Medical Coding & Billing Specialist MCBS.S.STC
Short-term Technical Certificate - 24 Credit Hours
Division: Health Sciences
Department: Health Information Management
Effective as of Fall 2012
What is the program about?
The Medical Coding and Billing Specialist certificate prepares students for entry-level coding and billing positions in physician medical offices, medical insurance companies and outpatient billing services. Students will develop skills to accurately determine diagnostic and procedural code number assignments that impact medical reimbursement. Skill sets include application of ICD-10-CM, CPT and HCPCS coding systems; medical terminology; anatomy and physiology and disease processes; processing insurance claims and reimbursement practices. The Medical Billing and Coding Specialist certificate can be completed in the traditional classroom setting or completely online or a combination of both delivery systems. Students must receive a grade of C or higher in all courses in the MCBS.STC and have a GPA of 2.0 to receive the certificate.
Program Outcomes
- Demonstrate effective communication skills, critical thinking, problem solving and information literacy
- Identify the importance of documentation on code number assignment and the subsequent reimbursement impact
- Interpret coding guidelines and federal regulations for accurate code number assignment and completion of billing forms
- Demonstrate personal behaviors, attitudes and values consistent with a health care professional
- Accurately apply diagnosis and procedure code numbers utilizing ICD-10-CM, CPT and HCPCS classification systems
Career Opportunities
Employment prospects for medical coding and billing specialists are excellent throughout the nation. Career opportunities include: physician medical offices, medical insurance companies and outpatient billing services.
Credentials
Upon successful completion of the Medical Coding and Billing Specialist certificate, graduates may sit for the following credentialing exams:1. CPC-A - Certified Professional Coder - Apprentice awarded by the American Academy of Professional Coders (AAPC). It is an entry-level credential. The AAPC designates the holder of the CPC credential as an apprentice until the requisite education and job experience requirements are met. After meeting the apprentice requirements, the holder is issued the CPC credential.2. CCS-P - Certified Coding Specialist - Physician Based awarded by the American Health Information Management Association (AHIMA). It is a mastery-level credential. AHIMA recommends that candidates have three years of coding experience prior to sitting for the credentialing exam.
