Office Technologies - Medical Coding
Are you looking for a challenging career in healthcare that doesn't require direct patient care? Do you enjoy organizing information? Does helping people receive payment for the care they need interest you? If so, let Allegany College of Maryland's Office Technologies - Medical Coding program prepare you for a career as a medical coder.
Medical coders are responsible for accurately assigning codes to diagnosis and procedures to ensure proper financial reimbursement from insurance companies and government agencies. As a medical coder, you'll work closely with physicians and other members of the healthcare team to review medical record documentation and assign codes. Appropriate coding and billing are vital to the financial health of the healthcare facility.
Our Medical Coding certificate program prepares you for employment at hospitals, physician offices, nursing homes, ambulatory care facilities, and insurance companies. You'll learn how to submit medical claims for reimbursement, process bills, and operate medical office software.
As an Office Technologies - Medical Coding program student, you'll be invited to participate in Phi Beta Lambda (PBL), the collegiate equivalent of Future Business Leaders of America (FBLA) , and its many college-sponsored and community service projects.
The ACM Medical Coding program is designated as a Health Manpower Shortage Program by the Maryland Higher Education Commission (MHEC). Maryland residents from counties other than Allegany County who register in this eligible program will be charged the out-of-county tuition rate. However, these students may be eligible to receive reimbursement for a portion of the cost difference between the in-county and out-of-county tuition rates. Funding availability for this program is based on funding from the state of Maryland and is thus subject to change each semester. Some restrictions apply. Please contact the Admissions Office for more information.As a Medical Coding program student, you'll expand your knowledge and gain career training through instruction in:
- Health Insurance Portability and Accountability (HIPAA)
- Human biology, anatomy and physiology
- Medical billing
- Medical office software
- Medical terminology
- Microsoft Office software
- Paper-based and electronic health records
- Pharmacology
- Procedural and diagnostic coding
A full listing of program courses and their descriptions can be found in the credit catalog.
Office Technologies - Medical Coding program graduates enjoy enriching and rewarding careers in:
- Ambulatory Care Centers
- Nursing Homes and Rehabilitation Facilities
- Hospitals
- Insurance Companies
- Medical Billing Companies
- Physician Offices
The Occupational Outlook Handbook states that the health information technician career (which includes coders) will be one of the fastest growing careers through 2018. You'll find more information on the coding field, including potential earnings, at the Occupational Outlook Handbook website.
Certification for medical coding is available through the American Health Information Management Association (AHIMA) and also through the American Academy of Professional Coders (AAPC). Both organizations offer certification in hospital-based as well as physician-based coding in addition to apprentice/associate certification. As these exams are not entry-level, students who complete the Medical Coding Certificate Program are encouraged to have at least one year of coding experience before applying for the exam.
View Salary Information from the U.S. Dept. of Labor
301-784-5319
phughes@allegany.edu
Technologies 124
A.A., Allegany College of Maryland
B.S., Shepherd College
M.Ed., Frostburg State University
Christine Hardiman, Instructor
301-784-5126
Technologies 142
B.A. Ashford University
A.A.S. Allegany College of Maryland
A.S. Allegany College of Maryland
301-784-5132
czumbrun@allegany.edu
Technologies 126
R.H.I.T., CCS-P, American Health Information Management Association
A.A., Allegany College of Maryland
M.Ed, B.S., Frostburg State University
Gainful Employment Program Disclosure
Medical Coding (CIP Code 51.0707)
U.S. Department of Labor's Summary Report for Medical Coding - Medical Records and Health Information Technicians (SOC Code 29-2071) :
http://www.bls.gov/soc/2010/soc292071.htm
Costs of the Program
|
FY2012 Rates |
Tuition |
Program Fees |
Books/Supplies |
Total Cost |
|
In-County |
3876 |
437 |
$1400 |
4313 |
|
Out-of-County |
6868 |
437 |
$1400 |
7305 |
|
Out-of-State |
8160 |
437 |
$1400 |
8597 |
This rate is an estimate relative to the course selection of the student. Cost is subject to change with increases in course materials and credit fees.
Enrollment Rates
Academic Year 2012 Enrollment rates*: 64
Number of Graduates: 21
Percentage of Graduates with student loan debt: 47.6%
Median Loan Debt: $5,875
On-time Graduation Rate: 76.2%
Job Placement Rate: In compliance with federal government guidelines, job placement rates will be reported once federal methodology for determining rates is developed.
*Enrollment rates are nonduplicated students not pursuing a higher degree.
