CCCCD
OFFERS MEDICAL CODING CLASSES THIS SPRING
December
5, 2003 - This spring, Collin County Community College is
offering classes that will prepare students for certification
exams in the high-demand field of medical coding. According
to the U.S. Department of Labor, the starting salary range
for medical coders is $20,000 - $36,000.
These
new, updated classes will explore the history, ethics and
methodologies of the standard medical coding used in hospitals,
clinics and insurance offices nationwide. The first core course
in this series of classes, "Introduction to Medical Coding,"
will be held from 6:30 - 9:30 p.m. on Mondays and Wednesdays
beginning Jan. 12, 2004. The class will take place at CCCCD's
Courtyard Center for Professional and Economic Development,
4800 Preston Park Blvd., in Plano.
"Introduction
to Medical Coding," examines the basic principles of ICD-9,
CPT-4, E&M guidelines and HCPCS coding. With tuition, students
will receive a codebook, a workbook, and a membership in either
one of two nationally certifying bodies, the American Academy
of Professional Coders (AAPC) or the American Health Information
Management Association (AHIMA). The follow-up class, "Intermediate
Medical Coding," begins March 22, and covers surgical procedures
and information in preparation for either certification.
"We're
very excited that our expanded Medical Coding program now
encompasses both AAPC and AHIMA guidelines," said Jim Merritt,
program director. "This is a perfect opportunity for individuals
to re-tool and take their professional lives in a different,
more lucrative direction."
Collin
County Community College District serves close to 40,000 credit
and continuing education students annually and offers more
than 100 degree and certificate programs in a wide range of
disciplines. In addition, the CCCCD is a partner to business,
government and industry, providing customized training and
work force development.
Courses
are listed in the continuing education schedule or on their
website at www.ccccd.edu/ce. For more information, call continuing
education at 972-985-3750.