Summary

Prepare online for an entry-level career as an inpatient and outpatient coder, biller, patient account representative and other support positions in a variety of healthcare settings.

Completion Award
Certificate of Proficiency
Length of Study
62-65 Credits
Starting Quarter
Fall, Winter, Spring, Summer
Location
Online

  • Apply knowledge of medical and clinical terminology, anatomy and physiology, human diseases and pharmacology.
  • Read and interpret patient medical records, utilize an electronic health record, and query physicians when appropriate to obtain an accurate code.
  • Accurately assign diagnostic and procedural codes in accordance with Uniform Hospital Discharge Data Set (UHDDS), National Correct Coding Initiative (NCCI), American Hospital Association (AHA), and American Medical Association (AMA) guidelines for inpatient and outpatient health record.
  • Use computerized encoders to group to proper prospective payment systems in various healthcare settings including Medicare Severity Diagnosis-Related Group (MS-DRG) and Ambulatory Payment Classification (APC) case-mix systems.
  • Accurately analyze clinical documentation and code patient health records as part of hierarchical condition categories (HCCs) and risk adjustment (RA) methodology and reimbursement.
  • Complete commercial insurance, Medicare and Medicaid claim forms.
  • Apply privacy and security regulations to protect confidential health care records and billing data.
  • Identify the characteristics and key components of the U.S. healthcare delivery system.
  • Describe how healthcare computer applications such as electronic health records, patient registration, health information management, and revenue cycle applications are used.
  • Describe how cultural differences, cooperation, and teamwork skills relate to working with others.
  • Utilize accounting terminology to interpret financial statements.

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The job outlook for medical coding specialists is good with graduates working as Medical Coders, Medical Reimbursement Specialists, Coding Analysts, Clinical Documentation Improvement (CDI) Specialists, Billers, Revenue Cycle Specialist, and Patient Account Representatives. For salary information in your state, visit the Bureau of Labor Statistics at http://www.bls.gov.

Potential employers include: Medical and dental offices, insurance companies, medical coding and billing companies, hospitals and other healthcare facilities.

Estimated Tuition & Fees

(does not include additional program or course fees, books, or supply costs)

Per Quarter
2023-2024
WA-Resident Non-WA resident,
US citizen, &
Eligible non-citizen

On Campus
Non-WA resident
Non-US citizen¹
Non-WA resident, US citizen
Online Only
1 credit $145.17  $245.71  $339.54 $162.51
5 credits $673.85  $1,176.57  $1,645.70  $760.55
12 credits (full-time) $1,462.52  $2,476.40 $3,422.10  $1,637.76
15 credits $1,641.05 $2,667.59  $3,624.45 $1,819.05

¹ Includes all International Students, both on campus and overseas online

Estimated Additional Costs
Approximately $75 - 150 per course, depending on course selected

Ways to pay for school

Federal aid, scholarships, grants, and more are available to help you pay for school.

Next Steps

Application Period

New student applications are primarily accepted between January and June each year. Applications will continue to be accepted outside this time frame on a space-available basis. Make sure to contact a HIIM Program Advisor prior to submitting your application.


How to apply
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