Medical Billing and Coding Programs in New York

New York is one of the largest and highest-paying states for medical billing and coding professionals. The state average of $74,426 per year reflects the concentration of major health systems, academic medical centers, and insurance companies across the New York City metro area and upstate hospital networks (AAPC 2023 Salary Survey).

The state's healthcare infrastructure includes some of the nation's most prominent institutions: NYU Langone Health, NewYork-Presbyterian (affiliated with Columbia and Cornell), Mount Sinai Health System, Northwell Health (the state's largest private employer), and Montefiore Medical Center. Upstate, systems like the University of Rochester Medical Center, Albany Medical Center, and Roswell Park Comprehensive Cancer Center add significant demand.

New York also has a large concentration of insurance carriers and third-party billing companies, particularly in the NYC metro and Long Island areas. These employers create additional opportunities beyond direct hospital employment. For a broader look at what this career involves, see our guide to medical billing and coding.

New York has three in-state institutions offering medical billing and coding programs, plus access to all major national online providers. For residents looking for the most affordable path, community college or Penn Foster are your strongest options. See our online programs guide for a full comparison.

Certification is effectively required for employment in New York's competitive healthcare market. You won't need a state license, but nearly every employer expects one of these three credentials:

CPC (Certified Professional Coder) from AAPC: The most widely recognized credential nationally. It's 100 questions over 4 hours with a 70% passing threshold. Cost is $425 for one attempt or $499 for two, plus AAPC membership ($222/yr, $157 for students). AAPC has active chapters in NYC, Long Island, Buffalo, Rochester, Syracuse, and Albany.

CCA (Certified Coding Associate) from AHIMA: An entry-level credential well-suited for hospital settings. The exam is 105 questions over 2 hours, costing $199 for members or $299 for non-members. Given New York's massive hospital sector, the CCA is particularly relevant for inpatient coding roles.

CBCS (Certified Billing and Coding Specialist) from NHA: Covers both billing and coding with 100 scored questions plus 20 pretest questions at roughly $117. All three exams offer remote proctoring. For detailed information, see our certification comparison guide.

At $74,426/yr ($35.78/hr), New York is one of the highest-paying states in the country for medical billing and coding (AAPC 2023 Salary Survey). The NYC metro area drives much of this premium, though the high cost of living in the five boroughs and Long Island offsets some of the salary advantage.

Upstate New York salaries are lower than the metro area but still competitive relative to the lower cost of living in Rochester, Buffalo, Syracuse, and Albany. Remote work also lets you access employers in other high-paying markets without relocating. For a deeper salary breakdown, visit our salary guide.

New York's healthcare sector is among the largest in the nation. Major employers hiring medical billers and coders include Northwell Health (76,000+ employees), NYU Langone Health, NewYork-Presbyterian, Mount Sinai, Montefiore, and the University of Rochester Medical Center. Insurance companies and third-party billing firms headquartered in the metro area add even more positions.

Advancement options include specialization in risk adjustment coding (in high demand among managed care organizations), auditing, compliance, and health information management. New York's competitive market rewards professionals who pursue additional certifications like CCS, RHIT, or RHIA. For more on career development, see our step-by-step career guide.