Knowing how and where to find classes that offer suitable and reputable instruction in medical coding is a vital first step toward a career in this exciting health information management specialty. Two options for medical coding specialist training in your area are academic courses and programs at local community colleges, career/technical schools, and universities, or online medical coding classes and programs.
Classroom vs. Online Training
If you prefer learning in a structured environment, classroom instruction might be the right choice for you. Learning in a classroom environment generally takes more time than online instruction, but financial aid may be more readily available. In addition, classroom-based learning is good for those who work better in a face-to-face environment where they are physically surrounded by other students ad can watch the instructor in real time. However, for those who demand more flexibility in terms of class schedules, online training programs for medical coding specialists are sometimes more convenient than traditional classroom instruction. Online learning also has the advantage of allowing students to work at their own pace, something classroom instruction does not allow. However, you can achieve your educational and career goals in either setting, or a combination of both. Both classroom and online instruction offer:
- Basic diplomas in medical coding, which usually take six to nine months to complete.
- Two-year associate degrees that provide more in-depth information and training in medical billing, coding, or both.
- Four-year bachelor’s degrees in health information management.
The level of education you have will likely influence the salary you will earn. According to a 2011 American Academy of Professional Coders survey, the average salary for coders with a bachelor’s degree was $51,825, compared to $41,802 for coders with only a high school diploma. However, the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics reported that most medical coders have an associate degree.
Locate a Program
You can peruse the course catalogs of community colleges, universities, and technical colleges in your area for courses on medical coding. You may also opt to combine these courses with classes in related disciplines, such as medical billing or medical transcription. It’s usually wise to enroll in a class or program that is accredited by one of the professional organizations in the field of health information management. Choosing an accredited medical coding specialist training program increases the likelihood that you are investing in a reputable course. Organizations that list accredited programs include:
- American Academy of Professional Coders
- Commission on Accreditation for Health Informatics and Information Management Education
- American Health Information Management Association
These organizations have searchable databases with hundreds of accredited medical coding specialist training programs listed by program name, state, education level, and distance learning availability. You can select individual courses such as medical billing and reimbursement, anatomy, medical terminology, and certification preparation courses. In addition, you can opt for a complete medical coding specialist training package that includes certification exam preparation, exams, and continuing education required to maintain your certification.
Whatever program you choose, in the classroom or online, do a little background research. Check with the Better Business Bureau and look for online review sites and forums, such as StudentsReview.com, for ratings, comments, and feedback from former or current students. Investing in a quality medical coding specialist training program will ensure that you have the best chance of gaining the skills and knowledge necessary to find lucrative employment in the medical coding profession.
About our expert. Jan Jacobs has worked in medical offices since the early 1980's. Ms. Jacobs has worked for M.D.'s and D.O.'s in primary care and specialty care. She is employed as a senior medical biller and has been at her current job for nearly 10 years, where she uses three different billing systems.
