Historical Development of the Medical Insurance Coding Specialist Program

The Medical Insurance Coding Specialist (MICS) Program was conceived initially at PTC in the fall of 2006 when a group of professionals successfully completed a series of Medical Coding in-service workshops at the institution. Its fast paced and comprehensive curriculum allows its graduates to become employed at healthcare and billing facilities as medical insurance coders.

Scope and Practice of a Medical Insurance Coding Specialist

Medical Insurance Coding Specialists work in a variety of health care settings as entry level coders, medical record coders, coding technicians or clerks, or medical coding/billing specialists. As such, they are responsible for accurately assigning codes to medical diagnoses and procedures to ensure that clients receive proper reimbursement from insurance companies and government agencies. The Medical Insurance Coding Specialist becomes knowledgeable of, among other areas: medical terminology, anatomy and physiology, coding systems, pathophysiology, pharmacology, health care delivery systems, medical record procedures, ethical and legal responsibilities, safety/security standards, and data processing.

Work Environment

Most medical insurance coding specialists are employed in hospitals, healthcare clinics, and in physician offices. A full-time assignment generally comprises 40 hours.

Mission Statement

Consistent with and supporting the mission statement and goals of Professional Training Centers Inc., the mission of the Medical Insurance Coding Specialist (MICS) program is to successfully train medical insurance coding specialists through a practical curriculum that combines theory and practice and promotes the technical, intellectual and professional development of students so that they can become certified medical coders and obtain gainful employment in this specialized field.

Program Goals

1. To graduate competent medical coders, who will be employed as entry-level medical coding specialists.
2. To prepare our students with effective written and oral communication skills and ethical reasoning to interact effectively with the medical community.
3. To assist students in developing critical thinking and problem solving skills.
4. To promote a commitment to professional development and continuing education in our students.
5. To assist students in obtaining certification as medical coding specialists.

General information

The Medical Insurance Coding Specialist program at Professional Training Centers is a 45 week competency based program that follows the guidelines set forth by Florida Department of Education curriculum framework. The program prepares students for entry level positions as Medical Insurance Coders. After gaining appropriate work experience in this field, graduates of the program may be eligible to sit for the certification exams offered by the American Health Information Management Association (AHIMA), the American Academy of Professional Coders (AAPC), and/or the National Health Care Association (NHCA).

Upon completion of the Medical Insurance Coding Specialist program, graduates will earn a Diploma as Medical Insurance Coding Specialists.