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Welcome
Welcome to the Medical Coder program at Illinois Central College.
On behalf of the program faculty, I would like to express my pleasure that you have chosen ICC to make your dream of becoming a professional a reality.
This handbook and the Catalog and Student Handbook are the policies and procedures you must follow and are accountable for adhering to. Sometimes, the HIT Program requirements may exceed the College's requirements.
If you have any questions regarding the Medical Coder Program's policies and procedures, please get in touch with the Program Director. You may schedule an appointment by calling (309) 690-7530.
We look forward to helping you achieve course objectives, student learning outcomes, and program and professional standards.
Wendee Guth, RN, MS, CNE, Dean of Health Careers
Kris Cormany, RHIA, Program Coordinator
Overview
The Medical Coder program is intended to provide students with entry-level skills needed to gain employment as a medical coder. The program will prepare students to gain a working knowledge of the medical language and the ICD-10 and CPT coding system skills used to determine and secure appropriate reimbursement for services rendered by health care providers.
The Medical Coder program can be completed in three semesters. Upon program graduation, students can expect to be employed in various healthcare settings such as hospitals, physicians’ offices, billing services, and insurance companies. Students can take the entry-level Certified Coding Associate exam from the American Health Information Management Association after completing their coursework.
Find program information, course listing, recommended sequencing, and learning outcomes in the ICC Catalog and Student Handbook, Medical Coder Program
Learn More About Medical Coder Program
Mission Statement
The mission of the Medical Coder Certificate program is to provide knowledge, skills, and professional attitude for an entry-level medical coder position in medical offices, hospitals, clinics, skilled-care facilities, insurance companies, billing offices, and governmental agencies.
Goals/Outcomes
- Students will be clinically competent.
- Students will demonstrate understanding of basic coding concepts in CPT 2.
- Students will demonstrate understanding of the basic coding concepts in ICD-10.
- Students will demonstrate communication skills.
- Students will clarify missing or unclear documentation from the health-care provider.
- Students will communicate with other health care professionals.
- Students will demonstrate professional behavior.
- Students will understand legal issues related to medical coding.
- Students will protect confidentiality of the health record.
- Students will demonstrate critical thinking skills.
- Students will interpret health record documentation and identify codable diagnoses and or procedures.
- Students will determine when additional documentation is needed to assign the correct diagnoses and/or procedure codes.
- The program will graduate entry-level medical coder.
- Graduates will successfully write the certification exam.
- Of those pursuing employment, graduates will be employed within 12 months of program completion.
- Students will complete the program within 3 semesters.
- Graduates will be satisfied with their education.
- Employers will be satisfied with graduates’ performance.
Graduation
A petition for graduation should be obtained and submitted through ICC’s admissions/records office(s) the semester before program completion. Visit Graduation & Commencement to learn more.
Certification
Application for national certification can be made through AHIMA – www.ahima.org or AAPC – www.aapc.com. Please see AHIMA’s CCA (Certified Coding Associate) information or AAPC’s CPC (Certified Professional Coder) information at their websites for additional information for eligibility to apply to take these exams for certification (optional).
Upon completing ICC’s 26-credit-hour program, you will receive a certificate, but that does not make you a “certified” coder. You need to pass the national certification exam given by AHIMA to use a certification credential.
Core Performance Standards & Criteria of Admission and Progression
A medical coder must possess capabilities and abilities, including communication, motor, sensory, problem-solving, behavioral skills, and professionalism, necessary to work in a healthcare environment. Reasonable accommodations may be made for some disabilities in certain areas, but a medical coder must be able to perform independently. The following capabilities and abilities are necessary to meet curriculum requirements and to perform the responsibilities of a medical coder:
Communication:
- Adequate command of English language and medical terminology to read and retrieve information from lectures, textbooks, and other teaching and learning resources.
- Communicate effectively in English with co workers and other health care providers verbally and in writing.
- Effectively adapt communication for the intended needs of diverse audiences.
- Perform verbal individualized instruction.
- Demonstrate computer literacy skills.
Motor:
- Squat, crawl, bend/stoop, reach above shoulder level, use standing balance, and climb stairs.
- Use hands repetitively; use manual dexterity; sufficient fine motor function.
- Sit for long periods.
- Travel to and from academic and clinical sites.
Sensory:
- Auditory ability is sufficient to hear verbal communication from a supervisor.
- Visual acuity to acquire information from electronic medical records or written documents.
Critical Thinking:
- Address problems or questions to the appropriate persons at the appropriate times.
- Adhere to policies and procedures, including but not limited to coding and confidentiality.
- Use sound judgment in decision-making.
- Function effectively under stress.
- Adapt to changing environment and inherent uncertainties.
- Demonstrate problem-solving skills related to coding.
- Organize and prioritize job responsibilities.
Behavioral Skills and Professionalism:
- Adhere to policies and procedures required by academic and clinical settings.
- Adhere to the Illinois Central College Medical Coder Program Handbook.
