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Associate in Applied Science in Medical Insurance Billing and Coding
Degree Overview
Face your future with knowledge... Become a professional at Stratford!
This Program provides students with the knowledge and skills to be successful billers and / or coders. The Program is designed to provide comprehensive exposure to the administration of insurance billing and coding. The Program explores the many specialty areas of the medical insurance industry. Students will gain the competency and experience necessary to succeed in these highly specialized fields.
Completion of the Medical Insurance Billing and Coding Program is acknowledged by the awarding of an Associate of Applied Science Degree. Graduates are eligible for certification by the American Academy of Procedural Coders as well as the American Health Information Management Association.
Program Requirements and Online Options
Students can complete the program through classroom instruction, online instruction, or a combination of both. It typically takes weeks 60 weeks (6 quarters) to complete the entire Associate’s program without breaks.
Credits Required
Number of Classes
Core Component
67.5
15
Arts and Sciences
22.5
5
Total Required for Graduation
90
20
Core Courses
Arts and Sciences
Computer Office Applications - CIS110
Credits: 4.5Prerequisites: None
In this course, students learn how to generate word, spreadsheet, database, and presentation documents using the Microsoft Office Professional suite of products. Topics include: editing methods, document merging, templates, document preparation, file naming and storage conventions, backup methods, macros, desktop publishing, object linking and embedding (OLE), and Visual Basic application extensions.
Anatomy and Pathophysiology I - MED110
Credits: 4.5Prerequisites: None
This course is a scientific study of the structure of the human body and its parts, including relationships, functions, and disease processes of the integumentary digestive urinary systems, and nutrition and metabolism.
Medical Terminology - MED120
Credits: 4.5Prerequisites: None
This course presents a study of basic medical terminology. Prefixes, suffixes, word roots, combining forms, special endings, plural forms, abbreviations, and symbols are included in the content. A programmed learning, word building systems approach is used to learn word parts for constructing or analyzing new terms. This provides the opportunity to decipher unfamiliar terms and check their spelling. Emphasis is placed on spelling, definition, usage, and pronunciation. Abbreviations are introduced as related terms are presented with each unit.
Medical Office Billing, Coding, and Insurance - MED130
Credits: 4.5Prerequisites: MED120
This course will train the student in the major medical insurances and claims forms processing. It will include information on national and other common insurance plans, as well as claim form completion and ICD and CPT coding. Problem solving and managed care systems will also be discussed. Daily financial practices to include patient fee determining, credit arrangements bookkeeping and bank-keeping procedures will be discussed. Additionally the process of purchasing equipment and supplies will be covered. Computer use in the ambulatory environment will also be taught.
Medical Computer Applications - MED160
Credits: 4.5Prerequisites: IST101
This course is designed to give the student exposure to computer software applications as used in the medical office environment. This includes the use of medical office management software for organizing front office procedures and word processing software for typing medical reports and transcription. Other medical software may also be introduced.
Medical Office Practice - MED250
Credits: 4.5Prerequisites: MED120
This course introduces the student to the administrative functions of the medical office or clinic. Emphasis is placed on written and oral communication, scheduling, medical records, documentation and filing. In addition, telephone techniques, etiquette and management/human resource skills will be covered.
Medical Finance and Insurance - MED270
Credits: 4.5Prerequisites: MED120
This course will provide the student with training in such areas as managing medical records, billing and collections, financial management, medical insurance and medical office management. Computer use in the ambulatory environment will also be taught.
