Information on the alignment requirements for the Medical Coding Program
CIP Code: 51.0713
CIP Name: Medical Insurance Coding Specialist/Coder
Definition: A program that prepares individuals to perform specialized data entry, classification, and record-keeping procedures related to medical diagnostic, treatment, billing, and insurance documentation. Includes instruction in medical records and insurance software applications, basic anatomy and physiology, medical terminology, fundamentals of medical science and treatment procedures, data classification and coding, data entry skills, and regulations relating to Medicare and insurance documentation.
Approval Status
The Medical Coding Alignment was approved by the Kansas Board of Regents on March 16, 2011. Colleges are granted one year from the approval date to implement the alignment.
In spring 2012 KBOR staff became aware that AHIMA is temporarily not accepting new Medical Coding programs for accreditation or designation as AHIMA approved Medical Coding programs. . Effective immediately, all Kansas approved programs are temporarily waived from being an AHIMA approved program until further notice. However, the expectation that students will sit for the CCA examination and attain the credential remains.
Candidates wishing to take the CCA examination are eligible to sit for the exam even if the program is not AHIMA approved. However, according to the AHIMA website, “effective March 31, 2012, the CCA exam will require the 2012 version of the ICD-9 and CPT codebooks...” In addition, “The CCA exam is based on ICD-9-CM codes effective October 1, 2011 and CPT codes are effective as of January 1, 2012. Only the American Medical Association CPT codebook is permitted. HCPCS II codebooks and IC-9-CM codebooks containing HCPCS national level II codebooks are not permitted for this examination.”
State Business and Industry Committee recommendation
The State Business and Industry Committee for Medical Coding recommended the following industry credentials for all Medical Coding programs:
1. Preferred credential: CPC (Certified Professional Coder), CPC-H (P) coding of physician services in a hospital setting – these are both offered through AAPC – physician coding only – no facilities coding. CCA (Certified Coding Associate) or CCS (Certified Coding Specialist) – certifications offered through AHIMA – equipment and facilities coding but no physician based coding.
2. Kansas WORKReady! Certificate Silver Level (4), although a Gold Level (5) is preferred.
ALIGNMENT MAP
| Alignment Map: | Click here (pdf) |
| Alignment Summary: | Click here (pdf) |
| Alignment Outcomes and Standards: | Click Here (pdf) |
Common Course (3 credit hours)
Common Courses serve as potential articulation and transfer of coursework between secondary and postsecondary partners. These courses shall have the same title, credit hour allocation, and competencies. Institutions may add additional competencies based on local demand. The sequencing of common courses is determined by the institution.
| Legal and Ethical Issues in Healthcare | 1 credit hour (pdf) |
Support Courses (10-15 credit hours)
Institutions may utilize existing like courses which adhere to the agreed upon course lengths and competencies.
| Medical Terminology | 3 credit hours |
| Anatomy and Physiology | 4 to 8 credit hours |
| Pathophysiology | 3 to 4 credit hours |
Tracks:
| Physician Coding Specific Coursework | Up to 14 credit hours (pdf) |
| Healthcare Coding Specific Coursework | Up to 22 credit hours (pdf) |
To learn where this program is available in Kansas, visit the Kansas Career Technical Education Program Search.