Medical Coding (Online) – Credit Certificate

Program Handbook

Overview

The Medical Coding certificate program prepares students to work as part of the healthcare team as integral members in the health information industry. Medical coders are responsible for selecting the appropriate diagnostic and procedural codes of various medical services for data analysis and reimbursement.

The program includes didactic and simulated laboratory components designed to educate students for entry into professional practice as medical coders and prepare them for the Certified Coding Associate (CCA) exam through the American Health Information Management Association (AHIMA).

The Medical Coding certificate program is offered over three semesters. Program content includes several courses that are part of the Associate of Applied Science degree program in Health Information Technology (HIT). The credit certificate program in Medical Coding allows students to seamlessly transition into the Associate degree program in HIT.

Mission Statement

To provide an educational experience that includes the professional and technical skills necessary for entry-level positions in the field of medical coding.

Philosophy

Consistent with the College mission statement, the philosophy of the Medical Coding program is to provide a certificate-level education based on Christian values. It is a belief that the education of medical coders is responsive to national and community needs.

Course goals and objectives are based on the American Health Information Management Association (AHIMA) standards. The goal is to prepare competent practitioners who can function in a rapidly changing healthcare environment as well as pass the Certified Coding Associate (CCA) exam.

Education is a continual process whereby learners develop knowledge, skills, and attitudes resulting in cognitive, affective, and psychological changes. The faculty facilitates the teaching/learning process through the sequential presentation of concepts, theories, and experimental activities within an environment that promotes mutual trust, critical thinking, and self-development.

Program Learning Outcomes

At the end of the certificate program, students will be able to:

1. Apply diagnostic and procedural codes and groupings per current guidelines and evaluate for accuracy.
2. Apply legal policies, regulations, principles, and standards for the control, disclosure, retention, and destruction of protected health information.
3. Analyze, compile, and report healthcare data for statistical, planning, research, and health information exchange purposes.
4. Apply policies and procedures for the use of data required in healthcare reimbursement and the revenue cycle management processes.
5. Apply policies, procedures, and processes as they relate to the collection, maintenance, appropriateness, integrity, and presentation of health data.
6. Demonstrate evidence of knowledge in the supporting content areas (pathophysiology, pharmacology, anatomy and physiology, and medical terminology).

Admission Requirements

See College Admission Requirements.

Progression

Once enrolled in the program students are required to:

1. Maintain a cumulative GPA of 2.0.
2. Maintain a “C” grade or higher, in all courses of the Medical Coding program.

Any grade lower than a “C” is considered a failure. Students who fail a Medical Coding program course or withdraw failing (WF) from a Medical Coding course may repeat the course only one time. However, if students fail two Medical Coding program courses, the program director reserves the right to dismiss students from the Medical Coding program.