Medical Coding

Career Certificate

This program is for those students seeking careers as medical coders, medical reimbursement specialists, and DRG coordinators. Many of the credits earned for this Certificate may be applied toward the Associate in Applied Science Degree in Health Information Management.

Program Outcomes

Graduates will be able to:

Assign valid diagnosis and procedure codes.
Abstract healthcare data for statistical and reimbursement purposes.
Describe the U.S. healthcare delivery system including the reimbursement methodologies used.
Apply ethical, legal, and professional practice standards.
Communicate effectively with consumers, providers, employees, and other healthcare professionals from diverse backgrounds.
Demonstrate the ability to use computer technology for code assignment and validation, casemix analysis, and reimbursement.

REQUIREMENTS FOR PROFESSIONAL PRACTICE

Prior to participation in Professional Practice Experience (PPE) courses, the following are required:

Submit a health form signed by a physician or nurse practitioner completed within one (1) year of the PPE.
Submit evidence of health insurance coverage.
Successfully complete a criminal background check. Only students with a CLEAR background report are eligible to participate in professional practice. If the background check is NOT CLEAR, the student must withdraw from the program. Background checks are required annually while the student is in the program, and if the report is NOT CLEAR at any time during the student's enrollment in the program, the student will not be permitted to continue in the program.
Complete drug test at designated laboratory facility. All drug testing reports must be NEGATIVE. Drug testing is required annually or more frequently as required by professional practice sites. A POSITIVE drug test report at any point during the program will result in dismissal from the program.
Other requirements, as may be required by placement site

Program Requirements:

A. Depending upon a student's placement or for transfer purposes, this program may have pre-requisite(s). See a pathway coordinator or student development specialist for advisement.
B. This certificate may be completed online or by a combination of online and classroom courses. HIM core courses are offered in the evening or online. Some courses are available only as online courses.
C. Minimum grade of “C” is required in all courses.
D. Sciences must be completed within five (5) years from the date of course completion to the start of the first coding course.
E. Courses with an “HIM” course code may be attempted a maximum of two times. Course withdrawals represented by a “W” or a "WF" on the transcript are counted as an attempt. A student who has a second withdrawal or a second attempt with a grade of "D" or "F" in the same course many not continue in the Medical Coding program.
F. HIM 216 requires 120 hours performed during weekday daytime hours at assigned sites.
G. HIM 216 requires submission of a placement request form for the Coding Professional Practice Experience (CPPE). (Due 10/15 for Spring semester CPPE placement, 2/15 for summer session CPPE placement and 7/15 for Fall semester CPPE placement.)