Medical Coder in Rhode Island
Requirements, salary data, licensing costs, and career ROI for RI
How to Become a Medical Coder in Rhode Island
In Rhode Island, medical coders are not required to hold a state-level license. However, national certifications are a standard requirement for employment and are offered by organizations such as the American Academy of Professional Coders (AAPC) and the American Health Information Management Association (AHIMA). Aspiring medical coders typically complete a certificate or associate's degree program, which can take 6 months to 2 years, to prepare for these national certification exams.
Medical Coder Requirements in Rhode Island
| Detail | Rhode Island |
|---|---|
| Licensing Body | No state-level licensing body |
| State License Required | No |
| Education | High school diploma or GED equivalent recommended; most employers expect completion of a certificate or associate's degree program in medical billing and coding. |
| Exam | National certifications such as CPC (AAPC), CCS/CCA (AHIMA), or CBCS (NHA) |
| Renewal | Every 2.0 years |
| Continuing Education | 36.0 hours per cycle |
| Notes | Medical coding is not a state-licensed profession in Rhode Island. Certification is voluntary at the state level but is a standard requirement for employment. Certifications are offered by national organizations like AAPC (e.g., CPC), AHIMA (e.g., CCS, CCA), and NHA (e.g., CBCS). Some entry-level certifications may have an 'apprentice' status that requires experience to remove. |
Source: No state-level licensing body
Medical Coder Salary in Rhode Island
The median medical coder salary in Rhode Island is $63,330 per year, which is 26.0% above the national median of $50,250.
| Percentile | Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 10th (entry level) | $43,110 |
| 25th | $49,620 |
| 50th (median) | $63,330 |
| 75th | $66,660 |
| 90th (experienced) | $81,290 |
Rhode Island employs approximately 850 medical coders.
Medical Coder Job Outlook
Is Becoming a Medical Coder in Rhode Island Worth It?
Factors to consider: Rhode Island's cost of living, the lack of a state license requirement, strong job growth, and your personal career goals.