Medical Coder
What is the medical coder major?
Do you have an eye for detail? Does medical detective work sound fascinating to you? If it does, apply to BTC’s medical coder major! Our medical coder major teaches you to use technical skills in ICD-9-CM and CPT coding to collect, analyze, and translate the medical documentation upon which physicians, nurses, and other healthcare providers rely. You will learn to interpret patient health information from the medical record to assign the principal and secondary diagnoses and procedures and assure that the diagnoses and procedures are sequenced properly to ensure reimbursement. You will become skilled in utilizing computer applications and resources essential to completing the coding process efficiently.
What career possibilities exist in the medical coding field?
After graduating from the medical coder major, you can embark on a career as a:
- Medical Coder
- Coding Specialist
- Coder/Abstractor
Many types of companies hire our medical coding majors, including:
- hospitals
- billing service companies
- information systems vendors
- consulting firms
- insurance companies
- long-term care facilities
- government offices
- large physician practices
What do employers expect?
Employers require the following from a medical coder:
- successful completion of a Medical Coding Program which has an externship component
- attention to detail and an ability to seek information in an efficient manner
- demonstrated computer proficiency
- the ability to analyze electronic and printed medical records, and identify diagnoses and procedures and properly assign the corresponding codes
- the ability to problem-solve and knowledge of medical terminology, anatomy and physiology and disease pathophysiology
- understanding the principles of ICD-9-CM and CPT Classification Systems and modifiers as they relate to physician reimbursement
- the ability to work independently
- a serious commitment to attendance requirements
How do you get the experience you need to get hired?
Completion of our medical coder training major and gaining hands on experience through a field externship of at least eight weeks in length will give you the experience you need to obtain entry-level medical coder employment.
How is the major structured?
38 weeks
8:30 a.m. through 2:55 p.m. Monday through Friday
What courses do I have to take to get my diploma?
These courses will prepare you to competently complete an eight-week externship and be prepared for an entry-level Medical Coder position.
- Computers I (MS Word)
- Computers II (encoder software)
- CPT Coding
- Health Information Management
- ICD-9-CM Coding
- Keyboarding
- Medical Terminology, Anatomy & Physiology, and Disease Pathophysiology
- Externship
Do you want to find out more?
You are invited to attend one of our information sessions held every Monday and Wednesday morning at 9:00 a.m. BTC’s admissions office is ready to answer any questions. Call 1-800-516-1800
