Dec 17, 2024

Catalog 2018-19

Catalog 2018-19 [ARCHIVED CATALOG]

Medical Coding

Program Description

This course series prepares students to take the national certification exam to become a Certified Professional Coder. Medical Coders typically work in large physician practices, hospitals or coding companies. They must use federal diagnostic (ICD) and procedure (CPT) codes to express medical services provided. This coding of services provides the basis for billing and collection of money for services. Accurate medical coding is essential to the delivery of quality health care and efficient health care administration.

Program Outcomes

Successful Completion:

CCBC Credential:

Students will be awarded a Continuing Education Workforce Training Certificate and will have access to a Continuing Education academic record (transcript).

External Credential: Certified Professional Coder (CPC)

Certifying Organization: American Academy of Professional Coders (AAPC) www.aacp.com Exam cost: $350

Financial Aid and Payment Options

Continuing Education Opportunity Grant
Partial Payment Option (through Nelnet Business Solutions)
Tuition Waiver for those who qualify
Baltimore County College Promise
Workforce Development Sequence Scholarship
Employer/Sponsor Paid Tuition
Division of Rehabilitation Services (DORS)
Local Office of Workforce Development
Students may apply for a career training scholarship through Central Scholarship (http://www.central-scholarship.org/)

Program Length

10-15 months

Coding courses begin in January at CCBC Randallstown, in May at CCBC Essex, and online in August.

Program Requirements

High School Diploma or GED. All students must be computer literate and have Internet access.

Application Process

To apply, go to ccbcmd.edu/apply and complete the CCBC Non-Credit Workforce Training Certificate application. An email will then be sent with program information and any additional requirements necessary to apply for the program.

Open Entry – No screening or documentation required.

Program Course Sequence

Course Number	Course Title	Course Hours	Costs T=Tuition/F=Fees	Textbook Information (approximate cost; subject to change)**
*Prerequisites:*
AHE 534 or AHE 124	Medical Terminology for Health Occupations Or Medical Terminology Online	30	$329 T-$147/F-$182 Or $339 T-$147/F-$192	A Short Course In Medical Terminology-3^rd Edition Author: C. Edward Collins. Publisher: Lippencott ISBN: 978-1-4511-7606-3 Price $65.99
AHE 519 or AHE 672	Anatomy and Physiology or Anatomy and Physiology Online	30	$329 T-$147/F-$182 Or $355 T-$159/$F196	The Human Body in Health & Disease, 7^th Edition ISBN: 978-0-323-402118 $55.95
*Prerequisite Totals:*		60	$658-$694 T$294-$306/ F$364-$388	$121.94
*Course Series:*
AHL 904 or AHL 829	Medical Coding I or Medical Coding I Online	60	$815 T-$440/F-$375 Or $835 T-$462/F-$373	1) Current Year ICD-10-CM For Physicians Professional Ed, Buck, ISBN 0323279767, Publisher Saunders, $106.00; 2) Current Year CPT Professional Ed, American Med Assoc, ISBN 1622022041,Copyright 15,Publisher AMA, $116.95; 3) Current Year HCPCS Level II Expert,Optum/Insight, ISBN 1601519133, Publisher Optum, $83.95; 4) Current Year Step By Step Medical Coding Pkg. Txt & Wkbk, Buck, ISBN 0323393829, Elsevier, Kit/Set/Package, $146.95
AHL 905 or AHL 830	Medical Coding II or Medical Coding II Online	60	$465 T-$269/F-$196 Or $490 T-$396/F-$94	Same as Medical Coding I
*Course Series Totals:*		120	$1280 - $1325	$453.85
*Course Series & Prerequisite Totals:*		180	$1938 - $2019 T-$1003- $1164 F-$855- $935	$575.79

Additional Information

Course Substitutions:
Medical Terminology AHE 534 can be substituted with: OFAD 141 or ALHL 115 or AHL 717 or AHE 124
Anatomy and Physiology AHE 519 can be substituted with: AHL 672 or AHE 715 or BIOL 109 or BIOL 220 and BIOL 221

Additional Expenses:
AAPC Practice Exam: $99
AAPC Membership: $80
AAPC Certification Exam: $380

Skills for Success:
The duties of a Medical Coder require the ability to sit for long hours and focus on the task at hand. Their duties also require them to have:

Outstanding communication skills
Computer literacy
Self-motivation and self-direction
Attention to detail
Ability to work well with limited human interaction
Analytical problem-solving skills
Excellent visual acuity

Career Opportunities:
Coders can work in hospitals, doctor offices, billing agencies, clinics, temp agencies, insurance companies, accountant offices, legal firms, state agencies, and be self-employed.

Students who complete the program and receive their national certification can receive credits toward an Associate of Applied Science in Allied Health through the School of Health Professions.

Career Coach

Research your career interests, explore live job postings, take a career assessment, discover which companies in the Baltimore region are hiring, and more. View a brief tutorial video on how to use Career Coach at: https://youtu.be/C7KpznbPYfA . Explore career and training opportunities at: https://ccbcmd.emsicareercoach.com/.

Program Contact Information

Technical Standards

Technical Standards for CCBC’s Medical Coding Training Series

The primary goal of The Community College of Baltimore County’s Medical Coding Series is to adequately prepare students for an entry-level position in a medical facility as a Medical Coder. The duties of a Medical Coder require the ability to sit for long hours and focus on the task at hand.

Their duties also require them to have:

Outstanding communication skills
Computer literacy
Self-motivation and self-direction
Attention to detail
Ability to work well with limited human interaction
Analytical problem solving skills
Excellent visual acuity

Following is a partial listing of the types of skills typically required for adequate job performance:

Physical Requirements:

A. Sufficient strength and mobility to:

Lift or otherwise maneuver papers/folders/books/charts up to 30 pounds
Stand or sit in one area for long periods of time
Work quickly to meet deadlines and/or production requirements

B. Fine motor coordination sufficient to perform precise tasks such as:

Perform basic keyboarding functions

C. Adequate vision to:

Read and understand displays on computers/laptops/tablets
Read and understand forms and communications from outside entities
Read and understand small print

D. Sufficient hearing to:

Hear and understand language in person and over the telephone, perhaps under noisy conditions

Interpersonal Skills and Professionalism:

A. Have the ability to:

Work in a professional manner under sometimes extremely stressful situations
Pay close attention to detail and recordkeeping
Commitment to learning and understanding new technologies, regulations and laws
Commitment to following approved standards, guidelines, policies, and procedures
Interact in a professional manner with many personalities and attitudes and with people from many different backgrounds
Respect and protect patient rights and confidentiality without regard to personal beliefs and judgments
Maintain proper certifications required to perform the duties of the profession
Accurately utilize all resource material available to remain current in the profession, including attending departmental in-service training
Willingness to precept (train) others

B. Sufficient communication skills to:

Give and receive accurate written and verbal instructions
Carry out all written and verbal instructions
Follow proper channels of communication
Communicate in a calm and professional manner
Communicate clearly and effectively to all team members

Intellectual Ability and Emotional Stability To:

Ability to apply critical thinking and problem solving skills
Exercise independent judgment to properly perform tasks at hand
Accurately utilize all resource material available to perform the task at hand
Work calmly and efficiently in a fast-paced, stressful environment
Maintain calm during emergency situations
Accept feedback from others