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Heath information coders are health care practitioners who access health information, identify diagnoses and procedures, and assign appropriate numerical codes to health terminology without any direct patient care responsibilities. The accuracy of coding is essential because without it, correct reimbursement of all tests and procedures ordered by the physician will not occur. It also affects research, quality assurance, and risk management. Employment opportunities exist in a variety of health care settings including hospitals, physician offices, clinics, insurance companies, rehabilitation centers, legal offices, and research centers. The skilled coder is highly valued, as the demand for quality coding and reimbursement is increasing in several areas due to the coder’s extensive interaction with physicians, financial staffs, insurance representatives and government personnel.
The program follows the guidelines of the American Health Information Management Association (AHIMA). Graduates with one year of experience are eligible to sit for the Certified Coding Specialist exam to earn the CCS credential, which is highly desired by employers. |
