The Certified Professional Coding program has been great. The teacher is fantastic and is always available for tutoring or additional assistance.

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Medical Billing & Coding (CPC-Certified Professional Coder)

Medical Billing & Coding (CPC-Certified Professional Coder) (credit-free*)

Overview

Job Description

Medical coders assign a code to each diagnosis and procedure by using classification system software. The classification system determines the amount for which healthcare providers will be reimbursed if the patient is covered by Medicare, Medicaid, or other insurance programs using the system. Coders may use several coding systems, such as those required for ambulatory settings, physicians’ offices, or long-term care.

Program Description

Upon completion of the Certified Professional Coder program, you will have acquired the necessary skills for a career as a successful medical coder. Employment opportunities for certified medical coders include private physician offices, outpatient hospital facilities, insurance companies as medical claims reviewers, and many more career opportunities. An optional externship is available upon completion of all required courses.

Requirements

Admission Requirements

Students must be 18 years of age and have a high school diploma or GED to enroll in this course. The certified Professional Coder student must be able to meet the following technical standards: possess motor skills, possess manual dexterity, have vision/hearing normal or device-corrected, have eye/hand coordination, as well as skill in the art of oral and written communications. Basic computer literacy is required.

This programs consists of four training modules. Modules must be completed in order. All courses are required.

Module One

Anatomy & Physiology I

Medical Terminology

Current Procedural Terminology I

Pathophysiology Part I

Module Two

ICD-10-CM

Current Procedural Terminology II

Law & Ethics

Anatomy & Physiology II

Module Three

Electronic Health Records

Current Procedural Terminology III

Understanding Health Insurance

Module Four

Computerized Medical Billing

Coding Applications

Essential Job Skills & Career Development

70 Hour Optional Externship

The Essential Job Skills & Career Development course is REQUIRED to receive a certification of completion for the Certified Professional Coder (CPC-A) program. This course is offered at various times throughout the year.

Upon successful completion of classwork, students will be eligible to become nationally certified as a CPC-A (Certified Professional Coder Apprentice) by the American Academy of Professional Coders. You will earn this credential (CPC-A) after successfully passing the national certification examination. This certification is sponsored by the American Academy of Professional Coders (the AAPC), a nationally recognized organization offering professional accreditation, education, recognition, and networking opportunities to medical coders utilizing CPT, ICD-10-CM and HCPCS. Visit them at www.aapc.com or call 800-626-2633 to obtain an application packet or information.

*Upon completion of the Coder Certificate students can join training Module 4 of the Inpatient Coder Certificate program, if they wish to continue on to complete certification in Inpatient Coder.

Note: Textbooks are included in the cost of tuition. Should the edition of the textbooks change prior to taking the National Certification Exam, the college is not responsible for purchasing additional textbooks. You must have the current edition of the books when taking the National Certification Exam.

Please be advised that if you have been convicted of a felony, you may not be eligible for clinical experiences, internships, externships or certifications associated with certain Allied Health courses or programs. Those with previous convictions may also find it difficult to secure employment within a healthcare setting.

Asnuntuck Community College also offers a children’s reading room which provides daycare free of charge to daytime students. Children must be at least 3 years of age to attend.

This program is CT SNAP, CT WIOA and MASS WIOA approved.

Time Commitment

This 10 month program meets for a total of 584 hours. An additional 70 hour externship is optional.