Health Education Building 103
1705 Hoffman Street
Madison WI 53704
CALL:
(608) 246-6065 or (800) 322-6282 ext. 6065
Email
HOURS:
Monday - Tuesday: 8 a.m. - 6 p.m.
Wednesday - Friday: 8 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.
Program number: 315302
Medical Coding Specialists translate written medical documentation, provided by physicians and other health care providers, into a numeric form. The Medical Coding Specialist assigns and sequences diagnostic and procedural codes using universally recognized coding systems. I.e., an anterolateral myocardial infarction (heart attack) is translated to I21.09.
Coded information serves many purposes:
The one-year Medical Coding Specialist technical diploma at Madison College will prepare you for a career in this in-demand field.
An 18-hour, unpaid clinical laboratory experience is part of the CPT Coding course. This takes place during regular business hours at a regional health care facility, insurance company, consulting firm or governmental agency.
Aptitudes and interests that may help you succeed in the Medical Coding Specialist program include:
Please note that upon admission to the Medical Coding Specialist program, you will be required to complete a background check and provide documentation of current required immunizations.
Medical Coding Specialist is on a career pathway that includes this one-year technical diploma and other opportunities for additional training. Learn at your own pace and increase your earning potential with credentials that keep you moving on your career path.
Medical Coding Specialist students must attend part time.
Medical Coding Specialist program classes may be offered at these Madison College campuses:
This program is also offered completely online.
View the admission requirements for application deadlines, materials, and requirements.
Students admitted onto the waitlist for the Spring 2017 term or prior should continue to use their Academic Requirements Report and review emails from their academic advisor.
Students admitted into a pre-petition status for the Fall 2017 term or after should complete the Medical Coding Specialist Petition Requirements.
Contact the Enrollment Center at EnrollmentServices@madisoncollege.edu or (608) 246-6210.
The courses listed below outline the requirements for completion for students officially admitted in the 2016-2017 academic year. Requirements for completion may vary depending on the semester in which a student is admitted or may be completed by other equivalent courses. Current/continuing students should consult their Academic Requirements report available through their student account for specific requirements and equivalent courses.
After completing the Medical Coding Specialist program at Madison Area Technical College, you will be prepared to:
The Medical Coding Specialist program will prepare you for entry-level coding specialist positions in health care facilities such hospitals, managed care organizations, skilled nursing facilities, coding and billing services, physician practice groups, governmental agencies, home health agencies, computer software companies, clinics, consulting firms, insurance companies, and veterinary hospitals.
Career Outlook and Salary
The US Department of Labor, Bureau of Labor Statistics predicts that employment in the health information management field will grow faster than average (15% or more) through 2024.
The 2015 Madison College Graduate Employment Report (six months after graduation) indicates an average annual salary of $40,414 ($19.43/hour) for new graduates of the MCSP.
A 2015 national survey done by the American Academy of Professional Coders (AAPC) indicates the average annual wage for certified professional coders (CPC) is $51,454 ($24.74/hour) and for certified outpatient coders (COC) is $58,822 ($28.28/hour).
A 2012 national survey done by the American Health Information Management Association indicates the average annual salary for a coding professional is $49,222 ($23.66/hour). It also showed those with mastery-level coding credentials (CCS and CCS-P) garnered higher average salaries than those with entry-level coding credential (CCA).
As of August 2016, the website www.salary.com indicates the annual salary range for medical coding specialists in the Madison area is $34,118 - $60,761 ($16.40 - $29.22 per hour) with the median salary at $45,688 ($21.97).
Certification Opportunities
There are several certification exams that can be taken to earn national coding credentials. The Certified Coding Associate (CCA) exam demonstrates entry-level skills. The other certification exams demonstrate mastery level (experienced) skills. Many employers require certification. Certification may result in a salary increase and/or promotion.
American Health Information Management Association (AHIMA) (www.ahima.org):
American Academy of Professional Coders (AAPC) (www.aapc.com):