| |
Dec 03, 2024
|
|
|
|
|
2024-25 Academic Catalog
Medical Coding and Billing Specialist - MCBS.AS
|
|
 Return to: Academic Programs
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 The student who is unable to meet the minimum requirement may be withdrawn from the program.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.
|
Applying for Re-Admission to this Program
If a student leaves a health program for any reason, and intends to re-enter the following academic year into the semester in which they left, the student must follow the readmission process as outlined in the School of Health & Patient Simulation Readmission Policy.
Click here to see full policy and procedures.
The student seeking readmission to a health program must submit a Letter of Intent to Return, to the Dean of Health & Patient Simulation Office (Building 20/Room 320) and to the Program Director, by November 16 for consideration for return in the spring semester, and by February 1 for consideration for return in the fall semester. These dates may change from year to year.
If a student intends to return to a health program after one full academic year has passed, the student must apply as a new applicant through the college admissions website https://www.stcc.edu/apply/.
All students must follow the readmission policy and guidelines of their specific department/program.
Program Goals
- Understand medical terminology and anatomy/physiology and can apply it to coding physician-documented patients’ records in an inpatient or outpatient setting.
- Understand the coding assignment guidelines for ICD 10 CM/PCS, CPT and have the skills to code diseases and procedures from patients’ records.
- Have an understanding of the relationship between coding and reimbursement; be knowledgeable about insurance terminology, various insurance carrier requirements and complete an insurance form.
- Understand the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) and how it applies to coding and billing release of information.
- Can demonstrate proficiency in preparing an electronic medical record, billing services, posting payments, generating appointments, and medical/financial reports using medical software.
- Are computer literate (proficient in word processing, spreadsheets, data base, e-mail, and the Internet).
Total (MCBS.AS) Curriculum Program Credits: 61
Program Personnel
| Name |
Title |
Office |
Phone |
Email |
| Laura Piquette, MHA, RHIA, CDHP, CDIP |
Program Chair/Associate Professor |
13/324 |
413-755-5461 |
lpiquette@stcc.edu |
| Louise Corcoran, JD, MBA, RHIA, CCS, CPHI |
Adjunct Faculty |
|
|
lgcorcoran@stcc.edu |
| Tracey McKethan |
Adjunct Faculty |
|
|
tmckethan@stcc.edu |
| Melissa A. Pereira, M.Ed, RHIA, CCS, CCS-P |
Assistant Professor |
13/326 |
413-755-4680 |
mapereira2001@stcc.edu |
|
Return to: Academic Programs
|
|
Tornado Warnings.