The Medical Billing and Coding short-term certificate prepares students to become medical coding specialists who perform detailed review of medical records to identify diagnoses and operative procedures.  Numeric classification codes are assigned to each diagnosis and procedure, using automated or manual methods. Principal classification systems used include the International Classification of Diseases, Ninth Revision, Clinical Modification (ICD-9-CM), and Current Procedural Terminology (CPT). Coders also operate computerized grouper programs to cluster diagnoses and procedures into payment categories called Diagnosis-Related Groups (DRGs).

The American Health Information Management Association has established a national certification program for medical coders. Each new graduate qualifies as a candidate for the AHIMA national examination to become a Certified Coding Associate (CCA). When coupled with extensive, on-the-job experience, the Medical Coding coursework prepares the student to take the AHIMA examination to become a Certified Coding Specialist (CCS) or Certified Coding Specialist- Physician Office (CCS-P). The American Academy of Professional Coders also provides the certification exam for “Certified Professional Coder” should the student choose this certification.

Occupational Choices 

Employment is expected to grow faster than average. Job prospects should be very good; technicians with a strong background in medical coding will be in particularly high demand.  Employment is expected to increase by 18 percent through 2016—faster than the average for all occupations—because of rapid growth in the number of medical tests, treatments, and procedures that will be increasingly scrutinized by health insurance companies, regulators, courts, and consumers. Also, technicians will be needed to enter patient information into computer databases to comply with federal legislation mandating the use of electronic medical records.

New jobs are expected in offices of physicians as a result of increasing demand for detailed records, especially in large group practices. New jobs also are expected in home health care services, outpatient care centers, and nursing and residential care facilities.   Although employment growth in hospitals will not keep pace with growth in other health care industries, many new jobs will, nevertheless, be created.

Average Full-Time Wages

The national average full-time wage is between $22,420 and $35,990. (Source: U.S. Department of Labor Occupational Outlook Handbook; 2008-09 Edition).  According to the Alabama Hospital Association, the current annual earning range for a coder in Alabama is $25,600 to $43,700.

Awards Available

Short-term certificate in Medical Billing and Coding

Estimated Length & Cost*

Medical Billing and Coding

Phone: 334-420-4323
Email: dperry(at)trenholmstate.edu

Links to Related Sites

American Health Information Management Association

American Academy of Professional Coders