Medical Coding and Billing Specialist – Online Program

Coding

Prepare for a career in one of today’s hottest fields from the comfort of your own home! With all coursework offered via the Internet, your mentor, and a clinical site close to home, this certificate program prepares students for entry-level positions in the health care industry performing medical coding and processing health care insurance claims.

Medical coders and billing specialists play a vital role in the financial viability of any health care organization in a regulatory climate. Job openings are available in hospitals, clinics, and long-term care facilities, as well as opportunities for self-employment and work from home.

Program Entry Requirements:

  1. The student must be at the reading comprehension level of ENG 101. The GCC Skills Assessment determines reading comprehension level.
  2. It is highly recommended that students take GCC online coursework in how to take a course online.
  3. The student must understand that prior to the initiation of the second year of the program, he/she will be required to secure a mentor and clinical site within their geographic area. The student will provide transportation to and from the internship site. The commuting distance will depend on the availability of the site.
    1. The mentor must be a RHIA, RHIT,CCS, or CPC
    2. The clinical site is to be an acute care facility with outpatient services.
    3. The site is to be JCAHO accredited.
  4. Consistent with item three above, prior to initiating the second year of the program, the student is to successfully complete all requirements of the clinical site for student internship. This may include: physical examination, rubella titer, rubeola titer, varicella titer, drug screening, criminal background check, and malpractice insurance.
  5. The student must have a computer system, Internet access, and e-mail accessibility compatible with that of Gogebic Community College. All GCC requirements for Internet courses must be met. (GCC reserves the right to revise these requirements as needed. Please refer to the program director for updated materials on program requirements.)
  6. Students have the opportunity to test out of courses where they feel they have sufficient knowledge. Gogebic Community College establishes testing guidelines and fees.
  7. Students have the ability to transfer courses into the program consistent with the guidelines established by Gogebic Community College

Gogebic Community College is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission of the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools, www.ncacihe.org. (312) 263-0456, 30 North LaSalle Street, Suite 2400, Chicago, Illinois 60602-2504.

Program Outline for Completion in Two Years

(This program may also be taken over a longer time period)

YEAR 1
First Semester
Credits
 Second Semester
Credits
BIO 105 Anatomy & Physiology (16 wks)
4
 HIT 108 Medical Office Procedures (8 wks)
1
CIT 161 Fundamentals of Computer Applications (16 wks)
4
 HIT 109 Health Care Delivery Structure 2nd 8 wks)
2
HIT 105 Health Care Delivery (4 wks)
1
 BUS 116 Medical Terminology (16 wks)
4
HIT 106 Regulatory Agencies in Health Care (6 wks)
1
    
HIT 107 Reimbursement in Health Care 6 wks)
1
  
Total
11
Total
7
YEAR 2
Third Semester
Credits
 Fourth Semester
Credits
HIT 205 Disease Process & Pharmacology (16 wks)
4
 HIT 210 Basic Ambulatory Care Coding (10 wks)
3
HIT 206 Basic ICD-9-CM (10 wks)
3
 HIT 211 Intermediate CPT (6 wks)
3
HIT 207 Intermediate ICD-9-CM (6 wks)
3
 HIT 212 Health Care Insurance (2nd (8 wks)
2
Total
10
 Total
8
 
Total Credits
36

 

More Information:

For more information on the Online Medical Coding and Billing Specialist program or the Associate Degree Program on the Ironwood Campus, contact, Angela MacLeod or call (906) 932-4231 ext. 245 or toll free (800) 682-5910 ext. 245

 

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