The Physician Coding certificate is a highly specialized training program designed to prepare students for a career as a professional medical coder. Students will learn how to interpret medical documentation and apply diagnostic and procedural coding systems required for reimbursement of physician services.
Physician Coders work in healthcare but do not provide direct patient care. Many coders work remotely and enjoy predictable work schedules that usually do not include nights or weekends. In addition, medical coders can expect continued job growth with increased wages as healthcare continues to expand. Successful physician coders are detail-oriented, possess analytic problem-solving skills and are comfortable working independently and with computers. They are committed to ongoing education and learning new skills as the evolving healthcare landscape demands.
While earning the certificate, students will explore medical terminology, basic anatomy, pharmacology, ICD-10-CM and CPT code sets, reimbursement methodologies and legal concepts related to patient privacy, billing, and insurance reimbursement. The Physician Coding certificate incorporates theory and real-world, hands-on coding activities giving learners the confidence and skills needed to enter the coding profession. Physician Coding courses align with the AAPC’s Certified Professional Coder (CPC) certification, a nationally recognized and highly sought industry credential.
Courses are offered part-time (three classes each semester), in the evenings and are delivered through a combination of online and hybrid formats (depending on the course) making it ideal for working professionals or those who have other daytime commitments.
Determine Your Path
Both medical coders and billers play crucial roles in the health care revenue cycle, however they perform different job duties. Medical coders work directly with patient’s records, translating provider documentation to diagnostic and procedure code. They must possess the ability to work independently, be good with computers and possess strong critical thinking skills.
Medical billers work closely with insurance companies to submit and process claims, reconcile patient accounts and resolve coverage and denial issues. Billers have direct contact with patients therefore, strong communication and customer service skills are required. For students interested in medical billing, COD offers a certificate in Medical Billing that provides a comprehensive overview of the medical billing process.
Whether you looking to advance your career or enter a new field in Medical Coding, COD offers:
- Licensed Education Provider for the AAPC.
- Exam-based curriculum to ensure there are no surprises when it comes to credentialing exams.
- Fall and spring start dates.
- Dedicated educators with numerous years of field and classroom experience.
- The opportunity to begin your new career in under a year.
Physician Coding
The Physician Coding certificate provides students with the technical knowledge and skills necessary to perform diagnosis and procedure coding as well as billing for employment in a physician office or outpatient clinic.
To become a certified coder, the following agencies administer coding examinations:
- American Health Information Management Association (AHIMA)
- American Academy of Professional Coders (AAPC)
Get Started Today
The first step to getting started in the Physician Coding program is to read the Physician Coding Registration Packet. The packet contains a registration checklist that you will need to follow in order to be eligible for admission.
Academic and Career Pathways give you a roadmap to achieving your career goals. Follow a pathway based on your degree that outlines which classes you need to take and when so you graduate on time or move on to the next phase in your career.
- Physician Office Coding and Billing, Certificate
Career Information
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Frequently Asked Questions
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