According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, “employment of medical records and health information technicians is expected to increase by 18% through 2016 faster than the average for all occupations.” Technology is advancing at a rapid pace and is producing more advanced medical procedures and treatments. With these advances comes the need for trained professionals with the knowledge to code, bill, and correctly document the performance of these procedures. Trained professionals will be needed to ensure correct coding and documentation of new and established procedures to pass potential audits by federal as well as private insurance payers.

Upon completion of the program students can expect to be employed in physician offices, multi-specialty group practices, insurance companies, outpatient care facilities, and with government agencies.

The program is designed for students who wish to acquire a thorough understanding of the human anatomy, the language used in the medical profession, regulations that govern the practice of medicine, and the knowledge of how to correctly code and bill for services provided. The program consisting of 5 required courses should be taken in the following order:

1. Medical Terminology
   This course will provide the framework needed to understand medical terms through the analysis of word components. This will include an in-depth study of prefixes, suffixes, word roots, connecting and combining forms. The student will acquire an understanding of medical terms by dissecting terms into their component parts. Students will also learn terms applicable to the structure, function, and diseases of the human body. Required Book: The Language of Medicine.
   
2. ICD-9 Coding (Prerequisite Medical Terminology)
   This course will emphasize the fundamentals of assigning International Classification of Diseases, ICD-9-CM, codes. Students will learn the history of coding and coding conventions. Coding exercises will be explored and coding and billing issues will be reviewed.
3. CPT-4 Coding (Prerequisite Medical Terminology and ICD-9)
   This course is designed to provide the student with an understanding of coding medical procedures and the accurate utilization of assigned codes. The classification system for coding medical procedures will be reviewed through in-depth coverage of the correct usage of the Current Procedural Terminology Manual, CPT-4 and the Health Care Financing Administration Common Procedure Coding System, HCPCS, Level II codes. Must take ICD-9 before enrolling in this class.
   
4. Regulations in Health Care Coding
   This course is designed to give students an understanding of the legal and ethical issues encountered in the delivery of health care services. The student will learn regulations and procedures for claims filed with government agencies. This will include discussions of fraud and abuse, the National Correct Coding Initiative, NCCI, as well as current health care legislation.
5. Medical Billing with Practicum (Prerequisite Medical Terminology and ICD-9 and CPT-4)
   The student will learn the theory and basic financial techniques utilized in a physician’s office and other health care facilities. This will include gaining an insight into the administrative and clerical aspects of a medical office. The principles and applications of medical and financial records management, billing details, appointment scheduling, insurance processing and accounts receivable will be explored. The student will also be given the opportunity for practical application of lessons learned using medical billing software.
   

Prerequisite:
First course taken must be Medical Terminology. If you are a registered nurse you do not need to take the Medical Terminology class.  You must bring a transcript to proof you have completed this class.

Upon completion of the program, students will be knowledgeable on all aspects of ICD-9, HCPCS and CPT-4 coding, understand government regulations that affect reimbursement and documentation, have a thorough understanding of filing insurance claims, understand the differences between federal carriers and managed care companies, worker’s compensation and no fault billing, the meaning and implications of medical necessity, correct reimbursement procedures, and revenue cycle management.

The student will have 125 hours of instruction and will be prepared to sit for the national certification exam given by the American Academy of Professional Coders, AAPC. Upon successfully passing the exam, candidates will earn the credential, Certified Professional Coder, CPC.

Registration and Tuition:
The tuition is $ 2,900 plus a one time $20 registration fee, or you can register for each course individually, with a $20 registration fee per semester. Payment plans can be arranged. Please contact our bursar office at 212-650-3850. Payment Plans are available.

To register for courses online, please click on the Course Browser/Registration

Required Text Books:
1- Medical Terminology :  The Language of Medicine by Davi-Ellen Chabner
2- ICD-9 and CPT4 click on link below to buy the bundle package. If you join the AAPC you can get a discount on this package.
http://www.aapc.com/medical-coding-books/2012/2012-physician-bundle-1.aspx
Regulations and Medical Billing no text book required

The program has been designed to be completed in one year. However, students will have a maximum of 2 years to complete the program. Each class will be graded and attendance will be taken.

Courses should be taken in the order listed. The classes will have some prerequisites. Classes will be offered during the evening and some classes might be offered during weekends. Please review the course catalog for the current semester’s offerings and course descriptions.

Application Process:
To enter the program, interested applicants must have:

• A high school diploma or GED,
• Proficiency in English (written and spoken),
• A registration form must be completed and submitted to the Continuing Education office.

After having successfully completed the program, the student receives a Certificate issued by Continuing Education as well as a transcript. Additionally, a transcript is kept on file for 7 years in the Continuing Education office.

Course Status:
If enrollment for a course does not reach a required level, the course will be canceled. However, when maximum enrollment is reached, the course will be closed immediately and the names of interested registrants will be put on a wait list and notified on a “first come” basis if an opening occurs. Please register early to avoid disappointment.

Grades:
Students’ progress is measured through examinations, research and writing assignments, and classroom participation. A grade of A, B, or C is required in each course certification. A passing grade is 73 = C.

Attendance Requirements:
Students are required to attend all the classes and be on time. If absence occurs, the student is responsible for making up missed assignments. The instructor maintains and submits attendance records for each student.

Retake Policy:
If a student fails a course, CE will send him or her a letter to retake the course, free of charge, within one year, this privilege can be exercised only once for the duration of the program, for students enrolled in the entire certificate program. If a student is unable to complete or has to drop course, please state the reason in writing and send to Continuing Education. With all retakes, the registration fee must be paid, if applicable, when registering.

Continuing Education’s certification programs are offered for no college credit. A certificate is awarded to students who successfully meet the requirements explained in the CE bulletin.