Diseases of the Human Body - MIB130
Credits: 4.5Prerequisites: MED 110 & MED 120
This course is a scientific study of the human body’s diseases and disorders, including signs and symptoms, etiology, diagnosis and treatment
Introduction to Diagnostic and Procedures Coding - MIB210
Credits: 4.5Prerequisites: MIB 130
This course will cover the basic guidelines and coding conventions in the International Classification of Diseases, 9th revision, Clinical Modification (ICD-9-CM). The focus of the course will be on the professional guidelines for outpatients. The proper diagnostic assignment based on the documentation will be discussed as well as the proper use of multiple codes, 1 digit, 4 digits, and 5 digits specificity. Laboratory component required
Coding of Clinical Procedures I - MIB220
Credits: 4.5Prerequisites: MIB 210
This course covers the basic guidelines and coding conventions in Current Procedural Terminology (CPT). The focus will continue on the professional guidelines for outpatients that were introduced in MIB 210. The evaluation and management of documentation guidelines will be discussed as well as the proper of procedural codes and associated modifiers. Laboratory component required
Coding of Clinical and Diagnostic Procedures II - MIB230
Credits: 4.5Prerequisites: MIB 220
This course will cover advanced guidelines and coding conventions in Current Procedural Terminology (CPT). As a continuation of MIB 220, the focus will be on the professional guidelines for outpatients. The evaluation and management of documentation guidelines will be discussed as well as the proper use of modifiers. Laboratory component required
Case Studies in Coding of Patients - MIB240
Credits: 4.5Prerequisites: MIB 230
course will cover the abstracting guidelines and coding conventions in the International Classification of Diseases, 9th revision, Clinical Modification (ICD-9-CM) and the Healthcare Common Procedure Coding System (HCPCS). This course will focus on the professional (outpatient) guidelines that were discussed in MIB 230. The evolution and management of documentation guidelines will be discussed as well as the proper use of coding diagnosis with procedures
Medical Re-imbursement Systems - MIB250
Credits: 4.5Prerequisites: MED 270
This course will cover the third party payers (Managed Care, Medicaid, tri-care and worker’s compensation) and related terminology. This course will give the billing and coding student an in-depth look at how third party payers are billed. It will cover rules and regulations, submission of the correct claim form; the criteria needed for each payer, the federal laws for each payer, identification of benefits or non-benefits for each third party payer, and how to calculate payments
Electronic Medical Billing - MIB260
Credits: 4.5Prerequisites: None
Students will be introduced to medical office reimbursement through electronic processes and procedures. This course covers billing and insurance procedures, contracts and requirements, principles and compliances to sustain medical practice, coding and claims processing for health plans using medical office
management software, submission of paper and electronic claims, inspecting and monitoring the billing process. Supplemental Lab Fee Required
Medical Insurance Billing and Coding Externship - MIB290
Credits: 4.5Prerequisites: “C” grade or higher in all curriculum courses (with the exception of one General Education course which should be taken concurrently with MIB 290)
This course is 135 hours of unpaid, supervised experience as a medical insurance biller and coder in an in-service setting. Students practice direct application of all administrative and coding functions of a professional medical biller and coder.
Lecture Hours: 0; Lab Hours: 135
College Composition - ENG111
Credits: 4.5Prerequisites: None
This course focuses on reviewing grammar, sentence structure, punctuation skills, and style points required for effective written communication. Students use a standard handbook and apply proofreading skills to all types of written communications. The student is guided in learning writing as a process: understanding audience and purpose, exploring ideas and information, composing, revising, and editing.
Current Topics in English - ENG290
Credits: 4.5Prerequisites: None.
This course concentrates on current issues in English including, but not limited to, introductory topics in understanding and creating various genres of English communication such as narrative prose, technical communication, poetry, and cinematic forms.
Oral Communications - ENG310
Credits: 4.5Prerequisites: None
This course presents the principles and functions of spoken communications. The student learns how to prepare to deliver various types of oral presentations. Emphasis is on planning and on how to orient content to a particular audience. Students present short talks and plan and present longer, more formal speeches on assigned topics and/or on topics of choice.
Advanced Composition and Research - ENG320
Credits: 4.5Prerequisites: ENG111 or equivalent
This course emphasizes advanced writing and research including understanding the documentation process, presenting material in academic form, and academic research techniques. Materials may Include MLA and APA styles effective use of internet research tools, critical reading processes, and research writing techniques.
