2022-2023 Undergraduate Catalog 
    
    Mar 29, 2024  
2022-2023 Undergraduate Catalog [ARCHIVED CATALOG]

Business Information Technology - Medical Information Technology - Medical Billing and Coding Specialist Certificate


Program Description The Medical Billing and Coding Specialist Certificate requires a minimum of 44 credits as outlined and is for those who seek billing and coding careers in healthcare and insurance settings, as well as those currently employed in health care who seek additional training. Medical billing and coding specialists review and interpret the health record and maintain close communication with health care providers, supporting efficient health care documentation and revenue cycles. After health care services are provided, medical coders review the health record and assign medical codes for diagnoses, services, tests, and procedures. Following the documentation and coding processes, the medical biller prepares and processes the medical billing and coding data, including charge entry, insurance claims processing, payment posting, patient billing, and insurance and patient follow-up. Medical billing and coding specialists in this high-demand job field excel in analytical thinking, detail management, problem solving, and interpersonal communication.

Certification/Licensure
Program graduates are eligible to take the following national coding certification examinations:

  • American Association of Professional Coders (AAPC) Certified Professional Biller (CPB®) (Visit www.aapc.com to explore this certification.)
  • American Association of Professional Coders (AAPC) Certified Professional Coder Associate (CPC®) (Visit www.aapc.com to explore this certification.)
  • American Health Information Technology (AHIMA) Certified Coding Specialist-Physician-based (CCS-P®) (Visit www.ahima.org to explore this certification.)

Advising Note This program requirement sheet is not a substitute for meeting with an academic advisor. Meeting the requirements to graduate with an Edmonds College certificate or degree is ultimately the responsibility of the student.

Program Requirements (44 credits)


OUTCOMES:

  1. Use appropriate technology and technical skills to accurately manage information and solve problems.
  2. Apply healthcare law, ethics, and confidentiality standards.
  3. Demonstrate appropriate use of healthcare terminology and health records documentation.
  4. Apply effective writing, speaking, and listening skills to appropriately communicate with diverse populations in healthcare settings.
  5. Apply problem solving and critical thinking skills within the scope of a healthcare office setting.

Program Notes


The program code for this certificate is HMRMBC20. For financial aid, advising, and other reasons, students should work with their advisor to ensure that this code is properly recorded on their academic record.

  • Students are required to maintain a minimum cumulative grade point average of 2.0 in all college-level courses.
  • Employment opportunities for MIT certificate graduates may be found in physician’s practices, medical clinics, surgical centers, hospitals, insurance companies, managed care organizations, long-term care facilities, home-health agencies and other healthcare settings. A variety of administrative support positions are available in reception, health records, patient accounts, claims processing, and billing/coding.
  • The Medical Billing and Coding Specialist Certificate is fully stackable into the Medical Administrative Assistant Associate of Technical Arts Degree program requirements and electives. This allows students to use all credits toward a higher level of education and employment opportunities.
  • Medical Billing and Coding Specialist Certificate graduates may be eligible to transfer credits to an accredited Health Information Management degree program in Washington State. Contact the faculty advisor for more information.
  • BSTEC 130 Computer Fundamentals may be substituted for BSTEC 129 PC Basics. This substitution does not change the Program Requirements credits as outlined.

The advisor for this program is:
Kim Haines | kim.haines@edmonds.edu | 425.640.1293

Department website: ​Business Information Technology | edmonds.edu/bstec​​

Certificate General Information


Credit/Grade Requirements A minimum of 30 credits or one-third of the required college-level (100-level or above) credits, whichever is less, must be earned at Edmonds College. Students are required to maintain a minimum cumulative grade point average of 2.0 in all college-level courses.

Program of Study Outcomes Student achievement is assessed in the general and program specific outcomes via the courses and course objectives that align with those outcomes. More information about program outcomes and course objectives can be found on the Using Program Requirement Sheets  page.

Students Are Advised To:

  • Plan their schedule several quarters in advance in order to accommodate courses that are offered only once or twice a year;
  • Review the college catalog for required course prerequisites and include these in schedule planning; and
  • Communicate with an academic advisor and/or a faculty advisor.

Graduation Application A completed Graduation Application form must be submitted online by the 10th day of the quarter in which the student expects to graduate. Note: Applications for summer quarter are due by the 8th day of the quarter.

Common Course Numbering Please refer to www.edmonds.edu/ccn for more information.

College Resources

Internal Coding


PLAN/STACK - HMRMBC20
TC - 44
CIP - 510707
Last Revised - 2022/03/02