Reviewing patient records and getting vital health data where it needs to go relies on medical coding. In the Information Age, this system of universal code numbers assures the timely flow of medical data anywhere in the nation or world.

Medical coders ensure that insurance companies have the right information and patients know their billing and payment options. Accurate coding gets bills paid, patient data organized, and insurance information verified. Electronic health records allow doctors, hospitals, and other providers to quickly share information, leading to swift and informed medical decision making. This information holds great potential as a Big Data resource for analyzing specific code as a method of studying how conditions progress and are treated on a mega scale.

The IU Online Undergraduate Certificate in Medical Coding teaches you to understand medical terminology, private payer policies, and government regulations. Upon successful completion of the certificate program, you are eligible to seek the Certified Coding Associate (CCA) credential offered by the American Health Information Management Association (AHIMA).  

As a student in the program, you take courses and labs covering healthcare information requirements and standards, medical science for health information, ICD-10-CM coding, CPT coding, the release of patient information, and healthcare reimbursement systems. The curriculum also includes a unique professional practicum component that integrates classroom instruction with applied, technical experience in a healthcare facility.

Your IU Online Undergraduate Certificate prepares you for such careers as:

• Medical coder 
• Benefits coordinator 
• Documentation and coding specialist 
• Medical biller 
• Medical billing customer service representative 

Certificate Requirements 

To earn the Undergraduate Certificate in Medical Coding, you must complete 28 credit hours of core requirements. 

NOTE: Prerequisites for the Undergraduate Certificate in Medical Coding include: BIOL-N 207 Physiology for Health Care Management, BIOL-N 211 Anatomy for Health Care Management, HIM-M 110 Computer Concepts for Health Information, and HIM-M 330 Medical Terminology. If a student does not have prior credit for these courses, the student may have up to an additional 12 credits of coursework to complete before starting the certificate. 

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