Medical Coding Specialist, AAS

Program Plan: Plan MICMSAPT

Associate of Applied Science Degree: 94 credits

Enrollment Point: Fall or Winter Quarter

Develop skills and knowledge to transform descriptions of diseases, injuries, conditions, and procedures into numerical designations in clinics, insurance companies, and other medical settings. Work with doctors, managers, and other healthcare professionals to translate written terminology or descriptions into a universal, common language. Learn medical terminology, word processing, spreadsheet applications, and computerized patient accounting while using ICD-10 CM/PCS, CPT, and HCPCS level II guidelines to complete the CMS-1500 claim form using patient data abstracted from the encounter form and medical record. This high-demand occupation provides many opportunities for people who like attention to detail and take pride in their work. 

An Associate of Applied Science degree is awarded upon successful completion of core course requirements. Transfer credit from other institutions is considered upon validation of transcript and course work. 

Program Learning Outcomes:

• Perform business functions in a medical office. 

• Model ethical behavior. 

• Communicate effectively with patients, co-workers, and industry professionals. 

• Promote a positive workplace environment. 

• Evaluate medical documentation to identify and assign procedure and diagnostic codes. 

• Analyze clinic coding performance by extracting or auditing revenue performance. 

• Disseminate information on coding standards and requirements to optimize reimbursement. 

Admission Recommendations 

• Language Skills: Students will be asked to compose basic business letters, memos, and reports. Students entering without basic skills in English, grammar and mechanics may take longer to complete. 

• Computer Applications: Students should be computer literate at least at the basic level in a Windows PC environment. Students entering without basic computer skills may take longer to complete. 

Student Evaluation 

The students are evaluated on each course separately. Evaluation consists of written and performance testing to measure the achievement of course competencies. In addition, evaluation criteria may include completion of classroom and lab assignments, school-to-work activities, and regular participation. 

 To advance through the program curriculum, students should not take courses out of sequence. 

Some classes have prerequisites. Students must pass prerequisite classes with a 2.0 or higher to move to the next class in the sequence. 

Students complete all the classes for the certificates in Health Care Navigator and Revenue Management Specialist in the process of earning their degree as a Medical Coding Specialist. 

Tests and Final Exam: 

Examinations are scheduled in advance. To qualify for the total points on the examinations, the student must take the examination at the scheduled time. Ten percent in points will be deducted from each examination if the examination is not taken at the scheduled time. This rule reinforces the need for on-time performance. 

Any make-up examination must be completed within 3 days of the scheduled examination, or no points will be awarded for the examination. Make-up examinations are up to the discretion of the instructor, and the make-up exam may not be the same as the original scheduled exam. It is up to the student to schedule the make-up exam and complete the make-up session. After feedback, all tests and finals must be returned immediately to the instructor for filing in your student folder. 

Specific grading procedures are explained in detail in the syllabus for each course. If you have any questions about your status, please contact the instructor.