Medical Coding Certificate
Medical coding specialists perform detailed review of medical records to identify diagnoses and operative procedures. Numeric classification codes are assigned to each diagnosis and procedure, using automated or manual methods. Principle classification systems used include the International Classification of Diseases, Ninth Revision, Clinical Modification (ICD-9-CM), and Current Procedural Terminology (CPT). Coders also operate computerized grouper programs to cluster diagnoses and procedures into payment categories called Diagnosis-Related Groups (DRGs).
The American Health Information Management Association (AHIMA) has established a national certification program for medical coders. Each new graduate qualifies as a candidate for the AHIMA national examination to become a Certified Coding Associate (CCA). When coupled with extensive, on-the-job experience, the Medical Coding course work prepares the student to take the AHIMA examination to become a Certified Coding Specialist (CCS) or Certified Coding Specialist – Physician Office (CCS-P).
The medical coding professional practice course includes clinical rotations in the Health Information Laboratory on campus and/or health care facilities. Students enrolled in professional practice experience (clinical) courses will be assigned hours consistent with day shift. Assignment to the professional practice experience facilities will be at the discretion of program officials, and students are required to travel to different locations for this ‘hands on’ training.
Students should complete the Coding Certificate Program in four semesters. (Actual program completion time may vary).
Students may complete the Coding Certificate program course work either online or on campus in the traditional classroom setting.
All Coding Certificate program classes are offered online, except for the professional practice experience course which must be completed on dayshift in the Health Information Laboratory on campus and/or an approved health care
facility, not online. Coding Certificate students who live within 50 miles of campus must attend a minimum number of on-campus class/lab meetings. Instructors may require online students to take make-up exams on campus. Instructors may also require online course exams to be proctored, according to college policy.
PROCEDURES AND REQUIREMENTS FOR ADMISSION
See current catalog
Medical Coding Certificate
Course Sequence
| ORI 101 |
Orientation |
1 |
| HIT 113 |
Anatomy, Physiology and Medical Terminology |
5 |
| HIT 115 |
Pathophysiology and Pharmacology for HIT |
4 |
| HIT 130 |
HIT Classification and Reimbursement |
3 |
| HIT 131 |
Classification Skills Laboratory |
1 |
| HIT 151 |
Health Data Content and Structure |
3 |
| HIT 221 |
HIT Computer Applications |
2 |
| HIT 230 |
Medical Coding Systems I |
3 |
| HIT 231 |
Medical Coding Skills Laboratory |
1 |
| HIT 232 |
Medical Coding Systems II |
3 |
| HIT 233 |
Medical Coding Skills Laboratory II |
1 |
| HIT 283 |
Medical Coding Preceptorship |
2 |
| TOTAL |
|
29 |
|
Note: All courses with MTR or HIT prefix must be completed at WSCC.
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