Medical Coding Specialist Certificate

The healthcare field offers one of the leading areas of opportunities for career growth today. Within healthcare, medical coders are among the most in-demand professionals.

The May 2021 average salary in North Carolina for Medical Records Specialists (29-2072) was $43,950. Employment of health information technicians is projected to grow 9 percent from 2020-2030, faster than the average for all occupations, because of an aging population and the need to organize and manage health information data.

Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics

For more information regarding a recent medical coder salary survey, visit the AAPC website.

• Introduction to Medical Coding / Healthcare Information Documentation
• Diagnosis Coding
• Procedure Coding
• Coding Guidelines and Processes for Out-Patient / In-Patient Services.

WHAT DOES A MEDICAL CODER DO?
Properly trained medical coding specialists perform the coding tasks that support the processing of medical billings, implement proper reporting of transactions, and support secure health information management. Medical coders assign a code to each diagnosis and procedure by using classification systems software. The classification system determines the amount for which healthcare providers will be reimbursed if the patient is covered by Medicare, Medicaid, or other insurance programs using the system. Coders may use several coding systems, such as those required for ambulatory settings, physician offices, or long-term care.

DO MEDICAL CODERS NEED CERTIFICATION?
The healthcare environment operates on the basis of professionalism, precision and dedication to patient welfare. Medical coding certification may be required for many jobs. Earning a certification such as the Certified Professional Coder designation establishes a medical coder as a responsible professional who has undergone a study and assessment program to validate their credentials.

WHY SHOULD I CHOOSE THIS PROGRAM?
The program is designed to provide the necessary training to produce highly valued medical coding professionals. For those currently in the medical coding field, the program will provide the knowledge to become a more effective and productive coding specialist.

The curriculum emphasizes familiarity with the medical office administration profession along with basic medical office procedures that focus on code identification and the ability to perform coding functions. Coding specialists work for hospitals, clinics, medical clinics, long-term and home health care facilities, oftentimes working from home. Medical Coding Specialists are also employed by consulting firms, coding and billing services, insurance companies, and governmental agencies.

WHO SHOULD CHOOSE THIS PROGRAM?
Individuals interested in pursuing medical coding employment, changing job skills to move into a medical office records environment, or pursuing the skills necessary to become a Certified Medical Coder.

• High School Diploma (or equivalent) is required
• Computer Applications: Prospective students should be able to operate basic Computer Applications
• Required Reading: Technical Specifications

Although not required, it is highly recommend that participants have experience/background (educational or professional) with medical terminology. Prospective students lacking a medical terminology background should consider enrolling and completing an online self-paced course on Medical Terminology prior to entering the certificate program.

• This is an exam and attendance based certificate program.
• Students must earn a grade of 70% or above on all exams and meet minimum attendance requirements to earn the certificate.

To receive your record of attendance, full participation is expected. Participants must be present at the beginning of each course and be in attendance through the duration of each course in order to receive the record of attendance. Credit hours will only be adjusted under extenuating circumstances.