Medical Coder

Technical Diploma
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Why choose Medical Coder?

  • The future of medical records is electronic—coded and processed into a secure digital format.
  • Get the training needed for employment as an entry-level medical coder, where you will assign diagnosis and procedure codes for billing, quality improvement, statistical reporting, and medical research.
  • Graduate into many great careers, or advance your education in the Health Information Management associate in applied science (AAS).
  • Interested in earning a bachelor’s degree? For transfer opportunities, visit mstc.edu/transfer.
At one time, patient medical histories had to be pieced together by tracking down isolated paper records from different providers. Today they are increasingly coded and processed into a secure digital format that authorized medical personnel can access. These electronic health records (EHR) allow physicians and other caregivers to make informed decisions quickly, drastically improving quality of care and efficiency.

Program Locations

Marshfield Campus
2600 West 5th Street
Marshfield, WI 54449

Online

What You'll Learn

The Medical Coder program at Mid-State prepares students for entry-level work as medical coders in health care settings, such as hospitals, physician offices, long-term care facilities, and more. Medical coders review medical documentation and assign diagnosis and procedure codes for the purposes of billing, quality improvement, statistical reporting, and medical research.

In this program, you’ll be introduced to reimbursement principles and build proficiency in assigning codes across all settings. After program completion, graduates may qualify to take the Certified Coding Associate (CCA) credentialing exam through the American Health Information Management Association (AHIMA).

Estimated Entire Program Cost

Cost based on the 2022/23 academic year.

  • Tuition & Fees: $4,606.80
  • Books: $1,843.90
  • Supplies, Uniforms, and/or Exams: $0
  • Total Estimated Cost: $6,450.70

Financial Aid Eligibility

This program is eligible for full Financial Aid

Term: 1
  Catalog# Title Credits
  10501101 Medical Terminology  3
  10806189 Basic Anatomy 3
  10530123 Introduction to Digital Information in Healthcare 3
  10103106 Microsoft Office-Introduction  3
  Term Total   12 Credits
       
Term: 2
  Catalog# Title Credits
  10530144 CPT Coding 3
  10530182 Human Disease for the Health Professions 3
  10530197 ICD Diagnosis Coding 3
  Term Total   9 Credits
       
Term: 3
  Catalog# Title Credits
  10530166 Inpatient Procedure Coding 3
  10530146 Private and Government Reimbursement 3
  10530147 HIM Advanced Coding 3
  Term Total   9 Credits
       
  Program Total   30 Credits

This course has options available to receive credit for prior learning (CPL) or work experience.

Instructors

JULIE LARSEN, BS, RHIA, CCS, CDIP

Julie Larsen earned her BS in health information management and technology with a healthcare management emphasis from UW-Green Bay. She brings over a decade of experience in inpatient coding, education, and quality analysis to her teaching at Mid-State, including training coders and other healthcare professionals on inpatient coding, CDI DRG mismatch, quality analysis, and alignment processes. She has also generated educational materials and facilitated coding training and programs for hospital inpatient coders through classroom teaching and one-on-one training.

“I love the educator role because the environment constantly changes in health information, and the learning never stops. Watching someone learn about the opportunities and expanding their knowledge is a fulfilling experience.”

ANGELA VOIGHT, AAS, BS

Angela earned her BS in career and technical education and training from UW-Stout and her associate degree in Biomedical Informatics (AKA Health Information Management) from Mid-State Technical College. She is a Registered Health Information Technician (RHIT) and Certified Professional Coder (CPC) with four years of experience as a medical coder for local hospitals. To keep her skills and professional certifications up to date, she attains 56 credits of continuing education every two years.

“I enjoy teaching because of the 'aha' moments.”

Careers

  • Medical Coder
  • Medical Claims Reviewer
  • Financial Services Specialist
  • Coding Support Specialist

“Earning a degree at Mid-State allowed me to widen my employment possibilities outside my limited geographical area and elevate my earning potential. I was even able to take required courses online and continue with ‘life as usual.’”

LORINDA LEACH
GRADUATE

Choose Your Path

Career pathways help you take your education one step at a time to maximize your investment and make college fit your life. Earn a credential and start using it in the workforce. Continue with another stack of related courses to gain a more advanced diploma or degree.

TransferDual CreditCredit for Prior Learning

Medical Coder Pathway