Medical Coding Resource Info
Medical coding is the transformation of healthcare diagnosis, procedures, medical services, and equipment into universal medical alphanumeric codes. The diagnoses and procedure codes are taken from medical record documentation, such as transcription of physician’s notes, laboratory and radiologic results, etc.
Medical coding professionals help ensure the codes are applied correctly during the medical billing process, which includes abstracting the information from documentation, assigning the appropriate codes, and creating a claim to be paid by insurance carriers. Medical coding happens every time you see a healthcare provider. The healthcare provider reviews your complaint and medical history, makes an expert assessment of what’s wrong and how to treat you, and documents your visit. That documentation is not only the patient’s ongoing record, it’s how the healthcare provider gets paid.
The course takes 10 weeks to complete.
Extension is provided for a fee of $50. First extension is free.
Earliest completion has been 6 weeks.
Prerequisites recommended: Medical terminology and Anatomy.
Online class is $3,200 – Cost includes course, textbooks, materials, mock exams, AAPC membership fee, CPC online practice exam, and CPC exam.
Deposit of $975 is required to register. The first 3 chapters of the online course do not require your books, you will be able to download the coding materials used for those chapters so it gives you time to get a head start and get familiar with the online coding course. The remainder of the balance will be due the first day of class. First day of class would be whenever you are ready since it is online. Blackboard is the platform our partnership with AAPC uses. It is a self-paced course with a 70% passing score. Platform Preview- Online Orientation
Address to where you want your books shipped and full name that matches your ID so registration matches your AAPC membership and CPC Exam voucher. Emails will be sent out with all your log in info.
Job outlook depends on if there are entry level jobs available near you/remote and/or your background experience.
Glance at jobs: https://jobs.aapc.com/jobs
Steps to Prepare for the CPC exam: https://www.aapc.com/certifications/cpc/prepare-for-the-cpc-exam
If you would like the Apprentice status removed after you receive your certification, here is the AAPC program, it is similar to an externship (highly recommended)
Practicode is a web-based training program allowing new medical coders to gain the confidence to code real-world cases
in various specialties. Practicode shows you which skills you need to succeed, where your skills gaps exist and what you need to work on to reach “job readiness.
For more info: https://www.aapc.com/practicode/cpc-a-practicum.aspx
o Will you be able to complete the courses in 10 weeks or would you need more time?
o Are you familiar with medical coding?
o Do you have knowledge of medical terminology and Anatomy (physiology is a plus)
Would you like to have a preview of the online course through a Webex meeting? If so, please let us know when you are available so we can connect!