The medical profession continues to expand throughout the United States as more
workers are needed to meet this ongoing demand. That has opened a door of opportunity for those looking to enter the field of medical billing and coding. The pathway to one of these two rewarding careers can be achieved without having to endure excessive years of schooling or high tuition costs. A future as a medical biller or coder provides job security and competitive pay for years to come.
General Overview of a Medical Billers and Coders
Medical billers and coders are typically grouped together, but the reality is that they are two completely separate jobs. Hawaii medical billers have the job of ensuring all medical claims are submitted with 100% accuracy. These claims include itemized lists of all the medical services performed on a patient. Codes are used to represent these services as there is a good amount of detail within these medical bills.
It is also the job function of a medical biller to be well-versed in all of those details. That includes knowing the specifics of various insurance policies. That knowledge also plays an integral role when it comes to identifying and interpreting claim exclusions, exceptions and denials. A thorough understanding of insurance benefits is also an area of expertise for medical billers in Hawaii.
There are many occasions in which medical billers interact with a variety of people as they regularly deal with inquiries from patients and healthcare providers. Therefore, medical billers are required to have strong clerical and communication skills. It is a job that includes a lot of different aspects, which means medical billers in Hawaii are efficient multi-taskers with an acute attention to detail.
Medical coders in Hawaii are entrusted with the task of translating medical services into a system of codes. Those codes are used in the medical billing process and are of extreme importance. Healthcare professionals, such as doctors, provide reports and notes on the services they provide to patients. Those reports and notes are then passed on to medical coders so that they can match the appropriate code with each service. That demands a firm grasp of the health care coding system.
Codes represent everything from medications prescribed to surgeries performed and even something simple like an Emergency Room visit. Medical coders occasionally need to consult a physician if there is some uncertainty about a service that was provided to a patient. However, there is less actual interaction on a daily basis compared to the job duties of a medical biller.
Medical coders in Hawaii possess strong mathematical skills and use precise codes that identify a doctor’s final diagnosis. Medical coders also have the capability to work independently and meet strict deadlines.
State Licensing Requirements
The state of Hawaii does not issue a mandatory license for medical billers or coders. Certifications are recommended but not required and are not considered to be an actual license. Without any set criteria, medical billers and coders do not need to worry about any yearly renewals or fees that come with other types of medical licenses.
Medical Billing and Coding Certification Requirements
Hawaii medical billing and coding certifications can be achieved separately or as one comprehensive certification. Various post-secondary schools offer these certifications, which can be achieved in one year. Certificate programs must be from an accredited post-secondary school as topics like medical terminology, healthcare coding system and basic anatomy and physiology are all covered in depth.
Another option would be to earn an Associate’s Degree in Medical Billing and Coding from a two-year or four-year college. The time frame for earning one of these degrees in two years, assuming the student is enrolled on a full-time basis. Many employers require a two-year Associate’s Degree from its medical billers and coders.
Certification requirements are left up to the discretion of the hiring company or agency. There is no statewide certification in Hawaii, although an accredited certificate or Associate’s Degree typically meets job requirements. Non-certified applicants are not excluded from medical biller and coder job openings, although they often find themselves at an immediate disadvantage.
Medical billers and coders can add to their credentials with a billing or coding certification from either the AHIMA (American Health Information Management Association) or AAPC (American Academy of Professional Coders). These certifications have their own individual requirements and while they are not necessary to work in Hawaii, they can certainly help one’s prospects in acquiring a job.
Education Requirements
To become a medical biller or coder in Hawaii, a high school diploma or GED equivalency is strongly recommended. The educational requirements differ according to each post-secondary institution, although any college will mandate that new students hold a high school diploma or GED equivalency. No further post-secondary school credits are needed to begin an education in medical billing and coding.
Job Prospects and Potential Pay
Hawaii medical billers and coders are classified as health information technicians and that group’s annual salary is $46,750. However, there is the chance to earn more than that yearly average in the state of Hawaii. Top-end medical billers and coders can earn an average salary that exceeds $73,000 in Hawaii. Job prospects continue to increase as there is expected to be a 9% overall increase in medical billers and coders over the next eight years.
Top Hawaii cities/areas for medical billing and coding careers: Honolulu, Maui, and Kauai non-metro area.
Some potential Hawaii employers of medical billers and coders:
- Hawaii Health Systems Corporation
- Kula Hospital
- Hawaii State Hospital
- North Hawai’i Community Hospital
- Kauai Veterans Memorial Hospital
- The Queen’s Medical Center
- Hawai’s Pacific Heath
- Hilo Medical Center
Resources
Medical Billing and Coding Jobs in Hawaii
Medical billing and coding jobs in Hawaii are lumped together on this website’s list of current job openings.
Hawaii Health Information Exchange
A variety of Hawaii health information resources are available on this website.
Medical Billing Jobs in Honolulu
Look through the latest medical billing job openings in Honolulu, courtesy of LinkedIn.
Health Information Management Association of Hawaii
View the abundance of resources available on this website, which is specific to Hawaii.