Medical coding professionals ensure that the healthcare industry has accurate and timely medical data. Medical coders translate a health provider's descriptions of diseases, injuries, and procedures into numberic and alphanumeric code. The medical code is used for many reasons, such as mortality data, procedural data, access to medical records by diagnoses and procedures for use in clnical care, research, and education. Since the federal government's mandate to electronically mantain all patient health records, medical coders have enjoyed a surge in career opportunities.

Medical Coding Salaries
According to the 2005 Salary Survey of the American Academy of Professional Coders, certified coders earn $39,000 annually. Coders with 10 years of experience earn an average of $45,000 annually. Non-certified coders earn $1,000 to $7,000 less. According to AHIMA, those with an associate's degree typically earn $20,000 to $30,000 for starters. Those earning four-year degrees begin at $30,000 to $50,000 and can make $50,000 to $75,000 in five years.

Medical Coding Certification
Getting certified is vital to a professional medical coder's career. According to the American Academy of Professional Coders (AAPC), certified coders can earn up to 25% more than non-certified coders. Certified medical coders are preferred by employers seeking ethical, accurate, experienced, and professional medical coders. AAPC's CPC® certification credential and AHIMA's CCS credential are the only medical coding credentials recognized by employers, payers, and government agencies.

Medical Coding Education and Training
To properly prepare for the national certification exams, candidates are recommended to complete a medical coding program and acquire a minimum of 6 months professional coding experience. See details on medical coding curriculum. Individuals who are interested in managerial or supervisory postions may be interested in pursuing degrees in Health Information Technology and Health Information Management.

Courses in the Medical Coding program include:

• Medical Terminology
• Anatomy and Physiology for Coding Professionals
• Pathophysiology and Pharmacotherapy
• Information Technology for Health Care
• Health Care Data
• Health Care Delivery Systems
• International Classification of Diseases (ICD)
• Healthcare Common Procedural Coding System (HCPCS) Classification System
• Reimbursement Methods
• Coding Externship Experience

Kaplan University is accredited by The Higher Learning Commission and a member of the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools (NCA). The medical coding certificate program has been approved by the American Health Information Management Association (AHIMA).

• Medical Insurance Billing/Coding - Diploma