2017-2018 Catalog

Coding Specialist, Certificate

Certificate—41 credit hours

Curriculum Code 1431

This program prepares students to become medical coding specialists and gain a working knowledge of diagnosis and procedure coding systems. Medical coders classify diagnoses and procedures into numerical format to be used for reimbursement, data quality and medical research. Coders develop a broad base of knowledge to enable the application of coding theory using medical terminology, disease process, surgical procedures, and pharmacology principles. Graduates may seek employment as coders, insurance billers, and reimbursement specialists. After completion of the certificate, students may choose to continue their education and earn the A.A.S. in Health Information Technology. All coding certificate courses are applicable toward the A.A.S. degree. Approval: The Coding Specialist curriculum meets the basic requirements prescribed by the American Health Information Management Association and has been approved as a comprehensive coding program by the Professional Certificate Approval Program Council. Graduates may elect to write a credentialing exam which is administered by the American Health Information Management Association to become a Certified Coding Specialist (CCS) or Certified Coding Specialist—Physician Based (CCS-P).

Gainful Employment Information

Required Career Courses

41 credit hours as follows:

BIO-115Anatomy and Physiology

5

IMS-115Microsoft Office I

3

MRT-110Medical Terminology

3

MRT-111Health Information Management

3

MRT-113Coding Professional Practice

4

MRT-119Insurance Reimbursement Procedures

2

MRT-123EHR and Practice Management

3

MRT-125Pathophysiology and Pharmacology

3

MRT-131CPT/HCPCS Level II

4

MRT-132ICD-10-CM

4

MRT-133ICD-10-PCS

4

MRT-212Medical Reimbursement Systems

3

Suggested Schedule

Semester 1 (6 credit hours)

IMS-115Microsoft Office I

3

MRT-110Medical Terminology

3

Semester 2 (12 credit hours)

BIO-115Anatomy and Physiology

5

MRT-111Health Information Management

3

MRT-131CPT/HCPCS Level II

4

Semester 3 (8 credit hours)

MRT-119Insurance Reimbursement Procedures

2

MRT-123EHR and Practice Management

3

MRT-125Pathophysiology and Pharmacology

3

Semester 4 (11 credit hours)

MRT-132ICD-10-CM

4

MRT-133ICD-10-PCS

4

MRT-212Medical Reimbursement Systems

3

Semester 5 (4 credit hours)

MRT-113Coding Professional Practice

4