Medical Coding
About
Reviewing patient records and getting vital health data where it needs to go relies on medical coding. In the Information Age, this system of universal code numbers assures the timely flow of medical data anywhere in the nation or world.
By earning your medical coding certificate through the IU School of Informatics and Computing at IUPUI, you can take your courses online, for maximum convenience. You can even apply credit earned for the certificate toward our Bachelor of Science in health information management.
A critical part of the health information work flow
Medical coders ensure that insurance companies have the right information and patients know their billing and payment options. Accurate coding gets bills paid, patient data organized, and insurance information verified.
With proper medical coding:
- Health care providers can precisely record patients' care, so crucial procedures don't get missed.
- Tests and screenings aren't needlessly repeated, which means patients don't pay more than they should.
- Insurers can quickly reimburse providers.
Certification
Graduates are eligible to seek the Certified Coding Associate (CCA) credential offered by the American Health Information Management Association (AHIMA). This certification distinguishes coders who exhibit commitment and demonstrate coding competencies across all settings, including hospitals and physician practices.
The increasing reliance on data
To make valid decisions, accurate information is key. The medical coder carefully reviews health records for accurate coding and billing. By earning this certificate, you'll learn to understand medical terminology, private payer policies, and government regulations.
Electronic health records allow doctors, hospitals, and other providers to quickly share information, leading to swift and informed medical decision-making. This information holds great potential as a Big Data resource for analyzing specific codes—a method of studying how conditions progress and are treated on a mega scale.
Emerging technology issues
Data security and patient privacy are paramount in the age of electronic record-keeping. As you earn your certificate, you'll not only gain understanding of medical coding and reimbursement systems, but also learn:
- The latest principles in the emerging field of information governance.
- Legal and ethical concepts of confidentiality and privacy in medicine and health care.
Medical coders employment is projected to grow 22% from 2012 to 2022.
Careers in medical coding
Medical coders audit inpatient/outpatient health records (both paper and electronic) for appropriate ICD-9/ICD-10 and/or CPT code assignment. Coders also aid in revenue cycle auditing. Medical coders work in hospitals, physician offices, group practices, and insurance companies.
A certificate in medical coding can be the foundation for a variety of positions, including:
- Benefits coordinator
- Coder
- Documentation and coding specialist
- Medical biller
- Medical billing customer service representative