Medical Coding Specialist - A.A.S. Degree - Dakota County Technical College | DCTC - a 2-Year Minnesota School Offering Associate Degree, Certificate and Diploma Programs to the Twin Cities, MN

Medical Coding Specialist - A.A.S. Degree

This is a sample course sequence for a full-time student. All courses are not offered every semester. Please contact your program advisor regarding your academic plans

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2022-2023 Required Courses

First Year - Fall Semester

Course Title	Credits
ADMS 1361 Health Information Management Essentials ADMS - 1361: Health Information Management Essentials Description ADMS 1361 This comprehensive course teaches the history of Health Information Management (HIM) in the United States with a focus on today's healthcare environment. Students will demonstrate an understanding of the need for patient consent, the importance of patient privacy and security laws, as well as the vital role specialty societies and accreditation authorities play in HIM. Students gain hands on experience in a simulated electronic record to experience how technology is used in HIM to obtain high-quality patient centered care. Students learn how to navigate within the electronic medical record, abstract meaningful patient data, and strengthen critical thinking skills needed to succeed in the healthcare arena. There are no pre-requisite courses for this class. Credits: 3 Prerequisites: None Corequisites: None Future Offering: Fall 2022 Spring 2023 Course Outline: ADMS1361 — PDF	3
ADMS 1390 Introduction to Pharmacology ADMS - 1390: Introduction to Pharmacology Description ADMS 1390 This course covers the various medications commonly used for all body systems. Topics covered will be drug classification, modes of administration, treatment means, and characteristics of typical drug effects. Credits: 2 Prerequisites: None Corequisites: None Future Offering: Fall 2022 Spring 2023 Course Outline: ADMS1390 — PDF	2
ADMS 1400 ICD-10-CM/PCS Coding ADMS - 1400: ICD-10-CM/PCS Coding Description ADMS 1400 This hands-on course immerses students into to the ICD-10-CM diagnostic classification system while giving a brief overview of other payment systems such as and ICD-10-PCS inpatient procedural coding system. This course focuses on the Official ICD-10-CM guidelines for professional fee coding. Students learn the diagnostic coding guidelines of each organ system of the human body. Students apply the principles they have learned by abstracting physician data from documentation and coding many medical cases throughout the semester. There are no prerequisite courses for this class. Credits: 3 Prerequisites: None Corequisites: None Future Offering: Fall 2022 Spring 2023 Course Outline: ADMS1400 — PDF	3
ADMS 1430 Legal Principles of Health Information ADMS - 1430: Legal Principles of Health Information Description ADMS 1430 This course introduces legislation affecting healthcare, along with a review of issues such as professional liability, informed consent, privacy and security laws, electronic health records and workplace legalities. A variety of ethical issues in health care are explored, as well as an examination of future trends in health care. There are no prerequisite courses for this class. Credits: 3 Prerequisites: None Corequisites: None Future Offering: Fall 2022 Spring 2023 Course Outline: ADMS1430 — PDF	3
ADMS 1045 Medical Terminology ADMS - 1045: Medical Terminology Description ADMS 1045 This course is an introduction to medical terminology with the focus based upon organ systems of the human body as defined by the American Medical Association Current Procedural Terminology Manual. Students will gain skills in reading medical terms by identifying root word meanings along with applicable prefixes and suffixes. Common medical abbreviations and symbols will be examined to assist students in reading medical records. This course is the same as HEAL1502 - both courses are cross-listed together. Credits: 2 Prerequisites: None Corequisites: None Future Offering: Fall 2022 Spring 2023 Course Outline: ADMS1045 — PDF	2
Total Semester Credits:	13

