FIMC-Inpatient Coding : Your Pathway to Success in a High-Demand Field
The demand for skilled inpatient coders has never been greater. Hospitals, facilities, and Ambulatory Surgery Centers (ASCs) across the nation are in urgent need of professionals who can accurately code complex inpatient cases. The FIMC-Inpatient Coding program offers a complete online education designed to equip you with the skills necessary to thrive in this challenging and rewarding field.
This program is perfect for seasoned outpatient coders, especially those with broad experience in coding for Emergency Room, Ambulatory Surgery, and Observation cases, who are looking to transition into inpatient coding.
Critical Role of Inpatient Coders
Inpatient coders are vital to the operation of any healthcare facility. Their responsibilities include assigning accurate codes to diagnoses and procedures, ensuring compliance with government and insurance regulations.
Intensive Training for Certified Professionals
Inpatient coding requires a high level of expertise. This course offers the intensive training necessary to become a certified professional, focusing on correct code sequencing and adherence to all relevant guidelines.
Real-World Practice with EHR Go
You’ll test your skills using EHR Go, an interprofessional platform that simulates real-world scenarios, providing you with hands-on coding practice in a controlled, educational environment.
Proven Training Methods
With over 15 years of experience in teaching medical coding, we have a track record of helping students pass their certification exams on the first attempt. Our techniques, honed over years of experience, are designed to make you workforce-ready.
Comprehensive Curriculum
The course covers everything you need to know to succeed in hospital or facility-based medical coding. You’ll learn how to abstract information from medical records, master ICD-10-CM and ICD-10-PCS coding, and gain specialized knowledge in MS-DRGs and Inpatient Prospective Payment Systems (IPPS)
Flexible, Self-Paced Learning
All courses are available online, 24/7, from any internet-enabled device. You can learn at your own pace, revisit topics as needed, and progress through the material on your own schedule.
Easy-to-Understand Teaching Style
We understand that coding can be challenging to learn. That’s why our teaching style is designed to be clear and engaging, making complex topics easier to understand.
Chapter Tests and Support
Chapter tests are included to ensure that you have mastered the material before moving on. If you encounter difficulties, you can easily revisit previous lessons. Additionally, our Student Support Forums provide a space for you to interact with fellow students, staff, and instructors.
Addressing the Growing Demand for Inpatient Coders
Inpatient coding is a critical need in today’s healthcare environment. Here’s why:
Scarcity of Skilled Coders
Well-trained inpatient coding specialists are in short supply, making it difficult for hospitals to find the expertise they need.
High Coder Turnover
The high turnover rate among coders nationwide exacerbates staffing challenges, leaving hospitals in a constant struggle to maintain their coding teams.
Recruitment Difficulties in Remote Areas
Hospitals in remote locations face significant challenges in attracting and retaining certified coders, often leading to gaps in coding coverage.
Complexity of Specialty Coding
The advent of Ambulatory Payment Classifications (APCs) and Ambulatory Patient Groups (APGs) has added layers of complexity to hospital coding, requiring coders with specialized knowledge.
Budget Constraints
Many hospital medical records departments operate with limited budgets, making it challenging to recruit and retain a sufficient number of coders to meet their needs.
Shortage of Certified Coders
The shortage of certified coders with extensive training in hospital facility coding is a nationwide issue, leading to increased demand for qualified professionals.
Staffing Challenges for Smaller or Specialty Hospitals
Smaller hospitals and specialty facilities often cannot justify the cost of hiring full-time coders, resulting in inadequate coding coverage and financial risks.