Special Topics in English - ENG490
Credits: 4.5Prerequisites: ENG111 or equivalent.
This course concentrates on special topics in English. Topics may include, but are not limited to, advanced topics such as English philology and etymology, as well as advanced topics in rhetoric and critical interpretation of texts.
Principles of Ethics - HUM110
Credits: 4.5Prerequisites: None
This course focuses on the application of ethics to personal and professional life. Positive and negative sides of behavior and how this affects self-image and self-respect will be discussed.
Spanish I - HUM210
Credits: 4.5Prerequisites: None
This course uses vocabulary and structure through a series of activities designed for realistic communication which allow students to achieve both written and spoken Spanish language skills. Through reading, dialogue, and associated study, students develop an understanding of the language and cultural distinctions of Spanish speakers worldwide.
Special Topics in the Humanities - HUM290
Credits: 4.5Prerequisites: None.
This course concentrates on current issues in the humanities. Topics may include, but are not limited to, introductory topics in philosophy, religion, culture, and/or language arts.
World Literature - HUM320
Credits: 4.5Prerequisites: None
This course emphasizes an understanding and appreciation of world literature. Materials covered Include Western and non-Western literary endeavors. Focus will be on similarities among the various literatures, analysis of literary genre, and appreciation of voice.
The American Experience - HUM330
Credits: 4.5Prerequisites: None
This course emphasizes the development of American values and Institutions through analysis of social, political, and economic materials. The course examines the Influence of political, economic, social, and environmental factors as it explores Ideas of Individualism, success, and national character. Materials may include historical documents, literature, and social, political, and artistic works.
Understanding World Cultures - HUM410
Credits: 4.5Prerequisites: None
This course discusses civilizations and cultures as they evolved from Eastern, Western, African and South American influences. The student is enabled to relate diverse cultures to their impact on contemporary society, politics, and world events.
Spanish II - HUM420
Credits: 4.5Prerequisites: HUM310
This course reviews the fundamentals of the Spanish language and provides special attention to the continuing development of students' conversational and reading skills. Students build upon their understanding of the language in both written and oral forms.
Special Topics in the Humanities - HUM490
Credits: 4.5Prerequisites: None.
This course concentrates on special topics in the humanities. Topics may include, but are not limited to, advanced topics in ethics, philosophy, religious and cultural studies, and/or language arts.
Special Topics in Humanities II - HUM491
Credits: 4.5Prerequisites: None
This course concentrates on special topics in the humanities. Topics may include, but are not limited to, advanced topics in ethics, philosophy, religious and cultural studies, and/or language arts.
Special Topics in Humanities III - HUM492
Credits: 4.5Prerequisites: None
This course concentrates on special topics in the humanities. Topics may include, but are not limited to, advanced topics in ethics, philosophy, religious and cultural studies, and/or language arts.
Fundamentals of Mathematics - MAT110
Credits: 4.5Prerequisites: None
This course provides an introduction to the basic techniques of mathematics and applies them to problem solving in different areas of business and industry. This course does not count towards the Bachelor's program.
College Algebra - MAT210
Credits: 4.5Prerequisites: None
This course explores a series of algebraic concepts including rational expressions, radicals and exponents, quadratic equations, systems of equations, and applications.
Current Topics in Mathematics - MAT290
Credits: 4.5Prerequisites: None
This course concentrates on current issues in mathematics. Topics may include, but are not limited to, set theory, algebraic concepts, geometry, and probability.
Statistics - MAT310
Credits: 4.5Prerequisites: None
This course presents material essential in an increasing number of professional fields by providing a new type of competence, quantitative literacy. Topics include descriptive statistics; collecting and interpreting data; inferential statistics; probability; consumer mathematics; management mathematics; and growth and scaling.
Calculus - MAT410
Credits: 4.5Prerequisites: MAT210 or equivalent
This course focuses on techniques of differential and integral calculus likely encountered in professional activities and real-world situations. Students will gain a sound, intuitive understanding of the basic concepts of calculus through a problem-solving approach. Topics include functions, graphs, and limits; differentiation; derivatives; exponential and logarithmic functions; integration; and variables.
