All FVTC locations will be closed Friday, April 18, 2025, for the spring holiday. We will reopen on Monday, April 21.

 

Search
Search
Back to home page ProgramsHealth ScienceMedical Coding SpecialistCourses
Printed on 4/18/2025

Medical Coding Specialist

Apply Now Request Info
31-530-2 Technical Diploma (TD) Part Time, Full Time 28 Credits Financial Aid Eligible Location*: Online

*If general education courses are required, they may be available at multiple locations.

Medical coding specialists translate verbal descriptions of disease, injury and procedures into numerical designations. The accurate recording of this information is critical for the reimbursement of healthcare claims, medical statistics and research. You'll gain an understanding of the anatomy, signs and symptoms of diseases, and medical procedures. You'll also learn how to analyze medical records and assign codes to diagnoses and procedures. Upon completion, you could work in a variety of healthcare settings, for a health insurance company or continue on to the Health Information Technology Associate Degree.

COURSE LIST

Print Page

Course list for reference only. Current students please refer to your individualized program plan or see your advisor.
**Outside effort hours are an estimate based on state standards, and may vary from person to person.

    Occupational Specific (25 Credits)

    Course Title
    Course Number
    Credits
    Instructional Hours
    Outside Effort Hours**
    Early College Credit Options
    Prior Learning Credit Eligibility
  • Medical Terminology
    10-501-101
    3Credit
    54
    108

    • Instructional Hours: 54
    • Outside Effort Hours: 108
    • Course Number: 10501101
    • Credits: 3.00

    Focuses on the component parts of medical terms: prefixes, suffixes and word roots. Students practice formation, analysis and reconstruction of terms. Emphasis on spelling, definition and pronunciation. Introduction to operative, diagnostic, therapeutic and symptomatic terminology of all body systems, as well as systemic and surgical terminology.

  • Digital Literacy for Healthcare
    10-501-107
    2Credit
    72
    36

    • Instructional Hours: 72
    • Outside Effort Hours: 36
    • Course Number: 10501107
    • Credits: 2.00

    The focus of this course is the use of technology in healthcare. Learners use common business software applications, including word processing, presentation, spreadsheet, and databases. Communication methods using technology are addressed. Learners gain experience with using the electronic health record (EHR). Healthcare EHR security issues, social media use, and digital healthcare resources are examined.

  • Intro to Medical Reimbursement
    10-530-120
    2Credit
    54
    54
    N/A

    • Instructional Hours: 54
    • Outside Effort Hours: 54
    • Course Number: 10530120
    • Credits: 2.00

    Investigates key trends that impact healthcare costs and reimbursement systems, including prospective payment methods and value-based purchasing. Learners compare government and non-government payers, explore payment methods, and apply systems to maximize reimbursement. Additionally, learners will gain skills in managing claim processes and advocating for patients navigating healthcare services.

    Prereq: Student has completed or is in process of completing ALL of the following:

    • MEDICAL 10530184 - CPT Coding (Grade of C or better required)

    • MEDICAL 10530197 - ICD Diagnosis Coding (Grade of C or better required)
  • Revenue Cycle Management
    10-530-157
    2Credit
    54
    54
    N/A

    • Instructional Hours: 54
    • Outside Effort Hours: 54
    • Course Number: 10530157
    • Credits: 2.00

    Develops skills in managing the revenue cycle by collaborating with teams, ensuring compliance, and applying measures to improve efficiency. Learners will evaluate coding practices for fraud and abuse, conduct audits, and handle appeals. Additionally, learners will analyze utilization data, manage the charge description master (CDM), and conduct clinical documentation improvement (CDI) activities to enhance documentation and reimbursement accuracy.

