More information: Medical Records Coder CSC
PURPOSE
The Medical Records Coder Career Studies Certificate (CSC) program provides technical knowledge, skills, and practical experience needed for employment as a basic medical records coder:
- Utilize specialized computer equipment and software
- Analyze and interpret patient records to determine standardized codes representing correct diagnosis and treatment
- Apply codes for billing purposes and maintenance of accurate health statistics
Demand for medical records coders will continue to increase as the health field addresses reimbursement challenges and quality improvement issues related to healthcare services.
OCCUPATIONAL OBJECTIVES
Medical records coders work in hospitals, doctors’ offices, insurance companies, and government agencies.
Demand for medical records coders will increase as the health field continues to address population health statistics, billing/reimbursement and quality improvement issues and opportunities.
Certified medical coders, with a designation of CPC, are more marketable and earn more than non-certified coders. Program graduates are eligible to take the nationally accredited exam offered by the American Academy of Professional Coders (AAPC). The designation of Certified Professional Coder Apprentice (CPC-A) is nationally recognized by employers, physician societies, and government agencies.
STUDENT LEARNING OUTCOMES
- Recognize and implement professional policies and procedures related to the legal and ethical use of medical information
- Interpret health record documentation using knowledge of anatomy, physiology, clinical indicators and disease processes, pharmacology, and medical terminology
- Identify codable diagnoses and/or procedures according to the ICD-10-CM, HCPCS II, and CPT-4 coding systems
- Apply knowledge of major U.S. reimbursement systems to aid the preparation of universal billing claims
- Demonstrate technical skills to support clinical classification and coding (i.e., encoders)
- Demonstrate behaviors and dispositions in accordance with AAPC professional ethics, including integrity, respect for privacy, and commitment to professional growth
ADMISSION REQUIREMENTS
- General college curricular admission
- Interview/advising meeting with department chair prior to enrolling in the first HIM course
PROGRAM NOTES
Program courses need to be taken in the sequence listed or as advised, and all HIM classes require permission from the department chair prior to enrolling
Students admitted to the Medical Records Coder program will be approved for entry into HIM discipline courses after they have met these requirements:
- Complete all general education prerequisites (SDV 101 , HLT 143 , and BIO 145 ) with a grade of C or better
- Obtain required permission codes from department chair for each HIM course
COMPUTER COMPETENCY REQUIREMENT
As technology plays a crucial role in the healthcare field, medical records coding students are expected to meet a basic level of computer competency in that field. This may involve proficiency in using software for medical coding, data analysis, and communication.
Students in this program will meet the college’s competency requirement by successfully completing SDV 101 , HLT 143 , HIM 141 , HIM 250 , HIM 255 , and HIM 257 .
FINANCIAL REQUIREMENTS
In addition to regular college tuition and fees, the Medical Records Coder CSC requires the purchase of books and/or electronic resources.
These costs are approximate and subject to change:
- Books and Supplies, $1200.00
Although CPC Certification is not a requirement of graduation from the program, it is recommended that students complete the CPC certification exam within 120 days of completing the Medical Records Coder Certificate program.
Graduates seeking the CPC certification from AAPC should be aware of the following additional fees (costs subject to change):
AAPC CPC National Certification Exam Fees
| AAPC Annual Membership |
$229 |
| CPC National Certification Exam fee (two attempts) |
$500 |
| CPC Study Guide |
$130 |
| CPC Study Guide and six practice exams |
$160 |
PROGRESSION THROUGH THE PROGRAM
- Students who have a break in their enrollment must meet with a program faculty advisor to review current enrollment requirements
- In some cases, returning students may be required to retake courses or take additional courses required for the program when industry standards have changed
- Students must repeat program courses in which a final grade lower than C is earned
ESSENTIAL SKILLS REQUIREMENTS
Students entering the Medical Records Coder certificate program must possess satisfactory:
- Speaking, reading, and writing skills to communicate effectively in English
- Intellectual, emotional, and psychological health and functioning to exercise independent judgement and discretion in performing assigned tasks
- Time management and multi-tasking skills
- Ability to operate in a fast-paced environment
- Analysis, synthesis, and comprehension skills to follow detailed instructions and effectively code case studies and/or medical charts
