Medical Insurance Coder/Biller – Certificate

The Medical Insurance Coder/Biller Certificate program prepares the student to work in a medical office, clinic, surgical center, emergency center or hospital. Emphasis is placed on medical terminology, use of electronic medical management systems, medical financial management, disease conditions, diagnostic and procedure coding, and medical office and hospital billing. This is a competency based program that allows for a variety of program completion options which may include credit for work experience or waiver by exam and therefore can be tailored to meet the needs of both the novice and experienced coder or biller to prepare for numerous industry credentials.


Minimum credits: 24
Minimum cumulative GPA: 2.0
Minimum grade in all courses: 2.0
Minimum grades in MIC 141, MIC 241, and MIC 242: 2.5
Minimum Jackson College credits: 15

RELATED REQUIREMENTS

Take the following:

Course # Course Name Credits Prerequisites Notes
MOA 120 Medical Terminology 3 ENG 085*

A programmed learning word building system approach is used to teach basic medical terminology word roots, prefixes, suffixes, language origins, plural formation and grammar rules are studied. Emphasis is placed on word building, definitions, spelling, usage, pronunciation and acceptable medical abbreviations.

Choose one of the following:

Course # Course Name Credits Prerequisites Notes
BIO 132 Human Biology 4 ENG 085* and MAT 020* or higher

Students focus on the structure and function of the human body, the unity and diversity of life, the nature of scientific inquiry, and the principles and processes of evolution as well as contemporary issues that relate to biology. Course includes a laboratory component which focuses on human anatomy.

BIO 253 and 254 Human Anatomy and Physiology I & II 8

Human Anatomy and Physiology I
This is the first course of a two-semester course sequence in which students study the anatomy and physiology of the human body. The course includes introductions to basic chemistry, biology and histology and extends to the survey of the integumentary, skeletal, muscular and nervous systems. This course includes a laboratory component in which students are responsible for performing dissections and making original observations on dissected material. The laboratory experience culminates with the use of a plastinated human specimen for observation. A strong background in biology and/or chemistry is highly recommended.

Human Anatomy and Physiology II
This is the second course of a two-semester course sequence in which students study the anatomy and physiology of the human body. The course includes the autonomic nervous system, sensory, motor, and integrative systems, special senses, endocrine system, cardiovascular systems, lymphatic system and immunity, respiratory systems, digestive system, metabolism and nutrition, urinary system and reproductive systems. This course includes a laboratory component in which students are responsible for performing dissections and making original observations on dissected material. The laboratory experience culminates with the use of a plastinated human specimen for observation. Because physiological processes are based on the principles of chemistry, prior chemistry coursework is strongly recommended for this course.

MED 125 Intro to Body Systems 3

This course provides an overview of the anatomy of each body system in relation to the field of medical assisting.

PNC 100 Body Structure & Function 4 ENG 085*

(SAME AS MOA 141) This course is a body systems approach to the body structures and functions providing a foundation of understanding normal and abnormal body functions and disease processes.

CORE REQUIREMENTS
Course # Course Name Credits Prerequisites Notes
MIC 141 Principles of Medical Coding and Billing 3

Study principles and practices in health information management as it relates to documentation for medical billing. Introduction to ICD and CPT coding, private insurance, and government program claim processing, legal and health care finance issues, HIPAA and release of information guidelines are emphasized.

MIC 241 Physician Office Medical Coding 6

This online course teaches fundamental medical coding skills for professional services (physicians, mid-level providers, etc) and prepares the student to take AAPC’s CPC exam. The course covers CPT, HCPCS and ICD-10-CM coding. Assures a broad knowledge in reviewing and assigning the correct procedure and diagnosis codes for professional (physician) services.

MIC 242 Advanced Medical Billing 3 ACC 216 or ACC 231 and MIC 141

Designed to teach advanced skills in medical insurance billing. Correct preparation of major carrier claims including use of modifiers and rebilling skills emphasized.

MIC 255 Coder/Biller Capstone 3 MIC 211 and Instructor Permission

A student may choose to take the capstone instead of the practicum. In the capstone, you will not be performing hours at an external site, but rather perform extensive coding and billing exercises to prepare for the CPC exam, build a portfolio, and prepare for employment. Expect to spend approximately 10 hours a week minimum, outside of class time working on assigned items.

MOA 112 Medical Law and Ethics 3 CIS 095* and ENG 090*

Principles and concepts of medical law and bioethics, as well as an overview of health care financing through third party payers are the main focus of this course. Topics include: medical practice management, medical law, liability and malpractice prevention, health information management, HIPAA and confidentiality of patient information, employment practices, consent, billing collections, insurance and government healthcare programs, codes of ethics and contemporary bioethical issues.

Sample Course Map

The following is a sample course map for informational purposes and will not suit every student’s situation. A detailed, individualized course map will be created when a student meets with their Student Success Navigator.

SEMESTER 1
Course # Course Name Credits Prerequisites Notes
MED 125 Intro to Body Systems 3

This course provides an overview of the anatomy of each body system in relation to the field of medical assisting.

MIC 141 Principles of Medical Coding & Billing 3

Study principles and practices in health information management as it relates to documentation for medical billing. Introduction to ICD and CPT coding, private insurance, and government program claim processing, legal and health care finance issues, HIPAA and release of information guidelines are emphasized.

MOA 112 Medical Law and Ethics 3 CIS 095* and ENG 090*

Principles and concepts of medical law and bioethics, as well as an overview of health care financing through third party payers are the main focus of this course. Topics include: medical practice management, medical law, liability and malpractice prevention, health information management, HIPAA and confidentiality of patient information, employment practices, consent, billing collections, insurance and government healthcare programs, codes of ethics and contemporary bioethical issues.

MOA 120 Medical Terminology 3 ENG 085*

A programmed learning word building system approach is used to teach basic medical terminology word roots, prefixes, suffixes, language origins, plural formation and grammar rules are studied. Emphasis is placed on word building, definitions, spelling, usage, pronunciation and acceptable medical abbreviations.

SEMESTER 2
Course # Course Name Credits Prerequisites Notes
MIC 241 Physician Office Medical Coding 6

This online course teaches fundamental medical coding skills for professional services (physicians, mid-level providers, etc) and prepares the student to take AAPC’s CPC exam. The course covers CPT, HCPCS and ICD-10-CM coding. Assures a broad knowledge in reviewing and assigning the correct procedure and diagnosis codes for professional (physician) services.

SEMESTER 3
Course # Course Name Credits Prerequisites Notes
MIC 242 Advanced Medical Billing 3 ACC 216 or ACC 231 and MIC 141

Designed to teach advanced skills in medical insurance billing. Correct preparation of major carrier claims including use of modifiers and rebilling skills emphasized.

MIC 255 Coder/Biller Capstone 3 MIC 211 and Instructor Permission

A student may choose to take the capstone instead of the practicum. In the capstone, you will not be performing hours at an external site, but rather perform extensive coding and billing exercises to prepare for the CPC exam, build a portfolio, and prepare for employment. Expect to spend approximately 10 hours a week minimum, outside of class time working on assigned items.