Medical Coding
Courses
Plan Your Medical Coding Certificate
Total = 29 Hours | |
---|---|
Prerequisites | |
CSCI 1102 - Intro to Comp. with Business Applications | 3 Cr. Hrs. |
HECO 1202 - Health Care Terminology | 3 Cr. Hrs. |
Total | 6 Cr. Hrs. |
Fall Semester | |
ALH 1201 - Anatomy & Physiology Fundamentals | 3 Cr. Hrs. |
HIT 1201 - Intro to Health Information | 3 Cr. Hrs. |
HIT 2205 - Pharmacology for Health Information | 2 Cr. Hrs. |
HIT 2207 - Compliance & Ethics in Health Care | 3 Cr. Hrs. |
MEDC 1206 - Intro to Medical Coding | 3 Cr. Hrs. |
Total | 14 Cr. Hrs. |
Spring Semester | |
HIT 1205 - Pathophysiology for Health Information | 4 Cr. Hrs. |
HIT 2218 - Health Care Reimbursement | 2 Cr. Hrs. |
MEDC 1200 - Medical Office Procedures | 3 Cr. Hrs. |
MEDC 1208 - Intermediate Medical & CPT Coding | 3 Cr. Hrs. |
MEDC 1210 - Coding Practicum | 3 Cr. Hrs. |
Total | 15 Cr. Hrs. |
Program Philosophy
The philosophy of the medical coding program is “learn by doing”. The medical coding program courses balance theory and application by using simulations of field experiences in preparation for internships and career placement.
AHIMA CODE OF CONDUCT
Student conduct is subject, but not limited to, the policies of Rend Lake College, the Alcohol and Drug Policy or the Sexual Harassment Policy. Conduct violations against the college will be reported to the appropriate office.
Nature of the Work
Medical records and health information technicians organize and manage health information data by ensuring its quality, accuracy, accessibility and security in both paper and electronic systems. They use various classification systems to code and categorize patient information for reimbursement purposes, for databases and registries and to maintain patients’ medical and treatment histories.Employment Projections
Employment of medical records technicians is expected to increase by 21 percent from 2010 to 2020, faster than the average for all occupations1. The demand for health services is expected to increase as the population ages. An aging population will need more medical tests, treatments and procedures. This will also mean more claims for reimbursement from private and public insurance. Additional records, coupled with widespread use of electronic health records by all types of healthcare providers, should lead to an increased need for technicians to organize and manage the associated information in all areas of the healthcare industry.
The Medical Coding program is a two-semester certificate designed to prepare students to work in the medical field as a Medical Coder. This certificate is intended to prepare students to sit for credentialing as a Medical Coder. Medical Coding professionals play a key role in the revenue cycle process. Every time a patient is seen in a healthcare setting, the provider must document the services provided. The Coder abstracts the information from that documentation, assigns the appropriate codes and creates a claim to be paid. The curriculum emphasizes practical hands-on learning experiences in the laboratory setting. A background check and drug screening test are required.
1 (Source: U.S. Department of Labor Occupational Outlook Handbook, www.bls.gov/ooh)
Courses
Plan Your Medical Coding Certificate
Total = 29 Hours | |
---|---|
Prerequisites | |
CSCI 1102 - Intro to Comp. with Business Applications | 3 Cr. Hrs. |
HECO 1202 - Health Care Terminology | 3 Cr. Hrs. |
Total | 6 Cr. Hrs. |
Fall Semester | |
ALH 1201 - Anatomy & Physiology Fundamentals | 3 Cr. Hrs. |
HIT 1201 - Intro to Health Information | 3 Cr. Hrs. |
HIT 2205 - Pharmacology for Health Information | 2 Cr. Hrs. |
HIT 2207 - Compliance & Ethics in Health Care | 3 Cr. Hrs. |
MEDC 1206 - Intro to Medical Coding | 3 Cr. Hrs. |
Total | 14 Cr. Hrs. |
Spring Semester | |
HIT 1205 - Pathophysiology for Health Information | 4 Cr. Hrs. |
HIT 2218 - Health Care Reimbursement | 2 Cr. Hrs. |
MEDC 1200 - Medical Office Procedures | 3 Cr. Hrs. |
MEDC 1208 - Intermediate Medical & CPT Coding | 3 Cr. Hrs. |
MEDC 1210 - Coding Practicum | 3 Cr. Hrs. |
Total | 15 Cr. Hrs. |
Program Philosophy
The philosophy of the medical coding program is “learn by doing”. The medical coding program courses balance theory and application by using simulations of field experiences in preparation for internships and career placement.
