Our medical coding and billing program provides the latest information related to medical coding, chart auditing and insurance reimbursement. Students in our medical coding classes learn the theory of medical coding, gain an understanding of medical coding fundamentals and incorporate this by using a laboratory practicum to work medical coding reports. 

Admissions standards apply to this program. Please contact the Student Support Center for more details.

Admission Requirements

• Complete and attain minimums in standardized scores within 24 months of review for acceptance into the program:
  • ACT
    • Reading: 19
    • Math: 19
  • SAT
    • Reading/Writing: 330
    • Math: 510
  • Next-Gen ACCUPLACER:
    • Reading: 248
  • ALEKS:
    • Math: 14

The students will be trained in ICD-10, CPT and HCPCS coding language. The medical billing and coding field continues to grow as new government regulations influence physician reimbursement. 

Pre-requisite - BIO-163; Essentials of Anatomy and Physiology.

*Certificate can be earned one time.

For specific information regarding program rules and expectations, please view the Medical Coding and Billing Handbook.

Summary Sheet

The summary sheet provides a program overview and other information.

Curriculum Sequence

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Prerequisite	Course Title	Credit
BIO-163	Essentials of Anatomy and Physiology	4
	TOTAL CREDITS	4

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Fall Semester I	Course Title	Credit
CPC-110	Essentials of Medical Coding and Billing	2
CPC-121	Introduction to Medical Procedural Coding	5.5
CPC-126	Diagnostic Coding	4
CPC-128	Introduction to Medical Insurance and Billing	3
HSC-114	Medical Terminology	3
	TOTAL CREDITS	17.5

BIO-163 - Essentials of Anatomy and Physiology

Lecture: 3

Lab: 2

Credit: 4

This introductory course is designed for the student needing a one-semester combined anatomy and physiology course with laboratory. All systems will be covered with greater emphasis on the cardiovascular, respiratory, immune and urinary systems. This course also provides background for the more advanced courses, BIO-168 and BIO-173.

CPC-110 - Essentials of Medical Coding and Billing

Lecture: 1

Lab: 2

Credit: 2

This is an introductory course which will introduce the student to the essential components of Medical Coding and Billing. The student will identify the basics of Electronic Health Records (EHR). Students will also learn the purpose, terminology, documentation requirements and functionality along with the legal and regulatory guidelines. This will include practice exercises to provide hands-on experience using EHR software to complete medical coding and billing tasks in the health care provider office setting. The course will also provide information on the uses of common brand and generic drug names. This information will help coders understand how to use medication information to identify situations in which further inquiry about comorbidities or complications may be necessary and ensure accurate reporting of chronic healthcare conditions. Corequisite: CPC-128.

CPC-121 - Introduction to Medical Procedural Coding

Lecture: 5

Lab: 1

Credit: 5.5

This course prepares students for a career in medical coding in the medical office. Introduction to current procedural terminology (CPT) manual, HCPCS and medical coding compliance and guidelines. Corequisites: CPC-126 and CPC-128.

CPC-126 - Diagnostic Coding

Lecture: 3

Lab: 2

Credit: 4

This course will prepare the student for application coding along with compliance as it is related to diagnostic coding. The student will be able to identify, assign, sequence and report all applicable diagnostic codes in accordance with the ICD-10-CM official guidelines. Corequisites: CPC-121 and CPC-128 with a minimum grade of a C.

CPC-128 - Introduction to Medical Insurance and Billing

Lecture: 3

Credit: 3

This course is designed to assist students in understanding the complexities of current insurance and billing procedures in the medical office or clinic setting. The student will obtain a sound foundation of the nuances, guidelines and requirements involved. The student will be familiarized with claims submission for major medical insurance/reimbursement programs. Corequisites: CPC-121 and CPC-126.

HSC-114 - Medical Terminology

Lecture: 2

Lab: 2

Credit: 3

This course is designed to study the basic language related to medical science with emphasis on word analysis, construction, definitions, pronunciations, spelling and standard abbreviations.

Megan Massner - Instructor - Medical Assistant

Email: mmassner@scciowa.edu
Diploma, Southeastern Community College

Anne Abel - Instructor - Medical Coding & Billing

Email: aabel@scciowa.edu
CPC Certification of American Academy of Professional Coders
CPC-I Certification of American Academy of Professional Coders

Debra Shaffer - Instructor - Medical Assistant/Program Coordinator

Email: dshaffer@scciowa.edu
AAS, Mount St. Clare College
ADN, Southeastern Community College