If you’re interested in a career in the medical field that doesn’t require direct interaction with patients, medical coding could be a good fit for you. The School of Medical Coding at Midwest Technical Institute (MTI) gives you the skills necessary to support healthcare teams with medical billing and coding.
Medical coders, or medical records specialists, are healthcare professionals responsible for the data entry and recordkeeping of patient care and medical support.
For more information, check out How to Become a Medical Coder
Medical coders manage a variety of tasks including compiling patient records, processing information for insurance companies and maintaining patient files. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, medical coders serve as the liaison between healthcare providers and billing services.
Most medical coders work full time, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics. And in 24/7 facilities like hospitals, specialists may have to work unusual hours, including nights or weekends.
How much is medical programming school?
Costs for medical coding training varies based on the type of school, length of program, location and several other factors. At MTI, most students receive some form of financial aid or assistance, including scholarships. For more information, visit Tuition and Cost or contact Financial Aid.
Medical coders spend much of their time computing information at hospitals, physician’s offices, technical service centers, or nursing and residential care facilities.
How closely do medical coders work with patients?
Medical coders do not often work with patients, but they do often work closely with nurses and physicians to have a better understanding of a patient’s profile.
How much do medical coders make?
As of May 2022, medical coders’ median annual wage was $47,180. However, the top 10% of medical coders earn over $75,000.
Are medical coders still needed in the industry?
Yes, medical coders are still in demand. Medical coding is expected to grow 8% from 2022-2032, with an average of about 15,000 openings each year, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics.
What education do medical coders need?
Medical coders can receive their education in a variety of ways, including through an associate degree program at a community college or a program at a trade school. MTI’s Medical Coding Specialist Program, provides hands-on training to help you build the skills and knowledge required for entry-level positions– with no general education courses required.
In MTI’s medical coding classes, you’ll learn how to:
- Translate doctors’ notes, medical records, charts & other documentation into numerical descriptions of illnesses and treatments
- Index diagnoses and procedures to provide information for reimbursement purposes
- Locate crucial information within medical records to provide precise coding
- Interpret insurance claims and develop essential office skills
- Complete a medical coding externship that provides you real working experience as a medical coder
Once you successfully complete training at MTI, you’ll be ready to take the Certified Professional Coder (CPC) exam.
For more information, check out How to Become a Medical Coder
How long is MTI’s medical coder training program?
The Medical Coding Specialist Program is 9 months. MTI also offers a 9-month Medical Coding Specialist Hybrid Program that is a combination of on-campus and online training.
Sources
- https://www.bls.gov/ooh/healthcare/medical-records-and-health-information-technicians.htm#tab-2
- https://www.bls.gov/ooh/healthcare/medical-records-and-health-information-technicians.htm#tab-3
- https://www.bls.gov/ooh/healthcare/medical-records-and-health-information-technicians.htm#tab-5
- https://www.bls.gov/ooh/healthcare/medical-records-and-health-information-technicians.htm
- https://www.bls.gov/ooh/healthcare/medical-records-and-health-information-technicians.htm#tab-6
- https://www.aapc.com/certifications/cpc/prepare-for-the-cpc-exam