Program Information Facility Students

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Hospital Coding Specialist Certificate Program

July 2010 – August 2011

Program Information

Facility Students

Developed by:

ScrippsHealth

Sharp HealthCare

UCSD Healthcare

UCSD Extension

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Hospital Coding Specialist Certificate Program

Introduction

Skilled coding professionals are highly sought-after resources by hospitals, clinics, as well as by physician office practices, long-term care facilities, and organizations across the nation. Both experienced and entry-level coding professionals can expect to be in high demand as the Bureau of Labor Statistics cites health information technology as one of the 20 fastest growing occupations in the United States.

The health information management (HIM) field places you right where the expanding arena of

healthcare meets the cutting edge of technology. As an HIM professional, you are the expert on patient data that doctors, nurses, and other providers rely on to perform their jobs. By maintaining, collecting, and analyzing health information, your work makes an important contribution to the delivery of quality care.

Coding Specialists classify medical data from patient records, review patients' records and assign

numeric codes for each diagnosis and procedure. To perform this task, they must possess expertise in the ICD-9-CM coding system and the surgery section within the CPT coding system. In addition, the

Coding Specialist is knowledgeable of medical terminology, disease processes, and pharmacology, and is invaluable as a liaison among physicians, case managers, compliance professionals, financial services, and hospital departments.

Program Description and Purpose

The Hospital Coding Specialist Certificate Program was developed jointly by ScrippsHealth, Sharp HealthCare, UCSD HealthCare, and UCSD Extension. It is a comprehensive education program designed to prepare qualified individuals to become Hospital Coding Professionals.

The purpose of the program is to provide classroom training for students with general coding

knowledge, in order to prepare them for the possibility of a successful coding career in the acute and ambulatory care settings. It will also enhance the existing skills of individuals who are currently coding in those care settings. Upon completion of the one-year, intensive, 38.5-credit hour program, students earn a professional certificate from UCSD Extension. This program prepares participants for the CCS (Certified Coding Specialist) national exam.

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Hospital Coding Specialist Certificate Program

Educational Objectives

Upon completion of the program, the student will be able to:

 Demonstrate mastery in utilizing coding conventions (ICD9CM, CPT, HCPCS, MS-DRGs, APC);

 Explain and apply regulatory requirements that continue to affect coding and reimbursement in the healthcare environment;

 Accurately assign diagnostic and surgical codes for financial reimbursement to the organization (i.e., hospital, clinic);

 Communicate skillfully and effectively in interactions with coding colleagues, physicians, and other healthcare professionals;

 Efficiently analyze health information to facilitate data collection and reimbursement processes, such as, state reporting, outcomes studies, decision support, and staff and patient education.

Ideal Student

The ideal student conveys the following characteristics:  Commitment to pursuing a career as a coding professional,

 Ability to excel in an intensive academic program, taking classes three times per week while working full time,

 Strong organizational and time-management skills,  Possesses basic computer skills,

 Has excellent verbal and written communication skills, and can communicate with a variety of health care professionals,

 Demonstrates proficient use of the English language, in reading and writing,

 Demonstrates proficiency in reading, understanding, and summarizing written and typed documents, specifically, medical documents,

 Demonstrates effective interpersonal skills and positive attitude when interacting with others,  Demonstrates problem-solving and decision-making abilities.

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Hospital Coding Specialist Certificate Program

Prerequisites

1) High-School graduation/GED,

2) “Anatomy and Physiology” is a prerequisite and is included in the Hospital Coding Program during the Summer Quarter.

3) “Medical Terminology” is a prerequisite and is included in the Hospital Coding Program during the Summer Quarter.

Applications

1) An application is located on the perforated back page of each Program Information Packet.

2) Program Information Packets are available for the upcoming academic year by calling 858/964-1010. 4) Completed applications should be faxed to your facility representative.

Scripps - Jean Fuller Lorraine Wilson

[email protected] [email protected] Sharp - Judy Courtemanche: Fax-858-939-3491 Phone: 858-939-3408

UCSD Healthcare – Marie Garcia: Fax-619-543-3287 Phone: 619-543-5707 5) You may attach a resume or letters of recommendation to your application.

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Hospital Coding Specialist Certificate Program

Admission Criteria

Admission decisions are based on a number of factors, including relevant work experience and the appropriateness of your goals to this program. Meeting the required qualifications for the program does not guarantee your admission since the number of qualified applicants often exceeds the number of places available. Selected applicants will be notified of acceptance by telephone and by letter.

Student Orientation

All applicants who are accepted to the program are required to attend a New Student Orientation and Welcome Reception. The date and location of the orientation will be included in the acceptance letter.

