Medical Coding and Billing - A.A.S.
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Program Admission
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Information Session RSVP - Medical Coding & Billing
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The program consists of a combination of classroom, laboratory, and professional practice experience designed to prepare the student for the workforce.
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In addition to earning an Associate of Applied Science in Medical Coding & Billing, graduates are eligible to sit for the CPC (Certified Professional Coder) issued through AAPC (American Academy of Professional Coders).
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Employers’ expectations include:
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in-depth knowledge of federal and state regulations as it pertains to health record documentation
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demonstrated competency in communication with medical, legal, other healthcare professionals, as well as, the public
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professionals are expected to be proficient in meeting deadlines
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Accreditation
Effective May 2021, HIM specific courses may not transfer to another CAHIIM accredited program. Upcoming accreditation changes will be posted.
In response to community identified needs, we are partnering with American Academy of Professional Coders (AAPC) and graduates now sit for the Certified Professional Coder (CPC) Exam.
Mission
The Medical Coding and Billing Program exists to prepare competent Medical Coding and Billing professionals to meet the current and emerging needs of the workplace.
Effective with the Fall 2018 cohort, the Chattanooga State HIM Program no longer provides fully online programming. Admitted HIM Program students are required to attend face-to-face classes. This requires students to be on campus at least one full day a week.
The HIM Faculty, as industry professionals, recognize the challenges of meeting employer obligations while attempting to achieve career goals. Prospective candidates should make an appointment to discuss their individual goals and needs.
Each student’s individual needs and obligations are considered when developing his / her academic plan.
Goals
The goal of all Chattanooga State health programs is to prepare practitioners to function professionally in the health care arena and to ensure the safety of patients. Program standards are in place to assure that students have the potential to perform as entry level practitioners. These program standards are available in the Nursing & Allied Health Division office. Acceptance into a health program is contingent upon the student’s demonstrated ability to meet these standards.
The Medical Coding and Billing Program offers a two-year Associate of Applied Science degree. Its goals are to prepare graduates as competent entry-level Medical Coding and Billing for employment in various health care facilities and related organizations. Graduates are qualified to take the national certification examination for credentialing by the American Academy of Professional Coders (AAPC). Upon successful completion of the exam, a graduate will become a Certified Professional Coder (CPC).
Success Rates
Employment Rate (% of graduates employed within 6 months of graduation)
2021-2022: 100%
2020-2021: 100%
2019-2020: 100%
2018-2019: 100%
Career Opportunities
Positions may include, but are not limited to:
Health Record Analyst, Health Information Technician, Release of Information Specialist, Inpatient Coder, Outpatient Coder, Auditor, Tumor Registrar, Trauma Registrar, Tumor Registry Technician, HIM Data Analyst, HIM Supervisor/Manager/Director.
Program Cost
| First Semester (16 hours) (fall) | In-State | Out-of-State |
|---|---|---|
| Maintenance Fee | 2427.00 | 9467.00 |
| Nursing & Allied Health Fee | 150.00 | 150.00 |
| Truescreen Criminal Background Check | 24.50 | 24.50 |
| Textbooks (estimate) | 200.00 | 200.00 |
| Subtotal | 2801.50 | 9841.5 |
| Second Semester (15 hours) (spring) | In-State | Out-of-State |
|---|---|---|
| Maintenance Fee | 2,389.00 | 9,319.00 |
| Nursing & Allied Health Fee | 225.00 | 225.00 |
| Textbooks (estimate) | 500.00 | 500.00 |
| Subtotal | 3,114.00 | 10,044.00 |
| Third Semester (13 hours) (fall) | In-State | Out-of-State |
|---|---|---|
| Maintenance Fee | 2,313.00 | 9,023.00 |
| Nursing & Allied Health Fee | 250.00 | 250.00 |
| TCPS (estimate) | No charge | No charge |
| Textbooks (estimate) | 250 | 250 |
| Subtotal | 2813.00 | 9523.00 |
| Fourth Semester (16 hours) (spring) | In-State | Out-of-State |
|---|---|---|
| Maintenance Fee | 2427.00 | 9467.00 |
| Nursing & Allied Health Fee | 150.00 | 150.00 |
| Textbooks (estimate) | 300.00 | 300.00 |
| Graduation Fee | 25.00 | 25.00 |
| Certification Exam for CPC (after graduation): | 349.00 | 349.00 |
| Subtotal | 3251.00 | 10291.00 |
| Total | 11979.50 | 39699.50 |
Costs Disclaimer
These are estimated program costs. Actual costs may vary due to changes in tuition and/or fee increases as determined by the Tennessee Board of Regents. This cost will also be reduced for students since some of the required course work is completed prior to acceptance into the program. These general and support courses taken before the program is to lessen course load in a given semester.
Note: College fees are included in the maintenance cost. To view current calculation table, go to Bursar’s Office on Chattanooga State website. This website will also give you information on refund policies, fee payments and the refund calendar.