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Health Information Management
Coding Specialist Certificate

What is Coding?
Coding is the translation of narration into numerical codes. For example, a health care provider lists diagnoses and procedures and these-for billing, research, statistical, and administrative purposes-must be translated into numerical codes.

The two dominant coding systems are: ICD-9-CM (International Classification of Diseases, 9th Edition, Clinical Modification) and CPT-4 (Current Procedural Terminology, 4th Edition).

In the program we use the Channel ICD-9-CM which is ordered directly from the publisher; the CPT-4 coding text is ordered through the American Medical Association. Workbooks accompany both texts.

For more information on the HIM Coding Specialist Certificate, contact:
LESLIE GORDON
University of Alaska Southeast, Sitka Campus, Sitka, Alaska 99835

1-800-478-6653 Ext. 9474 or 907-747-9474 or e-mail her at: Leslie.Gordon@uas.alaska.edu

Coding Brochure (pdf file, 74KB)  HIM Privacy Brochure (pdf file, 144KB)


GENERAL REQUIREMENTS: 13 credits
ENGL 111 Methods of Written Communication 3 cr.
BIOL 111 Anatomy & Physiology I 4 cr.
BIOL 112 Anatomy & Physiology II 4 cr.
CIOS 110A Operating Systems and Environments 1 cr.

CIOS 135
CIOS 140

Spreadsheet Concepts and Applications OR
Database Concepts and Applications

1 cr.

HIM CODING SPECIALIST REQUIREMENTS: 16 credits

HIM 135 Medical Terminology 3 cr.
HIM 215 Physician Office Coding and Reimbursement 2 cr.
HIM 190 CPT Procedural Coding 3 cr.
HIM 210 ICD-9-CM Coding 3 cr.
HIM 260 Data Quality/Reimbursement 2 cr.
HIM 270 Pathology 3 cr.
HIM 271 Pharmacology 1 cr.

COURSE DESCRIPTIONS FOR HIM CODING SPECIALIST CERTIFICATE

HIM 135 Medical Terminology, 3 cr.
Designed to provide students with a basic understanding of the language used within healthcare settings. It gives students a foundation for communication with health care professionals and lay people. Focus is on terminology of body systems related to symptomatology, diseases and treatment. Evaluation by means of assignments, tests and
a comprehensive final examination. Prerequisite: Regular admission status and co-requisite placement at ENGL 110 or higher. Cross-listed as HS 135

HIM 190 CPT Coding, 3 cr.
Review of alternative classification systems with major emphasis on HCPCS/CPT-4 ambulatory care coding. A required clinical lab at an ambulatory care setting will be required. Brief overview of Ambulatory Visit Groups (AVGs) and Resource Based Relative Values (RBRVs). Evaluation will be based on class participation, site visit, completion of unit assignments, tests and final examination. Prerequisites: Medical Terminology; Anatomy & Physiology; or consent of instructor.

HIM 210 ICD-9-CM Coding, 3 cr.
Introduction to International Classification of Diseases Ninth Revision, Clinical Modification (for use in the United States). Use of integrated learning materials. Instruction in coding diagnoses and procedures, sequencing, and coding conventions. Review of complications and co-morbidities.
Clinical Lab: Students will complete a required lab at an acute care clinical site which will provide an overview of DRGs, interface between business office and HIM, optimizing reimbursement, coding quality studies, and working with physicians for DRG management. Introduction to coding software. Evaluation will be by means of class participation, unit and lab assignments, tests and/or final examination.  Prerequisites: Medical Terminology; Anatomy and Physiology

HIM 215 Billing and Reimbursement, 2 cr.
Focus is on issues of billing and reimbursement for health care facilities. Includes an overview of the role of the health insurance specialist; third party payers such as Medicare, Medicaid, workers compensation and disability, Tricare and commercial insurance claims. Legal and regulatory considerations and ambulatory ICD-9 are covered. Students will complete a project focused on coding and reimbursement issues. Prerequisite: HIM 190

HIM 260 Data Quality & Reimbursement, 2 cr.
A continuation of HIM 210 with in-depth focus on coding issues. Introduction to data quality issues including coding validation, data accuracy, coding guidelines and training, and reimbursement issues including Diagnostic Related Groups (DRGs), Ambulatory Patient Classifications (APCs); Resource Based Relative Value Scales (RBRVs). Impact of coding accuracy and correct DRG assignment on financial stability of facility. Overview of specialist credentials: CCS and CCS-P.
Prerequisite: HIM 210 (Students with required prerequisites, not enrolled in either the HIM degree or coding specialist certificate will be admitted on a space available basis only.)

HIM 270 Pathology, 3 cr.
Introduction to the basic concepts underlying various pathological processes. Students will draw on their knowledge of normal anatomy and physiology to understand how pathogenesis of disease occurs. Discussion of diseases, diagnostic process, appropriate testing, and various treatment options. Class will require both independent online work and class attendance. Lectures, discussions, assigned independent readings, use of online references, independent research, and student projects will be utilized. May not meet requirements for nursing programs. Evaluations will be through participation and attendance, assignments, and tests.
Prerequisite: BIOL 111 and BIOL 112. Co-requisite: HIM 135 or permission. Cross listed as HS 270.

HIM 271 Pharmacology, 1 cr.
Introduction to drug terminology, administration, toxicity, vocabulary, standards and references. Prerequistie: HIM 135 Medical Terminology

HIM CODING SPECIALIST CERTIFICATE SUGGESTED ACADEMIC SCHEDULE

FALL SEMESTER: 1st Year

BIOL 111 Human Anatomy & Physiology I 4 CH
ENGL 111 Methods of Written Communication 3 CH

TOTAL: 7 CH.

SPRING SEMESTER: 1st Year

BIOL 112 Human Anatomy & Physiology II 4 CH
HIM 135 Medical Terminology 3 CH

TOTAL: 7 CH.

SUMMER SEMESTER: 1st Year

CIOS 110A Operating Systems & Environments 1 CH
CIOS 135 or CIOS 140 Spreadsheet OR Database Concepts 1 CH

TOTAL: 2 CH.

FALL SEMESTER: 2nd Year

HIM 190 CPT-4 Coding 3 Ch
HIM 270 Pathology 3 CH

TOTAL: 6 CH.

SPRING SEMESTER: 2nd Year

HIM 210 ICD-9 CM Coding 3 CH
HIM 215 Billing & Reimbursement 2 CH
HIM 271 Pharmacology 1 CH

TOTAL: 6 CH.

SUMMER SEMESTER: 2nd Year

HIM 260

Data Quality & Reimbursement

2 CH

TOTAL: 2 CH.

EMPLOYMENT:
At present, the demand for entry-level coders is extremely high especially in acute care facilities. In addition, medical clinics, veterinary hospitals, long term care facilities, behavioral health facilities, and health care corporations also provide job opportunities. The HIM Coding Specialist Certificate will prepare graduates for positions in this dynamic and fast growing profession.

UAS is an AA/EO employer and education institution.
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