BST 3010
Medical Coding
Course Information

Course Description:

The course focuses on learning the coding rules for the CPT, ICD-9-CM, and Level II (HCPCS) coding systems and then applying the rules to code patient services. In addition, a variety of payment systems are presented--DRG, APC, RUGSIII. The medical topics of Medicare fraud/abuse, HMOs, and PROs are also reviewed.

Course Objectives:

  1. Identify the purpose of the CPT manual.
  2. Identify placement of CPT codes on CMS-1500 insurance form.
  3. Recognize the symbols used in the CPT manual.
  4. List the major sections found in the CPT manual.
  5. Interpret information in section Guidelines and notes.
  6. Apply modifiers.
  7. Determine when to assign unlisted and Category III codes.
  8. State the purpose and contents of a special report.
  9. Locate terms in the CPT index.
  10. Identify content of CPT appendices.
  11. Identify and explain the three factors of E/M code assignment.
  12. Analyze the differences among new, established, inpatient, and outpatient.
  13. Explain the levels of E/M service.
  14. Analyze the key component and contributing factors.
  15. Identify critical elements of Documentation Guidelines.
  16. Define uses of anesthesia.
  17. Apply anesthesia formula.
  18. Identify the symbol used in the CPT manual.
  19. Understand seperate procedure designation.
  20. Analyze the contents of a surgical package.
  21. Understand what is meant by a surgical tray.
  22. Distinguish between professional and facility services.
  23. Identify the major factors in wound repair.
  24. Calculate area and degree of burns.
  25. State the important coding considerations in destruction.
  26. Differentiate among fracture treatments.
  27. Understand elements of endoscopic procedures.
  28. Analyze cast application, strapping procedures, and traction.
  29. Differentiate among codes based on the surgical approach.
  30. State the coding rules of arteries and veins.
  31. Define critical terms in maternity and delivery services.
  32. Analyze services in the global maternity and delivery package.
  33. Assign E/M codes to services and procedures.
  34. Assign Anesthesia codes to services and procedures.
  35. Assign Surgery codes to services and procedures.
  36. Assign Radiology codes to services and procedures.
  37. Assign Pathology and Laboratory codes to services and procedures.
  38. Assign Medicine codes to services and procedures.
  39. Demonstrate an understanding of radiology terminology.
  40. Analyze the elements of component coding in reporting radiology services.
  41. State the appropriate coding of contrast material.
  42. Understand the used of venipuncture with pathology and laboratory services.
  43. Define a facility indicator.
  44. Understand the coding of immunizations.
  45. List the major features of Level 11 National Codes.
  46. List the uses of the ICD-9-CM.
  47. Explain ICD-9-CM coding conventions.
  48. Identify the characteristics of ICD-9-CM Volume 2.
  49. Identify the characteristics of ICD-9-CM Volume 1.
  50. Identify the characteristics of ICD-9-CM Volume 3.
  51. List the developers of the ICD-9-CM Official Coding Guidelines.
  52. Understand the application of the ICD-9-CM Official Coding Guidelines.
  53. Define the steps to ICD-9-CM diagnosis coding.
  54. Assign ICD-9-CM codes to various diagnosis statements.
  55. Understand the format of the ICD-10-CM.
  56. Distinguish between Medicare Parts A, B, and C.
  57. Define "participating provider."
  58. Locate information in the Federal Register.
  59. Identify major elements of the DRG system.
  60. Explain the purpose of PROs.
  61. Explain the RBRVS system.
  62. State the structure of the APC system.
  63. Understand the framework of Medicare Fraud and Abuse.
  64. Identify the major components of Managed Health Care.
Prerequisites and Corequisites:
Completion of a 6 hour orientation course in online courses. This course will discuss the basic computer skills needed to efficiently complete online courses. It is also recommended that you have completed Medical Terminology before beginning the course.
Course Topics:
Introduction: Preperation and Introduction to Medical Coding(2 hours)
Lesson 1: Introduction to the CPT (9 hours)
Lesson 2: Evaluation and Management (E/M) Section (9 hours)
Lesson 3: Anasthesia Section and Modifiers (9 hours)
Lesson 4: Introduction to the Surgery Section and Integumentary Section (9 hours)
Lesson 5: Muscoskeletal System (6 hours)
Lesson 6: Respiratory System (6 hours)
Lesson 7: Cardiovascular System (9 hours)
Lesson 8: Female Genital System and Maternity Care and Delivery (5 hours)
Lesson 9: General Surgery I (5 hours)
Lesson 10: General Surgery II (5 hours)
Lesson 11: Radiology Section (6 hours)
Lesson 12: Pathology/Laboratory Section (6 hours)
Lesson 13: Medicine Section and Level II National Codes (9 hours)
Lesson 14: An Overview of the ICD-9-CM (9 hours)
Lesson 15: Using the ICD-9-CM (12 hours)
Lesson 16: Third-Party Reimbursement Issues (4 hours)
Specific Course Requirements:
Successful completion of an online course, requires a student that is very self-disciplined and self-directed. You will be working on a calendar timeline, that will guide you through course completion. It is very important that you follow this timeline in order to complete the course in the time allotted.
Textbooks, Supplementary Materials, Hardware and Software Requirements
Required Textbooks:

 Please visit the RODP Virtual Bookstore for information regarding the textbook for this course. The Virtual Bookstore is located at http://rodp.bkstr.com.
Hardware Requirements:
The minimum requirements can be found at http://www.rodp.org/students/hardware_software.htm.
Software Requirements:

The minimum requirements can be found at http://www.rodp.org/students/hardware_software.htm. Specific software requirements for this course include Microsoft Office.

