Why Become A Medical Coder?

Are you looking for the skills you need to be competitive in the healthcare market, as well as the credentials needed to prove your qualifications? Do you want to learn key skills such as abstracting from medical records, assigning codes to diagnoses and procedures using the ICD-10-CM, CPT and HCPCS Level II code books, developing insurance claims according to third-party guidelines, and understanding the legal, ethical, and regulatory concepts that are vital to this field? Then register today for our Medical Billing and Coding Professional Certificate course.

Not convinced medical billing and coding is right for you? Kennesaw State University’s faculty and staff can walk you through it. Here’s a quick FAQ and informational video from the Institute of Medial and Business Careers to get you started: 

What is medical billing and coding? 

Medical coding involves extracting billable information from the medical record and clinical documentation, while medical billing uses those codes to create insurance claims and bills for patients.  

How to become a medical coder? 

Upon successful completion of the Medical Billing and Coding course, students will be prepared for an entry-level position doing medical billing or coding in a medical office setting and will be prepared to sit for the American Academy of Professional Coders™ (AAPC) Certified Professional Coder (CPC) certification exam once all other exam eligibility requirements have been met.   

How to get medical coding certification online? 

To qualify for our Medical Billing and Coding Program, students should be proficient in keyboarding, have a basic understanding of a word-processing computer program (Microsoft Word is recommended), and have a command of English grammar and punctuation. While no healthcare work experience is required, it is recommended that students have knowledge of anatomy and physiology. 

What does AAPC stand for? 

The American Academy of Professional Coders™ (AAPC) was founded in 1988 to provide education and professional certification to physician-based medical coders and to elevate the standards of medical coding by providing training, certification, networking, and job opportunities.  

How long does it take to become a medical coder? 

The most common path to becoming a Medical Coder through a career-specific program can take between 4 months and 2 years depending on the program. 

The Kennesaw State University MBC program is a three-month, 100-hour certificate program will assist you in preparing for the American Academy of Professional Coders™ Certified Professional Coder (CPC®) exam. 

What is the salary for medical coding professionals? 

The average salary for medical coding in the metro Atlanta area is $36,549.  

Visit the Kennesaw State University Medical Billing and Coding program page for more details about registration information, course schedules, and more.