What's an example of clinical coding?

Clinical coders are primarily responsible for translating health records into standardised codes.

For example, if the medical record states,

The patient was admitted for deep brain stimulation for Parkinson’s disease

This would be represented by;

Code Description
G20 Parkinson’s Disease
40709-04 [1880] Brain neuromodulation
40709-00 [6] Insertion of intracranial electrode via burr holes




These codes are essential for state and commonwealth data reporting, health service planning and hospital funding models. As such, clinical coders play an essential role in Australia’s healthcare system by ensuring the quality and accuracy of important health data.


Acronym Definition
ICD-10-AM International Statistical Classification of Diseases and Related Health Problems – Tenth Revision – Australian Modification
AHCI Australian Classification of Health Interventions
ACS Australian Coding Standards

TalentMed’s Diploma of Clinical Coding is based on ICD-10-AM (Twelfth Revision), which is the current industry standard used in Australia and New Zealand.


Yes, we welcome all international students. If you have any questions, you can contact us at any time via our website, live chat, email and phone support. If you would like to get started, you can enrol with us at any time via our website.

You will need access to the ICD-10-AM (Twelfth Edition), ACHI & ACS coding classifications. You can purchase these resources in either electronic (recommended available on Windows only) or hard-copy (printed) format for between $330-$349 (inclusive of ~$200 student discount).


Fortunately not. Whilst some providers require you to undertake mandatory hospital-based training, TalentMed’s Diploma of Clinical Coding includes access to thousands of real-world medical records to practice and hone your clinical coding skills. In addition, the course includes a simulated Patient Administration System (PAS) which replicates those used by many Australian hospitals.


You can enrol in TalentMed’s Diploma of Clinical Coding online at any time. Simply click Enrol Now and follow the prompts during the checkout and subsequent enrolment form. Alternatively, please call 03 9937 1599. Once your enrolment form has been processed, your course login details will be issued straight away.


Yes, TalentMed’s Diploma of Clinical Coding is delivered entirely online. You can access all of the resources online 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. There is no face-to-face training or mandatory hospital placement(s) required.

Even though TalentMed ranks among the very best in accredited training, we’re also among the most affordable. Compared with traditional pathways, online study with TalentMed offers you the best value whilst delivering the highest quality in education and learning. According to the government’s Study in Australia website, the average cost of a Diploma is between $10,000-$15,000AUD.

Average cost of Diploma in Australia

With TalentMed’s premier Diploma of Clinical Coding, you can undertake the course for a fraction of the cost of most Diplomas. In addition, TalentMed offers a variety of flexible payment options to help balance your tuition fees.

This course delivered online, so you can progress through your studies at a time and place that best suits you. We recommend that you study approximately 15 hours/week to complete the course within the 18-month intended time-frame.

At TalentMed, we’re with you every step of the way with support resources that include:

  • Qualified Trainers and Assessors with decades of experience in Health Information Management (HIM). These trainers have professional experience in both vocational education and HIM, making them uniquely qualified to answer questions about both the curriculum and the industry.
  • Student Support Advisers who provide valuable information and assistance with any issues during your coursework. The course may be delivered online, but you’re never in it alone!
  • Technical Support Advisers who are knowledgeable, experienced, and available five days a week to help you work through any technical or computer issues encountered within the course.
  • Graduate Advisers who help you develop your career plans in an individual consultation and assist you in your job search after you graduate. Our Graduate Advisers offer training, tips, and personalised advice on your job hunt.

As a registered training provider and not an employer, TalentMed is unable to guarantee any work or job positions upon course completion. However, TalentMed’s diploma-level qualifications are listed on the Australian Qualifications Framework (AQF) and classified as nationally-recognised training. Therefore its qualifications are recognised by employers and any other registered training organisation across Australia.

There is a recognised shortfall in the coding workforce of Australia, as has been articulated by multiple national surveys including those by HIMAA, McKenzie & Walker and the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare. Clinical coders play an important part in Australia’s healthcare system. They are primarily responsible for translating medical records into standardised codes used for data reporting, health service planning and hospital funding models. As our population expands and ages – the demand for skilled clinical coders increase.