AHIMA CODE OF CONDUCT
Student conduct is subject, but not limited to, the policies of Rend Lake College, the Alcohol and Drug Policy or the Sexual Harassment Policy. Conduct violations against the college will be reported to the appropriate office.
Nature of the Work
Medical records and health information technicians organize and manage health information data by ensuring its quality, accuracy, accessibility and security in both paper and electronic systems. They use various classification systems to code and categorize patient information for reimbursement purposes, for databases and registries and to maintain patients’ medical and treatment histories.Employment Projections
Employment of medical records technicians is expected to increase by 21 percent from 2010 to 2020, faster than the average for all occupations1. The demand for health services is expected to increase as the population ages. An aging population will need more medical tests, treatments and procedures. This will also mean more claims for reimbursement from private and public insurance. Additional records, coupled with widespread use of electronic health records by all types of healthcare providers, should lead to an increased need for technicians to organize and manage the associated information in all areas of the healthcare industry.
The Medical Coding program is a two-semester certificate designed to prepare students to work in the medical field as a Medical Coder. This certificate is intended to prepare students to sit for credentialing as a Medical Coder. Medical Coding professionals play a key role in the revenue cycle process. Every time a patient is seen in a healthcare setting, the provider must document the services provided. The Coder abstracts the information from that documentation, assigns the appropriate codes and creates a claim to be paid. The curriculum emphasizes practical hands-on learning experiences in the laboratory setting. A background check and drug screening test are required.
1 (Source: U.S. Department of Labor Occupational Outlook Handbook, www.bls.gov/ooh)
Program Outcomes
2. Students will communicate effectively with healthcare staff.
3. Students will abstract information from medical records and assign appropriate codes.
4. Students will illustrate an understanding of diversity in the healthcare industry.
Start Here. Go Anywhere.
Transfer Information
Students who graduate with an Associate Degree can transfer their credits to a university and pursue a Bachelor's degree and beyond.
Articulation agreements - also known as Transfer Guides - document the pathway between RLC and the university. Historically, RLC has built articulation agreements with midwestern universities. However, students have worked with both institutions to build a pathway.
View our transfer guides and more about articulation agreements
Accreditation
Quality Education. Guaranteed.
Since 1969, Rend Lake College has been accredited by the Higher Learning Commission (HLC), one of six regional accreditors in the United States. Accreditation is vital to what we do. It serves as a measure of quality, allows us to access and distribute federal student aid, facilitates the transfer of classes between institutions and more. The Higher Learning Commission is recognized by the U.S. Department of Education and by the Council for Higher Education Accreditation.
Key Information for Applying
Become Familiar with RLC Admission Requiremements
Being well-informed about admission requirements increases your chances of a successful application and an overall smooth application process.
Apply for Admission
Applying to Rend Lake College is an investment in your future, offering numerous benefits that lead to professional and personal growth.
Speak with an Academic Advisor
Academic advisors are valuable resources for maximizing your college experience and ensuring you make the most of your education.
Apply for Financial Aid
Applying for financial aid opens up a range of financial resources and options that can make attending college more affordable and less stressful.
Faculty & Staff
Allied Health Division
Phone: (618) 437-5321 Ext. 1251
Email: ah_info@rlc.edu
Address: 468 N. Ken Gray Parkway, Ina, IL 62846 Attn: Allied Health
Fax Number: (618) 437-5677 Attn: Allied Health