At Messick Adult Vocational and Technology Center, we
are available to assist you throughout your medical coding education.
We realize that you may have questions about your training before,
during and after your enrollment. That is why we have compiled
the following information to help guide you every step of the
way. If you find that you still have additional questions, please
feel free to call us at (901) 416-4849 for assistance.
What is Medical Coding? What
do you do as a medical coder?
Medical Coding is a vital part of the health care industry.
It involves the process of assigning codes to doctors’ diagnoses
and procedures to help in financial reimbursement from insurance
companies. Think of it as a unique language – one where codes
are used to represent the specific actions or analyses of doctors.
Without it, insurance companies would not have a common way
to reimburse doctors for their services.
Some day-to-day duties performed by a medical coder include:
- Gather patient information from physician
- Check medical charts for accuracy and completion
- Utilize computer software to analyze data
- Use official coding guidelines to convert a medical symptom,
diagnosis or procedure into codes
- Forward information to insurance providers to get compensation
for the health care provider
What is a Medical billing?
Medical Billing professionals are responsible for the entering
of patient and clinical data into practice management software.
A medical billing professional is also responsible for the
integrity and quality of the information and the running of
management reports.
What are the Education & Qualifications
for a Medical Biller?
To become certified you must pass an exam for the medical
billing profession. The Certified Medical Reimbursement Specialist
(CMRS) certification is one such certification awarded by
the Certifying Board of the
American Medical Billing Association (AMBA).
What are some similarities of Medical
Billing and Medical Coding?
Both positions are in high demand. Medical Billing in
particular has become a vital role in many practices, both
large and small. This means that because physicians, hospitals,
care centers and rest homes are all on the lookout for qualified
professionals it is easy to pursue a career in medical billing.
Medical Coding, because of its specialized skill set,
attracts fewer employees than are generally required.
Where do Medical Coders work?
One of the perks of being a Medical Coder is that you have
the opportunity to work in a variety of health care settings.
You can join a medical office team and be a valuable part
of a doctor’s office, hospital, outpatient clinic, rehabilitation
center, and more. There are a variety of opportunities available
to you, in any number of settings.
Is a Medical Coding career
right for me?
Medical Coding opens the door to an exciting career in the
medical field. As you work in an office setting, you can build
your career and contribute to the family income. Starting
a career as a Medical Coder is the perfect way to transition
into the medical field as a trained professional.
What will I learn in Messick's
Medical Coding Program?
Messick's Medical Coding Program helps you build a solid
career with the knowledge to accurately and quickly apply the
proper medical codes to patient visits and facilitate the billing
process. Build your career with a solid medical foundation that
includes knowledge of medical terminology, anatomy, physiology,
pathology, and pharmacology, and industry-standard ICD-9-CM,
CPT and HCPCS code books. Learn to apply your knowledge of common
medical terms and coding practices and procedures to real-life
case studies, medical charts and actual physician documentation.
What is the Medical Coding
Professional Program?
Messick Medical Coding Program takes
the Medical Coding Specialist Program one step further. When
you enroll in the Medical Coding Professional Program, you
receive one all-inclusive package that includes everything
you need to complete your program and start your new career.
How long does it take to
finish the program?
You can finish in as little as four months, or take as long
as one year depending on prerequisites!
What if I need help while
I am taking my program?
You are never alone! Online knowledgebase help is provided
throughout the duration of your Medical Coding Program. You
can call during regular business hours and speak one-on-one
with the instructor. If you find that you have a program question,
or require technical assistance, you will receive personalized
attention that quickly addresses your need. We are also available
via email or fax.
How do I start my program?
Get started by calling today – one phone call is all it takes!
The number is call is 901-416-4849.
What qualifications will
I have when I finish the program?
Upon completion of the program, you will be qualified to
work as a professional medical coder in any health care setting
– from doctors’ offices to hospitals. You will have the skills
to analyze patient charts, recognize medical terminology and
assign codes in a quick and accurate manner. You will be prepared
to play an important part in the coding process.
What are the skills needed
for a medical coder?
Medical Coders are required to take a good medical
coding course. Because a vast knowledge of every medical code
as well as anatomy and general disease treatment is essential.
Coders may gain an educational background in medical terminology.
The coder will also need some basic skills in:
- Typing skills
- Reading and listening skills
- Ability to work alone without supervision
- Good computer skills
- Experience with word processing software, such as Ms Word
Is Certification Needed?
Certification is a means for showing that a credentialed
professional possesses the knowledge and skills necessary
for the optimal performance of his or her job. Through credentialing,
the biller/coder's employer, peers, and the public are reassured
that he or she is both competent and well-informed in the
daily and accurate administration of his or her professional
duties.
What is the career outlook
for Medical Coders?
The next decade is expected to bring the largest employment
growth to the medical industry, more than any other industry
in the U.S. Every medical diagnosis and procedure requires a
code for a heath care provider to be paid by an insurance company.
Due to the increasing amount of claims, experienced medical
coders will be in demand to streamline the claims process.
What is The First Step for
a Career in Coding Certified Coding Associate (CCA)?
AHIMA knows
the demand for coders is high and expected to continue into
the future. In response, they developed the CCA, an entry-level
credential that distinguishes new coders in the job market.
The CCAs:
- Exhibit a level of commitment, competency, and professional
capability usually absent in a newcomer to the field
- Demonstrate a commitment to the coding profession
- Distinguish themselves from non-credentialed coders and
those holding credentials from other organizations less
demanding of the higher level of expertise required to earn
AHIMA certification.
How Does the CCA Compare with
Other Credentials?
The CCA should be viewed as the starting point for an individual
entering a career as a coder. The CCS and CCS-P exams demonstrate
mastery level skills the CCA should strive for to advance
his or her career.
What are the Eligibility Requirements
for Certification?
CCA examination candidates must have a high school diploma
or an equivalent. Although not required, it is strongly recommended
that candidates have at least six months experience in a healthcare
organization applying ICD-9-CM and CPT coding conventions
and guidelines, or have completed an AHIMA-approved or other
coding certificate program
What about Salary & Job
Prospects?
Medical Billing Specialists can earn between $12.20 and $16.00
per hour, depending on qualifications, location, education
and position held.
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