Medical Coding

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 dont get missed.
• Tests and screenings arent needlessly repeated, which means patients dont 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, youll 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 codesa 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, youll 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

• Graduation from a high school accredited by a state Department of Public Instruction.
• The extent to which the student meets or exceeds the following minimum requirements:
  • High School GPA of 3.0.
  • Completion of Core 40 including chemistry and 4 years of math including trigonometry or pre-calculus.
  • Minimum SAT scores of 550 math and 480 critical reading or ACT scores of 24 math and 20 verbal.
• You must provide the results of your SAT or ACT, including the Written Section of the test (scores must be received at IUPUI by May 1).  If your class has graduated and a fall semester has passed since you graduated, you do not need to take the SAT or ACT.  Though test results are considered during the admission review, we do not deny students strictly based on their test results.  The SAT or ACT is most important when considering you for dual admission to your intended major and scholarship consideration.
• For admission to the engineering programs, minimum SAT scores of 480 verbal (critical reading) and 550 mathematics or minimum ACT scores of 20 English and 24 mathematics are required.
• Because of a limitation on the total number of applicants that may be accepted as first-year students, out-of-state admissions may close at any time. When it becomes necessary to limit the number of Indiana residents accepted for a specific program, students will be offered admission to an alternate program or admission to the desired program for a subsequent semester.

Students who are admitted with TOEFL iBT of 60-94 or IELTS of 5.5-6.5 will take the English for Academic Purposes (EAP) placement test. Admitted students with Duolingo scores will also be required to take the EAP placement test. Depending on your EAP test results, you may take EAP courses at the same time as your academic major courses for one or two semesters. Your letter of admission will indicate if you are required to take this test.