Medical Coding Specialist Program
Industry Description
The Medical Coding Specialist is a diploma program designed to provide entry-level personnel to perform abstracting and coding of medical records. Graduates of this program will:
1. Analyze medical record documentation in order to assign diagnostic and procedures codes.
2. Provide important information for the health care reimbursement process.
3. Assist in medical research and statistics.
Medical Coding Specialists analyze health record documentation in order to assign and/or ensure that valid codes are applied to medical diagnoses and procedures to facilitate reimbursement, analysis of patient outcomes and statistics. The coding specialist must have a thorough understanding of the content of the health record in order to be able to locate information to support or provide specificity for coding. Therefore, coding specialists receive training in the anatomy and physiology of the human body and disease processes in order to understand the etiology, pathology, symptoms, signs, diagnostic studies, treatment modalities, and prognosis of diseases and procedures to be coded.
The Medical Coding Specialist Diploma can prepare students to sit for the national certification examination to become a Certified Coding Associate (CCA).
Program Description
The Medical Coding Specialist Program at Anoka Technical College prepares students to assume an entry level position as a medical coder in an acute care hospital, clinic or physician's office health care setting. Specifically, program outcomes are designed to assure that graduates of the program will be prepared to demonstrate:
- essential professional and technical knowledge, skills and competencies fundamental to the medical coding profession;
- effective written and oral communication skills;
- skills in using resources and technology;
- problem solving, team work and critical thinking skills.
For course sequence plans, please go to the website under Academic Program Plans and click Medical Coding Specialist, or contact the program advisor.
The Anoka Technical College Comprehensive coding Program is approved by the American Health Information Management Association.
IMPORTANT ACCUPLACER Test Requirement: ACCUPLACER testing in math, reading and writing. Any needed developmental courses must be completed before receiving a diploma or an A.A.S. award.
Graduation Prerequisites
A minimum course grade of a "C" must be earned in each of the courses to meet graduation requirements.
Length of Program
Diploma 42 credits
Start Dates
Fall Semester August
Spring Semester January
Students can start coursework either semester but some courses are only offered once a year so students are encouraged to plan ahead by reviewing course sequence plans with program advisor.
Program Advisor
Georgina Sampson
Phone (763) 576-4851
E-mail gsampson@anokatech.edu
For information on how to apply or to schedule a campus tour please contact the Admissions Office, Phone (763) 576-4700 or E-mail info@anokatech.edu
