Sometimes, life turns out differently than we expect, and this leads us to make a career change.
If you are looking for a stable income in a position that may not bore you as your last job did, consider seeking Nevada billing and coding training.
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State Billing and Coding Licensing Requirements
The state of Nevada makes no mention of requiring a license for individuals to work in a billing and coding specialist role.
You might have to check out legislation pertaining to starting a third-party billing company, however.
That may require business registration, like in most states.
Certification For Billers and Coders
AAPC Certificates
Even though Nevada does not require licensing, most medical institutions and health care facilities do require certification.
The American Academy of Professional Coders (AAPC), the United State’s largest billing and coding association in the country, has set guidelines for becoming certified in several billing and coding specializations.
For instance, the AAPC prepares you to become a Certified Professional Biller (CPB), Certified Professional Coder (CPC) certificates, or a Certified Inpatient Coder (CIC) and Certified Outpatient Coder (COC).
This happens as you take an approved training program, during which you will receive the knowledge and hands-on experience that makes you ready to take your certification exams.
AHIMA Certificates
Healthcare centers in Nevada also approve of the American Health Information Management Association (AHIMA) certifications.
For instance, you might start off with a Certified Coding Associate (CCA) certificate.
Then, you may move on to working toward a Certified Coding Specialist (CCS) or Coding Certificate Specialist – Physician-Based (CCS-P) certificate.
NHA
Another non-profit entity, the National Healthcareer Association (NHA), offers the Certified Billing Coding Specialist (CBCS) certification.
In addition, you could expand your professional repertoire and study for the Certified Electronic Health Records Specialist (CEHRS) exam.
After this, you would become equipped with compliance auditing and additional insurance processing skills, which will complement your CBCS training.
5 Medical Billing & Coding Schools in Nevada
Great Basin College
Great Basin College in Elko, NV offers a billing and coding certification program that you can complete in as little time as two semesters.
You will learn medical terminology, codes, and pharmacology information related to processing accurate medical bills and insurance claims.
Both the AAPC and AHIMA approve of this training track.
College of Southern Nevada
This school offers a 44-credit Medical Coder certificate program.
Some prerequisites may apply before becoming accepted into this training track.
For instance, you must attend a health workshop.
After that, you will need to adhere to these limited entry guidelines.
This program will prepare you to take AHIMA’s CCA, CCS, or CCS-P certificate exam.
AAPC’s Own Training
The AAPC has its own online training program.
It teaches you CPT, ICD-10-CM, and HCPCS Level II code sets, and it introduces you to medical terminology.
This educational track also includes the anatomy and physiology foundation required for successful patient form processing.
You also have the option to take a practicum if you level up to the highest course bundle tier.
NHA’s Own Training
The NHA has its own exam preparation courses, which include all the coding and billing protocol information.
In addition, it provides the basic psychology, anatomy, and medical terminology required by health care facilities that accept NHA certificates.
You also can take classes to enhance your interpersonal skills and move on to other areas of health care administration and information technology.
AHIMA’s Own Training
AHIMA provides its own courses to help you prepare for your exams.
For instance, you could start out in the AHIMA Medical Coding and Insurance Reimbursement course that earns you a micro-credential upon completion.
After this training, you will feel better equipped to take the CCA or CCS exam.
Billing and Coding Schools in Nevada – Summary Table
Top 5 Schools in Nevada
School Name | Address |
---|---|
Great Basin College | 1500 College Pkwy, Elko, NV 89801 |
College of Southern Nevada | 700 College Dr, Henderson, NV 89002 |
AAPC’s Own Training | Salt Lake City, Utah |
NHA’s Own Training | 11161 Overbrook Road Leawood, KS 66211, |
AHIMA’s Own Training | 233 N. Michigan Avenue, 21st Floor Chicago, IL 60601-5809 |
Salary
Medical coders in Las Vegas, Nevada may make an annual salary averaging about $46,406.
Entry-level billers may make a little less than this, and management positions may generate at least $10,000-$15,000 more per year.
Besides Vegas, you may also want to search Henderson, Sparks, Reno, or Carson City.
Annual Salary Range:Average Salary of Medical Biller and Coders in Nevada
City Name | Salary |
---|---|
Las Vegas | $41,900 |
Reno | $41,200 |
Henderson | $41,700 |
North Las Vegas | $41,900 |
Sparks | $41,200 |
Carson City | $41,300 |
Elko | $34,900 |
Boulder City | $41,300 |
Mesquite | $41,300 |
Fallon | $40,700 |
Regional Salary in Nevada
Region | Employed | Avg. Annual Salary | Avg. Hourly Pay | Top 10% Annual Salary | Bottom 10% Annual Salary |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
Carson City, NV | 100 | $58,240 | $28 | $79,410 | $43,050 |
Las Vegas-Henderson-Paradise, NV | 1,100 | $46,930 | $22.56 | $66,070 | $34,440 |
Reno, NV | 210 | $48,590 | $23.36 | $63,420 | $36,800 |
* Employment conditions in your area may vary.
Schools by City
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does billing and coding training take?
You can complete the AAPC certificate courses in as little time as four months.
It is also best to acquire some experience in a medical setting during your training to make finding a job quicker.
Do I have to renew my billing and coding certifications?
Each association has its own guidelines for how often you should renew your certifications.
It is usually once a year.
This confirms that you have kept up with current medical technology and billing or coding systems related to your position.
Will I face a lot of competition when looking for work?
The job outlook for billing and coding specialists totals about 9% until 2030.
It is not as competitive as becoming employed as a general administrative assistant, which the demand for has dropped to -7%.
It is time to start your training now before more people learn of the opportunities because the demand could decrease in another 10-15 years.
Where would I work as a medical biller or coder?
Most of the time, you would work in a hospital or doctor’s office.
However, you could also work in a drug treatment clinic or blood bank, depending on what coding systems you are trained for.
Nursing homes, universities, or retirement homes might also have the need for billers and coders if they provide onsite, certified medical services.