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Medical Coding

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About the Medical Coding Program

Courses

Delivery Method
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  • Live Online
  • In-Person
  • Online
  • Hybrid

Medical Terminology: An Anatomy and Physiology ApproachFPM-40632

Units: 1.50

$345

Using an anatomy and physiology systems approach, this course reviews common terms associated with medical practice, research, and different healthcare settings. The goal: to better prepare individual...

Upcoming Start Dates:
Typically Offered: Fall, Winter, Spring, Summer

Anatomy & Physiology for Allied HealthFPM-40320

Units: 4.50

$515

This course is designed to develop an integrated understanding of human structure and function, and an appreciation for the close interrelationship between anatomy and physiology. Clinical examples u...

Upcoming Start Dates:
Typically Offered: Fall, Winter, Spring, Summer

Introduction to Medical CodingMEDC-40024

Units: 2.00

$355

This course is the introductory foundation of the coding industry. The fundamentals of coding will be communicated by building upon the knowledge, principals and guidelines required in order to be suc...

Upcoming Start Dates:
Typically Offered: Fall, Winter, Spring, Summer

Example Trajectory Below

ICD-10-CMMEDC-40018

Units: 4.00

$695

This comprehensive online course will train students in the ICD-10-CM coding system (International Classification of Disease, Version 10, Clinical Modification) for outpatient medical coding and repor...

Upcoming Start Dates:
Typically Offered: Fall, Spring

Reimbursement Methodologies & ComplianceMEDC-40021

Units: 2.00

$355

This course was developed to provide students with an in-depth understanding of the structure and function of the US Healthcare Reimbursement system, including the various types of payors, payment met...

Upcoming Start Dates:
Typically Offered: Winter, Summer

Pathophysiology of Human DiseaseFPM-40617

Units: 5.00

$795

Upon completion of the course, students will be able to: 1. Explain each of the major body systems and their normal functions. 2. Describe common clinical disorders/diseases and pathologic mechanisms ...

Upcoming Start Dates:
Typically Offered: Fall, Spring

ICD-10-PCSMEDC-40019

Units: 4.00

$695

This is an online course where students will learn ICD-10-PCS coding. Class participant use the ICD-10-PCS code book, coding guidelines and coding conventions to apply health care documentation polici...

Upcoming Start Dates:
Typically Offered: Winter, Summer

PharmacologyFPM-40382

Units: 3.00

$495

This is an introductory-level course intended for the beginning student in both practical/vocational nursing and other allied health disciplines. This course covers the basic mathematics of drug dosag...

Upcoming Start Dates:
Typically Offered: Winter, Summer

Legal & Ethical Issues in CodingMEDC-40022

Units: 2.00

$355

This is an online course where students will learn about legal and ethical issues in Coding, HIPAA, and Health Information privacy. Class participants will use the text HIPAA by Example, Case Studies,...

Upcoming Start Dates:
Typically Offered: Fall, Spring

CPT/HCPCS CodingMEDC-40020

Units: 4.00

$695

This online course prepares students for the American Academy of Professional Coders (AAPC) coding accreditation examinations, as well as the American Health Information Management Associate (AHIMA) c...

Upcoming Start Dates:
Typically Offered: Fall, Spring

Coding PracticumMEDC-40023

Units: 3.00

$545

This course will recapitulate and reinforce coding concepts previously learned in order to prepare students for entry into the medical coding industry and to take a national credentialing exam.By the ...

Upcoming Start Dates:
Typically Offered: Winter, Summer
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Conditions for Admission

  • The certificate is intended for individuals who have met the following requirements:
    • High-School graduation/GED
    • Introduction to Medical Coding (MEDC-40024)
    • Medical Terminology: An Anatomy and Physiology Approach (FPM-40632)
    • Anatomy & Physiology for Allied Health (MEDC-40008)

Certificate Guidelines

This Certificate (prerequisites not included) is intended to be completed within a 12-month time frame. However, you are permitted to take up to 5 years to complete the certificate. Starting points are offered every quarter. Questions regarding course trajectory, please contact jebradford@ucsd.edu.


 

Frequently Asked Questions

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How long would it take to complete the three pre-req courses?

One quarter but you can space it out into 3 quarters if needed.

This course is fully online? How is course conten delivered?

The courses are pre-recorded videos (there may be some that are just audio dependent on the course lesson but most are prerecorded slides/presentations). None of it is interactive via webcam. We do utilize the course discussion board; this creates a strong feel of community and open discussion with the other students and instructor; and you will have access to the instructor via email as well. The courses are structured for you to complete assignments on a weekly basis, you need to submit assignments by a certain deadline but you will never be required to be online at your computer at a certain time.

What Does Medical Coding Involve?

Medical coders work specifically with the financial and technical aspects of the medical world. They check medical records of patients, along with doctors’ notes, records of testing, and possible diagnoses to corroborate that work was carried out.

Medical codes tell a sort of story about the patient’s visit. Whether a patient was seen for a routine exam, or a doctor ordered an xray for a workplace injury, each procedure and service receive a specific code.

The coding specialist must translate this information into precise medical codes for each one of thousands of possible services, which need to be valued for reimbursement purposes.

If the coder is uncertain about a particular patient’s records, they then need to speak with medical staff or other staff members to receive more details.

What is the difference between Medical Billers and Medical Coders?

Medical billers are responsible for creating a claim based on the codes a ;medical coder provides; the primary difference, however, is that medical coders translate medical services into codes, while medical billers translate the claims from these codes into reimbursements from insurance and patients.

Where Do Medical Billers and Coders Work?

You can find medical billers and coders in a variety of settings. Typically, they’re found behind the scenes at clinics, hospitals and nursing homes, but they may also find work in pharmacies. With such a wide range of possible employers, it’s a great opportunity to find a career close to home.

Because so much of the work is done with computer systems, many billers and coders are given permission to work from home one or two days a week. Medical billing or coding can be a great choice for those who seek a more flexible working environment.

At a small facility, there’s a good chance that billing and coding will be done by the same person or a close group of associates.

How long would it take to complete the three pre-req courses?

One quarter but you can space it out into 3 quarters if needed.

Advisory Board

Cassi Birnbaum, MS, RHIA, CPHQ, FAHIMA

Senior Enterprise Director HIM, Coding and CDI

PeaceHealth Values

Emmy Clancy, MHA, CMPE, CCS, CPC, CDEO, CPMA

Consultant/Owner

Emmy Award Healthcare Consulting

Brian Clay, MD

Chief Medical Information Officer

UC San Diego Health System

Holly Jagielinski, MPH, RHIA

Associate Professor, Health Info Technology/Management

San Diego Mesa College

Robin Spillman, CPC,CPC-I

HIM Director

Navy Hospital Camp Pendleton

Lorraine Wilson, RHIA

Systemwide Director HIMS Operations

Scripps Health

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This certificate requires an application before taking any courses. There will be a $0 fee to apply to this program. Students will also be required to pay a $95 certificate fee upon enrollment into the program after acceptance. View the complete Certificate Registration and Candidacy Guidelines.