Mar 29, 2024  
2015-16 Academic Catalog 
    
2015-16 Academic Catalog [ARCHIVED CATALOG]

Medical Coding and Billing Specialist - MCBS.AS


This program prepares students for employment in hospitals, ambulatory centers, visiting nursing associations, insurance companies, physician offices, and many other health organizations as a medical coder/billing specialist. After several years of work experience, the student may also work from home as an independent medical biller/coder.

Students must achieve a minimum “C” (73%) or better in every HIT, MED, BIO course. The student who is unable to meet the minimum requirement may be withdrawn from the program.

Students will also be prepared to take entry level national coding examinations. These examinations are required by many employers for entry-level coding positions.

Applicants must meet the following requirements:

  • Completion of high-school English (4 years) with a grade of C or higher and the qualifications to enroll in ENG 101  or completion of a college-level English course with a grade of C+ or higher.
  • Completion of high-school Algebra 1 with a grade of C or higher and the qualifications to enroll in a college-level Algebra 2 course.
  • HS diploma or GED.
  • Medical Terminology with a grade of C or better or enrollment in MED 100 .

Upon the successful completion of the requirements of this program, an Associate in Science in Office Information Technologies from STCC will be awarded.

Medical Coding and Billing Specialists Program Goals


  1. Understand medical terminology and anatomy/physiology and can apply it to coding physician-documented patients’ records in an inpatient or outpatient setting.
  2. Understand the coding assignment guidelines for ICD 10 CM/PCS, CPT and have the skills to code diseases and procedures from patients’ records.
  3. Have an understanding of the relationship between coding and reimbursement; be knowledgeable about insurance terminology, various insurance carrier requirements and complete an insurance form.
  4. Understand the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) and how it applies to coding and billing release of information.
  5. Can demonstrate proficiency in preparing an electronic medical record, billing services, posting payments, generating appointments, and medical/financial reports using medical software.
  6. Are computer literate (proficient in word processing, spreadsheets, data base, e-mail, and the Internet).

(MCBS.AS) Curriculum


Total (MCBS.AS) Curriculum Program Credits: 65


Department Personnel


 

Name Title Office Phone Email
Tracey McKethan, MBA, RHIA, CCA Professor/Department Chair/HIIM Program Director - Health Information Technology 02/231 413-755-4680 tmckethan@stcc.edu
Louise Corcoran, MBA, RHIT, CCS Associate Professor - Health Information Technology 02/234 413-755-4126 lgcorcoran@stcc.edu