Health Care Billing and Coding, Specialized Diploma

Overview

Narrative

Northampton's Healthcare Billing and Coding specialized diploma program is designed to prepare you to enter a modern healthcare setting in a short time frame. The program offers career-specific coursework for a student wishing to complete their studies within three part-time semesters. The program provides course offerings that prepare you to work as a team player in a specialized office environment.

Your studies will include state-of-the-art office equipment and computer software. You will learn the marketable skills required to work effectively with other people in a healthcare environment. We emphasize development of professional attitudes, values, and ethics. As you progress through the program, you'll gain critical thinking, priority setting, and decision-making skills needed in today's quality-oriented business environment.

Graduates of this specialized diploma program often go on to gain employment and then pursue NCC's Healthcare Office Specialist Certificate or Healthcare Office Coordinator associate degree.

Features

This program prepares you for the responsibilities and challenges expected of a skilled medical biller and coder. A medical biller and coder translates health care procedures into standardized code for use by insurance companies, while also compiling and submitting claims to insurance companies and billing patients.

Courses for the health care pathways include Basics of Human Anatomy and Physiology, CPT Coding Methodology, and PCS Coding Methodologies. We have an excellent record of employment for our graduates in a full range of health care settings.

Graduates of this specialized diploma program can also continue on to complete the Health Care Office Specialist certificate, as well as the Healthcare Office Coordinator associate degree, with ease.

Endorsed by Local Employers

Potential employers for those following this healthcare career pathway include:

• Hospitals
• Community Health Centers
• Ambulatory Surgical Units
• Outpatient Laboratory Centers
• Physician's Offices
• Urgent Care Centers
• Elder Care Facilities

Courses can be taken on-ground or online on a full or part-time basis.

Please contact the Admissions Office at 610.861.5500 or [e-mail] for further information.

Career Potential: Medical Billing Clerk, Medical Coder, Medical Records Clerk, Patient Account Representative

Outcomes

Students who complete the program will:

• Utilize the appropriate medical terminology.
• Display the necessary office skills needed to function effectively in a health care setting.
• Identify the appropriate documentation that is required for billing and reimbursement.
• Apply the appropriate coding system:  ICD codes to diagnosis/procedures, HCPCS codes to medical equipment, supplies, etc., and CPT codes to procedures for health records and billing adhering to current HIPAA standards.
• Utilize analytical skills and administrative techniques necessary to organize, prioritize, and manage the flow of confidential information with adherence to current HIPAA standards.

 

Courses

First Semester

COLS101	College Success	1 credits
BIOS130	Basics of Human Anatomy and Physiology	4 credits
HCOA154	Medical Terminology	3 credits
Total Credit Hours:		8

Second Semester

HCOA172	Health Insurance Basics	3 credits
HCOA175	ICD-10-CM/PCS Coding Methodologies	3 credits
HCOA176	CPT Coding Methodology	3 credits
Total Credit Hours:		9

Third Semester

HCOA270	Advanced Coding for Medical Services	3 credits
HCOA275	Capstone Simulation for Coding	2 credits
Total Credit Hours:		5

Total Credit Hours: 22