Medical Coding Specialist
Overview
This program will prepare you to sit for the Certified Professional Coder (CPC) exam offered through the AAPC.
Once you complete this certificate program, you will be eligible to take the Certified Professional Coder (CPC) exam from the American Academy of Professional Coders (AAPC).
What is a Medical Coding Specialist?
All medical facilities, including doctor's offices, hospitals, and labs, need someone to manage insurance claims, invoices, and payments. As a medical billing and coding specialist, you will be a liaison between your employer and the insurance companies of your patients. This type of work is great for detail-oriented people who are very organized. Your work may include:
- Correctly coding medical services, procedures, diagnoses, and treatment
- Updating rejected claims
- Preparing and sending invoices
- Tracking payments
- Calling patients and insurance companies about outstanding bills
Billing and Coding, Defined
Billing refers to creating invoices, sending claims to insurance companies, and then billing patients for any leftover balance that the insurance did not cover. Coding means converting a doctor's diagnostic notes into a set of codes for record-tracking and billing purposes. These codes are industry-standard and may include:
CPT Codes
Current Procedural Terminology
Used to identify procedures and examinations performed by a medical professional.
ICD-10 Codes
International Classification of Diseases
Used for medical diagnoses.
HCPCS
Healthcare Common Procedure Coding System
Used for medical devices and supplies or non-physician services.
About the Program
What will my courses be like?
You'll take classes on medical terminology, coding, and billing. Clinical and legal issues that you may encounter will be covered, and you'll have a chance to work through case studies to get a feel for issues that may come up in the field. Students enrolled in the program can expect to complete it in approximately 10-months.
What happens after I complete the program?
Once you complete this certificate program, you will be eligible to take the Certified Professional Coder (CPC) exam from the American Academy of Professional Coders (AAPC.) The CPC certification is a natural progression for professionals experienced in coding inpatient and outpatient records.
Employment opportunities in SC include positions in any medical facility, including hospitals and doctors’ offices.
Why choose MTC?
We understand that most students are interested in completing their education quickly so that they can get into the workforce. Our streamlined programs offer speed without sacrificing quality. Here's why MTC is a great choice for most students:
- Campuses located throughout the Midlands, so there's always one near you
- Instructors who are experts in their field
- Competitive pricing and some financial aid available for training students
Requirements
Students must successfully complete the Medical Terminology course with a minimum grade of “C” to enter this program.
Program Type
Training CertificateHow to Enroll
To pursue this certificate, please click on the courses below to see availability. You can register for courses online, and you do not have to apply to the college!
Talk to us
Tuition Assistance
Training Resources
Questions?
Call 803.732.0432 to talk to us about this program, or email cce@midlandstech.edu
This program is currently eligible for a QuickJobs Scholarship.
Please visit the MTC QuickJobs page to sign up for a free mandatory information session where you will learn how to apply for a scholarship. To be eligible, you must:
- Attend an information session. Information sessions last approximately two hours and are free to attend.
- Be a South Carolina resident for 12 consecutive months. Applicants will be required to submit documentation for proof of residency (Driver's license, Beginner's permit, or state issued ID).
- Not be in default on any federal student loans and not owe MTC or any other college monies.
- Submit an application. You will need to enter your student ID on the application.
- Scholarship recipients will be in communication with the Program Director responsible for the program for which they applied.
- Some programs require clean SLED background checks and clean drug/alcohol tests.
If you have additional questions, please call 803-732-0432.
Sample Program Plan and Costs
Class Delivery Methods
View current courses offered via our online course directory.
| On-Campus | Traditional. Classes meet on campus. |
|---|---|
| Virtual | 100% online. Meets with a live instructor and classmates on specific days, at specific times. Uses web conferencing software, like Zoom. |
| Hybrid | Some classes on campus. Some classes online or virtual. |
| Online | 100% online. Due dates for projects and assignments. Self-paced work on your time. |
| CEUs | Class Hours | Course Title | Cost |
|---|---|---|---|
| 4.80 | 48 |
Medical Terminology Students will learn medical terminology by analyzing the prefix, suffix, word roots, and combinations used in medical terms. This course is a prerequisite for other courses and medical certificate programs. This course may be used for exemption of AHS 102 PLEASE NOTE: If you are registered for the ONLINE version of this class, the first day of the ONLINE class will meet IN-PERSON. This meeting is mandatory, so that the student can be a part of the online course orientation and receive course materials. If you have any additional questions or if you are unable to attend the in-person meeting, please contact us at 803-732-0432. Classroom, Online ID: CEMPR-524 We frequently add new sections. Please contact our Corporate and Continuing Education (CCE) department at 803.732.0432 or cce@midlandstech.edu for more information.
|
$895.00 |
| 8.00 | 80 |
Medical Coding This course combines ICD-10 CM, CPT, and HCPCS coding, which are essential coding methods used by those working in medical records, patient billing, insurance, and admissions. Using case studies, instruction is provided in ICD-10 CM, which is the principles and guideline for assigning codes to diagnostic conditions which correlates with disease and diagnosis. CPT is a method that is used to bill for procedures and services performed by physicians. HCPCS represents other procedures that might be provided in a medical setting. Prerequisite: Medical Terminology with a grade of C or better. Classroom ID: CEMIM-602 We frequently add new sections. Please contact our Corporate and Continuing Education (CCE) department at 803.732.0432 or cce@midlandstech.edu for more information.
|
$2,695.00 |
| 3.00 | 30 |
Medical Billing This class teaches the student how to be proficient in billing in a healthcare setting and how to enhance reimbursement. Clinical and legal issues are included. Prerequisite: Medical Terminology and Medical Coding OR Medical Office Systems & Procedures with a grade of C or better. Classroom ID: CEMIM-510 We frequently add new sections. Please contact our Corporate and Continuing Education (CCE) department at 803.732.0432 or cce@midlandstech.edu for more information.
|
$799.00 |
|
Estimated Cost
Tuition Assistance
$4,389.00
Not including fees and equipment |
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