Clinical coding courses
Recognised introductory-level clinical coding courses are currently offered via distance education through:
- Health Information Management Association of Australia (HIMAA) (external site)
- NSW Open Training and Education Network (OTEN) (external site)
It is up to individuals to select the appropriate course depending on their needs. Consideration should be made on the course content, duration, costs and availability to ensure that as a graduate you will have attained the appropriate knowledge and skills to be competitive when applying for a clinical coding position.
The recruitment process always aims to identify the candidate with the best skill set for the job which is determined by assessing the written application, interview responses, coding test results (practical test performed at interview) and possession of practical coding experience. Therefore final suitability is determined based on assessment results and potential shown by the individual, not on qualification alone.
To enrol in the HIMAA Introductory ICD-10-AM course, you must possess comprehensive knowledge of medical terminology. Registered nurses, overseas medical practitioners, graduates of medical science degrees and others with a clinical background can apply for recognition of prior learning for medical terminology. If you are not eligible for recognition of prior learning, you must complete a medical terminology course to be able to enrol in the HIMAA Introductory ICD-10-AM course.
Through HIMAA, there are further education opportunities available. These include an Intermediate and Advanced Coding Course, as well as a Refresher Course. The Refresher Course is available to those who have prior workplace experience in ICD-10-AM, ACHI and ACS Clinical Coding and would like to re-enter the workplace as a Clinical Coder. Some pre-requisites apply. Information can be found regarding these courses through the HIMAA link above.
The OTEN Medical Records Coding Course combines medical terminology and clinical coding, therefore there is no pre-requisite for medical terminology.
A Clinical Coding Refresher Course is available through La Trobe University. La Trobe University also runs a Clinical Coding Auditing Course.
Some university degrees also have Clinical Coding as part of their curriculum. Information about this can be found in the Health information managers section.