Course Descriptions for Medical Coding and Billing Specialist – Online Program

CIT 161 FUNDAMENTALS OF DATA PROCESSING - 4

An introduction to the applications of the microcomputer as used by businesses. Emphasis is on equipment, vocabulary, and the three basic tools of office automation, word processors, spreadsheets, and file managers.
Pre/Corequisite: Keyboarding, MTH 100 or Equivalent

BIO 105 ANATOMY AND PHYSIOLOGY - 4

A study of the human body, including its structures and their functions. The major body systems will be explored including organ names, their locations and what role they play in the functioning of the body as a whole. Diagnostic testing used to identify the functioning of an organ or body system will also be discussed.
Prerequisite: None

BUS 116 MEDICAL TERMINOLOGY - 4

Development of medical vocabulary and skill in spelling, pronouncing, and defining medical terms. Students learn to divide words into their component parts recognizing the basic combining forms. They learn suffixes and prefixes and their meanings. Emphasis is placed on learning the pathology of the nine body systems.
Corequisite: None

HIT 105 HEALTH CARE DELIVERY SYSTEMS - 1 (1-0)

This course is designed to provide the student with an introduction to the various health care delivery systems available. The student will learn the various attributes of each type of delivery system and how these providers integrate services to deliver the most effective care to their patients. The concepts of consolidation, merger, and holding companies will be explored along with corporate organization and administration.
Prerequisite: None

HIT 106 REGULATORY AGENCIES IN HEALTH CARE - 1 (1-0)

The health care industry must comply with a vast number of licensing and regulatory agencies. This course is designed to introduce the student to these agencies and to the standards that they enforce. The student will learn to read and interpret the regulations as well as project their impact on the health care facility. The student will also be able to correlate the type of health care organization with specific regulatory agencies and standards.
Prerequisite: HIT 105

HIT 107 REIMBURSEMENT IN HEALTH CARE - 1 (1-0)

In this course, the student will be introduced to the many methods and means of financial compensation in health care. This will include a basic understanding of Medicare, Medicaid, Blue Cross, Blue Shield, Workers’ Compensation, Tricare and Disability Compensation. The course will also address methods of submitting and processing claims.
Prerequisite: HIT 105

HIT 108 MEDICAL OFFICE PROCEDURES - 1 (1-0)

This course will provide an introduction to processing of health information within a medical office. The course will include the booking of appointments, entering patient information, encounter forms, posting of charges, posting of payments, adjustments, claims processing, electronic data interchange, tracing delinquent claims, and the appeals process.
Prerequisite: None

HIT 109 HEALTH CARE DATA/STRUCTURE - 2 (2-1)

This course provides an analysis of the health record including content, structure and use. The legal and ethical issues involved in the documentation found in the record will be discussed. Data, data sets, primary and secondary records will also be evaluated. At the conclusion of the course the student will be able to identify where information will be found in the record and in other resources or data sets.
Prerequisites: HIT 106, 107, 108

HIT 205 DISEASE PROCESS/PHARMACOLOGY - 4

A body system evaluation of the different disease entities affecting the human body and their pathological origin. With each disease entity will be discussed the pathological process, diagnostics, and treatment modalities including pharmaceuticals.
Prerequisite: BIO 105 with minimum of C, BUS 116

HIT 206 BASIC ICD-9-CM CODING - 3 (2-12)

This course will provide the student with an introduction to ICD-9-CM diagnostic coding. The student will learn the basic guidelines for ICD-9-CM coding and the importance of supporting documentation for every code selected. Basic principals regarding designation of the principal diagnosis and principal procedure will be presented. Legal and ethical issues involving coding and submission of claims will also be discussed. During this course the student will be required to work on an encoder and obtain practical experience at their mentoring site.
Corequisite: HIT 205
Prerequisites: HIT 109

HIT 207 INTERMEDIATE ICD-9-CM CODING - 3 (2-12)

This course proceeds with complex aspects of ICD-9-CM coding with continued emphasis on supporting documentation and appropriate sequencing of diagnoses. Diagnostic validation and prospective payment principals will be presented along with case mix analysis and severity of illness/intensity of service criteria. Diagnostic coding across the health care spectrum will also be presented. During this course the student will be required to work on an encoder and obtain practical experience at their mentoring site.
Prerequisite: HIT 206

HIT 210 BASIC AMBULATORY CARE CODING - 3 (2-12)

This course will provide the student with an introduction to procedural coding utilizing the HCPCS coding system composed of CPT and national codes. Physician billing, outpatient/ancillary care, emergency department and ambulatory care coding will be emphasized. The importance of documentation to support the code selection, especially in the area of Evaluation and Management, will be stressed. Legal and ethical issues involving coding and submission of claims will also be discussed. During this course the student will be required to work on an encoder and obtain practical experience at their mentoring site.
Prerequisite: HIT 207

HIT 211 INTERMEDIATE CPT CODING - 3 (2-12)

This course proceeds with complex aspects of CPT procedural coding. There will be increased emphasis on the use of modifiers, global services, and procedural bundling. Prospective payment in ambulatory and outpatient services will be presented and the implications of coding will be discussed. During this course the student will be required to work on an encoder and obtain practical experience at their mentoring site.
Prerequisite: HIT 210

HIT 212 HEALTH CARE INSURANCE PROCESSING - 3(2-12)

This course will integrate all of the competencies obtained throughout the program. The student will utilize health information, coding principals and knowledge of health care reimbursement and regulatory standards to legally and ethically process health care claims. During this course the student will be required to work on an encoder and obtain practical experience at their mentoring site.
Corequisites: HIT 211
Prerequisites: HIT 210

HIT 103 INTERNSHIP I - 2 (0-60)

Clinical internship in which the Medical Coding and Billing student will obtain hands on experience in the principles and concepts learned within the program. The student will work with an automated encoder/grouper and other health information software including, if available, an electronic recorder. The time the student will spend at the clinical site will total not less than 60 hours.
Prerequisite: Arranged with the internship coordinator