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Hospital Coding Specialist Certificate Program

Tuition, Deposit, and Fees

The Coding Specialist Certification Program is offered through UCSD Extension and the following tuition and fees apply:

 Program costs: $1,500 non-refundable tuition (+) the cost of books (estimated to be $700).  You must pay the $200 deposit either by credit card or by check on the day after Orientation.

This non-refundable deposit will hold your place in the class. Checks for the non-refundable deposit should be made out to UC Regents. Credit cards will also be accepted. To pay your deposit, please call Student Services at (858) 534-3400 and reference Section ID: 076592 You may also pay your deposit in person by visiting the UCSD Extension Student Services office at 9600 N. Torrey Pines Rd., Building C, La Jolla, CA 92037.

 The $1300 balance must be received no later than one week prior to the start of the first class. To pay your balance, please call Student Services at (858) 534-3400 and reference Section ID 076593. You may also pay your balance in person by visiting the UCSD Extension Student Services office at 9600 N. Torrey Pines Rd., Building C, La Jolla, CA 92037.

 Student Loans are available. Contact Student Services at (858) 534-3400 for more information.

Graduation Requirements

Students are eligible to receive the Coding Specialist Professional Certificate from UCSD Extension when they have completed 38.5 credit units in the program (including the Practicum) with a grade of C or higher in each course. Commencement Ceremonies take place following theSummerQuarter.

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Hospital Coding Specialist Certificate Program

Course Descriptions

 Anatomy and Physiology (4.5 units) prerequisite for all students: This course is designed to develop an integrated understanding of human structure and function, and an appreciation for the close interrelationship between anatomy and physiology. Anatomy and Physiology is essential for student success in the Coding Specialist Certificate Program, and for Coding Professionals. Clinical examples utilized in the course will assist students in learning that the disease process is a disruption of homeostasis and a breakdown of the normal integration of form and function, and that medical intervention may restore normal function. Health and wellness issues will be discussed to reinforce the basic concepts of human structure and function by applying them in practical ways to current problems in medicine, public health, athletics, fitness, and trends in research and technology.

 Medical Terminology (3.5 units) prerequisite for all students: This course will cover medical terminology from a body systems approach. It will cover root words, suffixes, prefixes, combining vowels and combining forms to build new medical terms. Terms that relate to the body systems, anatomical structures, surgical procedures, disease processes and symptomatic and diagnostic terms will be covered. Accuracy in spelling and pronunciation of medical terms is emphasized. This course is designed from a medical coding perspective and mirrors the body systems of the Anatomy & Physiology class that is also offered as a prerequisite.

 Pathophysiology of Human Disease I (3 units): A survey of human diseases, including the etiology, pathogenesis, and clinical manifestations of commonly encountered diseases. Includes overview of pharmacology as it relates to disease treatment. Course topics are concurrent with Coding I.

 Coding I (6 units): Principles and conventions for covering ICD-9-CM Coding techniques by body system and disease process including endocrine, nutritional, metabolic, blood, parasitic diseases, immunity disorders, respiratory, digestive, sense organs, nervous system, and infectious diseases. Pathology concepts will be emphasized as they relate to these body systems.

 Pathophysiology of Human Disease II (3 units): Continuation of the survey of human diseases, including the etiology, pathogenesis, and clinical manifestations of commonly encountered diseases. Includes overview of pharmacology as it relates to disease treatment. Introduction to Disease

Management of the Human Disease process, including, but not limited to diagnostic testing; laboratory values.

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Hospital Coding Specialist Certificate Program

Course Descriptions

 Coding II (6 units): Continues coding techiniques by body system and disease process: genitourinary, neoplasms, mental disorders, skin and subcutaneous tissue, musculoskeletal, connective tissue, congenital anomalies, injuries, poisonings, and complications of pregnancy and childbirth. Pathology concepts will be emphasized as they relate to these body systems. Laboratory continues with an introduction to actual medical record examples.

 Pharmacology (3 units) This is an introductory-level course intended for the beginning student in both practical/vocational nursing and other allied health disciplines. This course covers the basic mathematics of drug dosage, the principles of pharmacology, major drug classifications by anatomic systems, and special situations in pharmacology.

 Coding III (6 units): Focus is on advanced coding principles including: the prospective payment system and decision-making leading to optimal DRG assignment, regulatory agency coding

requirements at the state and national level, coding assessment by peer review organizations, coding quality assurance, CPT for inpatient and outpatient settings, physician-based CPT coding, and APC’s. Concentration on application of disease management concepts to the medical record coding process, i.e., physician query with regard to documentation requirements.

