Coding Specialist (HLCS)

HLCS 236. Pharmacology. 2 Units.

Introduces pharmacology, including a review of pharmaceuticals used in diagnosis, prevention, and treatment of disease as commonly encountered in medical records.

HLCS 238. Essentials of Human Diseases. 3 Units.

Surveys human diseases, including the etiology, pathogenesis, and clinical manifestations of commonly encountered diseases.

HLCS 239. Introduction to Health Records Science. 3 Units.

Introduces health-care facilities and the information systems involving health records. In-depth study of health record content, confidentiality of health-care information, and professional ethics.

HLCS 241. Medical Terminology. 2 Units.

Prefixes, suffixes, and root words used in the language of medicine. Terms pertaining to pathology and surgery. Terms studied by body system: gastroenterology, cardiology, neurology, musculoskeletal, dermatology, ophthalmology, otorhinolaryngology, and respiratory.

HLCS 242. Coding I. 4 Units.

Principles and conventions of ICD-10-CM and ICD-10-PCS coding in diseases and procedures pertaining to infectious diseases; diseases of blood, endocrine, respiratory, digestive, genitourinary, skin, and musculoskeletal systems; and mental disorders.

HLCS 243. Coding II. 4 Units.

Principles and conventions of ICD-10-CM and ICD-10-PCS coding in diseases and procedures pertaining to pregnancy, perinatal conditions, poisonings, injuries, complications of medical and surgical care, the circulatory system, and neoplasms.
Prerequisite: HLCS 242.

HLCS 245. Coding III. 4 Units.

Principles of current procedural coding terminology (CPT) at the intermediate level, including: surgical coding for all body systems; medical procedures; anesthesia coding; radiology, pathology, and laboratory coding for inpatient and outpatient health-care settings. Modifier assignment. Also includes laboratory practice on 3M software.
Prerequisite: HLCS 243.

HLCS 247. Computer Applications in Health Care. 2 Units.

Introduces health-care information systems concepts and applications. Focuses on software application in the health-care arena. Specific topics addressed include: general system theory; data management; interoperability; health record applications (e.g., encoder, ADT-R, ROI, etc); electronic health records; personal health records; mobile technology; telemedicine; bioinformatics; heath information exchange; patient informatics applications; and emerging trends in health information technology.

HLCS 250. Reimbursement and Coding Compliance. 4 Units.

Addresses principles of billing and third-party reimbursement relating to physician professional coding and APC assignment for health-care institutions. Includes E&M coding conventions and modifiers. Covers principles of health-service billing, including billing terminologies, billing processes, and universal billing forms for various physician-practice settings. Overview of coding guideline compliance, physician querying, severity of illness systems, and clinical documentation improvement.
Prerequisite or concurrent: HLCS 245.

HLCS 260. Seminar and Portfolio for Health-Care Professionals. 2 Units.

Requires development of a portfolio that illustrates mastery of the program learning outcomes. Provides students with a format to demonstrate acquisition of the knowledge and skills necessary to enter the workforce, including preparation for any relevant professional credentials, resume-building, and interview-skill development.

HLCS 292. Computer Applications in Health Care II. 1 Unit.

Introduces health-care information systems concepts and applications. Focuses on software application in the health-care arena. Specific topics addressed include: general system theory; interoperability; specific health record applications (encoder, ADT-R, ROI, etc); electronic health records; personal health records; and patient informatics applications. One hour required each week.

HLCS 961. Coding Practicum I. 1,2 Unit.

Provides 60 hours of practical, hands-on coding experience under the direction of a practicum supervisor. Supports the application of state and national coding and reimbursement regulations to a variety of inpatient and outpatient records. Fosters an opportunity to improve coding knowledge and techniques in preparation to enter the workforce.

HLCS 962. Coding Practicum II. 1,2 Unit.

Continuation of HLCS 961. Provides 60 hours of practical, hands-on coding experience under the direction of a practicum supervisor. Supports the application of state and national coding and reimbursement regulations to a variety of inpatient and outpatient records. Fosters an opportunity to improve coding knowledge and techniques in preparation to enter the workforce.
Prerequisite: HLCS 961.