Healthcare Coding - CERT C
This program prepares students for coding positions in hospitals, clinics, ambulatory surgery centers, insurance companies and other settings where diagnostic and procedural data are coded in ICD-10-CM/PCS and CPT for reimbursement purposes. Courses leading to this certificate are offered on campus and online. Most credits in this program are fully applicable to the Health Information Technology Associate in Applied Science degree.
Careers
Each time a patient sees a health care practitioner, the health care practitioner records information, including observations, medical test results, the diagnosis and any plans for treatment. Coding Specialists organize and evaluate these records for completeness and accuracy.
Specialists are responsible for ensuring that all the necessary information is included in patient records, whether paper or computer. Sometimes, they speak with physicians to clarify a diagnosis or to gather additional information. Specialists assign codes to each diagnosis and procedure by consulting classification manuals as well as using their knowledge of disease processes. These codes ultimately determine the payment that health care organizations receive from insurance programs and Medicare.
Duties may vary as some Coding Specialists act as auditors to check for accuracy of coding performed by others.
Program Outcomes
- Demonstrate the Hutchinson Community College instructional outcomes.
- Display entry-level knowledge and skills fundamental to the health information management profession.
- Demonstrate good communications skills.
- Demonstrate skill in technology.
- Demonstrate problem-solving and critical-thinking skills.
- Comply with AHIMA Code of Ethics and maintain professional conduct.
Accreditation
Commission on the Accreditation for Health Informatics and Information Management Education (CAHIIM)
233 N. Michigan Ave, 21st Floor
Chicago, IL 60601-5800
Hutchinson Community College is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission (hlcommission.org), an institutional accreditation agency recognized by the U.S. Department of Education.
