Medical Coder in Missouri
Requirements, salary data, licensing costs, and career ROI for MO
How to Become a Medical Coder in Missouri
In Missouri, medical coders are not state-licensed; however, national certification is a standard requirement for employment. Aspiring medical coders typically need a high school diploma or GED and often complete a certificate or associate degree program in medical billing and coding. Key certifications include the Certified Professional Coder (CPC) from AAPC, the Certified Coding Specialist (CCS) or Certified Coding Associate (CCA) from AHIMA, or the Certified Billing and Coding Specialist (CBCS) from NHA. To maintain AHIMA credentials, 20 continuing education units (CEUs) are required every two years, with a minimum of two CEUs focused on privacy and security.
Medical Coder Requirements in Missouri
| Detail | Missouri |
|---|---|
| Licensing Body | No state-level licensing body |
| State License Required | No |
| Education | High school diploma or GED; most employers prefer a certificate or associate degree in medical billing and coding. |
| Exam | National certification exams such as CPC (AAPC), CCS or CCA (AHIMA), or CBCS (NHA) |
| Renewal | Every 2.0 years |
| Continuing Education | 20.0 hours per cycle |
| Notes | Medical coding is not a state-licensed profession in Missouri. Certification is voluntary but is a standard requirement for employment. Certifications are offered by national organizations like AAPC (e.g., CPC), AHIMA (e.g., CCS, CCA, RHIT), and NHA (e.g., CBCS). Some certifications, like the AAPC CPC-A, require one year of experience to remove the 'Apprentice' status, though programs like Practicode can fulfill this requirement. Minimum age is typically 18 for certificate programs. |
Source: No state-level licensing body
Medical Coder Salary in Missouri
The median medical coder salary in Missouri is $49,150 per year, which is 2.2% below the national median of $50,250.
| Percentile | Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 10th (entry level) | $36,590 |
| 25th | $42,760 |
| 50th (median) | $49,150 |
| 75th | $61,290 |
| 90th (experienced) | $75,230 |
Missouri employs approximately 2,860 medical coders.
Medical Coder Job Outlook
Is Becoming a Medical Coder in Missouri Worth It?
Factors to consider: Missouri's cost of living, the lack of a state license requirement, strong job growth, and your personal career goals.