Medical Coding and Reimbursement Specialist - General Technology
Associate Degree in Applied Science
Program Start Date: Any term
Minimum Program Length: 5 terms day or evening
Program Description:
The Medical Coding and Billing Reimbursement Specialist Certificate Program prepares students for entry-level positions doing medical coding or billing. Medical coding is the transformation of the narrative descriptions of diseases, injuries, and health care procedures into numeric or alphanumeric designations (code numbers). The code numbers are detailed in order to accurately describe the diagnoses and the procedures performed to test or correct these diagnoses. Coding health-related data permits access to health records according to diagnoses and procedures for use in clinical care, research, and education. Common uses for medical codes in health care include: performing insurance verification, preauthorization and referral procedures; applying insurance carrier-specific guidelines for processing insurance claims; and selection of the most accurate and specific diagnostic and procedural coding. This program includes concepts – in HIPAA compliance requirements, industry – specific techniques for filing insurance and performing diagnostic and procedural coding procedures.
Practical Experience:
Students gain interpersonal and technical skills by completing clinical rotations in local medical offices and other affiliated health care facilities.
Professional Opportunities:
The medical industry is experiencing a tremendous demand for individuals with knowledge of medical office operations, which includes diagnostic and procedural coding and insurance forms processing. Job security is high for an individual who understands claims processing and billing regulations, possesses sharp coding skills, and is successful in appealing under-paid or denied insurance claims.
Unique Aspects:
Students will complete courses using online, hybrid, and on-ground formats. This program is designed to meet the needs of the working adult.
EEDA Career Cluster:
Health Sciences
Course Requirements (followed by credit hours):
A. General Education Courses:
CPT 101 Introduction to Computers 3
ENG 101 English Composition I 3
ENG 102 English Composition II 3
SPC 205 Public Speaking
OR
SPC 209 Interpersonal Communication 3
PSY 201 General Psychology 3
B. Major Courses:
AHS 102 Medical Terminology 3
AHS 104 Medical Vocabulary/Anatomy 3
AHS 121 Basic Pharmacology 2
HIM 102 Introduction to Coding and Classification Systems 1
HIM 130 Billing and Reimbursement 3
HIM 135 Medical Pathology 3
HIM 150 Coding Practicum I 3
HIM 216 Coding and Classification I 3
HIM 225 Coding and Classification II 3
C. Electives and/or Additional Courses Required
Secondary Technical Specialty Courses (21)
(Individualized advising for each student with the Medical Coding and Reimbursement Specialist Program Director to enhance secondary technical specialty courses.)
Minimum semester credit hours required for graduation: (60)