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

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.

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

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 degree.

This is an introductory certificate.

Certificate

15 CREDITS

Associate

60 CREDITS

Bachelor's

90–96 CREDITS

Medical Billing and Coding Fundamentals

Course Code

Course Name

# of Credits

MCO180

Introduction to Medical Billing and Coding

MCO180 — 3 credits

Introduction to Medical Billing and Coding

This course is an introduction to subjects that will form the basis for Body Systems and Medical Coding courses, which are to follow. Topics include medical terminology, an overview of body structures, the organization of body systems, introduction to the International Classification of Diseases (ICD-10-CM), Current Procedural Terminology (CPT), Healthcare Common Procedure Coding System (HCPCS), and general coding guidelines. as well as a brief introduction to the Revenue Cycle and how it affects the payment of services involved in the medical industry.

MCO201A

Body Systems 1

MCO201A — 2 credits

Body Systems 1

Companion course to MCO 201B and recommended to be taken prior to or in conjunction with MCO 201B. This course builds upon the information learned in MCOPC/MCO 180. Further exploration into several body systems are discussed in terms of Medical Terminology, Anatomy and Physiology, Pathophysiology, and Pharmacology. Students will be expected to understand and apply the knowledge from this course to reading and comprehending patient charts and documentation.

MCO201B

Medical Coding 1

MCO201B — 2 credits

Medical Coding 1

Companion course to MCO 201A and recommended to be taken in conjunction with or after taking MCO 201A. This course builds upon the information learned in MCOPC/MCO 180. Medical Terminology, Anatomy and Physiology, Pathophysiology, and Pharmacology from unidentified patient chart notes and operative reports are analyzed and assigned CPT, ICD-10-CM, and HCPCS codes to bill the patient and/or their insurance. MCO 201B will introduce specific body systems, and use: CPT, ICD-10-CM, and HCPCS code sets to completely, and accurately code documented diagnoses and procedures.

MCO202A

Body Systems 2

MCO202A — 2 credits

Body Systems 2

Companion course to MCO 202B and recommended to be taken prior to or in conjunction with MCO 202B. This course builds upon the information learned in MCOPC/MCO 180 and MCO 201A. Continued exploration into several body systems are discussed in terms of Medical Terminology, Anatomy and Physiology, Pathophysiology, and Pharmacology. Students will be expected to understand and apply the knowledge from this class to reading and comprehending patient charts and documentation.

MCO202B

Medical Coding 2

MCO202B — 2 credits

Medical Coding 2

Companion course to MCO 202A and recommended to be taken in conjunction with or after taking MCO 202A. This class builds upon the information learned in MCOPC/MCO 180, MCO 201A, and MCO 201B. Diagnoses and Procedural coding for specific body systems, from unidentified patient chart notes and operative reports, will be analyzed and assigned CPT, ICD-10-CM, and HCPCS codes to completely, and accurately code documented diagnoses and procedures.

MCO203A

Body Systems 3

MCO203A — 2 credits

Body Systems 3

Companion course to MCO 203B and recommended to be taken prior to or in conjunction with MCO 203B. This course continues to build upon the information learned in MCOPC/MCO 180, MCO 201A, and MCO 202A. Continued exploration into several body systems are discussed in terms of Medical Terminology, Anatomy and Physiology, Pathophysiology, and Pharmacology. Students will be expected to understand and apply the knowledge from this course to reading and comprehending patient charts and documentation.

MCO203B

Medical Coding 3

MCO203B — 2 credits

Medical Coding 3

Companion course to MCO 203A and recommended to be taken in conjunction with or after taking MCO 203A. This class continues to build upon the information learned in MCOPC/MCO 180, MCO 201A, MCO 201B, MCO 202A, and MCO 202B. Introduction to ICD-10-PCS and inpatient coding. Diagnoses and Procedural coding for specific body systems, from unidentified patient chart notes and operation reports, will be analyzed, and assigned, ICD-10-CM, ICD-10PCS, CPT, and HCPCS codes to completely, and accurately code documented diagnoses and procedures.

For questions about this program, contact BYU-Pathway Support