Online Medical Coding Certificate
ONLINE OPTION
You have the option to complete this certificate entirely online.
Reviewing patient records and getting vital health data where it needs to go relies on medical coding. In the Information Age, this system of universal code numbers assures the timely flow of medical data anywhere in the nation or world.
By earning your Medical Coding certificate through our school, based at Indiana University’s Indianapolis campus, you can take your courses online, for maximum convenience. You can even apply credit earned for the certificate toward our Bachelor of Science in health information management.
Next Level Jobs Work-Ready Grant
All tuition and fees are eligible for the NextLevel Jobs program. You must be an Indiana resident, have a high school diploma, but less than an associate’s degree, and submit the FAFSA to qualify.
Virtual Information Sessions
Are you ready to dive deeper? We will discuss the admission process, curriculum and format, financial aid, and Next Level Jobs Workforce Ready Grant eligibility. All information sessions are on Zoom. Choose a date below to register.
May
9
Medical Coding Certificate Info Session
4:00pm (Online only)
May
24
Medical Coding Certificate Info Session
4:00pm (Online only)
Want to know more?
Our team is ready to answer any and all questions you may have, or help you schedule a visit. Fill out this form, click submit, and we’ll be in touch.
Certification
Graduates are eligible to seek the Certified Coding Associate (CCA) credential offered by the American Health Information Management Association (AHIMA). This certification distinguishes coders who exhibit commitment and demonstrate coding competencies across all settings, including hospitals and physician practices.
A critical part of the health information work flow
Medical coders ensure that insurance companies have the right information and patients know their billing and payment options. Accurate coding gets bills paid, patient data organized, and insurance information verified.
With proper medical coding:
- Health care providers can precisely record patients’ care, so crucial procedures don’t get missed.
- Tests and screenings aren’t needlessly repeated, which means patients don’t pay more than they should.
- Insurers can quickly reimburse providers.
The increasing reliance on data
To make valid decisions, accurate information is key. The medical coder carefully reviews health records for accurate coding and billing. By earning this certificate, you’ll learn to understand medical terminology, private payer policies, and government regulations.
Electronic health records allow doctors, hospitals, and other providers to quickly share information, leading to swift and informed medical decision-making. This information holds great potential as a Big Data resource for analyzing specific codes—a method of studying how conditions progress and are treated on a mega scale.
Emerging technology issues
Data security and patient privacy are paramount in the age of electronic record-keeping. As you earn your certificate, you’ll not only gain understanding of medical coding and reimbursement systems, but also learn:
- The latest principles in the emerging field of information governance.
- Legal and ethical concepts of confidentiality and privacy in medicine and health care.
Projected employment growth for medical coders from 2012 to 2022
Careers in medical coding
Medical coders audit inpatient/outpatient health records (both paper and electronic) for appropriate ICD-10/ICD-11 and/or CPT code assignment. Coders also aid in revenue cycle auditing. Medical coders work in hospitals, physician offices, group practices, and insurance companies.
A certificate in medical coding can be the foundation for a variety of positions, including:
- Benefits coordinator
- Coder
- Documentation and coding specialist
- Medical biller
- Medical billing customer service representative
Plan of study
The medical coding certificate is a 28-credit-hour program focusing on pathophysiology, pharmacology, coding, medical reimbursement, and basic concepts of health information and is designed to better prepare you to sit for industry standard certifications.
The curriculum includes a unique professional practicum component that integrates classroom instruction with applied, technical experience in an actual health care facility.
The certificate completes the beginning portion of the Health Information Management Bachelor of Science degree.
Prerequisites (12 cr.)
- BIOL-N 211 Anatomy for Health Care Management (3 cr.) (Fall)
- BIOL-N 207 Physiology for Health Care Management (3 cr.) (Spring)
- HIM-M 110 Computer Concepts for Health Information (3 cr.)
- HIM-M 330 Medical Terminology (3 cr.)
Required courses
Fall semester (12 cr.)
- HIM-M 325 Health Care Information Requirements and Standards (3 cr.)
- LIS-S 301 Data Policy and Governance (3 cr.)
- HIM-M 350 Pathophysiology & Pharmacology for HIM I (3 cr.)
- HIM-M 355 ICD-10-CM/PCS Coding (3 cr.)
Spring semester (16 cr.)
- HIM-M 351 Pathophysiology & Pharmacology for HIM II (3 cr.)
- HIM-M 358 CPT Coding (3 cr.)
- HIM-M 345 Health Care Law, Ethics, and Information Release (3 cr.)
- HIM-M 470 Health Care Reimbursement Systems (3 cr.)
- HIM-M 457 Practicum in Medical Coding (4 cr.)
Students must earn a C or higher in HIM-M courses. A C- or higher is required for all other courses. Students must maintain a 2.0 GPA.
This plan of study is subject to revision. Please consult an academic advisor each semester prior to registration.
Getting started
Prospective students must first be admitted to IUPUI as an undergraduate student. You must also acquire knowledge of anatomy, physiology, and database design through the completion of designated prerequisites with a minimum grade of C (2.0). Students must achieve a minimum cumulative G.P.A. of 2.5 to begin courses.
Current IUPUI students: See your advisor.
New to IUPUI? Apply for Summer 2023 by March 15:
When applying, select ‘I want to earn a Certificate’ and ‘Summer 2023’ then ‘Medical Coding (Online)’.
This certificate is eligible for financial aid.