Medical Coding, CAS

Major Code: 1505

Program Description

Medical Coding is a two-semester certificate program designed to prepare students for employment as a medical coder or medical insurance specialist in physician’s office, hospital coding and billing offices, outpatient departments, and healthcare insurance companies. Students will develop an expertise in ICD-10-CM, ICD-10-PCS, and CPT/HCPCS medical coding and medical billing procedures.  As part of the Medical Coding Program, students will join the AAPC, and prepare to sit for the National AAPC Certified Professional Coder (CPC) exam at the end of the program. Student’s are also eligible to sit for the AHIMA CCS certification.

In the final semester, the student will be eligible to go to a healthcare site for training. In addition, the student will complete the AAPC Practicode online training.

This program is 100% online.

Program Learning Outcomes

Upon completion of the program, graduates will:

• Apply diagnostic and procedure principles and guidelines.
• Use medical office billing guidelines and procedures.
• Utilize medical terminology as well as knowledge of human anatomy and physiology, basic pharmacology, and pathophysiology of the human body to assign medical codes.
• Interpret medical records for completeness, accuracy, and compliance with regulations.

Program Assessment

The success of the Medical Coding program will be measured by the following criteria: Course outcomes are assessed by exit exams in each course. Program outcomes are assessed in the directed practicum. Learner outcomes are assessed by the national certification examination.

Careers

Medical coders are in great demand due to the requirement that medical records be coded correctly for appropriate billing to healthcare providers. Facilities and provider officers frequently contact the MEDC program looking for medical coders. According to the AAPC 2020 Salary Survey, West Virginia’s average medical coding salary is $47,553.  Americans will be using more and more healthcare services in coming decades. This career is an expanding field that provides additional certification in other medical coding, billing and compliance certifications.

Gainful Employment Information

The Medical Coding Program prepares graduates for employment as medical coders, insurance billing specialist, or health information specialists. An individual can word in a variety of settings as mentioned in the program description.