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In Georgia’s bustling healthcare sector, medical billing and coding experts are key players. They’re the backbone ensuring smooth billing processes with insurance firms and making sure doctors are fairly compensated. This career is all about mastering the ins and outs of both government and private insurance rules, and it opens doors to diverse roles across various healthcare environments. Knowing the ins and outs of the salary scene is crucial, especially since this vital role in healthcare can offer a broad spectrum of job responsibilities and earning potential.
Snapshot of medical billing and coding in GA
There are roughly 4,800 people employed as medical records specialists in Georgia. The median wage per hour is $24, with Hinesville paying the highest of any city in the state, and the forecasted job growth for the coming decade is 8.5%. With high rankings in both cost of living (11th lowest cost of living state in the U.S.) and employment, Georgia is an attractive prospect for medical billers and coders. Because it is home to several large universities and their namesake medical centers, Georgia has much to offer in the way of jobs for medical billers and coders.
Some of the biggest employers in the state of Georgia may include:
- Pettigrew Healthcare Profitability Solutions:
- Watkinsville, GA. With over 500 employees and 30 years in the business, Pettigrew offers their services to a wide range of healthcare providers, from medical practices to private physicians, in the state.
- MedConverge:
- Johns Creek, GA. MedConverge removes the burdon of both medical billing and coding from the physician’s office and handles all the administrative work for them.
- Emory University Hospital:
- Atlanta, GA. Ranked the number one hospital in Georgia by U.S. News & World Report, with national rankings in five specialty areas.
- Emory St. Joseph’s Hospital:
- Atlanta, GA. Ranked the number two hospital in Georgia by U.S. News & World Report, with high-performing rankings in five specialty and 18 procedures areas.
- Georgia Professional Group:
- Multiple locations. A placement service that puts medical billers and coders in healthcare positions. Multiple locations throughout the state make it an accommodating option.
Medical billing and coding salary in GA
Medical records specialists, which encompasses roles like medical billers and coders, typically earn around $48,780 annually as a median national salary. However, your paycheck can differ based on several things like your job location, your experience, any special certifications you’ve earned and your educational background.
Median medical biller and coder salary in Georgia
In Georgia, if you’re working as a medical biller or coder, you can expect to make about $48,880 a year. This amount is a bit more than what folks in this field make on average across the U.S. Keep in mind, though, that what you earn can change depending on how much experience you have, your education level, the kind of place you work at and even where in Georgia you’re located. Plus, living in Georgia won’t cost you as much as living in some other states like California, which is one of the most expensive, so your paycheck may go further.
Medical Records Specialists
10%$32,330
25%$37,690
50%$48,880Median
75%$61,850
90%$72,340
Median Hourly Wage$24
Job growth8.5%
Total Employment4,800
| Metro area | Median Salary | Bottom 10% | Top 10% |
|---|---|---|---|
| Hinesville, GA | $51,810 | $41,450 | $65,500 |
| Brunswick, GA | $51,630 | $33,950 | $63,180 |
| Atlanta-Sandy Springs-Roswell, GA | $50,650 | $35,630 | $75,540 |
| Rome, GA | $48,220 | $33,330 | $86,380 |
| Augusta-Richmond County, GA-SC | $46,700 | $32,180 | $64,730 |
| Columbus, GA-AL | $46,490 | $31,540 | $60,430 |
| Athens-Clarke County, GA | $46,210 | $32,150 | $59,230 |
| Savannah, GA | $45,530 | $33,310 | $65,280 |
| Gainesville, GA | $45,490 | $32,900 | $60,090 |
| Dalton, GA | $45,220 | $32,290 | $57,890 |
Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) 2023 median salary; projected job growth through 2032. Actual salaries may vary depending on location, level of education, years of experience, work environment, and other factors. Salaries may differ even more for those who are self-employed or work part time.
Salary range for medical billers and coders in Georgia
The salary range for medical billing and coding professionals in Georgia typically spans from $32,330 to $72,340 per year. This accounts for entry-level positions to senior-level roles and takes into consideration other factors such as experience, education, whether or not you are self-employed or employed by a company and time in the position.
Employment by GA metro area
Your earning level may depend upon where you live within a state. For example, cities tend to pay better than rural or less populated areas. If your city is an industry hub, say for example you work in healthcare and you live in a city that has several high-profile hospitals or healthcare industries, pay may be more competitive. That said, here’s what the BLS reports as the highest employment numbers for the top 10 cities in the U.S. As you can see, Georgia does not rank in any metropolitan area for highest employment of medical billers and coders in the U.S.
