The medical billing and coding fundamentals certificate prepares students to function in medical clinic coding/billing departments and facilities. Students will learn to analyze medical records, assign accurate medical codes, and learn billing and reimbursement practices.

This certificate is offered by Ensign College, with support and resources from BYU-Pathway Worldwide.

Hands typing on a laptop, with a stethoscope on desk

Essential Knowledge and Skills

Outcomes

Identify organs and structures of human anatomy and physiology of body systems
Demonstrate accurate and efficient billing and medical coding principles, including:
- Reading and analyzing patient charts/operative notes
- Understanding and applying the Revenue Cycle
- Assigning appropriate ICD-10-CM, CPT, and HCPCS national codes.
Communicate effectively, verbally and in writing, regarding medical coding topics and issues

Medical Billing and Coding Fundamentals

Program Requirements

This certificate builds into the Applied Business Management or Applied Health degree.

This is an introductory certificate.

Certificate

15 CREDITS

Associate

60 CREDITS

Bachelor's

120 CREDITS

Medical Billing and Coding Fundamentals

Course Code

Course Name

# of Credits

HS240

Introduction to Public Health

HS240 — 2 credits

Introduction to Public Health

This course introduces agencies, facilities, and programs that play a role in the prevention of disease and the promotion of health in the public. Special emphasis is placed on the competencies needed for public health professionals to function in a variety of settings.

BUS115

Business Applications

BUS115 — 3 credits

Business Applications

Students will acquire, develop and apply intermediate spreadsheet analysis skills in a business context as well as demonstrate basic database use. After individually completing spreadsheet tutorials and assignments, students will then develop and apply their skills in business projects and exams. The projects and exams, which are designed to be realistic and representative of business activities students might encounter in the workplace.

HS390

Program Planning/Implementation

HS390 — 3 credits

Program Planning/Implementation

This course provides the framework for skill development in organizaion, planning, and implementing comprehensive health promotion programs. Key topics include: planning models, needs assessment, intervention theories/models, budgeting, marketing, and implementation practices. This course meets some requirements for taking the Certified Health Education Specialist (CHES) exam.

HS472

Health Communications

HS472 — 3 credits

Health Communications

This course is designed to give students an exposure to different areas of communication and instructs them on how to most effectively distribute health information. Programs will be administered according to what an individual will most likely encounter while working in the field of Health Promotion or Worksite Wellness. There will be specific assignments that will be completed in the course of the semester. This course will cover other areas as time permits.

GS170

Career Development

GS170 — 1 credits

Career Development

In this course, learners will discover and strengthen the skills they need to successfully obtain or improve employment. Students will focus on creating professional documents (e.g., resumes and cover letters), networking, interviewing, and job shadowing.

HS320

Communicable & Non-communicable Diseases

HS320 — 3 credits

Communicable & Non-communicable Diseases

In this course students will be able to clearly describe and communicate important aspects of the disease process including the physiology of inflammation, the chain of infection, six groups of micro-organisms, and differentiate between four types of acquired immunity. They will be able to define, identify, compare, and contrast over 200 specific diseases/disorders. Students will then be able to explain, differentiate, and compare the etiology and common signs and symptoms, diagnostic procedures, treatment, prognosis affecting major body systems including the cardiovascular, pulmonary, endocrine, nervous, musculoskeletal, reproductive, renal, urinary and integumentary systems. They will be able to critically analyze a patient’s clinical presentation and be able to identify a potential diagnosis based on the patient’s history, pertinent symptoms and exam findings, and diagnostic procedure. Students will also be able to analyze and employ different resources available to maintain and/or increase the skills and information needed to remain current in the field.

For questions about this program, contact BYU-Pathway Support

Portrait Of Male Nurse Working At Nurses Station

Looking Ahead

Potential Employment

Certified medical coders and billers can find opportunities at a wide variety of business. Students in the U.S. and elsewhere may also be interested in seeking additional national certifications.

Coding and billing facilities
Insurance companies
Medical clinics (all specialties)
Hospitals

Why choose this certificate?

Learning the basics of medical billing and coding prepares you for requisite tasks in the medical records field. Knowledge in medical terminology, anatomy, and pathophysiology increases your ability to interpret documentation and apply diagnosis (ICD-10-CM) and procedure (CPT and HCPCS) codes in preparation for accurate billing functions. Accuracy and sensitivity to secure and private information are essential.

BYU-Pathway has found that certain combinations of certificates lead to better job opportunities. Most degrees have a recommended plan of certificates that will help students increase their income and improve their employment possibilities.