    Coreq: Student has completed or is simultaneously enrolling in ALL of the following:

    • MEDICAL 10530120 - Intro to Medical Reimbursement
  • Intermediate Coding
    10-530-165
    3Credit
    72
    90
    N/A

    • Instructional Hours: 72
    • Outside Effort Hours: 90
    • Course Number: 10530165
    • Credits: 3.00

    Prepares learners to assign ICD and CPT/HCPCS codes supported by medical documentation and official coding guidance to support appropriate reimbursement. Learners will participate in CDI activities, including preparation of appropriate physician queries in accordance with compliance guidelines.

    Prereq: Student has completed or is in process of completing ALL of the following:

    • MEDICAL 10530184 - CPT Coding (Grade of C or better required)

    • MEDICAL 10530197 - ICD Diagnosis Coding (Grade of C or better required)

    Coreq: Student has completed or is simultaneously enrolling in ALL of the following:

    • MEDICAL 10530199 - ICD Procedure Coding
  • Intro to Health Information
    10-530-180
    2Credit
    54
    54
    N/A

    • Instructional Hours: 54
    • Outside Effort Hours: 54
    • Course Number: 10530180
    • Credits: 2.00

    Investigates the external forces shaping the healthcare delivery system, differentiating between types of organizations across the continuum of care. Learners will explore the roles and responsibilities of various healthcare providers and the interrelationships among them, as well as the specific duties of health information professionals. Additionally, learners will demonstrate professional ethical standards and examine both paper and electronic health records.

    Coreq: Student has completed or is simultaneously enrolling in ALL of the following:

    • MEDICAL 10501107 - Digital Literacy for HC
  • Human Disease for the Health Professions
    10-530-182
    3Credit
    54
    108

    • Instructional Hours: 54
    • Outside Effort Hours: 108
    • Course Number: 10530182
    • Credits: 3.00

    Prepares learners to interpret clinical documentation that they will encounter in a variety of healthcare settings. Emphasis is placed on understanding the common disorders and diseases of each body system to include the etiology (cause), signs and symptoms, diagnostic tests and results, and medical treatments and surgical procedures.

    Prereq: Student has completed or is in process of completing ALL of the following:

    • Student is in progress in the Program of Study of Health Information Technology (10-530-1) OR Medical Coding Specialist (31-530-2)

    Coreq: Student has completed or is simultaneously enrolling in ALL of the following:

    • MEDICAL 10501101 - Medical Terminology

    • SCIENCE 10806177 - Gen Anatomy & Physiology OR SCIENCE 10806189 - Basic Anatomy
  • CPT Coding
    10-530-184
    3Credit
    72
    0

    • Instructional Hours: 72
    • Outside Effort Hours: 0
    • Course Number: 10530184
    • Credits: 3.00

    Prepares learners to assign CPT codes, supported by medical documentation, with entry level proficiency. Learners apply CPT instructional notations, conventions, rules, and official coding guidelines when assigning CPT codes to case studies and actual medical record documentation.

    Prereq: Student has completed or is in process of completing ALL of the following:

    • MEDICAL 10501101 - Medical Terminology (Grade of C or better required)

    AND ANY of the following options:

    • SCIENCE 10806177 - Gen Anatomy & Physiology (Grade of C or better required)

    • SCIENCE 10806189 - Basic Anatomy (Grade of C or better required)
  • ICD Diagnosis Coding
    10-530-197
    3Credit
    72
    0

    • Instructional Hours: 72
    • Outside Effort Hours: 0
    • Course Number: 10530197
    • Credits: 3.00

    Prepares students to assign ICD diagnosis codes supported by medical documentation. Students apply instructional notations, conventions, rules, and official coding guidelines when assigning ICD diagnosis codes to case studies and actual medical record documentation.

    Prereq: Student has completed or is in process of completing ALL of the following:

    • MEDICAL 10501101 - Medical Terminology (Grade of C or better required)

    ​AND ANY of the following options:

    • SCIENCE 10806177 - Gen Anatomy & Physiology (Grade of C or better required)

    • SCIENCE 10806189 - Basic Anatomy (Grade of C or better required)
  • ICD Procedure Coding
    10-530-199
    2Credit
    54
    0

    • Instructional Hours: 54
    • Outside Effort Hours: 0
    • Course Number: 10530199
    • Credits: 2.00

    Prepares students to assign ICD procedure codes supported by medical documentation with entry level proficiency. Students apply instructional notations, conventions, rules, and official coding guidelines when assigning ICD procedure codes to case studies and actual medical record documentation.

