Medical Billing and Coding Certificate

Medical Billing and Coding is a challenging and rapidly growing area of healthcare. With today’s advancements in medicine and technology and increasing government regulations, this field offers many career avenues for the individual with a medical coding and billing education.

Medical Coding is the practice of assigning specific numeric and alpha-numeric codes to medical services, procedures, and diagnoses in order to submit claims to insurance companies including Medicare and Medicaid, in order to receive payment for services provided by a licensed healthcare professional. Medical Billers and Coders function as medical reimbursement consultants to medical practices, physician billing services, insurance companies, software companies, healthcare agencies, consulting firms, and State and Federal Government agencies.

The objective of the certificate in Medical Billing and Coding is to provide students with a solid academic foundation in the areas of procedural and diagnostic coding, utilization of medical software, accounts receivable, insurance claims submission and management, electronic medical records (EMR), HIPAA compliance, health insurance guidelines and insurance fraud issues.

Graduates of the program are prepared and encouraged to sit for the Certified Professional Coder (CPC) exam given by the American Academy of Professional Coders (AAPC).

Students interested in pursuing an Associate or Bachelor of Science in Health Science can apply the majority of their credits towards these degrees. Students should contact the Health Science Program Director for more information.

Admission Requirements

1. Complete the application for admission into Goodwin University. Applicants to the Medical Billing and Coding program must first meet the requirements for admission and be accepted into Goodwin University.
2. Complete the Medical Billing and Coding program application.
3. Completion of the following prerequisite courses with a minimum grade of a “C” or better:
   1. HSC 105 - Medical Terminology 
   2. BIO 101 - Concepts in Human Biology  
4. Interview with the Program Director and/or Practicum Coordinator before admission.

Program Outcomes

Upon successful completion of all program requirements, graduates will be able to:

1. Demonstrate the ability to successfully process medical insurance claims both manually and electronically;
2. Demonstrate the ability to analyze all medical reports to properly identify all procedures and diagnoses;
3. Demonstrate accurate coding of procedures and diagnoses utilizing resources such as, CPT-4, ICD-10-CM, and HCPCS;
4. Apply knowledge of the medical insurance industry by accurately recording co-payments, deductibles, coinsurance, and risk withholds;
5. Demonstrate knowledge and adherence to HIPAA regulations;
6. Demonstrate coding skills by preparing to take the Certificated Professional Coding exam through the American Academy of Professional Coders (AAPC);
7. Effectively engage in written and oral communication between patients and other health professionals; and
8. Appreciate diversity, differing beliefs, value systems, and individual opinions.

Graduation Requirements

Students must complete all the graduation requirements as stated in the catalog. In addition, students must complete the following programmatic graduation requirements:

1. Complete all MCD core courses and MED 115  with a minimum grade of “C”.
2. Completion of a 3-credit elective internship (MCD 299 ) or Medical Law & Ethics (HSC 111 ).