March 17-18, 2005

 

ITEM 126-302-R0305����������������� Authorization to Establish a Certificate in Medical Coding; Flathead Valley Community College (FVCC)

 

THAT:�������������������������������������� The Board of Regents of Higher Education authorizes Flathead Valley Community College to establish a Certificate in Medical Coding.

 

EXPLANATION:����������������������� Flathead Valley Community College seeks approval from The Montana Board of Regents to convert the currently approved Level I Medical Coding Certificate program to an approved Level II Certificate program.� Students in this program are trained to transform verbal descriptions of diseases, injuries and procedures into alphanumeric designations or codes.� This coding is used to classify mortality on death certificates, claims for reimbursement, evaluation on the outcomes of healthcare and quality management in a health care institution.� FVCC�s program focuses on developing skills so that individuals can achieve maximum success in the profession.� Salaries for graduates range from $25,000 to $40,000.� FVCC�s program provides an opportunity for employment for place-bound individuals in rural locations through online employment. The proposed certificate utilizes primarily existing curriculum and staff.