Health Information Coding Specialist

Health Information Technology Home

Health Information Technology Home

Entry-level coders analyze health records and assign the appropriate code to each diagnosis and procedure according to national and international guidelines. They perform research and rely on their knowledge of medical terminology, anatomy, and disease processes to determine the correct codes and sequences.

Coders then use a software program to assign the patient to one of several hundred “diagnosis-related groups (DRGs),” or “ambulatory payment classifications (APCs)”. Other coding systems used by the medical coder are known as encoders. Those who specialize in coding are called health information coders, medical record coders, coder/abstractors, or coding specialists.

 

For more information on the field of Health Information Technology, click on the health information management association links below.

American Health Information Management Association (AHIMA)

American Academy of Professional Coders (AAPC)

That all depends on your goals and interests. Neither health information coding nor health information technology is inherently better than the other, however there are a variety of factors that might make one a better choice for your potential career path.
 
For example, if you’re more interested in supporting healthcare professionals, patients or organizing medical data between parties, then you might be more suited to a role in health information coding. This field requires attention to detail and a high level of accuracy when it comes to the inputting and sharing of data, as well as knowing the ins and outs of various insurance policy processes.
 
If you find yourself more interested in the application of medical technology and the implementation and maintenance of electronic health records (EHR), then health information technology may be a better fit. You also need an understanding of medical regulations, privacy laws and requirements, and be able to check patient records for accuracy and completeness. 

Job Title Median Wage Annual Job Openings Expected Growth
Health Information Coding Specialist MT: $44,369
US: $49,852		 MT: 98
US: 34,626		 MT: 20%
US: 9%

Students that achieve the Health Information Coding Specialist Certificate can expect to obtain jobs in inpatient facilities, outpatient clinics, physician offices, or insurance companies as entry-level coders.

For more information related to career opportunities in this field, please visit AHIMA.org/careers

The Great Falls College MSU coding program is accredited through the American Health Information Management Association (AHIMA) . The Certified Coding Associate (CCA) distinguishes coders by exhibiting commitment and demonstrating coding competencies across all settings, including both hospitals and physician practices. Based upon job analysis standards and state-of-the-art test construction, the CCA is creating a larger pool of qualified coders ready to meet potential employers' needs. The CCA designation has been a nationally accepted standard of achievement in the health information management field since 2002. More than 8,000 people have attained the certification since inception. The CCA is the only HIM credential worldwide currently accredited by the National Commission for Certifying Agencies (NCCA) .

The successful completion of the Health Information Coding Specialist Certificate will assist the student in qualifying for the Certified Coding Associate (CCA) credential national exam; sponsored by AHIMA.

 

What Our Graduates Say


  • "Great Falls College MSU has given me the knowledge, skills and inspiration to succeed in the HIM field. The powerful HIT program I completed in 2011 has produced multiple, exciting employment opportunities. I could not possibly be happier with my HIT degree, RHIT certification and my chosen career field. Thank you Great Falls College MSU!"
    - Matthew Eby, RHIT
  • "The education I received from Great Falls College MSU paved the way to my dream job!"
    - Audrey Schanck, RHIT
  • "Great Falls College MSU’s online course allowed me to work full-time and achieve my goal of obtaining a degree in Health Information Technology. The education I received has prepared me for the exciting and challenging HIM field. Thank you GFC MSU!"
    - Kim Gordon, RHIT, CCA
  • "I am proud of my education I received from the school especially in my program. I have no complaints at all with the level of education I attained through my instructors. With an online program, I also feel it depends on how much effort the student is willing to delegate to the task of learning."
    - Mary McMann, RHIT, CCA

Health Information Coding Specialist Program Estimated Costs

Figure Out Your Finances

Students seeking federal financial aid (which includes grants and loans) must complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) which online at fafsa.ed.gov. As a result of completing a FAFSA, an applicant will receive a federal Student Aid Report (SAR) in the mail or online. An electronic version of the SAR is automatically sent to the schools listed on the FAFSA. To list Great Falls College MSU, use our school code: 009314.

Students applying for financial aid may also be required to provide proper federal income tax information, completed verification materials, and any other information requested by the Financial Aid Office. Students must apply for financial aid annually.

Assistance is available to prospective students applying for financial aid. In addition, financial aid counseling for new students is an integral part of the admissions and orientation process. Once enrolled, students may receive counseling and assistance as needed. For assistance, please call 406-771-4334, or write to the Financial Aid Office, Great Falls College MSU, 2100 16th Ave S, Great Falls, MT 59405, or email finaid@gfcmsu.edu.

Great Falls College MSU also offers a wide variety of different scholarships to assist you in paying for your college. To view a list of current scholarship offerings, please see our scholarship page.

Health Information Coding Specialist Program Requirements

For the complete course list and for more information on pre-requisite courses, please visit the catalog page for this program.

Our Health Information Coding Specialist Program at Great Falls College MSU is approved by the AHIMA Foundation’s Professional Certificate Approval Program. This designation acknowledges the coding program as having been evaluated by a peer review process against a national minimum set of standards for entry-level coding professionals. The approval time frame is March 31, 2022 and expires on March 31, 2025 with annual interim approval during these years.

The program is accredited by the American Health Information Management Association (AHIMA) .

The successful completion of the Health Information Coding Specialist Certificate will assist the student in qualifying for the Certified Coding Associate (CCA) credential national exam; sponsored by AHIMA.

Students that complete the Health Information Coding Specialist Certificate can easily transfer into the Health Information Technology two-year degree program at Great Falls College MSU.

Health Information Coding Specialist Faculty

 

Kristine Hancke

Kristine Hancke
HICS Program Director

kristine.hancke@gfcmsu.edu

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