Coding Specialist Diploma

Program Overview:

Coding Specialists are specifically trained in the coding of medical/health records. By assigning the proper codes to diagnoses and procedures, accurate financial reimbursement may be made by insurance companies and government agencies. Upon successfully completing RCTC’s online Coding Specialist program, you are eligible to take the national examination sponsored by the American Academy of Professional Coders (AAPC) and earn the Certified Professional Coder (CPC) or Certified Professional Coder Apprentice (CPC-A) credential. You may also qualify for the Certified Coding Associate (CCA) credential sponsored by the American Health Information Management Association (AHIMA).

Program Outcomes:

Upon completion of the Coding Specialist program at RCTC, students will achieve the following outcomes:

• Code, classify, and index diagnoses and procedures for the purpose of reimbursement, standardization, retrieval and statistical analysis.
• Maintain the accuracy and completeness of the electronic health record including intranet and internet applications as defined by organizational policy, accreditation, licensure, and external regulations and standards.
• Apply legal principles, policies, regulations and standards to protect the privacy, confidentiality, and security of health information.
• Demonstrate practical application of theories learned, including the ability to value self and work ethically with others in a diverse population.
• Use appropriate terminology in the areas of human anatomy, physiology, human diseases, and pharmacology when interpreting healthcare reports.

Career Opportunities:

Coding Specialists may work in the following roles:

• Outpatient coder: Focuses on accurate coding for procedures and diagnoses in outpatient clinics or physician offices.
• Hospital Coder: Specialized roles focusing on hospital services, such as emergency room visits or inpatient hospital stays.
• Claims Auditor: Reviews coded records to ensure compliance with regulations and accuracy of data.
• Claims Specialist: Acts as a liaison between insurers and providers to ensure accurate reimbursement.
• Coding Educator: Trains new staff or updates current staff on coding guidelines.

Additional Information:

This program is offered predominately online. Computer requirements are listed on the RCTC Online web page at: RCTC Online.

Notice of National Criminal Background Check Requirement Background checks are required to ensure a safe environment for both students and the public and to meet the contractual requirements of area health care facilities. Students who fail to submit and pass a background check cannot complete or maintain enrollment in the program. A list of disqualifying offenses is available at Minnesota Statutes 245C.15

CODING SPECIALIST DIPLOMA

PROGRAM CORE REQUIREMENTS (40 CREDITS)

• BIOL 1107 – Fundamentals of Anatomy and Physiology (4 cr)
• HCOP 1620 – Medical Terminology for Health Professions (3 cr)
• AOP 2350 – Microsoft Business Applications (3 cr)
• HIMC 1800 – Legal Aspects of Health Information (3 cr)
• HIMC 1820 – CPT Coding (3 cr)
• HIMC 1840 – Introduction to Health Records (3 cr)
• HIMC 1850 – Computerized Health Information (3 cr)
• HIMC 1910 – Reimbursement (2 cr)
• HIMC 2010 – ICD-10-CM Coding (4 cr)
• HIMC 2020 – ICD-10-PCS Coding (3 cr)
• HIMC 2030 – Advanced Coding (3 cr)
• HIMC 2600 – Human Disease for Health Professionals (3 cr)
• HIMC 2610 – Pharmacology (2 cr)
• HIMC 2865 – CCA/CPA Review (1 cr)

RECOMMENDED COURSE SEQUENCES

FULL-TIME

• Semester 1 (16 CREDITS): AOP 2350, BIOL 1107, HCOP 1620, HIMC 2020, HIMC 2600
• Semester 2 (15 CREDITS): HIMC 1800, HIMC 1820, HIMC 1840, HIMC 2010, HIMC 1910 OR HIMC 2610
• Semester 3 (9 CREDITS): HIMC 1850, HIMC 1910 OR HIMC 2610, HIMC 2030, HIMC 2835

PART-TIME

• Semester 1 (10 CREDITS): AOP 2350, BIOL 1107, HCOP 1620
• Semester 2 (11 CREDITS): HIMC 1820, HIMC 1840, HIMC 1910 OR HIMC 2610, HIMC 2600
• Semester 3 (9 CREDITS): HIMC 1910 OR HIMC 2610, HIMC 2010, HIMC 2020
• Semester 4 (10 CREDITS): HIMC 1800, HIMC 1850, HIMC 2030, HIMC 2835

Course descriptions can be found at: RCTC course descriptions