Certificate of Applied Science

Medical Coding

 

Medical Coding is a two-semester certificate program designed to prepare students for employment as a medical coder or medical insurance specialist in physician’s office, hospital coding and billing offices, outpatient departments, and healthcare insurance companies. Students will develop an expertise in ICD-10-CM, ICD-10-PCS, and CPT/HCPCS medical coding and medical billing procedures.  As part of the Medical Coding Program, students will join the AAPC, and prepare to sit for the National AAPC Certified Professional Coder (CPC) exam at the end of the program. Students are also eligible to sit for the AHIMA CCS certification.

In the final semester, the student will be eligible to go to a healthcare site for training. In addition, the student will complete the AAPC Practicode online training.

Medical coders are in high demand as accurate coding of medical records is essential for proper billing to healthcare providers. In 2023-2024, healthcare facilities and provider offices continue to seek qualified medical coders through programs like MEDC. According to the AAPC's recent salary survey, the average salary for medical coders has risen to around $58,000 nationally, with West Virginia's average at approximately $52,000. This increase reflects the growing need for these professionals as more Americans access healthcare services. Additionally, the field offers opportunities for further certifications in various areas of medical coding, billing, and compliance, making it a promising and dynamic career choice.

This program is 100% online.
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What can I do with this degree?

With a Certificate of Applied Science in Medical Coding, you can pursue a variety of careers in the healthcare field, including:

  1. Medical Coder: Responsible for translating healthcare services into universal codes for billing and record-keeping.

  2. Medical Billing Specialist: Focuses on processing healthcare claims and managing billing cycles.

  3. Health Information Technician: Manages and organizes health data, ensuring accuracy and security.

  4. Claims Examiner: Reviews and processes insurance claims, ensuring compliance with regulations.

  5. Compliance Officer: Ensures that healthcare facilities adhere to laws and regulations related to coding and billing practices.

  6. Coding Auditor: Reviews coded data for accuracy and compliance, identifying discrepancies and areas for improvement.

  7. Medical Records Technician: Maintains and organizes patient records, ensuring they are accurate and accessible.

  8. Revenue Cycle Specialist: Manages the financial process of healthcare services, from patient registration to final payment.

These roles offer opportunities in various settings, including hospitals, clinics, insurance companies, and healthcare consulting firms.

 

Accreditation Information

AAPC New Logo

AAPC is the world's largest training and credentialing organization for the business of healthcare, with members worldwide working in medical coding, billing, auditing, compliance, clinical documentation improvement, revenue cycle management, and practice management. Website: https://www.aapc.com/

 

 

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