Iowa has plenty of opportunities for people interested in pursuing a medical billing and coding career.
Some positions may include hybrid or work-at-home positions, but you must gain experience first and undergo training and pass your exams.
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State Medical Billing and Coding Licensing Requirements
American Academy of Professional Coders (AAPC), not the state of Iowa, sets the standards for medical billing and coding specialists.
First, start out preparing to take the certified professional coder (CPC) certificate.
Then, try for the Certified Professional Biller and Certified Professional Coder certificates if you want.
Make sure you follow the exam eligibility requirements, which require that you put in some classroom time (either online or in-person) and gain some hands-on experience.
5 Medical Billing & Coding Schools in Iowa
Make sure you choose training approved by the American Health Information Management Association (AHIMA) and the AACP.
The courses you take must have the information required to pass your exam.
For instance, the training you receive should introduce you to all coding abbreviations, medical terminology, and anatomy information required to help you perform your job.
Some education programs also provide the hands-on training required before signing up for your exam.
Hawkeye Community College
The Medical billing and coding certificate program at Hawkeye Community College trains you in CPT, ICD-10-CM, and HCPCS coding.
You also will learn the medical terms and anatomy required for successful medical billing and insurance code processing.
Ohana Coding
This online school provides a 12-week certificate program plus additional exam preparation resources.
It is a Missouri-based campus but still provides information relevant to Iowa.
They also host in-person weekend boot camps from time to time, and the AAPC has information about their latest courses plus contact information on their website.
PhysiCode Healthcare Systems
This certificate training program has received AAPC approval.
Learn medical coding fundamentals and prepare for your CPC exam.
What is more, you could request tutoring services if you need them.
Become proficient in the following coding languages: MSHIM, COC, CPC, CPCO, CPC-P, CPC-I, and others.
Also, perform practice billing and coding during class or on-site at a medical facility.
Kimberly D Vegter
This University of Iowa QA Coding Coordinator sets up sessions for students preparing for medical billing and coding certification.
This coordinator will set you on the path according to your certification level, including CPC, CPC-, COC, and others.
AAPC recommends this coordinator, who also has an active LinkedIn profile.
Southeastern Community College
The AAPC recommends Southeastern Community College’s online Billing and Coding Diploma course.
Learn required coding abbreviations and acquire the frame of reference for working in a medical billing or insurance claims department.
This includes learning about the parts of the body and its processes, so you have the context to relate to as you process correct patient records.
You could try contacting this college from the AAPC site as well as on their college website.
Billing and Coding Schools in Iowa – Summary Table
Top 5 Schools in Iowa
| School Name | Address |
|---|---|
| Hawkeye Community College | 1501 E Orange Rd, Waterloo, IA 50701 |
| Ohana Coding | 1515 N Warson Rd Ste. 256, St. Louis, MO 63132 |
| PhysiCode Healthcare Systems | 75 Washington St. #413 PO BOX 413 Fairburn, GA 30213 |
| Kimberly D Vegter | 873 14th Ave Nw Clinton IA 52732 |
| Southeastern Community College | 4564 Chadbourn Hwy, Whiteville, NC 28472 |
Salary
Your salary as a medical biller and coder will vary depending on your experience, education level, and location.
However, the average Des Moines, Iowa annual wage for a medical billing specialist is about $41,852 as of March 29, 2022.
Billing clerks may make about $3,000 less, and you could earn between $71,141 and $97,941 in management roles.
Upper-level coders and technicians may make at least $54,379 after acquiring additional AAPC certificates.
Other cities where you can find jobs in this field include Council Bluffs, Ankeny, and Iowa City.
Annual Salary Range:Average Salary of Medical Biller and Coders in Iowa
| City Name | Salary |
|---|---|
| Des Moines | $39,600 |
| Cedar Rapids | $38,900 |
| Davenport | $39,000 |
| Sioux City | $34,900 |
| Waterloo | $37,200 |
| Iowa City | $38,600 |
| Council Bluffs | $38,800 |
| Dubuque | $38,600 |
| Ames | $39,200 |
| West Des Moines | $39,600 |
Regional Salary in Iowa
| Region | Employed | Avg. Annual Salary | Avg. Hourly Pay | Top 10% Annual Salary | Bottom 10% Annual Salary |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ames, IA | 70 | $42,240 | $20.31 | $56,230 | $32,170 |
| Cedar Rapids, IA | 220 | $47,960 | $23.06 | $61,950 | $36,600 |
| Davenport-Moline-Rock Island, IA-IL | 250 | $43,900 | $21.11 | $59,540 | $31,360 |
| Des Moines-West Des Moines, IA | 470 | $47,850 | $23.01 | $60,680 | $37,070 |
| Dubuque, IA | 90 | $46,170 | $22.2 | $57,490 | $36,650 |
| Iowa City, IA | 370 | $58,090 | $27.93 | $65,290 | $46,680 |
| Sioux City, IA-NE-SD | 110 | $43,500 | $20.91 | $56,110 | $32,770 |
| Waterloo-Cedar Falls, IA | 110 | $43,460 | $20.89 | $57,790 | $33,560 |
* Employment conditions in your area may vary.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the job prospects like for medical billers and coders?
Employment of medical billers and coders is projected to grow by 9% until 2030, which is as fast as average.
You may have a better chance of working at home in this field than if trying to apply for a general administrative assistant or billing role.
Where can I work as a medical biller and coder?
There are many great places to work as a medical biller and coder.
Your certifications would allow you to work in a health care clinic or a blood bank assisted living home or a nursing facility.
Otherwise, you might find a job in a hospital emergency room or doctor’s office.
What would I do from day to day as a biller or coder?
You would ensure that accurate medical billing and coding procedures take place.
Keep in mind you must pay attention to detail when performing this job.
Otherwise, patients may not receive entitled health insurance provider reimbursements.
You must maintain accurate patient records and have the patients resolve insurance claims and work with healthcare team other members.
Is medical billing and coding a competitive career?
You may experience some competition for medical billing and coding jobs, especially if applied to remote positions.
However, more work-at-home and hybrid positions may open up as working away from the office becomes even more common by 2030.
Act on this career opportunity as soon as possible.
You do not know how many people will apply within the next few years.
What advantages would working as a biller and coder offer me?
You would have a steady salary and not have to work around patients much.
It also might place you in a prestigious medical facility that otherwise may not have immediate openings near you for Registered Nurses, doctors, or administrators.
Your billing and coding career could also prepare you to become a hospital administrator or team manager.
