Program: 68030

Medical coders are vital members of the Health Information Management (HIM) occupational cluster. The Medical Coding Specialist Certificate Program provides a study of the skills necessary to assess healthcare documentation and determine the appropriate classification of code assignment and sequencing in accordance with the Coding Clinic Guidelines. The codes are used for statistics, research, and reimbursement of services rendered. This program includes courses recommended by the American Health Information Management Association (AHIMA). The program curriculum contains a study of Fundamental Applications of HIM, Anatomy and Physiology, Medical Terminology, specific courses on assigning International Classification of Diseases (ICD-10-CM and ICD-10-PCS) codes, and Current Procedural Terminology (CPT) codes, as well as a component of medical insurance and billing.

Medical coders are employed by various healthcare organizations such as hospitals, physicians’ offices, clinics, dental offices, governmental facilities, and insurance companies. Experienced medical coders can work as independent contract coders.

Medical Coding courses are offered in a variety of traditional and non-traditional formats, including online, hybrid, Fastrack (eight-week courses), and evening options. Most traditional courses are offered Monday through Thursday in the evenings.
 

Starting the Program

A student interested in the Medical Coding Specialist Program is required to meet with the Program Director before enrollment in any Medical Coding Specialist program course. A student may contact the Program Director, Susan Whatley, at swhatley@polk.edu for additional information and to schedule an appointment.

Additional Program Requirements

Each student should be aware that employment in the healthcare field usually involves national background screening as well as drug screening by the employing facility. Any student who has conviction histories that might appear in a national background screening should be proactive in obtaining a background check prior to enrolling in the program. This should be discussed further with the Program Director at the pre-enrollment appointment.

This program incorporates site visits to various healthcare facilities during HIM 2810L Coding Application Practicum. These facilities may require any or all of the following:

1. Completion of a comprehensive physical examination.
2. Completion of all required immunizations.
3. Completion of a drug screening.
4. Completion of the national background screening.

A conviction or positive drug screening that occurs after the student begins the program is addressed according to department policy and may include dismissal from the program.

Potential Earnings

Salary potential and wage information are available through the Department of Labor’s Bureau of Labor Statistics at: www.bls.gov/ooh, or via www.salary.com. Salaries vary depending on geographical location, type of facility, and years of experience.  

Certification Examination

A graduate of the program who passes an AHIMA certification examination is designated as either a Certified Coding Associate (CCA) or Certified Coding Specialist (CCS).

A graduate of the program who passes the American Academy of Professional Coders (AAPC) certification examination is designated as a Certified Professional Coder (CPC).

Program Learning Outcomes (PLOs):
Upon successful completion of the program, the graduate is able to:
PLO 1: Demonstrate knowledge of the basic principles of managing health information.
PLO 2: Demonstrate understanding of the principles, processes, and reimbursement guidelines of Clinical Classification System ICD-10-CM through selection of appropriate ICD-10 codes.
PLO 3: Demonstrate understanding of the principles, processes, and reimbursement guidelines of Current Procedural Terminology System and Clinical Classification System ICD-10-PCS through selection of appropriate CPT and ICD-10-PCS codes.