Certificate in Medical Coding

Certificate in Medical Coding - Online

The Online Medical Coding Certificate through Mount Aloysius College is a 21-credit program open to the public sector. Upon completion of this certification, successful enrollees are eligible to work both in the ICD-9 and Current Procedural Terminology (CPT) coding environments and are authorized to apply and take the CPC National Certification Exam from the American Academy of Professional Coders in order to become a certified medical coder. All required courses for this certification can be applied toward the Associate of Science Degree in Medical Assistant/Professional Coder Specialization.

The Online Medical Coding Certificate program is designed to prepare professionals to review, analyze and code diagnostic and procedural information that determines Medicare, Medicaid and private insurance payments in various working environments, including:

• Coding and billing services
• Consulting firms
• Dental offices
• Government agencies
• Home health agencies
• Hospitals and clinics
• Insurance companies
• Long-term facilities

Entrance Requirements

• An application with $30 fee
• Official high school transcript or GED Diploma
• Official college/university transcript, if applicable.

At the completion of the program, students receive a Certificate of Completion.

Course Descriptions

BL 116 Human Biology – 3 Credits
A survey course of the structure and function of the human body. This course emphasizes the respiratory, cardiovascular, endocrine, digestive, lymphatic, urinary, and reproductive systems.

CS 103 Communication Technology Literacy – 3 Credits
This course, while familiarizing the student with the word processing, spreadsheet, and presentation functions of an integrated office suite, also focuses on the personal and social responsibilities of using information communication technologies.

MA 109 Medical Terminology – 3 Credits
The students in this course will be presented with a systematic introduction to medical terms with an emphasis on definitions, spelling and pronunciation. The medical terms will be broken down to the Greek and Latin prefixes, suffixes, and root words from which many of them have their origin. Students will develop a knowledge base for building medical terms by using word parts and will acquire a working knowledge of a medical vocabulary used by health care professionals to communicate information accurately.

MA 215 ICD-9-CM Coding – 3 Credits
This course introduces students to the complex world of medical billing. Here, students will code diagnoses and procedures for the purpose of reimbursement from third party payers. Students will combine knowledge of human anatomy and physiology and the patho-physiology of disease processes in determining specific codes for each diagnosis and procedure.

MA 225 Introduction to CPT Coding – 3 Credits
This introductory course provides the student with the fundamental concepts of medical coding using the Current Procedural Terminology (CPT) coding book. Upon successful completion of this course the students will be able to identify procedural information from a medical record pertaining to the billing process and convert this information into simplified numerical codes that can be electronically processed for payment by third party payers - such as insurance companies and Medicare.

MA 230 Advanced ICD-9-CM Coding – 3 Credits
This course is intended for individuals who have completed the basics and already possess knowledge in the generalities of medical billing and coding. It covers advanced diagnostic coding issues with emphasis on coding, coding resources, tools, and official coding guidelines. Concepts integrated into laboratory and computer experience with assignments of codes to various clinical statements, scenarios, reports, and patient records. This course, along with its prerequisites, prepares students for the Certified Professional Coder (CPC) certification exam offered by the American Academy of Professional Coders (AAPC).

MA 235 Advanced CPT Coding – 3 Credits
This course examines current procedural terminology coding issues with emphasis on evaluation and management, modifiers, and surgical procedure coding guidelines. Students are presented with referencing resources specific to current conventional and federally administered Healthcare Common Procedure Coding System (HPCS) coding guidelines. Coding skills will be heightened and focused on preparing the student for employment testing, job performance and successful completion of the CPC exam.

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