Rare health care profession taught at LCC

More than a year after its inception, Laredo Community College's Coding Certificate Program is working to meet the needs of Laredo and surrounding communities as students earn certification for a growing health care demand for medical coders.

Medical coders, or technicians, are trained professionals who assign a specific number or "code" to medical diagnosis and procedures performed by health care professionals, such as physicians. They work in the billing office of medical practices, clinics, or hospitals and help complete, review, and process medical claims.

"Medical coders are a rarity in Laredo," Norma Moore, LCC's Medical Assistant Program director, said.

In spring 2009, Hugo Garcia, a registered health information technician, began teaching in the Coding Certificate Program at LCC and brings a wealth of experience and knowledge to students.

Garcia is one of a handful of professional coders in the area, with more than 13 years of experience at various health care institutions throughout south Texas.

"Many people don't realize that medical coders are found in almost every hospital or doctor's offices," Garcia said. "As soon as you walk into that emergency room or office, your disease or diagnosis has a numeric value."

"For example, if the doctor removes a cyst, a number is assigned to that," Garcia added. "Every imaginable thing that is done to a person has a number." Garcia added. "Medical coders then compile those numbers for insurance and billing purposes."

LCC's coding certificate is a 10.5-month program where students are introduced to pharmacology, medical insurance and pathophysiology, among others classes. The program also includes a practicum where the students serve as interns in a medical records department in a clinic or hospital.

"These classes give students a competitive advantage because we expose them and help them understand the intricacies of medical records," Moore added.

The coding certificate also serves as an entry-level gateway into becoming a health care professional, such as a nurse, medical office manager, billing clerk, or medical assistant.

Once students complete the program, they can sit for the Certified Coding Specialist exam and have entry-level billing and coding skills to work at a doctor's office, hospital, or clinic.
Seasoned coders can earn up to $70,000 a year.

Advising for the fall semester will continue through Aug. 12 at either the LCC Fort McIntosh or South campuses in the Student Success Center. The payment deadline is August 19.

The first day of the fall 2010 semester is Aug. 23.

For more information on the Coding Certificate Program, contact Norma Moore at 721-5265 or email at nmoore@laredo.edu.

For other class registration information, contact the Registration Center at the LCC Fort McIntosh at 721-5109 or the South Campus at 794-4110.