Medical Coding, AAS

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Health information coding is the transformation of verbal descriptions of diseases, injuries, and procedures into alphanumeric designations. Currently, reimbursement of hospital and physical claims for patients depends entirely on the assignment of codes. Coding is one of the fastest growing professions in the United States. Upon completion of this program, students will be able to

Demonstrate the professional work habits expected in the medical coding profession including confidentiality and ethical practices;
Apply medical terminology, anatomy and physiology, and disease process knowledge to seek the appropriate code;
Complete insurance forms (HCFA) using ICD-10-CM, CPT and HCPCS codes;
Demonstrate the ability to communicate orally and in writing;
Abstract code data from medical records; and
Demonstrate effective leadership skills.

Required Courses

First Year

Fall Semester

AHMS 105 - Health Care Delivery Credit(s): 3
AHMS 108 - Health Data Content Structure Credit(s): 3
AHMS 144 - Medical Terminology Credit(s): 3
AHMS 175 - Medical Law and Ethics Credit(s): 3
BIOH 104NL - Basic Human Biology with Lab Credit(s): 4 *

First Semester Total: 16

Spring Semester

AHMS 210 - Basic Medical Coding Credit(s): 3 *
BMGT 205C - Professional Business Communication Credit(s): 3 * ^R
BMIS 211 - Data Analytics I Credit(s): 4
HIT 265 - Electronic Health Record in Medical Practice Credit(s): 3 *
Elective Credit(s): 3

Second Semester Total: 16

Second Year

Fall Semester

AHMS 219 - Intermediate Medical Coding Credit(s): 4 *
AHMS 156 - Medical Billing Fundamentals Credit(s): 3
BGEN 122 - Applied Business Math Credit(s): 3 * ^R
OR
M 120 - Mathematics with Health Care Applications Credit(s): 3 * ^R
BIOH 113 - Human Form and Function II Credit(s): 4 *
Elective Credit(s): 2

First Semester Total: 16

Spring Semester

AHMS 220 - Medical Office Procedures Credit(s): 4 *
AHMS 250 - Advanced Medical Coding Credit(s): 4 *
AHMS 252 - Computerized Medical Billing Credit(s): 2
BGEN 110 - Applied Business Leadership Credit(s): 3 ^R
CAPP 156 - MS Excel Credit(s): 3

Second Semester Total: 16

Total Credits: 64

^RIndicates Related Instruction requirement.

*Indicates prerequisite or corequisite needed. Check course description.

Recommended Course Offering:

Students receiving financial aid or veteran’s benefits should check with the Financial Aid Office before registering for recommended courses.

AHMS 198 - Internship Credit(s): 3 *

Program Information

An internship is an option for this program.
Students must apply for placements for this program the prior semester. For more information, contact Cathy Allard, Career Advisor, at (406) 756-3808 or callard@fvcc.edu.
Students in the Medical Coding program must earn a “C-” or better in AHMS 210 to receive this degree.
All courses within this program must be taken for a letter grade. No courses may be taken on a Satisfactory/Unsatisfactory (S/U) basis.
Students who complete this program should be prepared to sit for the Certified Coding Associate (CCA) examination.
Some classes may only be offered online.

Opportunities After Graduation

Rapid growth in the health services industry as a whole and the expansion of the medical community in the area should fuel growth within this occupation. Positions for Health Information Technicians in Montana are projected to experience an 18% growth increase from 2008-2018.
Students are encouraged to take the CCA / CCS or AAPC Exams.
Apprenticeship opportunities may be available for this program. See the Faculty Advisor for more information.

Advising Information

For more information about this program, contact an advisor.

Academic Advisor	Faculty Advisor
Jori Bullemer	Brenda Rudolph, M.B.A.
LRC 129	BSS 106
(406) 756-3905	(406) 756-3858
jbullemer@fvcc.edu	brudolph@fvcc.edu