Medical Coder in Arizona
Requirements, salary data, licensing costs, and career ROI for AZ
How to Become a Medical Coder in Arizona
In Arizona, medical coding is not a state-licensed profession; however, national certification is a standard requirement for employment. Aspiring medical coders typically need a high school diploma or GED, and many employers prefer candidates with a postsecondary certificate or associate's degree in medical billing and coding. Key certifications are offered by national organizations such as the American Academy of Professional Coders (AAPC) with their Certified Professional Coder (CPC) exam, and the American Health Information Management Association (AHIMA) with their Certified Coding Specialist (CCS) or Certified Coding Associate (CCA) exams. Certification holders must typically renew every two years and complete continuing education hours.
Medical Coder Requirements in Arizona
| Detail | Arizona |
|---|---|
| Licensing Body | No state-level licensing body (Certification by national organizations like AAPC and AHIMA is standard) |
| State License Required | No |
| Education | High school diploma or GED equivalent; postsecondary certificate or associate's degree in medical billing and coding is highly recommended and often preferred by employers. |
| Exam | Various, including Certified Professional Coder (CPC) from AAPC, Certified Coding Specialist (CCS) or Certified Coding Associate (CCA) from AHIMA, and Certified Billing and Coding Specialist (CBCS) from NHA. ($500) |
| Renewal | Every 2.0 years |
| Continuing Education | 36.0 hours per cycle |
| Notes | Medical coding is not a state-licensed profession in Arizona. Certification is voluntary at the state level but is a standard requirement for employment. Minimum age is typically 18 for certification exams (implied by high school diploma/GED prerequisite). Some programs may require a TABE test or exempt those with a post-secondary degree. Background checks are not typically a state requirement for certification but may be required by employers. |
Medical Coder Salary in Arizona
The median medical coder salary in Arizona is $49,790 per year, which is 0.9% below the national median of $50,250.
| Percentile | Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 10th (entry level) | $37,460 |
| 25th | $40,670 |
| 50th (median) | $49,790 |
| 75th | $60,090 |
| 90th (experienced) | $68,890 |
Arizona employs approximately 3,370 medical coders.
Medical Coder Job Outlook
Is Becoming a Medical Coder in Arizona Worth It?
Factors to consider: Arizona's cost of living, the lack of a state license requirement, strong job growth, and your personal career goals.