Indiana University Southeast in New Albany, Ind. and Louisville, Ky.-based Norton Healthcare have developed a strategic partnership to promote medical coding leadership through IU's Certified Professional Coder program, reports IUS Now.
As the transition to ICD-10 enhanced the need for more highly trained coding personnel, Norton Healthcare provides tuition support to company coders looking to advance and refine their coding education and career path at IU Southeast.
"Coding is vital to providing excellent patient care here at Norton Healthcare and critical to the business aspect of any type of facility, whether it's long-term, outpatient or acute care," Christy Ralston, Norton director of workforce development, told IUS Now. "It allows us to communicate the services rendered to the providers and ensure that adequate compensation is occurring for that specific level of care."
Altogether, Norton Healthcare invests $9 million annually in its various education arms, supporting 750 students per year in career-related study programs and providing coaching resources to nearly 1500, according to Ms. Ralston.
Officials from both organizations have expressed satisfaction with the partnership, which began in 2012. Norton Healthcare gains employees who are highly trained coders as well as well situated to become company leaders. IU Southeast gains an important regional partner and a well-spring of new students to enrich the classroom experience.
Norton Healthcare provides services at more than 210 healthcare locations, including five hospitals and 13 immediate care facilities.