First Year - Spring Semester

Course Title	Credits
ADMS 1049 Applied Medical Terminology ADMS - 1049: Applied Medical Terminology Description ADMS 1049 Applied Medical Terminology teaches the logic of language of medicine in individual medical terms by identifying word roots and combining forms. Students will identify medical terms taken directly from Greek, Latin or Old English words. This course goes beyond basic medical terminology and focuses on the use of medical terms in healthcare settings and students will gain a clear understanding of medical terms related to human organ systems and body areas. Prerequisite: ADMS1045 Credits: 3 Prerequisites: ADMS 1045 Medical Terminology ADTC 1045 Medical Terminology HEAL 1502 Medical Terminology Corequisites: None Future Offering: Fall 2022 Spring 2023 Course Outline: ADMS1049 — PDF	3
ADMS 1410 CPT Coding ADMS - 1410: CPT Coding Description ADMS 1410 This course provides an introduction and study of each chapter of the American Medical Association (AMA) Current Procedural Terminology Codes (CPT). Students learn the importance of accuracy in CPT coding. Current regulations and established guidelines in code assignments are emphasized in this course. A review of ICD-10-CM is provided and students learn about HCPCS Level II codes. The class provides a solid foundation in CPT procedural coding. Credits: 3 Prerequisites: Corequisites: None Future Offering: Fall 2022 Spring 2023 Course Outline: ADMS1410 — PDF	3
HEAL 1101 Anatomy and Physiology HEAL - 1101: Anatomy and Physiology Description HEAL 1101 This four-credit lecture course is designed for students preparing for a career in the medical field. Emphasis will be on anatomical terminology and structure and function of the following components of the human body: cells, tissues, integumentary, skeletal, muscular, nervous, senses, cardiovascular, blood, digestive, reproductive, urinary, endocrine, lymphatic, and respiratory systems. Credits: 4 Prerequisites: None Corequisites: None Future Offering: Fall 2022 Spring 2023 Summer 2023 Course Outline: HEAL1101 — PDF	4
PHIL 1350 Medical Ethics PHIL - 1350: Medical Ethics Description PHIL 1350 This course introduces students to basic issues in medical ethics. Emphasis will be placed on the process of considering ethical theory, ethical principles, and laws in the analysis of specific cases. This course will be of special interest to students in health-related programs though students in any program will find the study of medical ethics worthwhile. Suggested Accuplacer reading cut score over 78 and completion of ENGL 1150: Composition I. Meets MnTC Goal 6 and Goal 9. Credits: 3 Prerequisites: None Corequisites: None Future Offering: Fall 2022 Spring 2023 MNTC Goals: 6,9 Course Outline: PHIL1350 — PDF	3
ADMS 1018 Basic Computer Applications ADMS - 1018: Basic Computer Applications Description ADMS 1018 This course covers basic information on the history of computers, computer hardware and desktop application software. Students will learn the fundamentals of word processing (Word), spreadsheet (Excel), database (Access), and presentation applications (PowerPoint). Students will also be introduced to use of basic file management and the Internet. Credits: 3 Prerequisites: None Corequisites: None Future Offering: Fall 2022 Spring 2023 Course Outline: ADMS1018 — PDF	3
Total Semester Credits:	16

Second Year - Fall Semester

Course Title	Credits
ADMS 1370 Medical Billing and Insurance ADMS - 1370: Medical Billing and Insurance Description ADMS 1370 This advanced course emphasizes how medical businesses create and maintain health revenue cycles. Students will learn how to obtain maximum legitimate revenue for the valuable healthcare services provided in clinics, hospitals, and other care settings. Compliance with federal regulations such as the False Claims Act, HIPAA, HITECH and the Affordable Care Act) is emphasized. Different payer reimbursement methods are examined and students will practice calculating and identifying accurate payer and patient reimbursement. Students will practice completion of simulated electronic claims for different insurance carriers including Medicare, Medicaid and other third-party payers. Prerequisites: ADMS 1045, 1400, 1410 Credits: 3 Prerequisites: ADMS 1045 Medical Terminology ADMS 1400 ICD-10-CM/PCS Coding ADMS 1410 CPT Coding HEAL 1502 Medical Terminology Corequisites: None Future Offering: Fall 2022 Spring 2023 Course Outline: ADMS1370 — PDF	3
ADMS 1380 Quality & Healthcare Statistics ADMS - 1380: Quality & Healthcare Statistics Description ADMS 1380 This course provides a comprehensive introduction to the theory, practice and management of quality improvement processes which focuses on quality of patient care in healthcare organizations. Using real life examples and case studies students learn the components of quality improvement for problem-solving, decision-making, time management, and applying quality tools. This course also covers collecting, analyzing, interpreting, and presenting numerical data relating to healthcare services. Students will apply analytical and graphic tools used in performance and quality improvement. Prerequisites: ADMS1360 Healthcare Documentation Essentials Credits: 3 Prerequisites: ADMS 1360 Healthcare Documentation Essentials Corequisites: None Future Offering: Fall 2022 Spring 2023 Course Outline: ADMS1380 — PDF	3
ADMS 1421 Leadership in Medical Coding and Revenue Cycle ADMS - 1421: Leadership in Medical Coding and Revenue Cycle Description ADMS 1421 This course prepares emerging Medical Coding, Health Information Management & Revenue Cycle students to meet the demands of Leadership and Management in the healthcare setting. Students will learn evidenced based management approaches, skills, and leadership principles. Credits: 3 Prerequisites: None Corequisites: None Future Offering: Fall 2022 Spring 2023 Course Outline: ADMS1421 — PDF	3
ADMS 1440 Advanced Coding ADMS - 1440: Advanced Coding Description ADMS 1440 This course is designed to provide application and combination of skills learned in previous coding classes and further prepares students for working in the medical coding field. This course applies anatomy, physiology and pathology as well as terminology that is used for each system of the body. The course also guides the student through an overall review of the CPT, ICD-10-CM, and HCPCS coding. Guidelines, modifiers, coding conventions, and specific notations to coding descriptors are reviewed. Prerequisites: ADMS1045,1400,1410, Credits: 2 Prerequisites: ADMS 1045 Medical Terminology ADMS 1400 ICD-10-CM/PCS Coding ADMS 1410 CPT Coding Corequisites: None Future Offering: Fall 2022 Spring 2023 Course Outline: ADMS1440 — PDF	2
ENGL 1150 Composition I ENGL - 1150: Composition I Description ENGL 1150 This course emphasizes the process of writing expository and persuasive essays using effective writing skills and a variety of research techniques. Also included in the course content are critical reading and logical reasoning. Meets MnTC Goal 1. Prerequisites: See course details in eServices for prerequisite information. Credits: 3 Prerequisites: Please go to E-Services to see Pre-requisites for this course Corequisites: None Future Offering: Fall 2022 Spring 2023 Summer 2023 MNTC Goals: 1 Course Outline: ENGL1150 — PDF	3
ADMS 1051 Human Diseases ADMS - 1051: Human Diseases Description ADMS 1051 This course provides basic information about common disease conditions affecting various body systems. There is a focus on the general principles of disease and signs and symptoms of specific disease processes. Major concepts include diagnostic tests, treatment modalities, and medication protocols related to specific disease processes. Credits: 3 Prerequisites: None Corequisites: None Future Offering: Fall 2022 Spring 2023 Course Outline: ADMS1051 — PDF	3
Total Semester Credits:	17

