Medical coding online course curriculum

Our medical coding course curriculum gives you extensive practice using professional reference manuals to assign codes according to ICD-10-CM and CPT/HCPCS coding systems. This experience gives you real-world skills increasingly demanded in healthcare settings.

Orientation: Learning at Ashworth

In this course, you’ll examine the goals and values of Ashworth College, time management, creating a realistic weekly and monthly study schedule, the nature and purpose of assessments, how to study effectively to prepare for and take an online examination, and developing the skill sets necessary for success in the twenty-first century.

By the end of this course, you'll be able to do the following:

Identify skills needed to be a confident and independent online learner.

Lesson Group 1: Introduction to Allied Health

In this course, you’ll learn the history of allied health and study ethics and HIPAA legislation. You’ll also learn important information about safety and professionalism.

By the end of this course, you'll be able to do the following:

Describe the history of allied health careers.
Define professionalism.
Explain HIPAA legislation and its effect on medical practices.
Explain ethics.

Lesson Group 2: Basic Medical Coding

Your first coding course begins with an overview of coding concepts, terms, and procedures. You’ll start by exploring the history of the ICD-10 coding system. You’ll code diagnoses in the ICD-10-CM and use the chapter-specific coding guidelines to code diseases and conditions with specific and unique rules. You’ll finish your course with coding procedures in the ICD-10-PCS, and in the basics of coding with ICD-10.

By the end of this course, you’ll be able to do the following:

Describe the layout and purpose of the ICD-10-CM coding manual
Explain how to use the ICD-10-CM to assign codes for medical diagnoses
Summarize the guidelines for coding physiologic conditions involving different organ systems
Identify the purpose of the ICD-10-PCS and how it's used
Assign diagnosis and procedure codes using the ICD-10 coding manuals

Lesson Group 3: Intermediate Medical Coding

In this course, you’ll concentrate on procedures and their associated systems. You’ll also learn about general coding guidelines for outpatient procedures and physician office coding using CPT, HCPCS Level I, and HCPCS Level II procedure coding.

By the end of this course, you’ll be able to do the following:

Assign codes for services and procedures using CPT and HCPCS Level II
Outline the procedure for assigning codes from the E/M and Anesthesia sections of CPT
Outline the types of services and procedures described in the CPT
Explain the types of procedures coded in the hemic, lymphatic, digestive, reproductive, and urogenital systems
Describe the procedures coded in the endocrine, nervous, ocular, auditory, radiology, pathology, and medicine sections of the CPT
Assign CPT and HCPCS codes for physician procedures and services

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Program Description

The Advanced Medical Coding certificate program is designed to provide you with the purpose and procedure of medical coding and billing, including the standard coding systems and health insurance regulations.

Program Objectives

After completing the Advanced Medical Coding certificate program, you’ll be able to do the following:

Outline the typical responsibilities of a medical biller/coder, describe the personal and professional ethics required for success in this profession, and describe the career opportunities available to appropriately trained personnel.
Describe the purpose and impact of the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) and explain how professionals can learn about changes to the laws and regulations that affect them.
Explain the purpose of medical coding and accurately code diagnoses and procedures using industry-standard coding systems published by the World Health Organization (WHO) and the American Medical Association (AMA).
Accurately assign ICD-10-CM/PCS, CPT, and HCPCS codes for diagnoses, procedures, and medical services as part of the insurance reimbursement process.

Keying up for career growth

You'll gain job skills from every lesson in the Advanced Medical Coding Career Certificate course and prep for your job search at the same time. The online tools available through the Ashworth College Central Network are integrated into your studies so you'll be ready to deliver a polished presentation of your qualifications to potential employers as soon as you graduate. You'll also be able to revisit the Ashworth College Central Network whenever you need to after you've earned your certificate. Learn more about it at the Ashworth College Career Services page.