Medical Coding Training for Nurses

Hospitals and other health care facilities employ medical coding specialists to translate diagnoses, treatments and medications into code for billing and record-keeping purposes. Registered nurses who are interested in learning about medical coding can enroll in a training program through a vocational institute, hospital program or community college.

Program Overview

• Medical coding training programs that are designed specifically for registered nurses teach students about the basic concepts of ICD-9-CM coding. Nurses also learn the basic steps involved in the coding process and the importance of accuracy in medical coding.

Curriculum

• Some of the courses included within a medical coding program for nurses cover insurance coding, coding documentation, billing for outpatient services, diagnostic coding, Medicare, pathology and laboratory codes and the Healthcare Common Procedure Coding System (HCPCS).

Differences from Traditional Coding Programs

• Traditional medical billing and coding certificate and degree programs are offered as vocational programs for individuals who have little or no experience working in the health care field. These programs often include courses on human anatomy, physiology and medical terminology that are not included in the medical coding programs for nurses.