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The Coding Source Announces Expanded Schedule of
Medical Coding Classes at Four Southland Locations in 2004
-- 80-Hour Courses Enable Graduates to Fill
Hundreds of Good-Paying Vacant Jobs --
Los Angeles - December 3, 2003 - The Coding Source, a provider of certified medical coding training programs, outsourced medical coding services and job placement, has announced an expanded calendar of medical coding classes at four different Southland locations in early-2004.
The four locations are: Burbank (beginning January 12); Anaheim (beginning January 19); Los Angeles (beginning February 16); and Torrance (beginning February 21). Class times and schedules vary, but all of them either meet in the evenings or on Saturdays in order to accommodate the weekday work schedules of students.
Based in Westwood, The Coding Source started operations last January in response to the serious shortage of medical coders, the trained professionals who assist physicians and hospitals in assigning the correct billing code to healthcare services provided. The company offers a Certified Professional Coder (CPC) course that is fully endorsed by the American Academy of Professional Coders (AAPC), the organization that administers the national certification exam.
In addition, The Coding Source provides career assistance and job placement services within an extensive network of medical groups, physician billing offices, hospitals and insurance companies.
According to an AAPC survey, 18 percent of all medical coding positions are vacant right now, 10,000 new positions are created each year, and job prospects for formally trained coders are expected to increase 36 percent through 2010.
"We're deeply gratified by the rapid growth of our company and are pleased that the demand for medical coding classes has allowed us to expand our schedule to include a number of additional sites throughout Los Angeles and Orange Counties in 2004," said Greg Sinaiko, MPH, president of The Coding Source. "Professional coding is a critical area for every medical practice and physician billing office because of its direct impact on both compliance and reimbursement. The CPC certification indicates to a provider that the professional coder has reached a certain level of knowledge and competency that is essential in order to effectively perform the job."
According to Sinaiko, coders are responsible for correctly coding each service performed by healthcare providers to ensure proper billing, so it is a job function that helps to minimize provider liability and assure appropriate payment for services provided. By contrast, incorrect coding, whether intentional or not, is often the cause of litigation or even fines and penalties from government agencies. In addition, repeated violations can result in a healthcare provider losing Medicare or Medicaid provider status.
"The demand for certified coders in Southern California and other major markets around the U.S. continues to grow," said Sinaiko. "Individuals with CPC credentials are receiving excellent salaries while establishing a lifelong career that, in many cases, can be done full-or part-time from their homes."
According to Sinaiko, the requirements for becoming a CPC are: a high school diploma (or GED); either two years of previous medical coding experience or one year of such experience and proof of the completion of an 80-hour coding course; and a passing grade on the certification exam.
The Coding Source was formed by the principals of Sinaiko Healthcare Consulting, a leading healthcare management consulting firm that for the past 12 years has served integrated health systems, hospitals, academic medical centers and physicians nationwide. The new company leverages the healthcare industry expertise and professional reputations of the Sinaiko senior consultants. For more information, please go to www.thecodingsource.com.
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