This certificate is designed to teach students how to use the CPT, HCPCS, and ICD-9 CM code books. Basic coding involves selecting codes when the procedure is straightforward and clearly defined and when the diagnosis is known. Instruction includes locating codes, selecting the most appropriate codes, and some billing issues. This certificate also prepares students to take the CPC exam to become nationally-certified coders. The program content also provides the student with basic medical office skills including HIPPA regulations, health information management, and patient scheduling. The certificate program allows students to transfer credits into the degree program.
The college must ensure that clients, patients, or medical information are not placed in jeopardy by students during learning experiences. Therefore, students in office or clinical experiences must demonstrate sufficient emotional stability to withstand the stresses, uncertainties and changing circumstances that characterize client/patient/medical information responsibilities or be removed from placement. Furthermore, the student is expected to have the emotional stability required to exercise sound judgment, accept direction and guidance from a supervisor or faculty member, and establish rapport and maintain sensitive interpersonal relationships with employers, clients/patients and their families.
Expected student outcomes include:| Fall First Year | Lec | Lab | Cr | |
| OFT220 | Medical Billing | 3 | 0 | 3 |
| OFT225 | Intro to Medical Coding | 3 | 0 | 3 |
| MGT111 | Organizational Communications | 3 | 0 | 3 |
| OFT111 | Business Documentation | 3 | 0 | 3 |
| OFT117 | Medical Terminology | 3 | 0 | 3 |
| Semester Total | 15 | 0 | 15 | |
| Spring First Year | Lec | Lab | Cr | |
| BIO120 | Human Biology | 3 | 2 | 4 |
| OFT113 | Formatting in Word | 3 | 0 | 3 |
| OFT118 | Medical Transcription I | 3 | 0 | 3 |
| OFT120 | Medical Office Systems and Procedures | 3 | 0 | 3 |
| OFT226 | Coding - The Next Step | 3 | 0 | 3 |
| Semester Total | 15 | 2 | 16 | |
| Total for Certificate | 31 | |||
