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Massachusetts Medical Billing and Coding Schools - MA
By an allied health world contributing writerPublished: January 15th, 2010
Medical Billing and Coding is in high demand in Massachusetts, and gaining in importance in the medical field. It is a critical part of the healthcare industry and those with expertise in this field are highly valued. Massachusetts medical coding schools teach students how to excel in this intensely detail-oriented occupation, which requires proficiency in a number of skills including: computer, communication, organizational, and multi-tasking skills. Excellent opportunities are available for those who seek advancement and strive to expand their base of knowledge and certification.
The Bureau of Labor Statistics predicts that by 2016 there will have been an increase in the employment of billers and coders of 18% over a ten-year period.
While the majority of work situations are at medical facilities or offices there is an expanding use of independent private billing and coding businesses that can offer opportunities to work from home computers. Medical billing schools in Massachusetts teach students about the sensitivity of the critical information that is handled by the biller or coder, and how confidentiality is of the utmost importance. Billers and Coders are held to the same standards in this regard as doctors are. Patient privacy is of such importance that in 1996, Congress passed a bill called the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) to establish national standards for the handling of this information. Accuracy and the maintaining of the integrity of patient records is a serious responsibility as is preserving the confidentiality of this information.
Medical billing and coding offers a well-paid career with great opportunities to advance in a rapidly developing field. In the state of Massachusetts the annual mean salary is $36,680 while the national average is $32,960.
Through campus based and online programs, aspiring Medical Billing and Coding Professionals in Boston, Worcester, Springfield, Cambridge and Lowell, Massachusetts may be able to prepare themselves for the possibility of employment in some of the largest hospitals and healthcare facilities in the state including the Massachusetts General Hospital, Winchester Hospital, Harvard Medical School and Marlborough Hospital.