Choosing the Right Medical Coding Training Program
There are definitely a wide variety of options for someone interested in receiving medical coding training. It can be challenging, however, to find the right medical coding training program. And let’s face it medical coding training requires an investment. But investing time and money in the wrong medical coding training program can result in a less then positive experience – to put it mildly.
The first question you should be asking yourself is: “What are my primary objectives?” Your primary objective is probably not to receive medical coding training for its own sake – unless you are just a true renaissance person. If you are like most people, your hope is that a medical coding training program will lead to a really great medical coding job! Sure! That is what it is all about isn’t it? Medical coding employment. Something that will bring in a paycheck and set you on a path for financial success as a trained medical coder.
Unfortunately, most medical coding training programs that I am aware of – and I have done my research - focus almost entirely on theoretic training, which - while important – is far removed from the realities of a clinical coding setting. The very best medical coding training option will include a comprehensive practicum – something that will allow you to put into practice the theory and medical coding rules that you learn. The best medical coding training program will include something very substantive that approximates the real world of medical coding. I cannot stress too much the importance of an intensive practicum in the medical coding training program you select. I can tell you that when you apply for your first job, this practical experience is going to set you apart from your competitors. More importantly, it will translate into a high comfort level on your first day on the job as a medical coder.
Many people also prefer to enroll in a medical coding training program that provides the flexibility to learn medical coding in the privacy of their own home, and on their own schedule, on a full or part time basis without having to quit their current job and give up their livelihood.
It can be a challenge to sift through the “diploma mills” to find a top medical coding training program. Finding a medical coding training program that offers a flexible home-based online coding training option as well as a solid medical coding curriculum that is practicum intensive can be difficult.
Look for a medical coding training program that offers a strong complement of foundation courses in addition to the standard courses on medical coding industry codes. Obviously, the medical coding industry codes will form the foundation of your training. These codes include:
1. CPT
2. HCPCS
3. ICD-9 and soon ICD-10
However, you should also look for core medical coding training classes that ensure competence in areas such as:
* Medical terminology
* Anatomy, physiology, and disease processes
* Pharmacology
* Technology
* Healthcare regulations
* HIPAA compliance
* Insurance fraud and compliance
Again, one of the most important components of a quality medical coding training program will be a comprehensive “hands-on” practicum. Nothing will prepare you more for the real world of medical coding than a solid medical coding practicum.