- Maintain patient confidentiality and abide by the Health Information Portability and Accountability Act guidelines.
- Assume the role of a healthcare team member.
- Function effectively under supervision.
- Accept criticism and reflect upon provided feedback to improve performance and practice.
- Display caring and compassion for others.
Medical Coder Statement of Confidentiality
As a student in a health occupations program, I recognize the necessity of maintaining confidentiality and understand the following statements:
It is the responsibility of every Health Careers student to maintain the confidentiality of patient information, personnel information, and competitive information regarding a clinical agency’s plans and operations.
In the course of clinical learning, students may learn of certain personal matters pertaining to nature of illness, financial background, family life, etc., of a patient. This information should not be discussed with anyone outside the agency, among employees of the clinic site, or among students unless information is required directly for the care of the patient or as a learning tool within the educational setting.
In addition to patient information, a student is expected to use the utmost discretion concerning other confidential information such as that pertaining to the facility site’s employees and its operation. Unauthorized disclosure of patient information may result in civil and/or criminal liability under federal or state laws, pursuant to, but not limited to, the Federal or State Alcoholism and other Drug Dependency Acts, Abused and Neglected Child Reporting Act, Medical Patients Privacy and Confidentiality and Health Care Act, AIDS Confidentiality Act and Mental Health and Developmental Disability Confidentiality Act, and the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act.
The integrity of data produced by the facility site’s information system should not be compromised under any circumstances. Data includes printed materials, oral communication, and information displayed on a computer terminal.
Violations of responsibilities/policies may subject the student to disciplinary actions in accordance with the procedure as outlined in the Student Handbook. Situations involving academic dishonesty as well as other conditions which, in an instructor’s opinion, might create problems should a student remain in a class (or program) are referred by the instructor to the appropriate department administrator, who may recommend a failing grade for the course and/or suspension or dismissal. Concurrence by the Dean and/or Vice President for Academic Affairs may be necessary. Serious violations of professional or ethical standards by a student may result in automatic suspension or dismissal from a course, a program, or the College.
The student must:
- Not discuss information read in any chart about patients at any time.
- Only access those accounts that the site has assigned to you.
- Read and sign confidentiality statement at back of handbook.
- Adhere to Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA).
HIPPA
Acronym for: Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act
Purpose:
A law that requires patient information to be kept confidential
- Protects individuals’ medical records
- Gives patients more control over their health information
- Limits the use and release of health records
- Basically, the law gives patients more rights about how their personal and health information is used and gives them opportunities to restrict the use (and sue if rights are abused)
Protected Information:
Includes:
- Name, address, and phone
- Dates (birth date, admission date, discharge date, date of death)
- Fax number
- Email address
- SSN & driver’s license number
- Medical record number
- Health plan beneficiary number
Above information may be disclosed only to appropriate personnel for purpose of treatment, payment, and operation of health care.
Highly Confidential Information
Must have patient’s authorization for release, consists of:
- Mental health notes/treatment/disability
- Alcohol and drug abuse
- HIV/AIDS; venereal disease
- Genetic testing
- Child abuse or neglect/adult abuse
- Sexual assault
Policies and Procedures
Program Withdrawal
Students withdrawing from a program are urged to meet with the Program Coordinator before withdrawing to explore opportunities for success and discuss options for readmission. Students who withdraw must complete the “Student Withdrawal Follow-up Form” and submit it to the Program Coordinator.
Course Withdrawal for Nonattendance
Students identified as nonattenders by their instructor will be withdrawn from the class at midterm. Students recorded as nonattenders will be notified by mail that they have been administratively withdrawn from the class without a tuition refund. Nonattendance without an official withdrawal constitutes a failing or unsatisfactory grade. Students are financially responsible for tuition and fees for all courses not officially dropped by the appropriate refund date.
Program Readmission
A student who has withdrawn from the program or failed a program course(s) after the first semester may request readmission to the program once, with the readmission occurring within one year. A written request for readmission must be initiated through the Program Coordinator. A student who has failed a first-semester Medical Coder Program course must complete the application process. A student who has failed a Medical Coder Program course beyond the first semester (academic or clinical) may be readmitted only once during the entire Medical Coder Program. Readmission is based on space availability, provided the student has an overall college GPA of 2.00 or higher and is not guaranteed in any semester.
Retention in the Program
Students must achieve a minimum grade of “C” in all coursework to remain in and graduate from the program.
Class Attendance
Attendance at all class sessions and internships is required. Personal appointments (e.g., physician, dentist, etc.) should be scheduled at times other than during assigned class times. The student must be aware of attendance policies and make up assignments for each course and instructor. The student is responsible for providing instructor notification of absence for illness before scheduled class or deadline for assignments. It is also the student’s responsibility to contact instructors regarding the option of make-up work for content missed. In the event of an unforeseen emergency, the student or other assigned person must contact the faculty or Program Coordinator right away.
