CERTIFICATE
(HEGIS Code Number 5213)
Program Director:  Laurie Rivet
(716) 827-2561
Room:  350

The Medical Coding and Reimbursement program emphasizes the technical skills necessary to analyze patient records, assign codes, and generate claims for the purpose of reimbursement.  Students will learn how to collect and abstract information from patient medical records and assign code numbers to medical diagnoses and procedures using the ICD-9-CM and CPT classification systems.  This will be accomplished utilizing actual medical records, computerized coding modules, and various reference tools.

Students will also learn about the different types of medical insurance (public and private) and billing and reimbursement procedures used in hospitals and other health care settings.  Computer simulations and practice exercises will allow students to practice what they have learned.

Coding and billing competencies will be built through two Professional Practice experiences – one in coding and the other in billing. These non-paid, “hands-on” experiences will be completed in acute care hospitals and alternate health care facilities.  Professional Practices provide additional learning and practice in a realistic work environment.  Students are responsible for their own transportation to and from Professional Practice locations and any associated field trips during each semester. Since many billing departments are generally only open during regular business hours, students will be required to complete their Professional Practice experiences one or more days of the normal work week. While every effort will be made to assign students to Professional Practice locations near the college or their home, travel to long distance sites within the Western New York area may be required.

The Medical Coding and Reimbursement Certificate program is designed to transfer into the Health Information Technology program. Graduates of this program will be prepared for entry-level positions such as medical coders and medical billers in various health care settings.  After completion of the program, students may apply to write national coding certification examinations administered by the American Health Information Management Association (AHIMA) and the American Academy of Professional Coders (AAPC). They may also take the Certified Medical Reimbursement Specialist (CMRS) certification examination administered by the American Medical Billing Association (AMBA).

Admission Requirements:

1. High School Diploma (minimum 80% average) or GED Diploma with a minimum score of 6250
   
2. Biology and Keyboarding experience
3. 2.0 semester average with a minimum grade of "C" in laboratory sciences for current and transfer students
   

Minimum Certificate Requirements:

1. A total of at least 48 semester credit hours with a Quality Point Average (QPA) of 2.0
2. Program Requirements*:

      College Seminar (GS100) - Satisfactory grade required

      CS132, HIT101, HIT102, HIT106, HIT209, HIT210, MT213, MB119, MB261, MB265, SC103/103L,         

      SC104/104L, SC106, SC210

* A minimum grade of "C" (2.0) is required.

CURRICULUM

First Year - First Semester

GS 100 College Seminar

HIT 101  Intro to Health Information Science
MB 119  Medical Terminology

MB 265  Insurance & Reimbursement Processing
SC 103/103L  Anatomy and Physiology I/Lab

First Year - Second Semester

CS 132  Microcomputer Applications

MB 261  Medical Office Computer Systems

Summer Session

Second Year - First Semester

Second Year - Second Semester

HIT 209  Coding Professional Practice 

Would you like more information on this or other programs?   Fill out our Information Request Form or call 716-826-1200.  Requests by mail may be sent to Trocaire College, Office of Admissions, 360 Choate Avenue, Buffalo, NY 14220 or email us at Trocaire College.  Please indicate your name, mailing address (including zip code), phone number and the program you are interested in.