DCTC will add medical coding program fall semester 2016

Starting fall semester, Dakota County Technical College will offer a Medical Coding Specialist program. The program will provide students two options including an Associate in Applied Science Degree in Medical Coding and Coding Specialist diploma.

Medical coders assign codes to diagnoses and procedures so that accurate financial reimbursements may be made by insurance companies and government agencies. Specifically, coders work in physician offices, surgery centers, specialty clinics, hospitals, insurance companies, government agencies, research foundations or health care facilities. Instructor Candace Carlstrom said the new program will prepare students to play a vital role in the health care industry.

“It’s a field with a lot of growth and opportunities for career advancement,” said Carlstrom.

A fast growing industry, careers in the Medical Records and Health Information fields are expected to grow by 16.8 percent by 2022 according to iSeek. The Medical Billing and Coding Certification estimates the average salary of a medical billing and coding employee in Minnesota is $38,940.

The Medical Coding Specialist A.A.S. is a 60-credit program that prepares students to assume entry-level positions as a medical coder. The program also prepares students to sit for the national certification examination to become a Certified Coding Associate (CCA) or Certified Professional Coder Apprentice (CPC-A).

The Medical Coding Specialist Diploma program is a 40-credit program that prepares students to assume entry-level positions. The diploma program also prepares students to sit for the national certification examination to become a Certified Coding Associate (CCA) or Certified Professional Coder Apprentice (CPC-A).

The Medical Coding Specialist programs will replace the Electric Health Information Management (eHIM) program.

Applicants for the program should possess excellent communications skills, meticulous attention to detail, good spelling, finger dexterity and extreme accuracy in their work. Minimum program entry requirements are the ability to type at least 35 words a minute with five errors or less or a grade of “C” or better in ADMS 1005. Additionally, students should possess basic computer skills such as word processing, spreadsheets and Internet usage or a “C” or better in ADMS 1018.