The Medical Coding Specialist certificate program prepares an individual to assign numerical codes to diagnoses, symptoms, and operative (surgical and invasive) procedures using the ICD-10-CM/PCS (International Classification of Disease - 10th Revision, Clinical Modification and Procedure Coding System) and medical and surgical procedures according to CPT-4 (Current Procedural Terminology-4th Edition), and HCPCS Level II (Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services Healthcare Common Procedure Coding System) describing non-physician services. CPT coding is used to describe services provided by physicians and is used for services provided by hospital outpatient, ancillary departments, emergency departments, and other ambulatory care facilities.
The Medical Coding Specialist Certificate of Completion, along with relevant work experience, can prepare a person to take the certification examination offered by the American Health Information Management Association to become a Certified Coding Associate (CCA). After further experience they may apply to become a Certified Coding Specialist (CCS). Individuals skilled in clinical coding are employed as coders for hospitals, physician’s offices, peer review organizations, clinics, consulting firms, and/or insurance companies.
| COURSE | TITLE | S.H. |
|---|---|---|
| ENGL 1550 | Writing 1 | 3-4 |
| or ENGL 1549 | Writing 1 with Support | |
| BIOL 1545 & 1545L | Allied Health Anatomy and Physiology and Allied Health Anatomy and Physiology Laboratory | 5 |
| AHLT 2605 | Introduction to Pharmacology | 3 |
| AHLT 1501 | Medical Terminology | 3 |
| AHLT 1502 | Applied Pathophysiology | 4 |
| CSIS 1514 | Business Computer Systems | 3 |
| HIM 1500 | Introduction to Health Records | 3 |
| HIM 1510 | Reimbursement Methodologies | 3 |
| HIM 2600 | CPT Coding | 4 |
| HIM 2610 | ICD-10 CM Coding | 4 |
| HIM 2620 | Advanced Coding | 3 |
| HIM 2625 | Professional Practicum I | 1 |
| HIM 2630 | Legal/Ethical Concepts in HIM | 3 |
| Total Semester Hours | 42-43 | |