36 Weeks / 540 Clock Hours / 180 Externship Hours / 38 Semester Credits

The Medical Coding Specialist student will be trained to perform at a minimum entry level in positions normally available in medical offices, clinics, hospitals and insurance companies as a part of the health care team. Medical Coding Specialist, Insurance Coder, Claims Specialist, and ICD9/CPT Coder, are typical job titles.

Students will be instructed in the analysis of medical records (charts) and the assignment of codes for indexing diagnoses and procedures to provide information for reimbursement purposes. “Coding” means transforming the written or verbal description of diseases, injuries, and procedures into numerical designations.

Students will learn anatomy and medical terminology. Students will also learn about diseases that affect the human body. They will learn etiology, pathology, symptoms, signs, diagnostics and treatment to properly code medical records. Students will become familiar with the content of the medical record in order to locate information to support or provide specificity for accurate coding.

Students will experience a variety of grading methods to ensure and assess proper learning skills and performance. Projects, quizzes, tests, case studies, daily exercises, role-play, workbook pages, and class participation are ways that will be utilized to assess student learning.

Course subject descriptions are as follows:

FIRST TERM

MCS 110 ICD-9 Medical Coding Documentation 30 clock hours/lecture/2 credits
Students will learn appropriate elements of documentation and be able to analyze medical record documentation in order to assign diagnostic and procedure codes.

MED 121 Anatomy and Medical Terminology by Systems I 60 clock hours/lecture/4 credits
This subject familiarizes the student with human anatomy and medical terminology. Focus for medical coders will be on body systems. Functions of the systems, diseases, diagnostic test, treatments and medications are covered. Common medical abbreviations will be introduced.

MCS 120 Healthcare Administration and Professional Management 30 clock hours/lecture/2 credits
This course is designed to help the student recognize the important role personal qualities play in the workplace. This course is designed to also help the development of preparing the student for successful employment and promoting personal growth.

MCS 101 Coding I 60 clock hours/lecture/4 credits
This subject introduces the student to Volumes I and II of the ICD-9 Manual for diagnostic coding. The student will learn the proper procedures for coding diagnoses, signs and symptoms, drugs, hypertension and neoplasm tables. An introduction to CPT and HCPCS will also be covered.

SECOND TERM

MCS 130 Computer Applications 30 clock hours/lab/1 credits
Students will learn to use a computerized medical office software program. Included will be how to enter patient demographics, scheduling, posting accounts, printing reports and working with claims are covered. Keyboarding theory and keyboarding skills necessary for the operation of computer and word processors are covered.

MED 122 Anatomy and Medical Termonology by Systems II 60 clock hours/lecture/4 credits
The more complicated systems of the body and additional terminology are covered. Functions of the systems as well as diseases, diagnostic tests, treatments and medications are covered.

MCS 104 Healthcare Procedure Coding System and Medical Coding 30 clock hours/lecture/2 credits
This course introduces the student to rules and regulations of billing in the HCPCS manual. Students will also gain knowledge into basic Pharmacology used in the Medical Coding field. Students will also learn the proper billing techniques for the Medicine section in the Current Procedural Terminology manual.

MCS 102 Coding II 60 clock hours/lecture/4 credits
This course introduces the student to the next level of procedural coding which involves the CPT manual and its uses and contents, including Levels I, II & III coding modifiers. This subject introduces students to DRG’s, HCPS billing procedures.

THIRD TERM

MCS 230 Health Insurance / Billing and Office Procedures 60 clock hours/lecture/3 credits
The student will learn the billing practices of all major insurance companies, as well as commercial insurance. Students will also understand the proper filing of HCFA and UB92 forms. Emphasis is placed on the administrative skills necessary for the effective management of a medical business office. Students will gain hands-on experience with patient records, management, insurance billing, computerized scheduling, transcription and employee payroll.

MCS 103 Coding III 60 clock hours/lecture/4 credits
This subject is a continuation of Medical Coding II covering CPT, HCPC Codes, DRG’s, laboratory, pathology and radiology codes.

MED 123 Anatomy and Medical Terminology by Systems II 60 clock hours/lecture/4 credits
This subject familiarizes the student with human anatomy and medical terminology. Focus for medical coders will be on body systems. Functions of the systems, diseases, diagnostic test, treatments and medications are covered. Common medical abbreviations will be introduced

MCS 210 Evaluation and Management-Principles and Applications 30 clock hours/lecture/2 credits
Students will learn the key factors of evaluation and management code assignment, and levels of evaluation and management service. Students will learn to assign evaluation and management codes in this course and identify documentation guidelines.

FOURTH TERM

MED 270 Externship 180 externship hours/4 credits
In the third term, students will meet with their Externship Coordinator to begin planning their externships. The externship is required for all students and must be completed to be eligible for graduation and to receive their diploma. To qualify for the externship phase of the program, a student must first have met the 2.0 G.P.A. or re-taking a subject, a score of 70% or above on the Comprehensive Class Room Final Exam and have an over-all attendance of 90% in his or her medical courses. All work is performed under the direct supervision of licensed medical personnel at the site in cooperation with MTI’s Externship Coordinator. Externs are not entitled to compensation.

Student will be scheduled for 180 hours at an extern site that has an externship agreement with MTI. MTI currently has externship site agreements in place, and those sites have agreed to host medical coding students. The externship sites we are working with are OSF Prompt Care, Proctor First Care, Couri-Teverbaugh, Jody Kelly MD and Associates, and Heartland Clinic. A professional dress code must be adhered to while students attend externship.

Additional Requirements: Upon successful completion of all coursework through the 3rd term MTI will proved uniforms which will be 3 polo shirts. Students will be able to purchase additional shirts as desired. Students will be asked to provide their own khaki pants (no capris or crop pants). MTI will all pay dues for student membership in the AAPC upon successful completion of the first three terms.