Health Information Management
Coding Specialist Certificate

1-800-478-6653, ext. 718

What is Coding?

Coding is the translation of narration into numerical codes. For example, a health care provider lists diagnoses and procedures and these—for billing, research, statistical, and administrative purposes—must be translated into numerical codes.

The two dominant coding systems are: ICD-9-CM (International Classification of Diseases, 9th Edition, Clinical Modification) and CPT-4 (Current Procedural Terminology, 4th Edition).

In the program we use the Channel ICD-9-CM which is ordered directly from the publisher; the CPT-4 coding text is ordered through the American Medical Association. Workbooks accompany both texts.

EMPLOYMENT:
At present, the demand for entry-level coders is extremely high especially in acute care facilities. In addition, medical clinics, veterinary hospitals, long term care facilities, behavioral health facilities, and health care corporations also provide job opportunities. The HIM Coding Specialist Certificate will prepare graduates for positions in this dynamic and fast growing profession.

CERTIFICATION:
The national professional association (American Health Information Management Association) offers two certification exams for coders (Certified Coding Specialist and Physician Based Certified Coding Specialist). It is highly recommended that recent graduates of both the HIM program and the Coding Specialist Certificate acquire a minimum of three years experience prior to writing these non-entry based exams.

PREREQUISITES:
Admission to either the HIM associate degree program or the HIM Coding Specialist Certificate are required before a student can enroll in coding courses.

Specifically, Medical Terminology and at least one half of Anatomy & Physiology are prerequisites for HIM 190 (CPT-4 Coding). Medical Terminology and both sections of Anatomy & Physiology are prerequisites for HIM 210. HIM 210 and HIM 270 Pathophysiology are prerequisites for HIM 260.

TOTAL CREDIT HOURS REQUIRED FOR CERTIFICATE: 30

HIM Coding Specialist Certificate Requirements

GENERAL REQUIREMENTS: 14 credits
ENGL 111 Freshman Composition OR 3 cr.
CIOS 160 Business English 3 cr.
BIOL 111 Anatomy & Physiology I 4 cr.
BIOL 112 Anatomy & Physiology II 4 cr.
CIOS 110A Operating Systems
and Environments AND		 1 cr.

CIOS 135

CIOS 140

Spreadsheet Concepts and Applications OR

Database Concepts and Applications

1 cr.

 

 

HIM CODING SPECIALIST REQUIREMENTS: 16 credits

HIM 135 Medical Terminology 3 cr.
HIM 215 Physician Office Coding and Reimbursement 2 cr.
HIM 190 CPT-4 Procedural Coding 3 cr.
HIM 210 ICD-9-CM Coding 3 cr.
HIM 260 Data Quality/Reimbursement 2 cr.
HIM 270 Pathophysiology 3 cr.
HIM 271 Pharmacology 1 cr.

 

COURSE DESCRIPTIONS
FOR HIM CODING SPECIALIST CERTIFICATE

HIM 135 Medical Terminology, 3 cr.
This course is designed to provide students with a basic understanding of the language used within healthcare settings. It gives students a foundation for communication with health care professionals and lay people. Focus is on terminology of body systems, root forms, prefixes and suffixes, protocols, symptomatology, and medical abbreviations. Evaluation will be by means of assignments, tests and a comprehensive final examination.
Prerequisite: Regular admission status.

HIM 190 CPT-4 Procedural Coding, (formerly HIM 220), 3 cr.
Review of alternative classification systems with major emphasis on HCPCS/CPT-4 ambulatory care coding. A required clinical lab at an ambulatory care setting will be required. Brief overview of Ambulatory Visit Groups (AVGs) and Resource Based Relative Values (RBRVs). Evaluation will be based on class participation, site visit, completion of unit assignments, tests and final examination.
Prerequisites: Medical Terminology; Anatomy & Physiology; or consent of instructor.