 Coding Practicum (3.5 units): The Practicum is essential in the educational development of future coders by providing the student an opportunity to apply theories, tools, and techniques learned during the classroom phase to operational coding situations. The Practicum will serve to bridge the gap between academic and practice environments, actual medical records from each one of the sponsoring facilities will be provided. Practicum Educational Objectives are as follows:  Strengthen problem-solving and coding decision-making abilities, and promote the

development of additional coding skills in a functional healthcare setting;

 Enhance the comprehension of coding concepts and principles and foster the understanding that reality demands strict application of theory;

 Broaden perspectives of the HIM Department to gain insight into the demanding work environment of coders and the problems faced by them;

 Expand the appreciation for complex coding scenarios and develop appropriate skills for communicating with a variety of health care professionals when these scenarios arise.

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Hospital Coding Specialist Certificate Program

Course Schedule

Summer Quarter Fall Quarter Winter Quarter Spring Quarter Summer Quarter

Anatomy & Physiology FPM-40320 (4.5 units) Coding I MEDC-40005 (6 units) Coding II MEDC-40003 (6 units) Coding III MEDC-40000 (6 units) Coding Practicum MEDC-40006 (3.5 units) Medical Terminology FPM-40315 (3.5 units) Pathophysiology of Human Disease I FPM-40339 (3 units) Pathophysiology of Human Disease II – FPM-40288 (3 units) Pharmacology FPM-40382 (3 units)

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Hospital Coding Specialist Certificate Program

Most Frequently Asked Questions

1) Is financial assistance available?

Educational loans through banks are available for UCSD Extension students. Contact Student Services for more information: (858) 534-3400.

2) What is the tuition for the-credit hour professional certificate program?

The cost that a student accepted in the program must pay is $1,500 non-refundable tuition (made payable to UC Regents), and an estimated total of $700 for books.

3) Where are the classes conducted?

Classes are conducted in classrooms at UCSD Extension; Practicum may be held at one of the

sponsoring facilities. You must have a permit to park on campus Monday-Friday, 7:00 a.m.-11:00 p.m. A permit is not required on the weekends in unrestricted yellow, green, red, and visitor spaces. Two pay station machines are located on the main UCSD Extension parking lot. These machines are faster to use and offer the option of paying with cash (bills only), credit card (MasterCard, Visa or Discover), or with your debit card that is backed by MasterCard or Visa. The rate structure for the pay station is $1.00 per 45 minutes, up to a maximum of $7.00. Note: Parking rates subject to change.

4) Are the instructors experienced and qualified?

Instructors have over 15-20 years of experience in their respective course subjects, and are

nationally-recognized for their expertise. Courses are reviewed and approved by UCSD, and meet standards of excellence required for professional certification programs.

5) Am I eligible for tuition reimbursement from my employer?

Students accepted to the program may be eligible for reimbursement of educational costs through their respective employer based on your employer’s policies. Contact your Human Resources representative to obtain specific information about your employer’s policies.

6) Are scholarships available?

Scholarships are not available at this time. Student loans are available by contacting Student Services at (858) 534-3400.

7) What is the difference between a professional certificate and becoming a certified coder? A professional certificate signifies the successful completion of a comprehensive coding education program, and indicates that educational qualifications required for coding positions have been met. In comparison, a “certified coder” has obtained the Certified Coding Specialist (CCS) credential through the American Health Information Management Association (AHIMA) by passing the CCS exam. The CCS certification exam assesses mastery or proficiency in coding rather than entry-level skills. It is recommended that you acquire at least three years of on-the-job coding experience and coding education from seminars or colleges prior to taking the exam.

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Hospital Coding Specialist Certificate Program

8) At what times during the day are the classes held? How many times per week?

Classes are taught two weekday nights (Tuesday and Thursday) and Saturday mornings. Classes during the week are conducted 5:30 P.M. - 8:30 P.M. and on Saturdays 8:00 A.M. - 11:00 A.M.

9) I have already taken CPC coding classes. Is this the same type of program?

A CPC is a coding practitioner with expertise in physician-based settings such as physician offices, group practices, multi-specialty clinics, or specialty centers. The Hospital Coding Specialist Certificate Program prepares the student for a career in hospital-based coding. It is important to distinguish between the two, because the coding is different for each setting; however, if you have participated in CPC coding education, the experience you gained will be helpful in understanding the processes of coding in different settings.

10) Are the credits transferable to another institution?

For transferability of credit hours earned during this program see the current Extension catalog, General Information section in the back, under “Transferability of Credit.”

At this time, an accepted student is required to complete the entire program prior to continuing

education in another type of program, and students may not drop out of the program and transfer credits to continue in another program.

11) Do I have the right background to be accepted?

