Medical Coding and Billing Specialist, Career Studies Certificate

Purpose

The Medical Coding & Billing Specialist certificate program (Plan Code 221-152-03) prepares individuals for a position in a medical office setting. Students are prepared to complete insurance and billing forms for patients and insurance companies. Upon completion of the program, students are eligible to take the National Center for Competency Testing (NCCT) for certification.

Students enrolled in the Career Studies Certificate may apply many credits earned to the college’s Certificate in Medical Assisting.

Under current guidelines, Federal financial aid cannot be used to enroll in the Medical Coding and Billing Specialist program.

Insurance and Coding Specialists provide medical billing and coding services to physician’s offices and medical specialty practices for health care providers to be paid for services rendered. Insurance and Coding Specialists prepare and submit claims to insurance companies and prepare and send statements to patients. Insurance and Coding Specialists must be knowledgeable and possess skills in the areas of medical terminology, anatomy & physiology, diagnostic and procedural coding, insurance claims processing, and medical billing procedures (NCCT, 2017).

Students will rotate through an internship. Clinical affiliates for Billing and Coding will include nursing homes, rehabilitation, the hospital, and physician’s offices. Upon completion of the program students are eligible to take the National Center for Competency Testing (NCCT) for certification as a Billing and Coder.

Program Requirements and Special Considerations

Prospective students must:

1. Complete application to ESCC
2. High School Diploma or GED, copy to accompany application to program
3. GPA of 2.0 or better
4. IF GPA less than 2.0 or have been out of school more than 5 years, recommend English EDE10; math recommendation of MDE 10
5. Completion of Criminal Background, drug screening
6. Completion of Physical examination with PPD or chest x-ray
7. Current record of immunizations including MMR, Varicella, Tetanus, Hepatitis B and COVID vaccinations
8. Grade of “C” or better in all curriculum courses
9. Students must complete the program within 3 years to be eligible for national certification.

There is a limited time for the student to test for national certification following graduation.

Students must apply and send all information to National Center for Competency Testing (NCCT) in order to sit for examination.

NCCT information regarding testing and fees can be found at https://www.ncctinc.com/

Part-time students should consult their faculty advisors regarding appropriate course sequences.

Courses in this program may help students attain the following license(s) or certification(s):

National Certified Insurance and Coding Specialist, National Center for Competency Testing (NCCT)

Program Learning Outcomes

Students will be able to:

• Apply Coding & Billing skills related to ICD-10, HCPCS, and CPT.
• Apply insurance skills and knowledge related to payment and billing procedures.
• Apply the principles of law and ethics in performing office operations.
• Apply medical terminology appropriately in the workplace.