employees in the medical billing and coding field across Oregon. By city and region these figures break down as follows:
- Bend: 430
- Corvallis: 140
- Eugene-Springfield: 510
- Medford: 620
- Portland-Vancouver (WA)-Hillsboro: 4,720
- Salem: 840
- Coastal Non-Metro: 420
- Southern Oregon and Linn County Non-Metro: 410
- North Central Non-Metro: 280
- Eastern Non-Metro: 250
Medical billing and coding specialists can work anywhere in the state where there is a health, medical, or associated social service that involves billing to an insurance company or government entity. In Oregon these can include:
- Hospitals
- Dental clinics
- Physician private practices
- Mental health organizations
- Veterans Affairs hospitals
- Community clinics
- Crisis centers
Preparing for Employment in the Medical Billing and Coding Field
Job descriptions for medical billing and coding professionals often stipulate certain minimum requirements for hire in the form of an academic credential. There are a variety of educational programs offering these credentials for the field, with at least 10 on-campus and online resources available throughout Oregon, including:
- Diploma in medical billing and coding
- Medical billing and insurance coding certificate program
- Medical assisting program
- Community and technical colleges offering an associate degree in medical billing and coding
- Medical billing and collections clerk certificate
Candidates who are interested in a long-term career with the maximum level of mobility can consider studying for a two-year associate degree or a four-year bachelor degree with a concentration in medical billing and coding.
Industry analysts identify the present time as being very favorable to begin a career in the medical billing and coding field in Oregon. Because of the convergence of several demographic factors and a projected increase in personal insurance coverage, there will be a strong demand for positions in this field. Candidates who train for these jobs now will have a much greater level of flexibility and possibility for promotion in the future.
Medical billing and coding in Oregon to offer special healthcare profession
Choosing a correct career pathway is something that can retain most people up late-night. It is an imperative choice that often fixes how the future will disclose. Selecting a career as a medical biller or coder can set your mind at ease and present a future packed with potential. There is a continuing need for medical billers and coders as it is an occupation that is not lessening in size. Those who are all set to stop distressing about the future can begin on the track to becoming a medical biller or coder now.
General Overview of Medical Billers and Coders
Medical billing and coding are not considered as the similar job. Both are distinct professions but are time and again gathered together. That might cause some individuals to complicate the particulars of each job. Medical billers and coders share some connections within their job responsibilities; however, they should not be misguided as one job. Some corporations will employ one individual to manage their billing and coding, even though those jobs comprise a wide array of different responsibilities.
Medical coders have many things to do with the billing procedure as they, in fact, begin it out by conveying the proper codes to the medical services providing to patients. Medical coders are provided reports and documents that describe all of the services implemented on patients. It is their profession to take that information and grow to be it into a sequence of codes. For instance, if a person made an emergency room visit and was x-rayed for a cracked foot and then given medicine, there are separate codes that account for each of those three different services.
Medical coders in Oregon make use of codes to signify medical services. Once those codes are provided to medical billers, the coders are given extra documents and that process stays. If there is any doubt about a code, medical coders check with surgeons for clarification.
Medical billers utilize those codes to make claims and make sure they are completely precise before referring them out. Medical billers monitor those claims and request expenses with continuation contact.
Meeting Education Requirements
To start an Oregon medical billing and coding qualification, a high school diploma or GED equivalency is required in many universities and post-secondary institutes. These least requirements offer candidates with the basic knowledge needed to start a career in medical billing and coding. Institutions might request high school transcriptions from new applicants and can also direct a placement exam. To get admission to a certification program, there are usually not as much of requirements.
State License Requirements
Oregon has not included it compulsory for its medical billers and coders to be licensed. That means no need to join as the state medical board for a medical billing or coding license. Medical billers and coders in Oregon can smoothly function in any type of healthcare facility.
Job Prospects and Potential Pay
The state of Oregon offers very reputable incomes to its medical billers and coders. The average yearly pay for medical billers and coders in Oregon is registered at $42,130.
Find more information about medical billing and coding in the following Oregon cities: Portland, Eugene, Salem, Gresham, Hillsboro, Beaverton, Bend, Medford, Springfield, Corvallis, Albany, Tigard.