Medical Coding Specialist (CRT.MCS)

Medical Coding Specialist Certificate presents a comprehensive study of both diagnostic and procedural medical coding using nationally recognized ICD-10-CM, CPT, and HCPCS coding. It prepares the student for employment as a coding specialist in hospitals, clinics, surgery centers, long-term and home health care facilities. Coding specialists are also employed by consulting firms, coding and billing services, insurance companies, and governmental agencies. Upon successful completion of the program, graduates will be able to pass coding exams available through national organizations such as the American Health Information Management Association (AHIMA) and the American Academy of Professional Coders (AAPC).

Program requirements may change over time. Specific degree/graduation requirements are determined by a degree audit.
FIRST YEAR
First Semester
Hours
CIS-160
Practical Software Application

CIS-160
Practical Software Application

Provides an opportunity for students to learn computer concepts and to use word processing, spreadsheet, database management, and presentation software. (Repeatable 3 Times)

Course Outline
3.0
MCS-040
Health Info for Professionals

MCS-040
Health Info for Professionals

An introduction and overview to health information management. The course will cover the history and the many applicable fields available to a health information management specialist. Students will explore the different areas of health information.

Course Outline
3.0
BIO-050
Basic Anatomy & Physiology

BIO-050
Basic Anatomy & Physiology

This course provides an understanding of anatomical structures and functions of the human body.

Course Outline
4.0
AHE-044
Pathophysiology

AHE-044
Pathophysiology

This course provides basic concepts of both structural and functional changes caused by disease in tissues and organs as a basis for understanding clinical manifestations and principles of treatment.

Course Outline
3.0

Semester Totals

13.0
Second Semester
AHE-057
Pharmacology for Coders

AHE-057
Pharmacology for Coders

This course provides an overview of pharmacology and assists the medical coder to recognize drug forms, identify administration routes, therapeutic uses, read the prescription, identify drug categories, generic and trade names and associate drugs with clinical applications.

Course Outline
3.0
MCS-041
Medical Office Terminology

MCS-041
Medical Office Terminology

A medical professional's course in medical terminology. Students will receive word parts going over primary terms, then review structure, and functions of the body systems, so they can relate those to medical specialists, pathology, diagnostics and treatment procedures.

Course Outline
3.0
MCS-050
Principles of CPT Coding

MCS-050
Principles of CPT Coding

A beginner's course for the CPT coding system. This class will provide students with a general understanding of the format and guidelines necessary for CPT coding.

Course Outline
3.0
MCS-055
Principles of ICD-10-CM Coding

MCS-055
Principles of ICD-10-CM Coding

A beginner's course in ICD-10-CM coding and guidelines. Students will be introduced to a wide variety of coding segments and body systems.

Course Outline
3.0
BUS-063
Medical Transcription (Module 1)

BUS-063
Medical Transcription (Module 1)

Designed to develop skills in transcribing recorded medical dictation in an efficient manner using proper formats, grammar, spelling, and medical terminology.

Course Outline
*
1.0
BUS-084
Adv Medical Transcription (Module 2)

BUS-084
Adv Medical Transcription (Module 2)

Designed to develop skills with realistic dictation with comprehensive terminology in 13 specialties by medical professionals from various ethnic groups.

Course Outline
*
1.0

Semester Totals

14.0
SECOND YEAR
First Semester
Hours
MCS-060
Medical Ins Reimbursement

MCS-060
Medical Ins Reimbursement

An advanced course concerning medical insurance billing and reimbursement. This course will focus on insurance companies such as Blue Cross and Blue Shield, Medicare, and Medicaid.

Course Outline
3.0
BUS-141
Business Communications

BUS-141
Business Communications

Provides students practical strategies for improving written and oral communication, including employment communication, in business settings.

Course Outline
3.0
MCS-065
Adv CPT Coding and Modifiers

MCS-065
Adv CPT Coding and Modifiers

An advanced course that explores the different subsections of the CPT and correct coding of procedures. Students will familiarize themselves with CPT coding by coding case studies and scenarios.

Course Outline
*
3.0
MCS-070
Advanced ICD-10-CM Coding

MCS-070
Advanced ICD-10-CM Coding

An advanced course specializing in all aspects of ICD-10-CM coding. This course will focus on specific body systems and not the overall aspect of ICD-10-CM coding.

Course Outline
*
3.0
MCS-075
Hospital-Med Coding Internship

MCS-075
Hospital-Med Coding Internship

This course provides students with the opportunity to intern in a hospital setting. It provides supervised work experience coordinated with a healthcare systems related employer. A minimum of 62.5 hours of internship time is required for one credit hour.

Course Outline
* OR
MCS-085
Hospital Coding Cert Prep

MCS-085
Hospital Coding Cert Prep

An exam preparation course that will provide students with a comprehensive review for the CPC-H and CCS exams.

Course Outline
*
1.0
MCS-080
Clinic-Med Coding Internship

MCS-080
Clinic-Med Coding Internship

This course provides students with the opportunity to intern in a clinic setting. It provides supervised work experience coordinated with a healthcare systems related employer. A minimum of 62.5 hours of internship time is required for one credit hour.

Course Outline
* OR
MCS-090
Clinic Coding Cert Prep

MCS-090
Clinic Coding Cert Prep

An exam preparation course that will provide students with a comprehensive review for the CPC and CCS-P exams.

Course Outline
*
1.0

Semester Totals

14.0

Total Program Hours

41.0