1. What does a Coding Specialist do?
A Coding Specialist is an expert in assigning codes to diagnoses and procedures found in a patient’s health record. The codes are used to compile research indexes and are reported to insurance companies or the government who pay for the patient’s medical expenses. Coding professionals increase the accuracy and timeliness of reimbursement and reduce the potential for delayed payments that can lead to fraud and abuse regulations.
2. Why is this field one of the 20 fastest growing occupations?
Every time health care personnel treat a patient, they record what they observed, and how the patient was treated medically. This record includes information the patient provides concerning their symptoms and medical history, the results of examinations, reports of x-rays and laboratory tests, diagnoses and treatment plans. Coders assign codes to each diagnosis and procedure given to the patient. The U.S. Department of Labor projects this field to be one of the 20 fastest growing occupations because of the above facts.
3. Is this career field right for me?
Making a decision about a career is a difficult one. Visit the AHIMA website. This career is for individuals with strong reading skills. Information in the field of coding is constantly changing. Individuals choosing coding as a career should enjoy continual learning.
4. Do you receive college credit when taking your courses?
No. Individuals do not receive college credit for attending classes. Trident Technical College’s Specialist in Coding Program is a non-credit program and participants receive Continuing Education Units CEUs.
5. Are there college courses an individual can take in this field?
Several colleges in the state do offer certificate and two-year degrees in this field. Individuals at these college’s who complete all coursework receive a degree as a Health Information Technician.
6. How long does it take to complete the coding specialist program?
The program can be finished in three terms (12 months) if two classes are taken at a time and in the order recommended by the college. All courses are held in the evening usually from 6-8 or 9 p.m. or online
7. Does the coding specialist program have a clinical component?
Yes, the Coding Program offers an internship. Individuals must complete all required courses to be eligible to apply for the internship. Online internship is available for distance learning students.
8. After completing the curriculum, are you certified as a coding specialist?
An individual who completes the Coding Specialist Program receives a certificate of completion as a Coding Specialist from Trident Technical College. Students are also eligible to take the national Clinical Coding Associate (CCA) exam administered by the American Health Information Management Association (AHIMA). The exam is held in Columbia, S.C.
9. Is Trident Technical College’s coding specialist program approved?
Yes. The American Health Information Management Association (AHIMA) has approved Trident Technical College’s program.
10. Is financial aid available for this program?
Student loans are available at 1-800-GO-PLATO. All other forms of financial aid are not available.
