Medical Coding Specialist (H) Certificate Program

The Medical Coding Specialist (H) Certificate Program is designed to prepare students to accurately utilize the ICD-9-CM coding system. Students learn the organization of the medical record and then review records for principal diagnosis, all secondary diagnoses and any related procedures.

The student will become proficient in understanding physician writing and chart documentation and also become proficient in DRG selection. DRGs are determined by coding policy and affect optimal reimbursement.

Certificate Requirements
To be eligible to receive the certificate, you must successfully complete:

MRCX 100 Medical Terminology
MRCX 200 ICD-9-CM Coding
MRCX 300 CPT Coding
MRCX 310 Health Care Procedure Coding System (HCPCS)
MRCX 410 Advanced ICD-9-CM Coding with DRG Analysis

with a grade of "C" or higher for each course.

There is a $30 certificate fee, payable at the beginning of the last course in the program.

Challenge Exam
You may be waived from medical terminology based upon successful performance on a proficiency exam or written proof of a passing grade in a recent terminology class. Please call (718) 488-1364 to make arrangements.

MRCX 099 (Challenge Exam) $100

Medical Coding Specialist (H) Courses

Medical Terminology (MRCX 100)
You will develop medical vocabulary based upon the principles of medical word building. Medical terminology for each body system is discussed, as well as basic anatomy, physiology and pathology for each system.
This course provides essential background knowledge for successful ICD-9-CM coding and other careers within the medical records field such as: admitting, medical transcribing, risk management, DRG and CPT coding, quality assurance, billing, and utilization management. (30 hours)
Exemption: successful performance on the Challenge Exam (MRCX 099).

MRCX 100 $375
Section 1: Tuesdays & Thursdays, 6:00 - 9:15 p.m. (15 mins break)
January 13 - February 12, 2009
Instructor: Omar Alli, CPC
* * * * *
ICD-9-CM Coding (MRCX 200)
You will develop an understanding of ICD-9-CM characteristics, principles, rules, conventions and terminology. You will transform verbal descriptions of disease, injuries and medical procedures into codes. Coding for maximum reimbursement to health care providers will be examined. (30 hours)
Prerequisite: MRCX 100.

MRCX 200 $375
Section 1: Tuesdays & Thursdays, 6:00 - 9:15 p.m. (15 mins break)
February 24 - March 26, 2009
Instructor: Omar Alli, CPC
* * * * *
CPT Coding (MRCX 300)
This course will provide you with the skills to utilize the Physician's Current Procedural Terminology (CPT), a listing of descriptive codes used by physicians to identify and report medical services and procedures. You will learn the method of coding used by clinics, emergency rooms, outpatient departments and ambulatory surgery units. (30 hours)
Prerequisite: MRCX 200.

MRCX 300 $375
Section 1: Tuesdays & Thursdays, 6:00 - 9:15 p.m (15 mins break)
April 7 - May 7, 2009
Instructor: Omar Alli, CPC
* * * * *
Health Care Procedure Coding System (HCPCS) (MRCX 310)
This course is composed of two parts, utilizing Advanced CPT Coding and Modifiers and HCPCS Coding. Upon completion of Part II, you will be able to code for services, materials, drugs and procedures that are not covered under CPT. Background of the law and penalties covering HCPCS are addressed. (30 hours)
Prerequisite: MRCX 300.

MRCX 310 $375
Section 1:
Schedule to be announced
Instructor: Staff
* * * * *
Advanced ICD-9-CM Coding with DRG Analysis (MRCX 410)
This course provides expert direction regarding the analysis of the hospital case mix and enhances DRG review skills to support optimal reimbursement. Students are given an in-depth look at grouper methodology - both HCFA and New York Grouper. Coding principles and guidelines and their importance in selecting the correct DRG are addressed extensively. Students work in groups under the direct supervision of a hospital coder and sample medical charts are analyzed and coded. Discussions focus on particular coding problems. (30 hours)
Prerequisite: MRCX 310.

MRCX 410 $375
Section 1:
Schedule to be announced.
Instructor: Staff

Recommended Course

Certified Procedural Coding Review (MRCX 900)
This review course prepares you to sit for the American Academy of Procedural Coders Examination. It is strongly recommended that students sitting for the CCS and CPC-H examinations take the Health Care Procedure Coding System (MRCX 310). (20 hours)
Prerequisite: MRCX 300.

MRCX 900 $275
Schedule to be announced
Instructor: Staff