About the CareerCERTIFICATE IN MEDICAL RECORD CODER
About the CareerMedical coding requires an eye for detail, an understanding of insurance terminology and exceptional organizational skills. Today, heath care facilities could not survive without someone who efficiently handles their day-to-day medical coding and billing procedures. With the recent expansion of medical insurance opportunities, health care providers increasingly need employees who understand the complexities of insurance coding. That’s where the medical record coder steps in.
On a typical day, coders may complete insurance claim forms to bill insurance companies, making sure to adhere to each insurance company’s policies and procedures. Additional tasks include tracking and follow-up of claims, explaining insurance benefits to patients, office bookkeeping and otheradministrative duties. Employment can be found in any type of medical practice, from dentistry to chiropractic. Medical billing can be a great part-time or full-time home based business.
About the ProgramThe Medical Record Coder Certificate is designed using the latest in medical and information technology. In addition to advanced courses in medical coding, students will also take courses in medical terminology. The professional education component consists of an introduction to the field of health information management, in-depth instruction on medical record coding, a focus on medical pathology and the interpretation of medical documentation. Then it’s off to the area hospitals or other health care facility medical record departments where students will practice under the supervision of health information managers. The technical courses, exclusive of clinics, will be provided by Midlands Technical College.
Successful students will be encouraged to sit for the national coding examination after gaining additional experience, so as to receive credentials as Certified Coding Specialists (CCS). This examination is offered by the American Health Information Management Association (AHIMA). Midlands Technical College offers medical record coder training via live broadcast of lectures and laboratory instruction to rural areas of South Carolina, as well as locally on the Airport Campus.
