Medical Coding & Billing Certification in Massachusetts: Career Guide

The Commonwealth of Massachusetts has a high demand for medical billing and coding professionals. With 5800 medical coding and billing specialists employed in the state in 2009, certification is the best route to successfully compete against other potential workers.

Preparation

• The best way to prepare for certification is to enroll in a certificate granting medical coding and billing program. There are a number of schools in Massachusetts offering such courses, including Branford Hall in Springfield and Lincoln Tech, which has campuses in Lowell, Brockton and Somerville.

Requirement

• Certification is not required in Massachusetts. However, earning a certification credential demonstrates a high level of proficiency in medical billing and coding, which may help an applicant secure a position in the medical coding and billing industry.

Organizations

• There are multiple organizations that offer certification in coding and billing; each has different requirements. For example, the American Academy of Professional Coders requires the certification exam taker have two years of coding experience, while the National Healthcareer Association requires graduation from a certificate granting school or a year of professional coding experience.