IECC | Programs

Semester 1

Prefix/Num

Program Overview:
Delivering quality healthcare depends on capturing accurate and timely medical data; medical coding professionals fulfull this need as key players in the healthcare workplace. The OCC Medical Coding Associate certificate program will prepare students for the Certificate Coding Associate exam/certification (http://www.ahima.org/certification/cca.aspx).

Health information coding is the transformation of verbal descriptions of diseases, injuries, and procedures into numeric or alphanumeric designations. The coding of health-related data permits access to medical records by diagnoses and procedures for use in clinical care, research, and education. Medical coders assign a code to each diagnosis and procedure by using classification systems 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, physician offices, or long-term care.

Medical Coding Associate students must pass all courses in the program with at least a C and maintain a minimum term GPA of 2.0 to proceed through the program.

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A study of computer concepts, including the information processing cycle, file organization, data communications and operating systems and systems software. Applications software, including spreadsheets, database, word processing, presentation software, computer communications, operating systems, and Internet access and use with business-oriented computer hardware and software concepts emphasis. PREREQUISITE: Recommended one semester of typing.

This course prepares the student for job interviews, job placement, and employment. Verbal and written communication skills are implemented through assigned reports. Topics of discussion and debate range from securing and keeping a job to individual attitudes, work habits, work ethics, and interviewing skills. The student will be required to prepare a written resume and to apply communication skills in practical situations.

This course introduces common root words, prefixes, and suffixes used in medical terminology. Emphasis is placed on comprehension, spelling, pronunciation, ability to use a medical dictionary, vocabulary building, and common abbreviations.

The first semester starts with an overview of characteristics of ICD-10-CM and ICD-10-PCS. The main content of the course will be divided into systems, or diseases to learn how to code in each type of situation. We will take a brief look at UB-04 and CMS-1500 forms. PREREQUISITE: Completion of HEA1225 Introduction to Medical Terminology or approval of instructor.

The purpose of this course is to introduce the student to concepts and the scope of the Health Information profession. Students will also learn the history and development of the healthcare system today. Students will learn about the different types of facilities, the continuum of care, and examine the quality management process.

This course examines the functions of medical records personnel, the health information management department, filing procedures, processing medical records, assembling the medical record, analysis of the record, confidentiality issues and release of information, and other issues related to managing health records. The student will be introduced to systems and processes for collecting, maintaining, and disseminating health related information.

The purpose of this course is to provide the student with the basic guidelines of CPT Coding and Classification System, sequencing of codes, and impact on reimbursement. You will practice assigning codes for procedures and explore HCPCS codes as well.

This course offers the basic understanding of how the human body operates on a daily basis from birth to death. This course will study the structure and functions of cells, tissues, and all organ systems of the human body. This very basic course is designed for allied health practitioners.

An introduction to human diseases with emphasis upon etiology, symptoms, and diagnostic findings which will assist the student in interpreting information within the medical record. The course also provides a basic background in pharmacology for the Health Information Professional. PREREQUISITE: HEA 1225 Intro to Medical Terminology.

The course integrates information about all U.S. healthcare payment systems. An in-depth look will be taken at complex financial systems within the healthcare environment. Students will study and understand the basics of health insurance, public funding programs, managed care contracting, and how services are paid.

Students will learn troubleshooting methods, resources for coding questions and research, and practice with case studies.

This course will prepare students for the coding certification exam. New coders earning the CCA will need to demonstrate competency in the health information field.

This course is designed to help students bridge the gap between classroom and work experience. It provides a virtual externship that allows students to take what they have learned in the classroom and apply it to on-the-job scenarios typically performed by a medical coding and billing specialist. One credit hour is equivalent to a minimum of 75 hours of supervised work experience. PREREQUISITE: Student must have completed or be concurrently enrolled in 12 semester hours of credit in the corresponding discipline.

We recommend that you contact an advisor before enrolling in any degree, certificate, or transfer program to ensure all requirements are met including total hours associated with transfer courses.

This is a General Education or Elective course to be selected and therefore has no schedule link.