organize and manage health information data. They ensure the quality, accuracy, accessibility, and security of health information in paper files, electronic systems, and medical billing claims. They use various classification systems to code and categorize patient information for insurance reimbursement purposes, for databases and registries, and to record and maintain patients’ medical and treatment histories. Medical coders review health information and convert it into medical codes for billing purposes. Every medical visit results in at least two codes, one for the service provided by the practitioner and one to convey the diagnosis (or reason) for that service. Medical coding professionals ensure that these codes are applied correctly during the billing process, and they serve as advocates for medical facilities, health practitioners, and patients. In maximizing the accuracy of claims and compliance levels, skilled medical coders optimize the billing process and lower health care costs throughout the entire industry.
Program Overview The University of Rio Grande offers a Medical Coding and Billing Certificate that not only prepares students to sit for national certification through the American Academy of Professional Certificates (AAPC), but it also fully rounds out the students medical coding and billing education, which helps to expand the student’s medical office skill set and employment options. A Medical Coding and Billing Certificate from the University of Rio Grande is a 31-credit hour program designed to be completed in two semesters (or less than one year). The program starts every fall and completes the following spring semester. The program is currently offered at the institution’s Jackson and Meigs branches. It can be completed in-person only.
BIO 10104 Principles of Anatomy & Phys. I ............ 4 BIO 10204 Principles of Anatomy & Phys. II ........... 4 Total hours required for certificate ............................. 30-31 *Placement determined by testing. Courses required for online AAPC Certification Exam (The curriculum below can be taken by students who only want to prepare for the AAPC certification exam, but they will not receive a certificate from URG/RGCC). AHC 13303 Medical Terminology I .......................... 3 AHC 14301 Medical Terminology II ........................ 1 AHC 20303 ICD Coding ........................................... 3 AHC 21203 CPT Coding ........................................... 3 BIO 11204 Essentials of A&P ................................... 4 AHC 22403 Pharmacology & the Human Body ........ 3 Total required hours for certificate ...................................17 Program Contact Information Hilliary Blakeman, MHA, RHIA, CPC-A, Holzer School of Nursing and Allied Health, 740-288-0284 Dr. Stephanie Wells-Mullins, Chair, School of Allied Health and Exercise Studies, 740-245-7139.
NURSING Holzer School of Nursing College of Professional & Technical Studies McKenzie Hall 740-245-7302 or 740-245-7415 office; 740-245-7177 fax schoolofnursing@rio.edu
Degrees Offered ♦ ♦
Bachelor of Science in Nursing – RN-BSN Program Associate of Applied Science – Nursing Technology
Certificate Requirements This is a one-year certificate program, and it is a 1+1 certificate, as it may be used to complete a two-year degree in Allied Health (contact the Chair of Allied Health and Exercise Studies for more information). Medical Coding & Billing Certificate AHC 10101 Intro to Allied Health Professions ......... 1 AHC 13303 Medical Terminology I ......................... 3 AHC 14301 Medical Terminology II ........................ 1 AHC 10302 Electronic Health Records .................... 2 AHC 10501 Healthcare Compliances and Ethics ...... 1 AHC 20303 ICD Coding ........................................... 3 AHC 21203 CPT Coding .......................................... 3 AHC 22203 Healthcare Reimbursement ................... 3 ENG 11103 Composition I* ...................................... 3 LA 20303 Gateway to Workforce ............................. 3 Select one of the following two course sequences: BIO 11204 Essentials of Anatomy & Phys. .............. 4 AHC 22403 Pharmacology & the Human Body ....... 3 or
Accreditation Assessment is an ongoing process within the Holzer School of Nursing. A variety of activities is used to assess students throughout the program. The Holzer School of Nursing programs are accredited by the Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN), 3390 Peachtree Rd NE, Suite 1400, Atlanta, GA 30326, 404-975-5000. www.acenursing.org The Associate of Applied Science Degree in Nursing Technology is regulated by the Ohio Board of Nursing (OBN), 17 S. High St., Suite 660, Columbus, OH 43215, 614-466-3947. www.nursing.ohio.gov/ The OBN regulates nursing education programs in Ohio that prepare students for initial licensure as a registered nurse or licensed practical nurse. The OBN accomplishes this regulation by assuring that new and existing programs meet and maintain the requirements set forth in Chapter 4723-5 Ohio Administrative Code, as evidenced by the Board’s granting of its approval.
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