Health Care Administration - Medical Billing and Coding Specialist Certificate

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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 health care 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:

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

AHE 110 - The Human Body: Structure and Function 5.0 Credits
BSTEC 129 - Computer Basics 3.00 Credits
HCA 104 - Medical Terminology 3.00 Credits
HCA 106 - Medical Billing 5.00 Credits
HCA 115 - Medical Law and Ethics 3.00 Credits
HCA 116 - Pathophysiology/Advanced Medical Terminology 3.00 Credits
HCA 118 - Medical Coding 1: ICD-10-CM 5.00 Credits
HCA 153 - Pharmacology 2.00 Credits
HCA 206 - Electronic Health Records 5.00 Credits
HCA 218 - Medical Coding 2: CPT 5.00 Credits
HCA 228 - Medical Coding 3: Advanced Coding & Practicum 5.00 Credits

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.

Courses in this program must be taken in a specific order. Meet with the faculty advisor early for academic planning.
Students are required to maintain a minimum cumulative grade point average of 2.0 in all college-level courses.
Employment opportunities for Health Care Administration 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 health care 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 stacks into the Medical Administrative Assistant Associate of Technical Arts Degree program requirements and electives. This allows students to use certificate 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 129 PC Basics may be substituted with BSTEC 130 Computer Fundamentals. This substitution does not change the Program Requirements credits as outlined.
HCA 116 Pathophysiology/Advanced Medical Terminology and HCA 104 Medical Terminology may not be taken the same quarter. Take HCA 104 first.
HCA 118 Medical Coding 1, HCA 218 Medical Coding 2, and HCA 228 Medical Coding 3 must be taken in sequence (1, 2, 3) in different quarters.
The following course substitutions are acceptable for the Medical Billing and Coding Certificate: BSTEC 104 for HCA 104; BSTEC 106 for HCA 106; BSTEC 115 for HCA 115; BSTEC 116 for HCA 116; BSTEC 118 for HCA 118; BSTEC 153 for HCA 153; BSTEC 206 for HCA 206; BSTEC 218 for HCA 218; BSTEC 228 for HCA 228.

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

Department Website: Business Information Technology | edmonds.edu/bstec

Internal Coding

PLAN/STACK - HMRMBC20
TC - 44
CIP - 510707
Last Revised - 2023/08/01