Second Year - Spring Semester

Course Title	Credits
ADMS 1451 Coding Capstone ADMS - 1451: Coding Capstone Description ADMS 1451 This course is designed to prepare students to be a Certified Professional Coder (CPC), which is a workforce requirement. The course content is licensed through the American Academy of Professional Coders (AAPC) and focuses on diagnostic and procedural coding skills needed to pass the AAPC CPC examination at the end of the class. Students will use the International Classification of Diseases, the American Medical Association Current Procedures and the level II Health Care Common Procedure Coding System to code medical cases which represent moderate and complex practical applications of the skills needed in the medical coding career. Credits: 3 Prerequisites: ADMS 1045 Medical Terminology ADMS 1400 ICD-10-CM/PCS Coding ADMS 1410 CPT Coding Corequisites: None Future Offering: Fall 2022 Spring 2023 Course Outline: ADMS1451 — PDF	3
COMS 1020 Interpersonal Communication COMS - 1020: Interpersonal Communication Description COMS 1020 This course is intended to increase student's awareness of the processes, models, and theories of interpersonal communication relative to relationships that impact people's personal and professional lives. Through self-analysis and reflection, case studies, practical application, and critical thinking, students will examine the influence of communicative behaviors on themselves, their personal relationships, groups, and society. Concepts include self-esteem, self-fulfilling prophecies, perception, ethics, emotion, conflict, cultural awareness, language, nonverbal communication, social media, and listening. Meets Goal 7. Meets MNTC Goal 1 Fall 2016 and after. Credits: 3 Prerequisites: None Corequisites: None Future Offering: Fall 2022 Spring 2023 Summer 2023 MNTC Goals: 1,7 Course Outline: COMS1020 — PDF	3
General Education Credits (Any MnTC Goal Area) ‡ (Any MnTC Goal Area)" aria-hidden="true"> GENE - 0000: General Education Credits (Any MnTC Goal Area) Description GENE 0000 Credits: Prerequisites: None Corequisites: None Future Offering: None Course Outline: GENE0000 — PDF	3
General Education Credits (MnTC Goal 3) ‡ (MnTC Goal 3)" aria-hidden="true"> MNTC - 3: General Education Credits (MnTC Goal 3) Description MNTC 3 Credits: Prerequisites: None Corequisites: None Future Offering: None Course Outline: MNTC3 — PDF OR General Education Credits (MnTC Goal 4) ‡ (MnTC Goal 4)" aria-hidden="true"> MNTC - 4: General Education Credits (MnTC Goal 4) Description MNTC 4 Credits: Prerequisites: None Corequisites: None Future Offering: None Course Outline: MNTC4 — PDF	3
ADMS 1285 Oral Business Communications and Job Seeking Skills ADMS - 1285: Oral Business Communications and Job Seeking Skills Description ADMS 1285 This course covers the development of oral communication skills in the following areas: one-to-one communication, oral presentations to groups, use of MS PowerPoint in presentations and student evaluation of speeches. Students will also learn successful employment interview strategies as well as how to find various job leads, write a successful resume and cover letter. Credits: 2 Prerequisites: None Corequisites: None Future Offering: Fall 2022 Spring 2023 Course Outline: ADMS1285 — PDF	2
Total Semester Credits:	14

Total Credits:	60

‡ Select General Education electives from specified MnTC goal area or from any MnTC goals if none specified.

Medical Coding Specialist - A.A.S. Degree

2022-2023 Required Courses

First Year - Fall Semester

First Year - Spring Semester

Second Year - Fall Semester

Second Year - Spring Semester

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Rosemount Campus