Medical Billing Specialist - Two Year Certificate of Completion (CC2)
Description
The Health Information Management program provides a career-ladder approach to the health information management profession. After completing four academic quarters (first year HIT curriculum, Directed Practice I plus fall quarter of year two), students earn a Medical Billing Specialist Certificate.
Since 2003, the COCC HIM program has maintained a pass rate of 100% for students taking the RHIT exam within one year of graduation.
Students have the freedom to exit and re-enter the program after the first year. The program includes preparation in technical coursework, human relations, communications, mathematics and computer technology.
Learning Outcomes
- Evaluate and interpret medico-legal aspects and concepts affecting the healthcare industry.
- Develop policies and procedures to ensure the accuracy and integrity of health data and information.
- Apply and analyze intermediate knowledge of coding systems and compliance requirements.
-
Explore the roles of third party payers in the reimbursement and management of healthcare expenses, including medical insurance, government payers, and workman’s compensation, and describe the relationship to health information management.
- Perform billing functions related to patient accounts, including charge, payment, adjustment posting.
- Perform claims processing tasks and functions, including submission and analysis.
- Utilize health information technology and information systems in the performance of health information management functions, duties and processes.
- Display professionalism and ethical behavior consistent with the AHIMA Code of Ethics for health information managers and technicians during Professional Practice Experience in the healthcare field.
Entrance Requirements
Academic Entrance Requirements
- Required:
- Recommended
- Keyboarding: 40 WPM minimum
- Study skills
- Writing skills
- Reading with emphasis on critical thinking and analytical skills
- Computer/technology skills (essential)
Other Entrance Requirements
- Required:
- Students entering the HIM program are required to have a criminal history check prior to enrolling in HIM 103 Introduction to Health Information Management. A student may be prevented from entering the program if there is a felony conviction on their record.
Additional Program Costs (beyond standard tuition/fees and textbooks)
Material Costs
- Required:
- Total cost depends upon preparatory coursework and extent of completion within the program - certificate/degree. Additional costs estimated to be approximately $2,500 include textbooks, technology fees, Directed Practice travel expense, OrHIMA Convention, criminal history check, etc.
- Recommended:
- Students are strongly encouraged to have access to a home computer with high-speed internet access.
Course Requirements
| Course | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| Support Courses | ||
| AH 111 | Medical Terminology I | 3 |
| BA 214 | Business Communications | 3 |
| CIS 120 | Computer Concepts | 4 |
| Core Courses | ||
| HIM 103 | Introduction to Health Information Management | 4 |
| HIM 104 | Health Information Standards and Governance | 4 |
| HIM 105 | Health Information Compliance and Analytics | 4 |
| HIM 171 | Project Management | 2 |
| HIM 182 | Introduction to Reimbursement and Classification Systems | 4 |
| HIM 184 | Pathophysiology and Pharmacology | 5 |
| HIM 190 | HIPAA for Practical Experience | 2 |
| HIM 193 | Professional Practice Experience I | 2 |
| HIM 201 | Legal and Ethical Aspects of Health Care | 4 |
| HIM 202 | Health Information Management Applications | 2 |
| HIM 281 | Healthcare Statistics | 4 |
| HIM 282 | Reimbursement Systems | 4 |
| HIM 283 | Coding Classifications I | 4 |
| Other Required Courses | ||
| AH 112 | Medical Terminology II | 3 |
| BI 231 | Human Anatomy and Physiology I | 4 |
| BI 232 | Human Anatomy and Physiology II | 4 |
| BI 233 | Human Anatomy and Physiology III | 4 |
| CIS 131 | Software Applications | 4 |
| COMM 218 | Interpersonal Communication | 3 |
| Total Credits | 77 | |
Advising Notes
Students are encouraged to consult their academic advisor if they have transfer credits and/or are not able to attend full time in order to determine an appropriate course schedule. Additionally, students should reference the course descriptions to determine required lab hours.
Performance Standards
- Academic Requirements:
- Students must have a 2.0 cumulative GPA to earn a COCC certificate or degree.
- All courses in the program must be completed with a grade of C or higher.
Sample Plan
| First Year | ||
|---|---|---|
| Spring | Credits | |
| AH 111 | Medical Terminology I | 3 |
| BA 214 | Business Communications | 3 |
| CIS 120 | Computer Concepts | 4 |
| COMM 218 | Interpersonal Communication | 3 |
| Credits | 13 | |
| Second Year | ||
| Fall | ||
| AH 112 | Medical Terminology II | 3 |
| BI 231 | Human Anatomy and Physiology I | 4 |
| CIS 131 | Software Applications | 4 |
| HIM 103 | Introduction to Health Information Management | 4 |
| Credits | 15 | |
| Winter | ||
| BI 232 | Human Anatomy and Physiology II | 4 |
| HIM 104 | Health Information Standards and Governance | 4 |
| HIM 171 | Project Management | 2 |
| HIM 190 | HIPAA for Practical Experience | 2 |
| HIM 281 | Healthcare Statistics | 4 |
| Credits | 16 | |
| Spring | ||
| BI 233 | Human Anatomy and Physiology III | 4 |
| HIM 105 | Health Information Compliance and Analytics | 4 |
| HIM 182 | Introduction to Reimbursement and Classification Systems | 4 |
| HIM 184 | Pathophysiology and Pharmacology | 5 |
| Credits | 17 | |
| Summer | ||
| HIM 193 | Professional Practice Experience I | 2 |
| Credits | 2 | |
| Third Year | ||
| Fall | ||
| HIM 201 | Legal and Ethical Aspects of Health Care | 4 |
| HIM 202 | Health Information Management Applications | 2 |
| HIM 282 | Reimbursement Systems | 4 |
| HIM 283 | Coding Classifications I | 4 |
| Credits | 14 | |
| Total Credits | 77 | |
