Medical Coder in Massachusetts
Requirements, salary data, licensing costs, and career ROI for MA
How to Become a Medical Coder in Massachusetts
To become a medical coder in Massachusetts, you do not need a state license, as it is not a state-regulated profession. However, national certification is almost universally required by employers, with the American Academy of Professional Coders (AAPC) and the American Health Information Management Association (AHIMA) being the primary certifying bodies. Aspiring coders typically complete a certificate or associate degree program in medical coding and then pass a national certification exam, such as the CPC from AAPC or the CCS/CCA from AHIMA. Maintaining certification requires ongoing continuing education, typically 36 CEUs every two years for AAPC CPC holders and 30 CEUs every two years for AHIMA CCS holders.
Medical Coder Requirements in Massachusetts
| Detail | Massachusetts |
|---|---|
| Licensing Body | No state-level licensing body; national certification bodies like AAPC and AHIMA are standard for employment. |
| State License Required | No |
| Education | High school diploma or GED equivalent is the minimum; most employers prefer a certificate or associate degree in medical coding or health information technology. |
| Exam | Common national certification exams include Certified Professional Coder (CPC) by AAPC and Certified Coding Specialist (CCS) or Certified Coding Associate (CCA) by AHIMA. |
| Renewal | Every 2.0 years |
| Continuing Education | 36.0 hours per cycle |
| Notes | Medical coding is not a state-licensed profession in Massachusetts. Certification is voluntary at the state level but is a standard requirement for employment. Most employers require national certification (CPC or CCS) and HIPAA compliance training, and many require background checks. Minimum age is generally 18 to sit for national certification exams (implied by high school diploma/GED requirement). |
Medical Coder Salary in Massachusetts
The median medical coder salary in Massachusetts is $57,220 per year, which is 13.9% above the national median of $50,250.
| Percentile | Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 10th (entry level) | $40,830 |
| 25th | $47,460 |
| 50th (median) | $57,220 |
| 75th | $71,710 |
| 90th (experienced) | $83,540 |
Massachusetts employs approximately 3,450 medical coders.
Medical Coder Job Outlook
Is Becoming a Medical Coder in Massachusetts Worth It?
Factors to consider: Massachusetts's cost of living, the lack of a state license requirement, strong job growth, and your personal career goals.