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medical coding

Medical Coding

Providing quality healthcare depends on accurate and timely medical data. Medical coding professionals assist in fulfilling this need. Coding is the transformation of verbal descriptions of diseases, injuries, and procedures into numeric or alphanumeric designations.

Since the implementation of the federal government's first prospective payment system in 1983, there has been a great deal of emphasis placed on medical coding. Reimbursement of hospital and physician claims for Medicare patients depends entirely on the assignment of codes. Additionally, codes are included on data sets used to evaluate the processes and outcomes of healthcare. Healthcare providers need experienced, educated coders to assure compliance with official coding guidelines.

In partnership with area healthcare providers, the Columbia Area Career Center’s Professional & Community Education division has developed a Professional Medical Coding training program. Prerequisites:
  • High School Diploma or GED
  • Completion of our application packet
  • Aptitude assessment qualification
  • Basic computer skills and keyboarding assessment
  • Ability to comprehend and analyze detailed information
  • Completion of Exploring Medial Coding class
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Columbia Area Career Center is accredited as a postsecondary and secondary institution by NCA CASI, a division of AdvancED.
The Columbia Public School District does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, national origin, ancestry, disability, age, or use of leave protected by the Family and Medical Leave Act, in its programs, activities, or with regard to employment. The Columbia Board of Education is an equal opportunity employer. Inquiries regarding Columbia Public Schools' compliance with IDEA and Section 504 regulations should contact the offices or individuals below: Special Services (IDEA) Dr. Dana Clippard (Director of Special Services), Section 504 Dr. Lou Ann Tanner-Jones (Section 504 Coordinator) at 1818 West Worley, Columbia MO, 65203, (573) 214-3463.