This Medical Coder/Billing Specialist Certificate prepares students for employment in hospitals, physicians' offices, and other health care settings as medical coders, abstractors, and medical billers of clinical patient information using the International Classification of Diseases (ICD) as modified for use in the United States and the HCPCS/CPT coding systems. In addition, students will learn about other related classification systems, clinical documentation requirements, prospective payment systems, e.g., diagnosis related groups (DRGs), reimbursement strategies, and the processing of medical claims. The program incorporates classroom instruction and a practicum covering a wide variety of medical specialties in both ambulatory and inpatient care.

Graduates are prepared to take national certifying examinations administered by the American Health Information Management Association (AHIMA) and the national certifying examinations administered by the American Academy of Professional Coders (AAPC). Please refer to organizations' website for further details.

As important members of a medical team, medical coding and billing professionals acquire a diverse set of skills and knowledge of medical terminology and anatomy, as well as proficiency in medical coding and billing software. This is a great career path for those interested in staying connected to the healthcare industry. Medical and billing coding professionals process and code health insurance claims, manage patient bills, and track quality assessments. They work behind-the-scenes to help maintain the accuracy and integrity of the billing functions of healthcare providers.

Medical Coding is a certificate program that prepares students for the rapidly expanding field of medical coding and focuses on developing an understanding of the language of medicine and the ability to apply it to professional coding standards. ICD-10-CM/PCS and CPT coding concepts and guidelines are taught in this course. Instruction concentrates on the areas of anatomy and physiology, medical terminology, pharmacology, and clinical classification systems. Coders are required to abstract medical documentation from a patient›s chart and correlate the diagnosis and procedures performed into numerical code numbers. This is done in all healthcare facilities. The student gains knowledge and practice in computer software programs such as encoders and electronic medical records systems, which allows students to have real world, hands-on application of medical practice.

Asheville-Buncombe Technical Community College - Enka offers a comprehensive Medical Billing / Coding certification program that specializes in healthcare certification programs. This program equips students with the necessary skills and knowledge to succeed in the healthcare industry. Students will learn medical billing and coding practices, healthcare documentation, medical terminology, and ethical standards. The program provides hands-on learning opportunities with state-of-the-art facilities and technology. The curriculum covers a wide range of topics, including healthcare reimbursement systems, anatomy and physiology, computer applications in healthcare, and medical law and ethics. Upon completion, students are eligible to sit for the Certified Professional Coder (CPC) exam. The college is committed to providing quality education and training, and enrolling in this program is a smart investment for a rewarding career in medical billing and coding.