Medical Coding

The Medical Coding Certificate is designed as a step between the short-term certificate and the Associate in Applied Science degree in Health Information Technology. Medical coding specialists perform a detailed review of medical records to identify diagnoses and operative procedures. Alphanumeric and/or 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 (ICD), Current Procedural Terminology (CPT), and the current Procedural Coding Systems (PCS). Coders also operate computerized grouper programs to cluster diagnoses and procedures into payment categories.

With a balanced emphasis on coding typically done in a physician’s office and inpatient and outpatient coding that is done in acute care settings, this comprehensive coding program is completed after two semesters of general education courses and three semesters of professional courses. Successful coding certificate graduates will have in-depth coding skills in ICD, CPT, PCS, and reimbursement schemes with special knowledge of DRGs, APCs, and Chargemaster Descriptions.

The American Health Information Management Association 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 coursework prepares the student to take the AHIMA examination to become a Certified Coding Specialist (CCS) or Certified Coding Specialist-Physician Office (CCS-P) and take American Academy of Professional Coders (AAPC) coding certification exams such as the Certified Professional Coder (CPC) exam.