HIM 210 ICD-9-CM Coding, 3 cr.
Introduction to International Classification of Diseases Ninth Revision, Clinical Modification (for use in the United States). Use of integrated learning materials. Instruction in coding diagnoses and procedures, sequencing, and coding conventions. Review of complications and co-morbidities.
Clinical Lab: Students will complete a required lab at an acute care clinical site which will provide an overview of DRGs, interface between business office and HIM, optimizing reimbursement, coding quality studies, and working with physicians for DRG management. Introduction to coding software. Evaluation will be by means of class participation, unit and lab assignments, tests and/or final examination.
Prerequisites: Medical Terminology; Anatomy and Physiology

HIM 215 Physician Office Coding and Reimbursement, 2 cr.
Focuses on issues of physician office coding and reimbursement. Overview of insurance issues including medicare, medicaid, workers comp and disability; fraud and abuse regs. Overview of physician office management. Role of regulatory agencies and impact of managed care. Students expected to complete clinical lab or project focused on these issues. Prerequisites: HIM 135; BIOL 111, 112 or concurrent; admission to certificate program.

HIM 260 Data Quality & Reimbursement, 2 cr.
Introduction to data quality issues including coding validation, data accuracy, coding guidelines and training, and reimbursement issues including Diagnostic Related Groups (DRGs), Ambulatory Visit Groups (AVGs), Resourced Based Relative Value Scales (RBRVS). Impact of coding accuracy and correct DRG assignment on financial stability of facility. Future regulations impacting reimbursement rates. Overview of specialist credentials: CCS and PCCS, and the implications of electronic and computerized coding systems on these specialists.
Prerequisite: HIM 210 and HIM 270.

HIM 270 Pathophysiology, 3 cr.
This class will introduce students to the basic concepts underlying various pathological processes. Students will draw on their knowledge of normal anatomy and physiology to understand how pathogenesis of disease occurs. We will discuss diagnostic process, appropriate testing, and various treatment options. Lectures, discussions, assigned readings, use of references available to individual students, and case studies will be utilized.
Prerequisite: HIM 135 Medical Terminology; Anatomy & Physiology

HIM 271 Pharmacology, 1 cr.
Introduction to drug terminology, administration, toxicity, vocabulary, standards and references. May be taken concurrently with HIM 270A Pathophysiology.

HIM CODING SPECIALIST CERTIFICATE
SUGGESTED ACADEMIC SCHEDULE

FALL SEMESTER: 1st Year
HIM 135 Medical Terminology 3 CH
BIOL 111 Human Anatomy & Physiology I 4 CH
HIM 190 CPT-4 Procedural Coding 3 CH

FALL SEMESTER: 2nd Year
HIM 260 Data Quality & Reimbursement 2 CH

HIM 270

 

Pathophysiology

3 CH

 
blank blank TOTAL:
15 Credit Hours

 

SPRING SEMESTER: 1st Year
BIOL 112 Human Anatomy & Physiology II 4 CH
HIM 210 ICD-9-CM Coding/DRG Assignment 3 CH

SPRING SEMESTER: 2nd Year
HIM 215 Physician Office Coding & Reimbursement 2 CH
HIM 271 Pharmacology 1 CH

CIOS 110A

CIOS 135

CIOS 140

Operating Systems and Environments

Spreadsheet Concepts and Applications OR

Database Concepts and Applications

1 CH

 

1 CH

May be taken either year

ENGL 111

CIOS 160

Freshman Composition OR

Business Communications

3 CH

 
ENGLbleank blank TOTAL:
15 Credit Hours

For more information on the HIM Coding Specialist Certificate, contact:
CAROL LIBERTY
UNIVERSITY OF ALASKA SOUTHEAST, SITKA CAMPUS
1332 SEWARD AVENUE, SITKA, ALASKA 99835
1-800-478-6653 EXT. 718 or 907-747-7718
or e-mail her at: TFCPL@uas.alaska.edu