Medical Coding Specialist Technical Diploma

Program Overview

The Medical Coding Specialist program prepares individuals for entry-level coding positions in healthcare facilities. The program emphasizes the translation of medical documentation into numeric form using recognized coding systems. The technical diploma can be completed in 1.5 years on a part-time basis and is offered online with proctored final exams. Graduates can expect steady growth in the health information management field and competitive salaries, with opportunities for salary increases and promotions through national coding certifications.

Program Outline

Degree Overview:

• The Medical Coding Specialist program prepares individuals for entry-level coding specialist positions in healthcare facilities such as hospitals, managed care organizations, skilled nursing facilities, coding and billing services, physician practice groups, governmental agencies, home health agencies, computer software companies, clinics, consulting firms, insurance companies, and veterinary hospitals.
• The program emphasizes the translation of written medical documentation into numeric form using universally recognized coding systems.
• Coded information is used for reimbursement, research, public health, and patient care.
• The technical diploma can be completed in 1.5 years (35 credits) on a part-time basis.
• The program is offered online, with a few classes requiring proctored final exams on campus or by other arrangements.

Outline:

• Cluster 1:
• Foundations of HIM (3 credits)
• Human Disease for Health Professions (3 credits)
• ICD Diagnosis Coding (3 credits)
• Cluster 2:
• CPT Coding (3 credits)
• Healthcare Revenue Management (3 credits)
• Management of Coding Services (1 credit)
• ICD Procedure Coding (2 credits)
• Cluster 3:
• Intermediate Coding (3 credits)
• Advanced CPT Coding (3 credits)

Careers:

• The program prepares graduates for entry-level coding specialist positions in healthcare facilities.
• The US Department of Labor, Bureau of Labor Statistics, predicts steady growth in the health information management field (7% or more) through 2031.
• The 2023 Madison College Graduate Employment Report indicates an average annual salary of $46,405 ($22.31/hour) for new graduates.
• A 2023 national survey done by the American Academy of Professional Coders (AAPC) indicates the average annual wage for certified professional coders (CPC) is $58,895 ($28.31/hour) and for certified outpatient coders (COC) is $64,267 ($30.90/hour).
• A 2019 national survey done by the American Health Information Management Association indicates the average annual salary for a coding professional is $66,370 ($31.90/hour).
• As of June 2023, the website www.salary.com indicates the annual salary range for a medical coder in the Madison area is $41,119 - $68,612 ($19.77 - $32.99 per hour) with the median salary at $53,421 ($25.68/hour).
• Several certification exams can be taken to earn national coding credentials, which can lead to a salary increase and/or promotion.