Coding Specialist

Students entering the online Coding Specialist program must first have taken the following prerequisite courses within the last 12 months in order to enter the Coding Specialist program:
Prerequisites required: (prerequisite courses are not Scholarship eligible)

• Medical Terminology, XAHS 522, 6 weeks, $75
• Pathopharmacology, XAHS 508, 6 weeks,  $75
• Healthcare Data, XAHS 514, 5 weeks, $75

The prerequisite courses are "the" important foundation to accurately code. Having a high level of competence in them is the only way to read and understand patient medical records in order to accurately code.

• The prerequisite courses above are not Scholarship eligible, they have been discounted, and must be paid by the student as they take each one. Create an account, add to the cart, checkout, and pay online.
• If students take these prerequisites in the Fall 2023, they can then apply for the State Scholarship for the Spring Coding Specialist Part II that starts in January 2024.

NOTE:
The Coding Specialist program, and the prerequisites, start 2 times per year, in Spring (Jan) and Fall (Aug). 

• To enroll and start in the Fall semester register in July and the first week of August.
• To enroll and start in the Spring semester register in mid-November and the first week of December. 

If you have questions please email: judy.martin@tridenttech.edu 

Coding Specialist Part II program description:
Medical Coders work in hospitals, and physician offices and read patient records containing medical terminology, medical procedures, disease diagnosis, and insurance information. This is a complex learning program.

• Coders must understand the basic sciences, medical terminology, disease processes, and the Health Insurance industry including Medicare and Medicaid in order to code accurately.
•  There are many rules for accurate coding and it takes a great deal of practice, research, and expertise to master, similar to a foreign language.
• To decide if medical coding is right for you please view these short videos from coding experts; 
  •  http://youtu.be/qlXKdUV_eRE  This video is a must-see! What's the difference between billing and coding?
  • Also see this: https://youtu.be/tWBXte0RN8w  
  • This online program is intense and courses are concentrated on medical information about procedures and diseases that coders must understand fluently.
  • Students will learn a great deal of information in a short period of time. When one coding course ends the next course starts within 2 days.
  • The schedule is tightly scheduled to reduce the program length of time. Asynchronous learning allows students to learn on their own schedule, within a certain timeframe, the start date, and end date.
  • The curriculum teaches toward two national certifications:
    • the AAPC credential CPC (Certified Professional Coder) www.aapc.com
    • the AHIMA credential CCA or CCS (Certified Coding Associate or Certified Coding Specialist) www.ahima.org

Requirements:

• Students must provide documentation of the prerequisites taken within the past 12 months, email to: kayla.brunelle@tridenttech.edu
• Students must have daily access to a computer with high-speed internet access, a webcam, and microphone, Microsoft Office Suite, or equivalent, Adobe Flash Player and Acrobat Reader. Using a phone or any mobile device to complete a course is not recommended or reliable.
• Students must purchase all online e-books. See below for more information.

SC State Scholarship (Coding Specialist Part II only):
Only when prerequisites are met, or if you are an RN or physician, SC students can apply for the Coding Specialist Part II program tuition Scholarship. SC residents may complete the application, attach their ID, and Registration will email you to process: 

• SC residents can apply for the State Scholarship 1-2 months before the start date (start dates are in January or August) which pays for the tuition only. See this link: https://www.tridenttech.edu/ce/funding/workforce-pathways-scholarship.htm 

If you have questions please email: judy.martin@tridenttech.edu 

Coding Specialist Part II Online e-book costs:
1)  e-Textbook:  Students must purchase Cengage Unlimited 12-month subscription, $211, used for all courses below.
Available at the TTC Bookstore, bldg 950, tel 843-574-6121.
2)  e-coding manuals:  Students must purchase the Optum Encoder Pro 12-month subscription for $120. This will take students through all 5 courses in Part 2  below.
Available at the TTC Bookstore, bldg 950, tel 843-574-6121.

See the scheduled dates at the bottom of this page. 
Coding Specialist Part II Xhim600-17513 (scholarship eligible) 8/14/23-5/5/24.

CS 1	ICD10-CM Coding,  45hrs
CS 2	ICD10-PCS Coding,  45hrs
CS 3	CPT 1 Coding,  45hrs
CS 4	Understanding Health Insurance, 45 hrs
CS 5	CPT 2 Coding, Review, & pract. exam,  53hrs,          (233 total hours)