Starting a Medical Billing and Coding Career in Dallas, Texas

Starting a Medical Billing and Coding Career in Dallas, Texas

When it comes to starting a new career, the healthcare industry is full of opportunities. In fact, healthcare is the third fastest growing sector according to the US Department of Labor. But within the industry, medical billing and coding is the rising star, especially in the Dallas-Fort Worth Metropolitan area.

If you live or plan to live in DFW — which includes Dallas, Fort Worth, Arlington, Irving, Frisco, Denton, and more — and want to pursue a medical billing and coding career, here’s what you need to know.

Medical billing and coding is an excellent career in the Dallas, Texas area

The economy in Texas is booming, and with that comes rapid job growth. In terms of healthcare, there were over 400 medical billing and coding related jobs posted in the Dallas area in 2018 alone.

In terms of salary, medical billing and coding specialist in the Dallas area make about $40,000 annually. Considering that Forth Worth specifically, “showcases the second lowest median home sale price in the state,” the average salary goes a long way. Beyond that, MarketWatch named DFW suburb Frisco as one of the best affordable places to live in the state.

When it comes to who’s hiring, the growing healthcare field in DFW includes hospitals, surgery centers, mental health facilities, and home health agencies, to mention a few. Basically, if you’re in North Texas or planning to move to the area, there’s plenty of opportunities in healthcare.

DFW is home to some of the top healthcare organizations in the country, and they’re hiring!

There are several healthcare systems and organizations where you can put your medical billing and coding skills to work for a stable income. In fact, Parkland Hospital and Health System leads the group and has made America’s Best Hospitals list for 18 straight years. Similarly, some of the other top employers for medical billing and coding jobs in the Dallas area include:

• Change Healthcare
• Dallas Endoscopy Center
• First Baptist Medical Center
• Tenet Healthcare
• Texas Health Presbyterian Hospital of Dallas
• Texas Health Resources

Types of Medical Billing and Coding Roles

Looking at the DFW area, and the industry as a whole, there are a number of unique positions that use on medical billing and coding skills. For example, a patient account representative and a medical billing representative have overlapping job functions both roles use the following skills:

• Reading and analyzing patient records
• Translate diagnosis into codes using CPT, ICD-10-CM and HCPS Level II classification systems
• Billing insurance firms using established codes
• Ensuring patient confidentiality and security of information
• Creating correct systems for patient data
• Ensuring accuracy in all patient records

Moreover, some other common medical billing and coding related roles include:

• Medical billing clerk
• Patient account coordinator
• Collections representative
• Accounts receivable representative

Ultimately, learning the core functions of what the Bureau of Labor Statistics classifies as Medical Records and Health Information Technicians, will take your career along the way.

If you’re starting fresh, or pivoting from another medical billing and coding role, earning a medical billing and coding certification is key to joining the healthcare field in the DFW area.

What is a certification course and how can it help you land a job?

Employers prefer to hire certified billers and coders, as certification demonstrates that an individual has a valuable set of skills. Moreover, certified billers and coders may also earn more money than their uncertified colleagues, making certification a worthwhile investment. In fact, taking a certification course is by far the best way to prepare for any of the major certification exams.

The three most common certifications are the CPC, CAA and CBCS:

• The Certified Professional Coder (CPC) designation emphasizes physician-based medical coding.
  • Obtaining the CPC demonstrates that an applicant has skill in assigning codes and following reimbursement guidelines.
• The Certified Coding Associate (CCA) credential emphasizes competency in coding.
  • CCA holders have proven their ability to assign codes with a high level of accuracy.
• The Certified Billing and Coding Specialist (CBCS) demonstrates competency in both billing and coding.
  • CBCS holders are skilled in assigning codes, submitting claims and conducting billing audits.

What to expect from the ed2go online medical billing coding certificate course

Ed2go prides itself on offering one of the best medical billing and coding training programs offered online. So, depending on which certification path you follow, you will be prepared for:

• Certified Coding Association (CCA)
• Certified Outpatient Coders (COC)
• American Academy of Professional Coders (AAPC)

Our courses are developed and taught by veteran healthcare workers. Even better, the only prerequisite is a high school diploma or equivalent.

However, you don’t have to be in the Dallas-Fort Worth area to access your medical billing and coding course. We partner with universities and colleges in North Texas, so you can take your course wherever you have Internet access.

Top medical and coding schools in the Dallas, TX area

Our medical billing and coding courses are available through universities and colleges that DFW employers know and trust. In fact, some of our top partners in the area include:

• University of Texas Arlington
• University of North Texas
• Texas Christian University
• Brookhaven College
• North Central Texas College

Start your medical billing and coding career in the Dallas, Texas area today!

The healthcare industry isn’t slowing down, especially in DFW. Your career in medical coding and billing starts with a certification course!

To learn more about enrolling with one of our regional partners, give us a call at (855) 520-6806 and we’ll get in touch immediately.