Program description: Medical coding is the portion of health information management in which a person transforms medical diagnoses and procedures into numbers or codes for health care reimbursement. Medical coding is a universal language for the medical profession. These numerical medical codes provide accuracy and clarity for health care reimbursement, which is vital for the success and stability of the health care provider. Medical coders code each medical diagnosis and procedure and may communicate with physicians to clarify diagnoses or obtain additional information.

Kirkwood’s Health Information Technology (HIT) program focuses on medical coding in the first year of the program. Students may earn a Medical Coding diploma after completing the first three semesters of the HIT program. Students may exit as a medical coding graduate or continue on for the last two semesters of the HIT program. In addition to taking courses on campus and online, students also complete practicums at health facilities throughout the state. Medical Coding is the first year of the Health Information Technology program. The program begins each fall.