Tardiness
Students are expected to be present at the beginning of class and remain until class is dismissed. Students entering class late may be allowed to take a scheduled exam but will be given no additional time to complete the exam.
Grading
Classroom Grading
- 90-100% = A
- 80-89% = B
- 70-79% = C
- 60-69% = D
- 0-59% = F
The final course grade is calculated from a combination of exams, quizzes, homework, projects, midterm, and final exams for specific subject areas contained within a course. Predetermined percentage or category weights may be utilized and will be announced at the beginning of each course.
Online Classes
The student must have internet access. The preferred web browser for Canvas is Google Chrome. The student will be expected to complete all homework and test assignments by the due date as posted in each assignment schedule. The student is responsible for reporting any computer problems they have to the instructor prior to the assignment due date. It is the student’s responsibility to find a working computer if their personal computer is not working properly.
Children
Due to safety concerns, children are not allowed in the classroom during scheduled class times. Under no circumstance are children allowed on facility site during the internship.
Electronic Device Usage
In classroom/lab:
- Personal electronic devices such as cell phones, smart gadgets, pagers, and laptop computers must be placed in silent mode during class and turned off during testing.
- If allowed by the instructor, personal electronic devices such as cell phones, tablets, and laptop computers may be utilized during designated class time for learning purposes, including taking notes, reviewing reference materials, charting data, etc.
- If a faculty member questions a student's use of an electronic device, the faculty member reserves the right to remove the device from student use. The device will be returned to the student after the session.
Dress Code
The Medical Coding Program does not require a uniform. The student should be well-groomed and clean at all times. Casual clothes are acceptable for classes.
MEDO II8 - Coding Internship Online
The coding internship is done online. You will practice coding with clinical coding workout assignments. You will have discussions on different topics. Complete MedTrak assignments, a physician software program where you will register a patient and follow them through the process of an office and do self-assessments.
College Information & Resources
Learn about Illinois Central College.
Student Hub
Visit the Student Hub, your one-stop portal for everything you need about campus information and services. You can find information about your User ID and password, technology support, Canvas, the Bookstore, Safety and Security, Student Life, the Library and Academic Support Center, well-being, and more!
Visit the Student Hub
My Alert
Current students are automatically enrolled in MyAlert to receive emergency notifications through text messages, calls, and emails. Please keep this information up-to-date in your ICC account. You can opt out of receiving text or voice calls by replying unsubscribe. Learn more about emergency notifications and closings.
Student Handbook
The Student Handbook is published annually as part of the ICC Catalog and Student Handbook.
Academic Policies and Procedures
Student Code of Conduct
Student Policies
Student Complaints/Grievances
Student Services
Campus Police Regulations
Health Careers Department
The mission of the Health Careers Department is to:
- Enable students to attain knowledge, professional skills, and general education for successful entry-level employment in a health career;
- Serve as a resource for the educational and employment needs of the healthcare community.
To fulfill our mission, the Department:
- Promotes student access through equal opportunity admission policies;
- Offers educational opportunities for all students by providing associate degree programs;
- Provides career advisement and supports career recruitment in the community;
- Assures quality teaching and learning by meeting professional accreditation standards, promoting faculty continuing education, providing access to current technologies, and participating in continuous outcomes assessment;
- Provides general education and career education courses in preparation for successful employment and life-long learning;
- Cooperates with community agencies to offer appropriate practicum and field experiences and to promote safe practices;
- Offers continuing education opportunities to meet personal and professional goals of updating employment skills and additional specialization.
Health Careers Policies and Protocols
As a HIT student, you are required to complete the following forms in the Health Careers Policies and Protocols document.
- Drug Screening
- Background Check/Fingerprinting
- Physical Examination And Immunizations
- Health Insurance/Financial Responsibility Waiver
- Student Chemical Impairment Policy And Procedures
- Communicable Disease Procedure
- Clinical Blood And Body Fluid Exposure
- Accident/Incident/Injury Reporting Procedure
- Professional Conduct Policy
- Social Networking Policy
- Understanding Of Program Policies
Go to Health Careers Policies and Procedures
Faculty and Staff Information
Kris Cormany, RHIA, Coding Specialist
Full-Time Faculty and Program Director
(309) 690-7545
kristine.cormany@icc.edu
Peoria Campus, Cedar Hall, C105N
Leah Grebner, Phd, RHIA, CCS,FAHIMA
Full-Time Faculty
(309) 690-7546
leah.grebner@icc.edu
Peoria Campus, Cedar Hall, C105P
Bonnie Pollock, CPC, CDI Specialist
Adjunct Faculty
(309) 690-7530
bonnie.pollock@icc.edu
Peoria Campus, Cedar Hall, C105
Wendee Guth
Dean of Health Careers
(309) 690-7535
wendee.guth@icc.edu
Peoria Campus, Cedar Hall, C105S
Office Staff
Administrative Assistants
(309) 690-7530
healthcareersinfo@icc.edu
Peoria Campus, Cedar Hall, 105