Career Step Medical Coding and Billing Earns AHIMA Approval

Online, October 21, 2011 (Newswire.com) - Career Step, a leading online school, is proud to announce that its Inpatient and Outpatient Medical Coding and Billing program has been added to the list of medical coding education programs approved by American Health Information Management Association (AHIMA). As an AHIMA-Approved Coding Certificate Program, an independent peer review has determined that Career Step's curriculum meets the organization's model curriculum and standards.

"We're very excited to have earned AHIMA approval," said Career Step COO Mark Thomas, the executive over program development. "This approval certifies our Medical Coding and Billing program as one of the best in the industry, and it is a testament to the fact that our educational program focuses on quality training and student outcomes."

Career Step has been training entry-level medical coding and billing professionals for several years. The school released its current Inpatient and Outpatient Medical Coding and Billing program in 2009 and has trained thousands of students nationwide. The education program is completely online, allowing students to study on their own schedules; however, students also have access to many supplemental education resources, including textbooks, webinars, and one-on-one support from certified, experienced professionals who provide a private-tutor type of experience. The program also sets itself apart by the amount of hands-on experience included. Before graduation students are required to code hundreds of authentic medical records, ensuring they are prepared for certification and employment upon graduation.

AHIMA-Approved Coding Programs are only approved after an in-depth application and review process. This includes an independent, peer review analysis that evaluates program outcomes, faculty qualifications, and curriculum details. Programs on the approved list have been found to be compliant with the organization's standards of excellence and to offer curriculum that matches AHIMA's national model curriculum.

"With nearly 30 years of experience in healthcare, I have a great respect for AHIMA and the leadership role this organization plays within the industry. We appreciate the recognition this approval affords Career Step," said Michael Wilstead, Career Step CEO.