Medical Coder in Georgia
Requirements, salary data, licensing costs, and career ROI for GA
How to Become a Medical Coder in Georgia
In Georgia, medical coders are not required to be state-licensed. However, obtaining a national certification is highly recommended and often a prerequisite for employment. Aspiring medical coders typically complete a certification preparation course, often requiring a high school diploma or GED, and then pass a national exam such as the AAPC's Certified Professional Coder (CPC) or AHIMA's Certified Coding Specialist (CCS) or Certified Coding Associate (CCA).
Medical Coder Requirements in Georgia
| Detail | Georgia |
|---|---|
| Licensing Body | No state-level licensing body |
| State License Required | No |
| Education | High school diploma or GED for national certification exams; post-secondary education (certificate or associate degree) is commonly pursued. |
| Exam | National certification exams (e.g., AAPC CPC, AHIMA CCS, AHIMA CCA, NHA CBCS) |
| Notes | Medical coding is not a state-licensed profession in Georgia. Certification is voluntary but highly recommended and often a requirement for employment. National certifications are offered by organizations like AAPC (e.g., CPC, COC, CIC) and AHIMA (e.g., CCS, CCA). Some programs integrate experience requirements for full certification (e.g., AAPC's Practicode for CPC-A removal). |
Source: No state-level licensing body
Medical Coder Salary in Georgia
The median medical coder salary in Georgia is $48,990 per year, which is 2.5% below the national median of $50,250.
| Percentile | Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 10th (entry level) | $34,500 |
| 25th | $39,780 |
| 50th (median) | $48,990 |
| 75th | $62,750 |
| 90th (experienced) | $78,300 |
Georgia employs approximately 5,280 medical coders.
Medical Coder Job Outlook
Is Becoming a Medical Coder in Georgia Worth It?
Factors to consider: Georgia's cost of living, the lack of a state license requirement, strong job growth, and your personal career goals.