Accelerate your future in healthcare with an Undergraduate Certificate in Medical Billing and Coding C O L L E G E O F H E A L T H S C I E N C E S Earn a certificate in Medical Billing and Coding The employment outlook is bright for qualified Medical Billing and Coding workers,1 the health care professionals in charge of processing patient data such as treatment records and insurance claims. In fact, employment in this field has been projected to grow 22% from 2012 to 2022, almost double the average rate for all occupations.2 There are several reasons for this growth. The demand for health care services is expected to increase substantially as the nation ages. At the same time, many organizations are still in the process of converting to electronic medical records (EMRs) and will be challenged to keep up. In addition, the current coding system used nationwide is being updated, and many current medical coders have indicated that they might retire instead of learning the new system.3 Prepare to pass the CCA exam Many employers require professional certification for medical coding and billing positions. The Undergraduate Certificate in Medical Billing and Coding program at DeVry University is designed to prepare students for the nationally accepted standard of achievement in the field, the Certified Coding Associate (CCA) exam. This exam covers such topics as health records and data content; health information requirements and standards; clinical classification systems; reimbursement methodologies; information and communication technologies; and privacy, confidentiality, legal, and ethical issues.4 Employment of HEALTH INFORMATION TECHNICIANS is projected to grow 22% from 2012 to 2022 much faster than the average for all occupations2 Program Coursework for Undergraduate Certificate in Medical Billing and Coding Prepare for your future Earn the credentials for success Medical Billing and Coding professionals play an important role in healthcare today. They are tasked with coding a patient’s diagnosis along with a request for payment from the patient’s insurance company. The health care industry depends on skilled, qualified medical insurance billers and coders to accurately record, register and track each patient’s account. DeVry’s Undergraduate Certificate in Medical Billing and Coding program is designed to produce certificants who are able to: • Demonstrate understanding of inpatient and outpatient coding guidelines. • Apply knowledge of health records and data content. The goal of this coursework is to equip students with the knowledge, skills and abilities needed to function as an entry-level coding specialist within settings such as hospitals and physician practices. • Explain reimbursement processes and methodologies. • Relate compliance topics to coding functions. • Describe various information technologies used to perform coding functions. AHIMA-recommended course of study Prior to taking the CCA exam, the American Health Information Management Association (AHIMA) recommends that candidates have at least 6 months of on-the-job coding experience or complete an approved coding training or certificate program. The program should include anatomy and physiology, medical terminology, basic ICD diagnostic/procedural and basic CPT coding – all of which are included in DeVry University’s Medical Billing and Coding Undergraduate Certificate program.5 • Recognize, and be sensitive to, issues of confidentiality and privacy. “The CCA credential distinguishes coders by exhibiting commitment and demonstrating coding competencies across all settings, including both hospitals and physician practices.”6 Coursework for Undergraduate Certificate in Medical Billing and Coding This 10-course online program (35 total credit hours), consisting of online classes and labs, runs according to the regular DeVry University academic session schedule. Going to school full time, this certificate can be earned in as little as three semesters. Basic Medical Terminology Terminology for conditions of the human body and medical procedures. Current Procedural Terminology Coding Coding procedures performed by healthcare providers using CPT and HCPCS II level codes. Fundamentals of Human Anatomy and Physiology A survey of all major systems of the human body. Fundamentals of Pathophysiology A foundational knowledge of disease, medical terminology, anatomy and physiology. Health Information Processes Content and format of records; retention and storage requirements; indexes and registries; and forms design. Health Insurance and Reimbursement Healthcare reimbursement and payment methodologies and systems (capitation, PPS & RBRVS); insurance products; third-party and prospective payment systems; managed care organizations. International Classification of Diseases Coding I & II Two-course sequence on the most current classification systems used to code diagnoses and procedures. Introduction to Health Services and Information Systems The importance of financial and quality management, safety and security in health information. Pharmacology and Medical Treatment The uses for commonly prescribed pharmaceutical treatments. In New York, DeVry University operates as DeVry College of New York. DeVry University is accredited by The Higher Learning Commission (HLC), www.ncahlc.org. DeVry is certified to operate by the State Council of Higher Education for Virginia. DeVry University is authorized for operation by the THEC. www.state.tn.us/thec. Nashville Campus –3343 Perimeter Hill Dr., Nashville, TN 37211. Program availability varies by location. ©2015 DeVry Educational Development Corp. All rights reserved. 3/15 – American Health Information Management Association Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Department of Labor, Occupational Outlook Handbook, 2014–15 Edition, Medical Records and Health Information Technicians, retrieved from http://www.bls.gov/ooh/ healthcare/medical-records-and-health-information-technicians.htm on September 12, 2014 1 Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Department of Labor, Occupational Outlook Handbook, 2014-15 Edition, Medical Records and Health Information Technicians, retrieved fromt http://www.bls.gov/ooh/ healthcare/medical-records-and-health-information-technicians.htm on February 26, 2015 2 ICD10monitor.com, “ICD-10 requires a strategy for managing the coder shortage,” retrieved from http://www.icd10monitor.com/ slideshow/231-icd-10-requires-a-strategy-for-managing-the-codershortage on September 15, 2014 3 CCA Prep Exam 100 questions, retrieved from http://www.proprofs. com/quiz-school/story.php?title=cca-prep-exam-1-100-questions on September 17, 2014 4 American Health Information Management Association, retrieved from http://www.ahima.org/certification/cca on September 11, 2014 5 American Health Information Management Association, retrieved from http://www.ahima.org/certification/cca on September 15, 2014 6