Medical Coding, Certificate (Online)

Overview

The College offers a full-time/one-year or a part-time/two-year online Medical Coding Certificate program for those students interested in technical skills of ICD-10-CM and CPT coding. Graduates of the Medical Coding Certificate program are eligible for examinations by AHIMA and AAPC to earn a variety of coding credentials.

Program Outcomes

1. Define basic medical terminology word parts (prefixes, suffixes and roots)
2. Define common medical terms associated with the body systems studied Identify the body systems and associated organs studied during this course with their common diseases
3. Discuss a disease following the medical model (etiology, pathophysiology, diagnosis, treatment).
4. Demonstrate the ability to research drug references.
5. Interpret the guidelines required for coding, the coding clinics published by AHA (American Hospital Association) and proper usage of the ICD-10-CM and CPT-4 coding books.
6. Validate coding accuracy using clinical information found in the health record.
7. Adhere to current regulations and established guidelines in code assignment.
8. Appropriately utilize the Encoder.
9. Select diagnostic/procedural groupings (e.g., DRG, LTC-DRGs, and so on) accurately.
10. Discuss how to resolve discrepancies between coded data and supporting documentation.
11. Summarize accurate billing through coding, charge master, claims management, and bill reconciliation processes.
12. Apply established guidelines to comply with reimbursement and reporting requirements, such as CMS’s official coding guidelines.
13. Appropriately utilize the CPT-4 codebook and the encoders.
14. Validate coding accuracy using clinical information found in the health record.
15. Defend a code assignment, when requested, by providing the coding guidelines applied, classification system rules applied, and the specific documentation in the case.
16. Differentiate between a data repository and a data warehouse. Identify and recognize both internal and external sources of data.
17. Differentiate between the various software products used in the HIM department.
18. Describe how administrative systems impact health information management practices.
19. Differentiate between the various clinical information systems.
20. Explain the role of clinical vocabularies in the electronic health record.
21. Discuss federal security regulation.
22. Discuss pros and cons of computer-assisted coding.
23. Use an encoder to code and determine the DRG and provide the rationale for the grouping.
24. Report on internal reimbursement oversight functions, such as, but not limited to, Utilization review/management and Case management.

Program of Study

While the College makes every effort to avoid schedule changes, the College may cancel courses or alter course schedules without prior notification.

Professional Courses (12 credits)

HIT 1040	Introduction to the Study of Disease	3
HIT 1051	Introduction to the Study of Disease	3
HIT 1250	Healthcare Delivery and Reimbursement	3
HIT 1310	Health Information Technology	3

Medical Coding Courses (16 credits)

HIT 2200	Classification: ICD	4
HIT 2250	Classification: ICD	4
HIT 2301	CPT: Medical	2
HIT 2302	CPT: Surgical	2
HIT 2400	Classification: Advanced Coding	2
HIT 2440	Coding Professional Practice Experience (PPE)	2

One-Year Schedule

Year 1

Fall

HIT 1040	Introduction to the Study of Disease	3
HIT 1250	Healthcare Delivery and Reimbursement	3
HIT 2200	Classification: ICD	4
HIT 2301	CPT: Medical	2

Spring

HIT 1051	Introduction to the Study of Disease	3
HIT 1310	Health Information Technology	3
HIT 2250	Classification: ICD	4
HIT 2302	CPT: Surgical	2

Summer

HIT 2400	Classification: Advanced Coding	2
HIT 2440	Coding Professional Practice Experience (PPE)	2

Two-Year Schedule

Year 1

Fall

HIT 1040	Introduction to the Study of Disease	3
HIT 1250	Healthcare Delivery and Reimbursement	3

Spring

HIT 1051	Introduction to the Study of Disease	3
HIT 1310	Health Information Technology	3

Year 2

Fall

HIT 2200	Classification: ICD	4
HIT 2301	CPT: Medical	2

Spring

HIT 2250	Classification: ICD	4
HIT 2302	CPT: Surgical	2

Summer

HIT 2400	Classification: Advanced Coding	2
HIT 2440	Coding Professional Practice Experience (PPE)	2

Students are awarded the certificate after meeting the following requirements: 

• Successful completion of the certificate program as prescribed by the College 
• A cumulative grade point average of 2.0 or higher
• A minimum grade of D (63-66) in the introductory courses HIT 1040, HIT 1051, HIT 1250, and HIT 1310
• A minimum grade of C (73-76) in the following professional coding courses: HIT 2200, HIT 2250, HIT 2301, HIT 2302, HIT 2400, and HIT 2440
• Completion of all medical coding program requirements within three years of enrollment at the College