Is Medical Coding School Worth It?
Medical coding school is one of the many fields within the burgeoning healthcare industry. So, is it worth it? We’re not going to answer that question for you, but we will provide you with some information, allowing you to decide for yourself.
What It’s All About
Unlike other programs, medical coding school has a very defined scope. As such, programs often focus on industry-standard coursework.
Coursework
At its core, medical coding courses focus on medical terminology, anatomy and physiology, and pathophysiology. Students also learn how to become compliant with medical law and ethical standards as set out by national health service organizations. Additionally, coursework is designed to help students become proficient in the CPT coding system and understand the ICD-10-CM and HCPCS Level II coding systems.
Applying Skills
You take the coursework and learn the material. For what? This is the exciting part. Acting as a gatekeeper of sensitive health data, you will be prepared to review patient records and assign numeric codes for each diagnosis and procedure, document health information with accuracy and integrity. In today’s healthcare industry, this opens doors in a variety of work environments, such as physician offices, hospitals, and insurance companies.
Earn a Living
Once you graduate, you’re close to the finish line. All that’s left is proving your proficiency by taking the Certified Coding Specialist exam. With this certification, you’re free to work as a medical coder. More, a 2018 survey conducted by the AAPC reported that certified medical coders earned an average salary of $54,401.
Start Your Career
If you want to leverage your technical skills to make a difference in the healthcare industry, medical coding school is worth it. Northwestern College’s certificate program is designed to work around the schedules of traditional and working or returning students. Depending on your timeline, you can earn your medical coding certificate in no time.
To learn more, call (888) 205-2283.