Medical Coding Specialist Program Overview
Students interested in medical coding training can learn the skills needed for entry-level employment in hospitals, medical offices, and insurance companies through hands-on training at Delta Technical College.
The Medical Coding Specialist Program instructors will use their expertise and in-the-field experience to train students on the analysis of medical records, charts, and other documents. Upon completion of the medical coding training, graduates should be able to perform the following tasks:
- Translate doctors’ notes and other documentation into numerical descriptions of illnesses and treatments
- Index diagnoses and procedures to provide information for reimbursement purposes
- Locate crucial information within medical records to provide precise coding
Delta Tech’s Medical Coding Specialist curriculum incorporates lessons about anatomy, medical terminology, etiology, pathology, and the symptoms and signs of various diseases.
For medical coding certification, students can sit for the Certified Professional Coder (CPC) Exam that is administered by the American Academy of Professional Coders (AAPC) upon graduation from the Medical Coding Specialist Program.
*Not all programs and courses are available at all campuses.MEDICAL CODING SPECIALIST PROGRAM HIGHLIGHTSLength:35 weeks (9 months)Hours:765 clock hours (includes 225 externship hours) / 135 additional outside clock hoursCredits:28 semester creditsWhen:Daytime and evening classes availableCompletion:DiplomaMEDICAL CODING SPECIALIST TRAINING CLASSES
- CPT & Modifiers
- Office Skills & Coding
- Administration & Coding
- Insurance Guidelines & Coding
- Insurance Claims & Coding
- Employment Prep and Certification & Externship
*Modules can be taken in any order; however, Medical Coding Externship will always be taken last by the student.
What is a medical coder?
Medical coders review patient information so the patient data can be coded properly. Medical coders transcribe doctors’ medical notes into universal code, which describes illnesses and procedures. Examples of common careers include: medical coding specialist, insurance coder, claims specialist and international classification of diseases/CPT coder.
How much do medical coders make?
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics [1], the median annual wage for medical records and health information technicians was $40,350 in May 2018. Most medical coders work full-time, and many have the opportunity to earn extra income by taking on evening and overnight shifts.
Where do medical coders work?
Medical coding specialists can seek employment in hospitals (state, local, and private), offices of physicians, administrative and support offices, nursing care facilities, and professional, scientific, and technical services. Most working environments are comfortable for medical coders and include indoor offices.
The Medical Coding Specialist Program at Delta Tech prepares students for entry-level positions that may be found in medical offices, clinics, hospitals, and insurance companies.
Are medical coders in demand?
As the medical industry grows, medical coders are increasingly in demand. BLS [2] projects the employment of medical records and health information technicians to grow 11% between 2018 and 2028, which is much faster than the average of all other occupations (5%).
Medical Coding at Delta Technical College
Medical coding training offers instruction on the skills and tasks required to be a medical coder, from the analysis of medical records to understanding diseases that affect the human body. Students will experience medical coding training in an assortment of ways, including workbook pages, case studies, role play, daily exercises, and more. The medical coding specialist classes and externship at DTC offer training from experienced professionals that can prepare graduates for entry-level jobs after graduation. When students complete the Medical Coding Specialist Program at DTC they can sit for the Certified Professional Coder (CPC) Exam in order to earn medical coding certification.
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