    Prereq: Student has completed or is in process of completing ALL of the following:

    • MEDICAL 10501101 - Medical Terminology (Grade of C or better required)

    • MEDICAL 10530184 - CPT Coding (Grade of C or better required)

    AND ANY of the following options:

    • SCIENCE 10806177 - Gen Anatomy & Physiology (Grade of C or better required)

    • SCIENCE 10806189 - Basic Anatomy (Grade of C or better required)

    Occupational Supportive (3 Credits)

    Course Title
    Course Number
    Credits
    Instructional Hours
    Outside Effort Hours**
    Early College Credit Options
    Prior Learning Credit Eligibility
  • Basic Anatomy
    10-806-189
    3Credit
    54
    108

    • Instructional Hours: 54
    • Outside Effort Hours: 108
    • Course Number: 10806189
    • Credits: 3.00

    Examines basic concepts of human anatomy and physiology. Learners explore the structure and function of all body systems.

    Prereq: Student has completed or is in process of completing ALL of the following:

    OR ALL of the following:

    • Student is not in progress in Associate Degree, Apprenticeship, or Technical Diploma (31 or 32 level)
×

Expected Competencies

For more information visit our Credit For Prior Learning page.
×

Eligible Dual Credit Course

What is Dual Credit?

FVTC courses taught at the high school by certified high school teachers. These teachers receive mentorship from FVTC faculty to ensure alignment in competencies, curriculum, and assessments.


  • Students earn both high school and college credits, with grades applying to both transcripts.
  • There is no cost to the school district or family.
  • Dual Credit course availability varies by high school based on factors such as lab space, equipment, and teacher qualifications.

Process:

As part of the annual course planning, students and families should meet with their High School Guidance Counselor to discuss future college and career goals. This conversation will help identify Dual Credit courses that best align with specific pathways.

×

Recommended Start College Now Course

What is Start College Now?

Qualified public-school juniors and seniors may enroll in college level classes at FVTC or online, if a comparable course is not offered within their district.

Student Eligibility Requirements:

  • Must have parent/guardian approval.
  • Must meet all course entry requirements.
  • Must be in good academic standing with an acceptable disciplinary record.

Application Process:

Interested students should consult their High School Guidance Counselor to explore course options and complete a “Start College Now” application. Applications must be submitted to High School Counselors by March 1st for fall courses and October 1st for spring courses. If approved by the school board, the cost is covered by the high school.

×

Eligible Dual Credit & Recommended Start College Now Course:

What is Dual Credit?

FVTC courses taught at the high school by certified high school teachers. These teachers receive mentorship from FVTC faculty to ensure alignment in competencies, curriculum, and assessments.

  • Students earn both high school and college credits, with grades applying to both transcripts.
  • There is no cost to the school district or family.

**Dual Credit course availability varies by high school based on factors such as lab space, equipment, and teacher qualifications.

What is Start College Now?

Qualified public-school juniors and seniors may enroll in college level classes at FVTC or online, if a comparable course is not offered within their district.

Student Eligibility Requirements:

  • Must have parent/guardian approval.
  • Must meet all course entry requirements.
  • Must be in good academic standing with an acceptable disciplinary record.

Application Process:

Interested students should consult their High School Guidance Counselor to explore course options and complete a “Start College Now” application. Applications must be submitted to High School Counselors by March 1st for fall courses and October 1st for spring courses. If approved by the school board, the cost is covered by the high school.

×

N/A

This course is not available for Dual Credit or Start College Now due to factors such as course rigor, necessary equipment, and prerequisite requirements.