Common Course Outline

Course discipline/number/title HIMC 1820: CPT Coding

Catalog Description

Credits 3
Hours/Week 5 (1 lecture, 4 lab)
Prerequisites (Course discipline/number) BIOL 1107, HCOP 1620, HIMC 2600.
Other requirements College-level reading skills: Appropriate score on RCTC placement test or completion of appropriate developmental course with grade of C or better.
MnTC Goals (if any) NA

Course Description

This course provides a study of the CPT (Current Procedural Terminology) coding system using sample exercises and medical records to develop skill and accuracy in procedural coding in various settings. Students will continue using the principles of coding to ensure proficiency in coding with CPT-4 using records and advanced concepts of coding. Students will adhere to current regulations and established guidelines in code assignment. College-level reading skills: Appropriate score on RCTC placement test or completion of appropriate developmental course with grade of C or better.

Date Last Revised (Month, year)

November, 2025

Outline of Major Content Areas

  1. Study of Current Procedural Terminology (CPT) codes
  2. Modifiers
  3. Evaluation and Management codes
  4. Anesthesia codes
  5. Surgery codes
  6. Radiology codes
  7. Pathology and Laboratory codes
  8. Medicine codes
  9. HCPCS Category II codes
  10. HCPCS Category III codes
  11. Coding Conventions and Formatting
  12. Coding Guidelines
  13. Documentation requirements
  14. Potential abuse and fraudulent trends

Learning Outcomes (General)

The student will be able to:

  1. Apply procedure codes according to current guidelines.
  2. Evaluate the accuracy of procedural coding.
  3. Analyze the documentation in the health record to ensure it supports the procedures and reflects the patient’s progress, clinical findings, and discharge status.
  4. Analyze current regulations and established guidelines in clinical classification systems.
  5. Identify potential abuse or fraudulent trends through data analysis.
  6. Develop appropriate physician queries to resolve data and coding discrepancies.

Learning Outcomes (MnTC)

NA

Methods for Evaluation of Student Learning

Methods may include but are not limited to:

RCTC Core Outcome(s)

This course contributes to meeting the following RCTC Core Outcome(s):

Critical Thinking
Students will think systematically and explore information thoroughly before accepting or formulating a position or conclusion.

Special Information (if any)

None