Medical Coding

RLC’s Medical Coding Certificate program is a great fit for the person who wants to work in the medical field, but prefers to avoid hands-on patient care. Are you interested in health information, health sciences, and laws and ethics? Medical Coding may be right for you. Medical coding is the process of converting descriptions of medical diagnoses and procedures into universal medical code numbers. The medical coding professional has a unique blend of clinical knowledge and information management skills. Computer applications are used to manage health information and review medical records. Coding professionals must possess a thorough understanding of diagnostic and procedural phrases in order to translate the information into coded form. The Medical coder must also be familiar with the laws and regulations relative to disclosure, confidentiality, maintenance, and retention of medical records.

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
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)

Degrees & Certificates in Medical Coding

ALLIED HEALTH DIVISION

MEDICAL CODING — Certificate

The Medical Coding program is a two-semester occupational certificate designed to prepare students to work in the medical field as medical coders and to sit for credentialing as medical coders. Medical coding professionals play a key role in the revenue cycle process. Every time a patient is seen in a health care 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. All curriculum courses must be completed with a grade of "C" or better.

The curriculum for this program has been developed to meet the licensing requirements for the State of Illinois. It is not determined whether the curriculum meets licensing requirements for any other states.

► Total = 29 Hours

Prerequisites (6 Cr. Hrs.)

CSCI 1102 Intro to Comp. with Business Applications (3)
HECO 1202 Health Care Terminology (3)

First Semester (14 Cr. Hrs.)

ALH 1201 Anatomy & Physiology Fundamentals (3)
HIT 1201 Intro to Health Information (3)
HIT 2205 Pharmacology for Health Information (2)
HIT 2207 Compliance & Ethics in Health Care (3)
MEDC 1206 Intro to Medical Coding (3)

Second Semester (15 Cr. Hrs.)

HIT 1205 Pathophysiology for Health Information (4)
HIT 2218 Health Care Reimbursement (2)
MEDC 1200 Medical Office Procedures (3)
MEDC 1208 Intermediate Medical & CPT Coding (3)
MEDC 1210 Coding Practicum (3)

Medical Coding Brochures

Medical Coding Brochure

Program Costs

Medical Coding Certificate

Program Outcomes

Medical Coding

Students will be able to identify the purpose and correct use of ICD-10 codes.
Students will communicate effectively with healthcare staff.
Students will abstract information from medical records and assign appropriate codes.
Students will illustrate an understanding of diversity in the healthcare industry.

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.

Useful Links

American Health Information Management Association

Occupational Outlook Handbook - Medical Coding

AAPC

Medical Coding Student Handbook

Headlines

Health care forum at RLC addresses workforce demands

UPDATE — Due to ongoing health concerns with COVID-19, Rend Lake College has canceled the following event. RLC is committed to the safety of students, faculty, staff and the public and is working to limit large gatherings during this time. For up-to-date information on the college’s plan moving forward, visit rlc.edu/coronavirus. INA, Ill. (Feb. 19, 2020) — Rend Lake College and the Illinois...

Faculty & Staff

Bria Robinson

Dean of Allied Health

Phone Extension: 1777

Building: South Oasis

Office: 116

M.A.Ed., McKendree University | B.S., Midwestern State University

Abbi Biggerstaff

Administrative Assistant for Allied Health

Phone Extension: 1251

Building: South Oasis

Office: 104

B.B.A., McKendree University | A.A. & A.S., Rend Lake College

Allied Health Division
Phone: (618) 437-5321 Ext. 1251
Email: [email protected]
Address: 468 N. Ken Gray Parkway, Ina, IL 62846 Attn: Allied Health
Fax Number: (618) 437-5677 Attn: Allied Health