The Medical Coding Specialist student will be trained to perform at a minimum entry level in
positions normally available in medical offices, clinics, hospitals and insurance companies as a
part of the health care team. Medical Coding Specialist, Insurance Coder, Claims Specialist,
and ICD9/CPT Coder, are typical job titles.
Students will be instructed in the analysis of medical records (charts) and the assignment of
codes for indexing diagnoses and procedures to provide information for reimbursement purposes.
“Coding” means transforming the written or verbal description of diseases, injuries, and
procedures into numerical designations.
Students will learn anatomy and medical terminology. Students will also learn about diseases
that affect the human body. They will learn etiology, pathology, symptoms, signs, diagnostics
and treatment to properly code medical records. Students will become familiar with the content
of the medical record in order to locate information to support or provide specificity for accurate
coding.
Students will experience a variety of grading methods to ensure and assess proper learning
skills and performance. Projects, quizzes, tests, case studies, daily exercises, role-play, workbook
pages, and class participation are ways that will be utilized to assess student learning.
Course subject descriptions are as follows:
FIRST TERM
MCS 110 ICD-9 Coding/Modifiers 30 clock hours/2 credits
Students will learn appropriate elements of documentation and be able to analyze medical record documentation in order to assign diagnostic and procedure codes.
MED 121 Anatomy and Medical Terminology by Systems I 60 clock hours/4 credits
This subject familiarizes the student with human anatomy and medical terminology. Focus for medical coders will be on body systems. Functions of the systems, diseases, diagnostic test, treatments and medications are covered. Common medical abbreviations will be introduced.
MCS 120 Healthcare Administration and Professional Management 30 clock hours/2 credits
This course is designed to help the student recognize the important role personal qualities play in the workplace. This course is designed to also help the development of preparing the student for successful employment and promoting personal growth.
MCS 101 Coding I 60 clock hours/4 credits
This subject introduces the student to Volumes I and II of the ICD-9 Manual for diagnostic coding. The student will learn the proper procedures for coding diagnoses, signs and symptoms, drugs, hypertension and neoplasm tables. An introduction to CPT and HCPCS will also be covered.
SECOND TERM
COA 102 Computer Applications 30 clock hours/1 credits
Students will learn to use a computerized medical office software program. Included will be how to enter patient demographics, scheduling, posting accounts, printing reports and working with claims are covered. Keyboarding theory and keyboarding skills necessary for the operation of computers and word processors are covered.
MED 122 Anatomy and Medical Terminology by Systems II 60 clock hours/4 credits
The more complicated systems of the body and additional terminology are covered. Functions of the systems as well as diseases, diagnostic tests, treatments and medications are covered.
MCS 104 Healthcare Common Procedure Coding System and Medicine Coding 30 clock hours/2 credits
This course introduces the student to rules and regulations of billing in the HCPCS manual. Students will also gain knowledge into basic Pharmacology used in the Medical Coding field. Students will also learn the proper billing techniques for the Medicine section in the Current Procedural Terminology manual.
MCS 102 Coding II 60 clock hours/4 credits
This course introduces the student to the next level of procedural coding which involves the CPT manual and its uses and contents, including Levels I, II & III coding modifiers. This subject introduces students to DRG’s, HCPS billing procedures.
THIRD TERM
MCS 230 Health Insurance/Billing and Office Procedures/Management of Health Records
90 clock hours/5 credits
The student will learn the billing practices of all major insurance companies, as well as commercial insurance. Students will also understand the proper filing of HCFA and UB92 forms. Emphasis is placed on the administrative skills necessary for the effective management of a medical business office. Students will gain hands-on experience with patient records, management, insurance billing, computerized scheduling, transcription and employee payroll.
This subject provides a variety of skills related to the management of health records, such as basic knowledge of medical abbreviations, and the law and ethics that surround the management and control of health records.
MCS 103 Coding III 60 clock hours/4 credits
This subject is a continuation of Medical Coding II covering CPT, HCPC Codes, DRG’s, laboratory, pathology and radiology codes.
MED 123 Anatomy and Medical Terminology by Systems II 60 clock hours/4 credits
The more complicated systems of the body and additional terminology are covered. Functions of the systems as well as diseases, diagnostic tests, treatments and medications are covered.
MCS 210 Evaluation and Management-Principles and Applications 30 clock hours/2 credits
Students will learn the key factors of evaluation and management code assignment, and levels of evaluation and management service. Students will learn to assign evaluation and management codes in this course and identify documentation guidelines.
FOURTH TERM
MED 270 Externship 180 clock hours/4 credits
In the third term, students will meet with their Externship Coordinator to begin planning their externships. The externship is required for all students and must be completed to be eligible for graduation and to receive their diploma. To qualify for the externship phase of the program, a student must first have met the 2.0 G.P.A. or re-taking a subject, a score of 70% or above on the Comprehensive Class Room Final Exam and have an over-all attendance of 90% in his or her medical courses. All work is performed under the direct supervision of licensed medical personnel at the site in cooperation with DTC’s Externship Coordinator. Externs are not entitled to compensation.
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