Medical Coding Certificate

The Physician Office Medical Coding Specialist program prepares students to demonstrate successful competence in the outcomes established by AHIMA and AAPC for entry level Medical Coding.  Students will be prepared to sit for ther CCA national examination.
Upon successful completion of this certificate students should have the skills required to pass the CCA examination.  Students should be able to obtain an entry-level position as a medical billing and coding specialist working under the supervision of an experienced coder. Program graduates will be required to gain a minimum of one year work experience after graduation to be successful on the CCS or CPC advanced coding exams.

Prerequisites
Students will need to demonstrate proficiencies in reading, English, and mathematics based on the COMPASS assessment test, ACT or SAT scores, or by taking the recommended/required classes.  Some of the courses in this curriculum have specific prerequisites.  Prerequisites can be found on the reverse side (Guide to Completing Program Requirements) or in the college catalog.

Program Staff Recommendation
ENGL 101 English Composition I
CSIS 101 Microcomputer Applications
ALHE 122 Introduction to Pharmacology
ALHT 110 Introduction to Health Information
ALHT 230 Introduction to CPT Coding
ALHT 225 Introduction to ICD-9-CM Coding
ALHT 145 Medical Coding National Exam Review or Permission of instructor.
Students planning to work as a professional coder should also consider completing the Health Information Technology Associate Degree Program advanced coding courses.

General Education (GE) Courses
Certificate students are not required to take specific elective courses for this program.  Students completing this program will earn several credit hours that can be applied to the associate degree, if they choose to pursue that option at a later date.  Students should work closely with their advisors to determine the most efficient method of obtaining career goals.

Program Core Courses
ALHE 105 Medical Terminology
ALHT 225 Introduction to ICD-9-CM Coding
ALMA 110 Medical Assisting I
ALHT 230 Introduction to CPT Coding
ALMA 125 Human Body in Health & Disease
ALHT 145 Medical Coding National Exam Review.                                           

Program Outcomes
1.     Demonstrate a thorough knowledge of anatomy, physiology and human disease.
2.     Demonstrate a thorough knowledge of Medical Terminology.
3.     Demonstrate a thorough knowledge of physician office health data content, requirements and standards.
4.     Demonstrate a thorough knowledge of physician office clinical classification reimbursement methodologies.
5.     Demonstrate a thorough knowledge of physician office information technology and health care delivery.

Course Sequence
This is the suggested sequence of courses for full-time students. Consult your advisor for information specific to your academic situation. If you are a part-time student or have transferred courses from another school, you should generally complete the courses listed under Semester I before moving on to Semester II.  Please be sure to consult the course descriptions. 

Staff Recommended Pre/Co-Requisites

Medical Coding Specialist Certificate
recommended Sequence of Courses

OPTIONAL ADDITIONAL STUDY
Students completing the Medical Coding Certificate are encouraged to consider continuing their education to complete  the Associate of Applied Science degree in Health Information Technology.


For more information contact:
Program advisor
Kathie Henton, (620) 431-2820, ext. 639
khenton@neosho.edu