Medical Billing and Coding, Diploma

Location(s): Ankeny, Online

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Medical Billing and Coding is one of the fastest-growing medical office specialties. Students learn to translate medical diagnoses and procedures into numbers or codes for reimbursement and statistical purposes.

This program is designed for those who choose to work in a variety of healthcare settings.

In addition to the diploma, there are certification options for Medical Billing and Coding professionals, depending upon the desired career path. Certifications will enhance the diploma. Credentials may require work experience prior to certification and continuing education hours to maintain certification. Costs and qualifications vary.

The Medical Billing and Coding program utilizes a background check service to conduct criminal background/abuse checks and requires immunizations and a physical exam prior to requested placement for a professional practice experience. Students are responsible for the cost of this service. Criminal convictions or documented history of abuse may delay or prevent students from participating in a professional practice experience at a health care organization.

To successfully complete this program, a student must complete all coursework as prescribed and maintain a 2.0-grade point average. A grade of “C” or better is required in the first course of a sequential course offering before enrolling in the second-level course of the sequence or in a prerequisite course.

Program Details

Pathway: Health Science & Fitness

More information on this Pathway.

Students may start this program any semester

Program Graduation Requirements

To earn a Medical Billing and Coding Diploma, a student must complete all required coursework as prescribed and maintain a 2.0-grade point average and receive a “C” or better in all MAP, HSC, HIT, and BCA courses.

Semester 1

HSC 114 - Medical Terminology Credits: 3
HIT 125 - Essentials of Health Records Credits: 2
HSC 128 - Anatomy & Phys for Allied Credits: 3
MAP 141 - Medical Insurance Credits: 3
Select 3 credits from Option 1 Credits: 3
Select 3 credits from Option 2 Credits: 3

Option 1 - Select 3 Credits

MGT 145 - Human Relations in Management Credits: 3
PSY 102 - Human and Work Relations Credits: 3
PSY 111 - Introduction to Psychology Credits: 3

Option 2 - Select 3 Credits

BCA 212 - Intro Computer Business Appl Credits: 3
CSC 116 - Information Computing Credits: 3

Semester 2

HIT 233 - ICD-10 Coding Credits: 4
HIT 280 - CPT-4 Coding Credits: 3
MAP 532 - Human Body-Health & Disease Credits: 3
HIT 121 - Pharmacology Credits: 2
Any 3-5 credits AAS degree core Math Credits: 3-5

Semester 3

HIT 290 - Reimbursement Methods Credits: 3
MAP 150 - Adv. Medical Billing/Coding Credits: 3
MAP 220 - Medical Administrative Proc Credits: 3
MAP 547 - Professional Practice Exp Credits: 3
Select 3 credits from Option 3 Credits: 3

Option 3 - Select 3 Credits

ADM 157 - Business English Credits: 3
COM 703 - Communication Skills Credits: 3
ENG 105 - Composition I Credits: 3

Total Credits Required to Complete this Award - 47*

*Total credits are calculated using the least number of credits needed to satisfy the option requirements.

Fixed Costs

Tuition……………………………………………………………………………………..$185.00 per credit

The costs for each program are estimates and subject to change.

Varied Costs

Costs	Semester 1	Semester 2	Semester 3
Books (approximate)	500	500	500
Supplies	15	15	15
Background Check/Immunization Tracker		60
Immunizations	150		220

Approximate total cost for the program: $10,670**

**Program entry requirements are not included in the total approximate cost.

What Kind of Work Will You Do?

Competency in keyboarding, English, grammar, spelling and proofreading.
Basic math skills
Computer skills.
Ability to work independently and as a member of a team.
Excellent communications skills (written and verbal).
Detail oriented, ability to multi-task, and conduct research

What Else Should I Consider about this Program or Career Choice?

This is an expanding field in health care.
The potential for remote coding for experienced coders.
Salary per Iowa Workforce Development Iowa Wage Report 2019. https://www.iowaworkforcedevelopment.gov/iowa-wage-report
- Entry wage: $31,361/year
- Average wage: $41,255/year
- With experience: $46,202/year

Program Competencies

Explain the importance of the role of a Medical Billing and Coding professional in today’s healthcare setting
Demonstrate knowledge of medical terminology, anatomy and physiology, pharmacology
Apply concepts of ICD and CPT coding manuals
Demonstrate understanding of elements required for research and outcomes
Display ability to problem solve
Interpret data from medical records and practice management software
Apply medical insurance guidelines and practices
Explain medical law and ethics including applicable healthcare regulations
Utilize specific computer hardware and software
Communicate effectively using verbal, nonverbal, and written communication skills
Demonstrate professionalism and commitment to the field

AY2023

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