By abstracting and analyzing health information, the medical coding specialist makes an important behind the scenes contribution to the delivery of quality care.

Overview

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.

Medical Coding Program Information

Course Sequencing Plan   

What You Will Learn

Anoka Technical College’s curriculum provides you with the skills valued by the health care industry: the ability to communicate clearly and convincingly; to effectively use resources and technology; to solve problems independently and as part of a team; and to apply essential professional and technical knowledge fundamental to the medical coding profession.

Close contact with faculty, a supportive campus environment and professional practice experiences (internships) gives you an advantage. Anoka Technical College’s internship program gives you the opportunity to work with and be mentored by health information management professionals from local hospitals and clinics.

Career Settings

• Hospitals
• Clinics
• Third-party reimbursement
• Medical/surgical specialty care centers
  

Other related programs available at Anoka Technical College

• Health Technician Certificate
• Health Information Technology, AAS Degree
• Medical Receptionist
• Medical Administrative Specialist
  

"The faculty members go out of their way to meet with students whenever needed. They are supportive and sensitive to the adult learner’s needs of balancing school, work and family obligations."

Anoka Technical College Student

“Without hesitation, the people here at Anoka are the reason for my very high satisfaction. I’ve had contact with a large variety of the school’s personnel from the president over to the custodians and every single one of them has been friendly and helpful”.

Anoka Technical College Student