The time for a new career path is at hand for many people and that could mean a future 
filled with potential. Medical billing and coding jobs are available in all types of healthcare facilities as it is an important function within the medical profession. Medical billers and coders can be fast-tracked into the working world as a brand new future can begin sooner than most people may realize.
General Overview of Medical Billers and Coders
Medical billers and coders play an important role in the health care industry, although they are two different roles. The duties of a medical biller and coder are related and one individual is capable of handling both assignments. However, that can be a lot to take on, which is why many health care facilities hire separate medical billers and coders.
Medical billers are tasked with the responsibility of facilitating the billing process. Vermont medical billers prepare patient claims, which are itemized lists of all of the services they received from an individual health care facility. These claims need to be accurate and follow the guidelines of proper health care documentation.
This process involves a good amount of paperwork and medical billers also use billing software to complete the claims. Once claims are finalized, they are sent out for payment. Medical billers in Vermont then follow up on those claims to ensure payment is made. When claims go unpaid, medical billers attempt to set up payment plans or refer patients to collections.
Insurance companies and policies are also readily identified by Vermont medical billers. That requires them to be well-versed in the various insurance policy details that are frequently used in the billing process. This involves a lot of communication and customer service on behalf of Vermont medical billers.
Medical coders in Vermont are not required to engage in as much personal interaction. Medical coders are responsible for the translation of medical services into the appropriate codes. This requires a sound knowledge and use of specialty coding, subcodes and the International Classification of Diseases (ICD).
Medical codes are used on claims and it is imperative that each one is correct. That makes the job of Vermont medical coders one that is of the utmost importance. Medical coders use medical reports and documents as the basis for their work. These reports and documents contain a history of all the services provided to a patient. Medical coders sort through all those details and assign the appropriate codes before passing them on to medical billers.
Both medical billers and coders in Vermont possess above-average organizational skills and a good attention to detail. They are each capable of meeting deadlines and are both familiar with HIPPA laws. Confidential information is always protected by medical billers and coders in Vermont, who are expected to conduct themselves with a high level of professionals at all times.
Vermont License Requirements
The state of Vermont has not established any guidelines which would require medical and billers to obtain a license. No licensing process for medical billers and coders means that work is available in hospitals, medical centers, nursing homes and private practices throughout the state. It is also worth noting that medical billing and coding certifications do not classify as licenses.
Job Prospects and Potential Pay
Pay rates for medical billers and coders in the state of Vermont rank in the higher level among all states. Vermont medical billers and coders earn a salary that averages out to be $40,050 per year. There is room for advancement and the potential to earn a salary that can reach up to $59,510 annually, depending upon experience and location. Medical billing and coding jobs are growing in Vermont, with an expected 8% increase over the next decade.
Top Vermont cities/areas for medical billing and coding careers: Burlington and South Burlington.
A few potential employers of medical billers and coders in Vermont:
- Southwestern Vermont Health Care
- Northeastern Vermont Medical Center
- Northwestern Medical Center
- Copley Hospital
- Porter Medical Center
- Brattleboro Memorial Hospital
- Gifford Health Care
- Grace Cottage and Family Health Hospital
- Springfield Hospital
- Mt. Aschutney Hospital and Health Center
- Rutland Regional Medical Center
Vermont Medical Billing and Coding Certification Requirements
Vermont does not have one specific certification that is required of its health information technicians. That has led health care facilities to come up with their own hiring requirements. While those requirements may differ among facilities, there is a need to verify that medical billers and coders are adequately prepared to perform their job assignments. That preparation is evidenced with a certification or degree.
Medical billing and coding certifications are available through post-secondary schools and community colleges, which offer certificate programs. These programs prepare students for what they will face as medical billers and coders. Program length is usually six months to a year in duration as medical billing and coding are combined into one curriculum.
That combination is also used by colleges that offer Associate’s Degrees in Medical Billing and Coding. A degree of this kind takes two years to earn, assuming students are enrolled in full-time status.
National certifications are also offered by organizations such as the AHIMA (American Health Information Management Association) and AAPC (American Academy of Professional Coders). Neither of these individual certifications is required in the state of Vermont, but either one can enhance the chances of obtaining employment. Completing a certificate program or earning a degree will prepare medical billers and coders to take these certification examinations.
Meeting Education Requirements
A high school diploma or GED equivalency is generally required to get started on a medical billing and coding education in Vermont. Post-secondary schools set their own admissions requirements while colleges usually request high school transcripts and may even issue a placement test. The basic skills attained through the awarding of a high school diploma or GED equivalency provide students with a foundation for their medical billing and coding education.
Resources
The current medical coding jobs available in Vermont can be located and applied to on this website.
Medical Biller Jobs in Vermont
Medical billers looking to find work in Vermont can scan this website for local job openings.
Vermont Hospitals and Medical Centers
Browse through all the hospital and medical center listings in Vermont, complete with direct links.
Vermont Health Information Exchange
Look through a host of useful resources for Vermont health information technicians.