The Hospital Coding Specialist Certificate Program is best suited for an individual with a healthcare background, either clinical or administrative, or both. Examples of qualified applicants are nurses, telemetry/monitoring techs, administrative liaisons, HIM techs, and medical transcriptionists. Other allied health professionals may also be interested in the program. Experience and/or familiarity with medical record documentation and coding is recommended. Please also refer to the list of

characteristics that describe the ideal student on page 3.

12) I took Medical Terminology in 1986. Can I “test-out” of the class?

Students who have taken an Anatomy & Physiology or a Medical Terminology course at an accredited college within the past two years may attempt to challenge the course by taking a comprehensive course examination. Students who wish to challenge a prerequisite must indicate their request to do so on the application to the program, and must obtain approval from the Program Coordinator upon acceptance into the program. Students who achieve a score of 70 or higher on the comprehensive course

examination have the option to forego attendance at classes for this ten-week course. Testing out does not reduce the cost of the program.

13) If I am successful at “testing-out” of Anatomy & Physiology, do I get a discount on tuition? Tuition for the program must be paid in its entirety and will not be reduced or discounted if you

successfully challenge one or both of the prerequisite courses. You are still encouraged to attend these courses because your participation will strengthen your pre-existing knowledge base.

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Hospital Coding Specialist Certificate Program

14) How many classes am I allowed to miss per quarter?

The learning experience for this program is dependent on students’ attendance at each class and participation in each class. Instructors should be notified in advance of any intended absences (i.e. religious observance, family event, etc.), or as soon as possible in the case of unavoidable illness, childcare or transportation problem, or other unforeseen crises. In each course, if more than two classes are missed due to an unexcused absence, a student may earn an F for the course.

Exceptions to this policy will rarely be approved by the instructor and will occur only under extremely unusual, documented, pre-approved circumstances. No distinction will be made between excused and unexcused absences, with regard to class assignments; thus, if an assignment is due the day you have scheduled an absence, you must arrange to have your assignment turned in. The amount of work to be made up as a result of an excused absence compared to an unexcused absence is identical. Students missing a class where handouts were provided are responsible for obtaining copies of these handouts from the instructor.

15) What if I do not like the program, can I drop out?

If you are unhappy with the program or with one of the courses in the program, you are encouraged to discuss this with the Program Coordinator and/or a member of the Advisory Board. You will not be required to remain a student in a program that you do not enjoy. The Advisory Board considers student comments and course/instructor evaluations of utmost importance, and will incorporate all suggestions that enhance the program.

16) What if I do not pass one of the courses, can I still continue as a student in the program? Students who do not earn a grade of C or higher in each and every course may not continue in the program. For each class, instructors are required to report the names of students who do not achieve 70% in test and homework assignments, to the advisory board.

17) Will I be guaranteed a job when I graduate from the program?

Jobs are not guaranteed to students, and they must go through a normal hiring process to apply for positions.

Thank you for your review of the program information. An application is attached. Please complete the application and return it to your facility representative. For additional information, please call Nicole at (858) 964-1069..

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UCSD Extension

Application:

Hospital Coding Specialist Professional Certificate

You may attach a resume or letters of recommendation to your application. Please type or print in black ink.

NAME: EMPLOYER

ADDRESS:

HOME PHONE#: E-MAIL ADDRESS: WORK PHONE#: CURRENT TITLE:

EDUCATION: (List All Institutions/Degrees Obtained) MAJOR/EMPHASIS 1.

2. 3.

HEALTH SCIENCE CLASSES COMPLETED: (List Month/Year) From: _____________ To: _____________ (Please specify any previous coding, anatomy, physiology, medical terminology, or human disease courses taken)

1. 2. 3. 4.

CERTIFICATIONS/LICENSURE: EXPIRATION DATE 1.

2. 3. 4.

PROFESSIONAL ASSOCIATIONS: YEAR 1.

2.

WORK HISTORY.

Title Organization Department Supervisor From: To: List Month/Year 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7.

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TECHNICAL SKILLS: Currently Use

Computer Software Check Describe How

1. IDX 2. Med Tech 3. Excel 4. Word 5. Automated Scheduling CLERICAL /MEDICAL: 1. Medical Transcription 2. Coding 3. Medical Terminology 4. Medical Records 5. ICD-9 6. CPT

I am interested in this program because:

SHORT TERM OBJECTIVES:

LONG TERM OBJECTIVES:

Please return your application to your facility contact below:

Scripps Jean Fuller Fax (858) 657-4188 [email protected] Lorraine Wilson Fax (619) 260-7369 Sharp Judy Courtemanche (858) 939-3408 [email protected] UCSD Marie Garcia (619) 543-5707

Program Information Facility Students

Hospital Coding Specialist Certificate Program

July 2010 – August 2011