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The medical field in Louisiana is growing and thus this is a good time to consider getting a career in this industry.
The healthcare industry has many different specialties but is also in need of admin support.
Those who prefer this aspect can take into consideration medical coding and billing.
Read on to learn more about the requirements for these occupations, including schools and salaries!
Article Table of Contents
What is Medical Coding?
Medical coding is the process through which specially trained professionals collect medical information and turning it into a short code, to be used in a variety of ways.
The training is needed because there are different sets of code and each works differently.
These are the main types of codes:
- CPT,
- ICD,
- HCPCS
CPT, ICD-10-CMN, and HCPCS Level II coding are the subcodes used the most not only in Louisiana but across the nation.
If you want to become a medical coder, you need to obtain the CPC certification.
What is Medical Billing?
The process of creating invoices for the treatments offered is called medical billing.
Only through these medical bills can the patients pay the staff at the clinics or hospitals they went to.
This position requires the biller to know the coding mentioned earlier, as well as aspects related to the insurance system and more.
If you want to become a medical biller you need to first attend a training program and then to obtain the CPB certification.
Getting the Appropriate Education and Certification
Billing and coding are separate professions, yet they are rather connected since billing can’t be done without coding.
AAPC is the association that created the certifications for these professions and is still also organizing classes for those interested.
However, this institution is not the only one where these classes are available.
The table below shows you which other colleges you can enroll in for medical coding and billing training.
| School Name | Address |
|---|---|
| CAMERON COLLEGE | 2740 Canal St New Orleans, LA |
| COMPASS CAREER COLLEGE | 42353 Deluxe Plaza, Suite 16 Hammond, LA |
| FORTIS COLLEGE | 9255 Interline Avenue Baton Rouge, LA |
| ITI TECHNICAL COLLEGE | 13944 Airline Hwy Baton Rouge, LA |
| LOUISIANA STATE UNIVERSITY | 2048 Johnson Hwy Eunice, LA |
| NUNEZ COMMUNITY COLLEGE | 3710 Paris Rd Chalmette, LA |
| REMINGTON COLLEGE | 10551 Coursey Boulevard Baton Rouge, LA |
| REMINGTON COLLEGE | 303 Rue Louis XIV Lafayette, LA |
| REMINGTON COLLEGE | 2106 Bert Kouns Industrial Loop Shreveport, LA |
| VIRGINIA COLLEGE | 9501 Cortana Place Baton Rouge, LA |
| VIRGINIA COLLEGE | 2950 East Texas Street Bossier City, LA |
To enroll, the candidates need to provide proof of graduating from high school or show their GEDs.
Remember that the programs can be attended in person, online, or even a combination of these two options.
You’ll complete your training in about 8 months, and if you chose the school wisely, you’ll even receive some help with finding a job once you receive your certification.
It is also possible to get both certifications, for coding and billing, thus increasing your chances of finding employment.
Expected Salary and Employment Info
As expected, your experience will dictate how much money you’ll earn on your new medical coding or biller position.
Additionally, if you want to earn more, the double diploma for the two fields is the way to go.
In Louisiana, in cities like New Orleans, Metairie and Kenner, these professionals have some of the highest paychecks, though the average salary for the state is lower than the national average for this occupation.
Annual Salary Range:| Location | Avg. Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| New Orleans | $38,029 |
| Baton Rouge | $35,618 |
| Shreveport | $35,220 |
| Metairie | $38,029 |
| Lafayette | $35,196 |
| Lake Charles | $34,713 |
| Bossier City | $35,220 |
| Kenner | $38,009 |
| Monroe | $35,036 |
| Alexandria | $33,940 |
Regional Salary in Louisiana
| Region | Employed | Avg. Annual Salary | Avg. Hourly Pay | Top 10% Annual Salary | Bottom 10% Annual Salary |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Alexandria, LA | 80 | $49,030 | $23.57 | $64,110 | $29,850 |
| Baton Rouge, LA | 310 | $47,970 | $23.06 | $73,930 | $30,160 |
| Hammond, LA | 30 | $46,810 | $22.51 | $58,310 | $31,050 |
| Houma-Thibodaux, LA | 100 | $41,190 | $19.8 | $62,010 | $28,210 |
| Lafayette, LA | 170 | $42,850 | $20.6 | $65,580 | $28,430 |
| Lake Charles, LA | 60 | $43,040 | $20.69 | $65,310 | $29,070 |
| Monroe, LA | 50 | $41,170 | $19.79 | $67,340 | $28,480 |
| New Orleans-Metairie, LA | 820 | $51,590 | $24.8 | $69,420 | $30,920 |
| Shreveport-Bossier City, LA | 280 | $48,390 | $23.27 | $64,340 | $30,360 |
* Employment conditions in your area may vary.
You can get hired as soon as you have your CPC and CPB certifications in hand.
You may want to apply for an opening with one of these companies first:
- Abbeville General Hospital, which used to be called Palms Hospital when it opened in the 1930s.
- Those working here benefit from life insurance, group health insurance, and participation in the Abbeville General Retirement Plan, to name just a few.
- Alexandria VA Medical Center: This institution has several programs aimed at helping the community.
- Additionally, those working here receive benefits such as sick time, bereavement leave, and retirement plans among others.
- Allen Parish Hospital, which offers its full-time employees many benefits, including paid life insurance, dental, life, and vision insurance, AFLAC, and the 457b retirement plan.
The 457b retirement plan is the deferred Compensation Plan in Louisiana.
Read the full guide: How to Become a Medical Biller and Coder
Medical Billing and Coding Classes by City
Medical Billing and Coding Classes by State