Professional Coders group donates $750 to RLC’s Medical Coding program

INA, Ill. (Dec. 23, 2015) - A professional sorority out of Mt. Vernon is getting into the holiday giving spirit with a $750 donation to students in the Medical Coding program at Rend Lake College. Monday morning, members of the American Academy of Professional Coders (AAPC) presented the donation to RLC Foundation CEO Shawna Bullard, just in time to help students next year.

Jennifer Jones, Secretary Treasurer of the Mt. Vernon AAPC Chapter, said the donation can be used at the Foundation’s discretion, dependent on student needs. Bullard said ideally the scholarship will be awarded to a student this spring.

“We’re donating to the program, for multiple students or for one student, for books or for tuition, however the college sees fit,” explained Jones. “A majority of us in AAPC are very passionate about what we do, and we’d like to encourage that kind of passion in other people. We also want to encourage the education for coding students.”

Officers from the AAPC Chapter in Mt. Vernon donated $750 to the RLC Foundation CEO Shawna Bullard, RIGHT, Monday morning. Pictured is, FROM LEFT, Jennifer Jones, 2015 Secretary Treasurer; Carol Hamerski, 2015 President; Michelle DePew, 2016 President; Kendra Aydt, 2015-2016 Vice President; Donna Beehn, 2016 Secretary Treasurer; and Bullard. Click on the image for a larger view.
(ReAnne Palmer / RLC Public Information)

Jones continued to say that, because of an increasing need for certified medical coders, the local AAPC Chapter is hoping to inspire students to work on obtaining their certificate. At RLC, the Medical Coding Occupational Certificate requires two semesters of work and 29 credit hours before students can sit for the licensing examination.

“What we see is that businesses are looking for certified coders, instead of people doing data entry, because of stricter guidelines and audits,” said Jones. “Coders are being hired because they know the rules behind what they’re doing, and we want to encourage that education.”

The AAPC is a national organization with multiple chapters in nearly every state, including one in Mt. Vernon and Carbondale. The local chapter hosts the licensing examinations for students who are interested in becoming certified coders, in addition to an annual all-day seminar featuring educational speakers. Jones said they also offer networking and educational events to help coders earn required continuing education units (CEUs).

“Our goal is not to be profitable. Throughout the year, we host the certification exams and the national organization pays us for each person to cover costs. When we host the annual seminar, we charge to cover the expenses of speakers, the rooms, and food. We have little need to spend money,” said Jones. “When there is a profit, and we’ve gained some over the last few years, we want to utilize it effectively, and the best way to do that in this area is to promote education.”

Bullard added, “My goal is for local organizations and individuals to understand the impact they can make on a student’s life with a scholarship, alleviating a financial burden that can be weighing heavily on their shoulders. This organization stepping forward to help their future ranks is very inspiring, and we are so thankful for their generosity.”

To learn more about RLC’s program, contact Lora Phillips, Medical Coding Instructor, at 618-437-5321, Ext. 1776. For more information about the RLC Foundation, visit www.rlc.edu/rlc-foundation or call 618-437-5321, Ext. 1214.