GA salary growth and job outlook
With a job growth rate of 8.5% through 2032, Georgia holds potential for medical billers and coders. While its median pay may not be the highest, what boosts Georgia into the “best states rank” is its solid rankings for job density and cost of living.
Factors affecting medical biller and coder salaries in Georgia
Many factors can influence the salary potential in the medical billing and coding field in Georgia. These factors are most important:
- Experience:
- The number of years of experience you have in the healthcare industry can significantly impact your earning potential. Entry-level professionals may start at a lower salary, while those with extensive experience and expertise can command higher salaries.
- Education and certifications:
- The level of education you have achieved and any relevant certifications can contribute to your salary. Advanced degrees and specialized certifications may result in higher earning potential.
- Industry and company size:
- The industry you work in and the size of the company can affect salary ranges. Certain industries may offer higher compensation, and larger companies often have more resources to provide competitive salaries.
- Geographic location and cost of living:
- Salaries can vary significantly depending on the location within Georgia. Urban areas and regions with higher costs of living typically offer higher salaries to compensate for the increased expenses. It’s essential to consider the cost of living when assessing salary offers and opportunities.
How can I know if I am being paid fairly as a medical biller or coder in Georgia?
There are several ways to figure out whether or not your pay is equitable, and you might consider the following if you are concerned about your salary:
- Do your research. Research employment and job sites such as Glassdoor and Payscale to see what the salary averages are in your city and/or state. Use the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics website to find median pay for cities, states and nationally.
- Be observant in your workplace. Do you see other people getting bonuses or additional benefits? Might it seem possible that they may also receive more pay for doing the same job? Consider how long each of you has worked for your company and equity of duties and responsibilities on the job.
- Be transparent in the right way. If you believe a wage imbalance exists between you and another staff member doing the same job, ask your employer or HR manager about it directly. It’s always best to be transparent, and you should try and utilize the correct channels. Most employers frown upon employees discussing their pay with each other.
There are federal laws that protect workers in regard to pay and all states have some form of an equal opportunity in Employment Act, and Georgia is no different. The Georgia Equal Pay for Equal Work Act enforces pay parity in the state and the Georgia Department of Labor maintains a process to follow if you believe you are being discriminated against as far as pay.
Georgia education and training
The educational requirements for medical billing and coding professionals in Georgia may vary based on the specific role and employer. However, a typical educational pathway may include:
- Entry-level positions require completing a certificate program.
- Earn professional certification, such as those offered by AHIMA or the AAPC, pass the designated exams and earn the entry-level CCA, CCS or CPC credentials -or–
- Earn an associate degree in medical billing and coding.
- Georgia doesn’t enforce a licensing process for medical billers and coders, but they are required to have a full understanding of the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA).
Additionally, ongoing professional development and industry-specific training can significantly contribute to your knowledge and advancement within the healthcare information and medical billing and coding field.
Cost of living considerations for GA
When evaluating medical billing and coding salaries in different areas of Georgia, it’s crucial to consider the cost of living. The cost of housing, transportation, health care and other expenses can vary across cities or regions. Assessing the cost of living helps you gauge how salaries align with local expenses and make more informed decisions about job opportunities or potential relocation.
Rent Cafe states Georgia is 10% lower than other states in the country. Of the 12 largest cities in the state, two have a higher cost of living than the national average, and 10 are lower:
Higher than the national average:
- Atlanta, GA
- Dahlonega, GA
Lower than the national average:
- Athens, GA
- Columbus, GA
- Dalton, GA
- Douglasville, GA
- Dublin, GA
- Macon, GA
- Savannah, GA
- Valdosta, GA
- Peachtree City, GA
- Marietta, GA
Georgia professional associations and networking
Joining professional associations, networking groups, or industry events that cater to medical billing and coding professionals in Georgia will help students and working professionals connect with their communities, access resources and stay updated on industry developments within the state. here are just a few Georgia-based chapters of national groups or organizations for medical billers and coders in the state:
- Georgia Health Information Management Association: The Georgia chapter of AHIMA offers resources, education and the ability to connect with other health information professionals or students in the state or nationally.
- AAOMCP: There isn’t a specific Georgia chapter of the group but the national organization provides courses, free learning, resources and exam prep for medical billers and coders anywhere in the U.S.
- Medical Billers and Coders (LinkedIn): Connect with other medical billers and coders around the country.
The medical billing and coding salary guide for Georgia aims to provide you with a comprehensive understanding of the salary landscape and key information regarding the profession. Use this guide as a starting point to make informed decisions about your career path, negotiate salaries and for setting realistic expectations for your educational and professional future.
Written and reported by:
All Allied Health Schools Staff
Published: December 7, 2023