Medical Coding Specialist

The Medical Coding Specialist Program is designed to educate and prepare students for entry-level medical coding jobs. This certificate of achievement prepares individuals with the content knowledge and skills needed to abstract and critically analyze medical data for positions in the Health Information Management field and the medical technology industry. There is a high demand for medical coders in today's job market in a variety of healthcare settings. These professionals are experts in health data collection and analysis and are considered an essential individual in various healthcare settings such as acute care facilities, extended care facilities, nursing homes, clinics, physician offices and other healthcare entities. As a major unit among HIM professionals, these individuals are considered as the medical language experts who interpret and process health information for research, data collection, and billing reimbursement. This Medical Coding Specialist certificate prepares students for technical positions that manage, analyze, exchange and report health data to improve quality of care. The curriculum emphasizes competencies in data analysis while providing hands-on integration application with use of technology systems seen in many healthcare institutions. Completion of all courses will require a “C” or above to receive the Certificate of Achievement and to sit for the American Health Information Management Association (AHIMA) or American Academy of Procedural Coders (AAPC) certification exams. The Medical Coding Specialist Program requires students to attend the orientation and obtain an educational plan prior to beginning this certificate program.

1st Cohort Fall 2019-Spring 2021 Enroll 25 Graduates 2020 20-25 Completers 2nd Cohort Fall 2021- Spring 2023 Enroll 25 Graduates 2021 20-25 Completers

GOALS: • To provide quality education and training that develops the potential of each student to become a productive, responsible, and professional member of society, as well as a skilled member of the medical coding workforce. • To prepare competent coding professionals for employment in several types of healthcare settings. • To prepare students to meet industry needs to support the workforce shortage in this area of expertise. • To educate students in the content areas for medical coders essential for attaining the certified credentials offered by AHIMA or AAPC. OBJECTIVES At the conclusion of the program the student will be able to: • Abstract medical documentation and assign accurate codes for diagnoses and procedures in accordance with established coding guidelines. • Apply appropriate codes from ICD-10-CM, ICD-10-PCS, CPT and HCPCS when applicable to various health encounter scenarios using coding manuals and encoder software. • Evaluate reimbursement methodologies and process billing and claims for physician practices & hospitals, appeals and collections.

COURSE #/NAME/UNITS CS G130 Survey of Computer Science/Information Technology (4 units) BIOL G221 Anatomy & Physiology (4 units) HIT 099 Medical Terminology (3 units) HIT 100 Health Data Content and Structure (3 units) HIT 101 Human Diseases & Pharmacology (4 units) HIT 102 Legal and Ethical Aspects in Healthcare (2 units) HIT 103 Basic Diagnostic Coding (3 units) HIT 104 Inpatient Procedural Coding (3 units) HIT 105 Medical Coding Lab (2 units) HIT 106 Outpatient Procedural Coding (3 units) HIT 107 Billing & Reimbursement (3 units) HIT 108 Medical Coding Specialist Practicum (2 units)

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Saddleback College, East Los Angeles College

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