The Coding Specialist program starts twice per year, spring (January) and fall (August) terms and consists of five online coding courses, if you have first completed the three prerequisite courses. Students entering the online Coding Specialist program must first have taken the following prerequisite courses within the last 12 months in order to enter the Coding Specialist program:

• Medical Terminology, XAHS 522, 6 weeks, $75
• Pathopharmacology, XAHS 508, 6 weeks, $75
• Healthcare Data, XAHS 514, 5 weeks, $75

The prerequisite courses are "the" important foundation to accurately code. Having a high level of competence in them is the only way to read and understand patient medical records in order to accurately code. The prerequisite courses above are not Scholarship eligible, they have been discounted, and must be paid by the student as they take each one.

You can register and pay for multiple courses upfront or you can register and pay as you go. As a medical coder, you analyze patient electronic health records, and physician notes, and assign the proper codes to any medical procedure and diagnosis. You are responsible for translating medical procedures into a coded form for reimbursement payment from insurance companies. TTC’s curriculum teaches toward two national certifications: AAPC credential CPC (Certified Professional Coder) and AHIMA credential CCA or CCS (Certified Coding Associate or Certified Coding Specialist). Both are recognized by employers. Learn More >

Once you have successfully completed this program, you are also eligible to continue your education with TTC and complete an Associate of Applied Science degree in Health Information Management.

If you currently work in health care and only need a few courses to prepare for a coding certification, you may enroll in just the courses you need. Contact the program manager, Judy Martin, for consultation or more information.

Medical Coding Specialist Part II

Coding Specialist Part II - Scholarship eligible  Program Description: Medical Coders work in hospitals, and physician offices and read patient records containing medical terminology, medical procedures, disease diagnosis, and insurance information. This is a complex learning program, 73% of students who start the coding program are successful in completing it. Students will learn a great deal of information in a short period. Learning online is not for every student. All courses run consecutively. Coders must understand the basic sciences well, medical terminology, disease processes, and the Health Insurance industry including Medicare and Medicaid in order to code accurately.  There are many rules for accurate coding and it takes a great deal of practice, research, and expertise to master. Coding instructors often state that learning medical coding is similar to learning a foreign language. The schedule is tightly scheduled to reduce the program length of time. Asynchronous learning allows students to <u>learn on their own schedule, within a certain timeframe; the start date, and the end date.</u>  The curriculum teaches toward <u>two national certifications</u> required by employers: the AAPC credential CPC (Certified Professional Coder) www.aapc.com the AHIMA credential CCA or CCS (Certified Coding Associate or Certified Coding Specialist) www.ahima.org Requirements for Coding Part II: Students entering Part II are first required to have successfully completed the 3 prerequisite courses within the past 12 months; medical terminology, pathopharmacology, and Healthcare Data & EHR. If student is a current RN registered nurse, prerequisites are not needed. Students must have daily access to a computer with high-speed internet access, a webcam, and microphone, Microsoft Office Suite, or equivalent, Adobe Flash Player and Acrobat Reader. Using a phone or any mobile device to complete a course is <u>not </u>recommended or reliable. Students must purchase the online e-books. See below for costs. To decide if medical coding is right for you please view these short videos from coding experts;   http://youtu.be/qlXKdUV_eRE  This video is a must-see!  https://youtu.be/tWBXte0RN8w  The difference between billing and coding. How to register for Coding Part II courses: Students must provide documentation of the three prerequisite courses taken, (within the past 12 months), or their current RN license,  email to: <u>kayla.brunelle@tridenttech.edu</u> Scholarship applications for Fall will be available and posted here 6/24 until 8/2/24. Scholarships pay tuition only, students must purchase books. Email: ce.reg@tridenttech.edu  Coding Specialist Part II Online e-book costs: <u>e-Textbooks:</u>  Students must purchase Cengage Unlimited 12-month access subscription, $211, needed and used for all courses, and McGraw Hill Medical Insurance, $100. Both are available at the TTC Bookstore, bldg 950.    <u>e-Coding manuals:</u>  Students must purchase the Optum Encoder Pro 12-month subscription, $120 needed for all 4 coding courses below; the 2nd thru the 5th courses in Part II. Available at the TTC Bookstore, bldg 950. Do not activate until the course start date.  Coding Specialist Part II: <b>PART II</b> <b>FALL 2024</b>  Health Insurance xhim508>  8/12-9/27/24  I-10-CM coding xhim502> 9/30-11/15/24  I-10-PCS coding xhim503> 11/18-1/24/25  CPT 1 coding xhim509> 1/27/25-3/14/25 CPT 2 coding  xhim 510> 3/17-5/04/25  

COURSES AVAILABLE FOR REGISTRATION*

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