Instructor Information
Instructor information can be found on the link to the Instructor page in the navigation menu.
Assessment and Grading
Testing Procedures:
All testing will be done through Desire2Learn. The test will be timed and are utilized to ensure your basic understanding of the subject matter.
Grading Procedure:

Your grade will be based on Skills (50%), Related Work (25%), and Participation (25%).

The Skills score will be based on chapter exams completed at the end of each Chapter. There will be a total of 16 exams and this will count 50% of your grade.

The Related Work consists of assignments and projects and will count 25% of your grade.

The Participation grade will be based on your involvement in the group projects and participation in the class and will count 25% of your grade.

Grading Scale:
93-100---A
85-92---B
77-84---C
The grading scale should emphasize assignments, projects, and student participation in the learning community as well as timed quizzes and periodic examinations.
Assignments and Participation
Assignments and Projects:
A sequenced list of assignments and projects arranged by course section or module with due dates if applicable.
Class Participation:
Students must participate in all interactive aspects of the course. Students must communicate with other students in the chat room, students are expected to communicate with the instructor as a learning resource, students must check the course bulletin board frequently for announcements, and students must actively participate in threaded discussion events. Your course interaction will weigh heavily on your participation grade. For the learning process to take place it is crucial that you understand the importance of communicating with the instructor and other students. Remember your classmates can sometimes be your best learning tool.

The first day of class, please send an email using WebCT to the instructor to let the instructor know you are logged into the system.
Punctuality:
Students are permitted to work ahead of schedule. There will be specific completion dates posted on the calendar. All assignments should be submitted on or before these dates. Late assignments will not be tolerated.
Course Ground Rules
A reiteration and emphasis of certain rules and course expectations.  For example, Participation is required, Expected to communicate with other students in team projects, Learn how to navigate in WebCT, Keep abreast of course announcements, Use the assigned college or university e-mail address as opposed a personal e-mail address, Address technical problems immediately, Observe course netiquette at all times. 
Guidelines for Communications
Email:
  • Always include a subject line.
  • Remember without facial expressions some comments may be taken the wrong way. Be careful in wording your emails. Use of emoticons might be helpful in some cases.
  • Use standard fonts.
  • Do not send large attachments without permission.
  • Special formatting such as centering, audio messages, tables, html, etc. should be avoided unless necessary to complete an assignment or other communication.
  • Respect the privacy of other class members
Discussion Groups:
  • Review the discussion threads thoroughly before entering the discussion. Be a lurker then a discussant.
  • Try to maintain threads by using the "Reply" button rather starting a new topic.
  • Do not make insulting or inflammatory statements to other members of the discussion group. Be respectful of others ideas.
  • Be patient and read the comments of other group members thoroughly before entering your remarks.
  • Be cooperative with group leaders in completing assigned tasks.
  • Be positive and constructive in group discussions.
  • Respond in a thoughtful and timely manner.
Chat:
  • Introduce yourself to the other learners in the chat session.
  • Be polite. Choose your words carefully. Do not use derogatory statements.
  • Be concise in responding to others in the chat session.
  • Be prepared to open the chat session at the scheduled time.
  • Be constructive in your comments and suggestion
Web Resources:

Library

The Tennessee Virtual Library is available to all students enrolled in the Regents Degree Program. Links to library materials (such as electronic journals, databases, interlibrary loans, digital reserves, dictionaries, encyclopedias, maps, and librarian support) and Internet resources needed by learners to complete online assignments and as background reading must be included in all courses. 

Students With Disabilities

Qualified students with disabilities will be provided reasonable and necessary academic accommodations if determined eligible by the appropriate disability services staff at their home institution. Prior to granting disability accommodations in this course, the instructor must receive written verification of a student's eligibility for specific accommodations from the disability services staff at the home institution. It is the student's responsibility to initiate contact with their home institution's disability services staff and to follow the established procedures for having the accommodation notice sent to the instructor.

Syllabus Changes

The instructor reserves the left to make changes as necessary to this syllabus. If changes are necessitated during the term of the course, the instructor will immediately notify students of such changes both by individual email communication and posting both notification and nature of change(s) on the course bulletin board.

Technical Support

Telephone Support:
If you are having problems logging into your course,
timing out of your course, using your course web site tools, or other technical problems, please contact the Eduprise Help Desk by calling

1-866-550-7637 (toll free)

or go to their website at:

http://help.rodp.org