TalentMed’s Diploma of Clinical Coding is nationally recognised and listed under the Australian Qualifications Framework. This qualification is fast-becoming the de facto qualification for professional clinical coders.

Although the course is nationally recognised, it is not currently approved for VET Student Loans.

Minimum academic entry requirements

To be assessed as academically suited for this course, you must provide either:

  • a copy of your Australian Senior Secondary Certificate of Education (year 12 Certificate), or
  • a copy of your International Baccalaureate Diploma (IB), or
  • evidence of successful completion of an Australian Qualification Framework (AQF) Certificate IV or higher qualification (where the language of instruction is English).

If you are unable to provide one of the above documents, we will send you login details to complete a quick Language, Literacy and Numeracy (LLN) pre-assessment to confirm your suitability for the course. Students must demonstrate Exit Level 3 (or higher) competency in both reading and numeracy.

Minimum online learning competency

This clinical coding course is delivered online. As such, entry to the course requires you to be proficient with operating a personal computer. You will be specifically asked about your online learning competency as part of your pre-training review to evaluate your suitability for the course.

Minimum age

Minimum age of 18 years.

English language requirements

This course requires applicants to read, write and understand the English language. As such, entry to the course requires English proficiency at a year 12 level or equivalency such as an NRT qualification at the Certificate IV level or higher, or two years industry experience in a role that requires the use of both written and verbal communication. Alternatively, applicants can undertake an appropriate Language, Literacy and Numeracy (LLN) assessment tool to determine course suitability prior to enrolment.

Alignment with personal and/or professional needs

Applicants must also be able to demonstrate that their course of interest aligns to their personal or professional needs.

Government funding

Applicants seeking enrolment under any Government funding contract will be assessed against the requirements set out in the relevant funding contract and guidelines to ensure they are eligible for the enrolment under the Government funding.

Students with disabilities

Clinical coding often provides a unique and fulfilling career for individuals with disabilities. Please contact us on 03 9937 1599 to find out more about ways that we can assist you.

As per normal VET assessment procedures, especially with regard to pre-training assessments, the assessment should only be initially administered once. In order for the learner and TalentMed to implement any targeted LLN support and to have sufficient time for the learner to improve their LLN skills to the required level, a minimum period of no less than three months is required between undertaking further assessments using the approved tool. It may take longer than this, but at least three months should provide enough time for progress to be made and improvement to be able to be demonstrated.

TalentMed believes that this is not about ‘passing the test’, as can be the practice in some situations, and re-sitting the test a number of times until the learner eventually passes. This is not the purpose of undertaking this assessment for course suitability purposes. The purpose of the LLN test is to assess whether the learner has sufficient skills to potentially succeed in undertaking a Diploma level qualification or higher. Allowing learners to keep re-sitting until they pass would not be a fair or valid process. It is TalentMed’s goal to provide targeted LLN support and to allow the learner to have sufficient time to improve their LLN skills to the required level.

At the end of the day, this requirement is aimed at protecting your learning needs and ensuring the course is suitable for your success.

Yes. Please view our current Student Refund Policy and Procedure available here.

You can access TalentMed’s policies and procedures online at anytime by clicking here or via the Policies hyperlink in the footer of our website.

As the course is delivered online, all you need is a computer, an internet connection, and a passion to learn about the clinical coding industry! For a full list of specifications, please see below:

Operating System

  • Microsoft Windows (compatible with both electronic and hard-copy reference books)

  • MacOS (compatible with hard-copy reference books only)

  • Chrome OS (compatible with hard-copy reference books only)

Browser

  • Google Chrome (recommended)

  • Microsoft Edge

  • Firefox

  • Safari

Hardware

  • Earphones/headphones recommended

  • Active internet connection

Software

  • Word Processor such as Microsoft Word,  Google Docs, Mac Pages or Open/Libre Office

  • PDF reader

Most computers do come with these specifications. However, if you’re unsure about any of the requirements, please do not hesitate to call us on 03 9937 1599.