Medical Coding Specialist
Program Code: 30-530-2
Print Program Overview and Courses
Technical Diploma: 396 Hours, 17 Credits
Appleton Campus
Available Online Only
Career Opportunities
Medical coding is the transformation of verbal descriptions of disease, injury and procedures into numerical designations. Universally recognized coding systems provide information for reimbursement of health care claims, medical statistics and research. As a medical coding specialist, you analyze medical records and assigns codes to diagnoses and procedures.
You are familiar with the anatomy and physiology of the human body and disease processes. You understand the etiology, pathology, symptoms, signs, diagnostic studies, treatment modalities and prognosis of the diseases and procedures to be coded. You must have a thorough understanding of the content of the medical record in order to locate information in it that supports specific coding requirements. Your knowledge of a variety of specific coding systems is required.
Upon graduation from the Medical Coding Specialist program, you may be employed in a health clinic, nursing home, community nursing service, home health agency, health care insurance company, hospital, or governmental agency associated with health care reimbursement.
Program Description
Courses are available to you in a structured online accelerated format. This program is designed to be completed in three semesters. If you have a health care background, advanced standing may be available to you. Prospective students are encouraged to have basic computer and word processing skills prior to entry. Upon completion of the program, you are awarded a technical diploma and are qualified to take one or more of three National certification examination options.
Program/Plan Admission Requirements
- High school graduation or equivalent
- Official high school transcript or equivalent
- Program/plan financial aid ineligible
Program Outcomes
The graduate from the Medical Coding program has the beginning knowledge, skills and attitudes to:
- Assign diagnostic and procedural codes accurately using ICD-9 CM, CPT and HCPCS coding systems.
- Apply knowledge of anatomy, physiology, disease process and treatment, pharmacology, and medical terminology to interpret health records.
- Read and interpret acute, ambulatory and long-term care health records.
- Apply knowledge of frequently used payment/reimbursement systems to ensure optimal reimbursement and be aware of compliance issues.
- Comply with professional and ethical coding standards and legal regulations.
- Utilize medical reference resources efficiently.
- Adhere to professional ethical and legal standards of conduct and legal regulations.
- Continue professional development.
- Function effectively and productively within a team focused work group.
- Demonstrate the following professional traits while working in a medical office environment: dependability, punctuality, responsibility, acceptable appearance, sound judgment, ethical behavior, flexibility and adaptability.
- Demonstrate the medicolegal aspects of medical coding practices including confidentiality of health records, release of information, patient’s rights, health records as legal evidence, informed consent, malpractice, agency, physician and employee liability.
- Demonstrate effective communication skills integral to maintaining rapport with coworkers and customers.
Program Offered at This Location
- Appleton—1825 N. Bluemound Drive
Helpful High School Courses
Biological sciences, keyboarding and office procedures help prepare you for this program.
Contact Us
For additional program/admission information, call Enrollment Services at (920) 735-5645 or e-mail us at enrollserv.staff@fvtc.edu.
View Program Plan