A good entry-level job in healthcare with opportunities to expand your skills down the road.
The Medical Coding and Billing Certificate provides the latest information related to medical coding, chart billing, auditing and insurance reimbursement in a matter of six classes.
Program location
Skills you'll learn
- Medical insurance and billing
- Electronic health records
Key classes you'll take
- Essentials of Anatomy and Physiology
- Essentials of Coding and Billing
- Diagnostic Coding
- Medical Terminology
Last-Dollar Scholarship
If you're an Iowan, you may be eligible to earn this degree tuition-free.
Where this program can take you
- Clinic & Physician Offices
- Insurance Specialist
- Billing Specialist
- Medical Insurance Claims Adjuster
Contact Us
West Burlington Campus Admissions
Call: (319) 208-5155
Text: (319) 250-7144
Email: admissionswb@scciowa.edu
Keokuk Campus Admissions
Call: (319) 313-1923
Text: (319) 220-3266
Email: admissionskeo@scciowa.edu
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
- ACT
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
| Prerequisite | Course Title | Credit |
|---|---|---|
| BIO-163 | Essentials of Anatomy and Physiology | 4 |
| TOTAL CREDITS | 4 |
| 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