Special Topics in Mathematics - MAT490
Credits: 4.5Prerequisites: Permission of the Instructor
This course concentrates on special topics in mathematics. Topics may include, but are not limited to, mathematical history and philosophy, Euclidian and non-Euclidian geometries, linear algebra, polar coordinates, vectors, partial derivatives, line integrals, and multiple integrals, as well as applications for these topics.
Social Psychology - PSY110
Credits: 4.5Prerequisites: None
This course provides an application of the Psychological principles to the development of a stable social framework within business and personal environments.
Current Topics in Psychology - PSY290
Credits: 4.5Prerequisites: None.
This course concentrates on current issues in psychology. Topics may include, but are not limited to, introductory topics in learning, memory, motivation, emotion, states of consciousness, psychological assessment, mental health, psychology of personality, and creativity.
Organizational Behavior - PSY310
Credits: 4.5Prerequisites:
Human Growth & Development - PSY320
Credits: 4.5Prerequisites: None
This course emphasizes the psychological, cognitive, emotional, and social development of the human organism. Materials include those related to the various stages of the life span, and the developmental Influence of social class, the family, the school, and the group. A focus is placed on the abilities, needs, problems, and concerns of humans to change throughout life, and how people are shaped by their experiences throughout their development.
Critical Thinking and Reasoning - PSY340
Credits: 4.5Prerequisites: None
This course is designed to help students develop thinking skills and make good judgments. Participants are exposed to both logical and illogical thinking processes as a means to develop their skills in reasoning, analysis and the use of logical arguments. Various kinds of arguments are presented and analyzed, and logical fallacies are explored with the goal of reaching sound conclusions. Deductive and inductive reasoning are examined as are the criteria for sound reasoning and common reasoning mistakes people make. Students debate issues from different sides with both logical and illogical arguments.
Special Topics in Psychology - PSY490
Credits: 4.5Prerequisites: PSY110 or equivalent.
This course concentrates on special topics in psychology. Topics may include, but are not limited to, advanced topics in deviant behavior, psychological testing and assessment, religious behavior, neurophysiology, and psychology and the law.
General Science - SCI110
Credits: 4.5Prerequisites: None
This course examines scientific concepts and principles in an integrated manner to provide an overview of the sciences. Topics include physics, astronomy, chemistry, earth science, and biology as a means to address areas such as growing global population, limited resources and the fragile environment.
Microbiology - SCI250
Credits: 4.5Prerequisites: None
This course examines the structure, nutrition, growth, genetics, classification, and ecology of bacteria, viruses, fungi, and protozoa. Attention will be given to methods of microbial control, and the human immune response to microbes. Students will also learn the fundamentals of microscopy, laboratory safety, scientific method and techniques of experimentation. Laboratory component required
Current Topics in Science - SCI290
Credits: 4.5Prerequisites: None.
This course concentrates on current issues in science. Topics may include, but are not limited to, introductory topics in meteorology, geology, ecology, evolutionary biology, and the space sciences.
Introduction to Biochemistry - SCI360
Credits: 4.5Prerequisites: SCI110
This course examines the basic structures and functions of carbohydrates, lipids, nucleotides and proteins and their role in human metabolism. Vitamins, co-enzymes, and minerals are examined and pathways for xenobiotic metabolism are discussed.
Impact of Science and Technology - SCI410
Credits: 4.5Prerequisites: None
This course is an introduction to the basic concepts of science and future thinking. The content demonstrates how scientific and technological advances have significantly impacted all aspects of contemporary life.
Special Topics in Science - SCI490
Credits: 4.5Prerequisites: None
This course concentrates on special topics in science. Topics may include, but are not limited to, advanced topics in interdisciplinary topics such as the history of science and technology, cross-cultural studies of science, cosmology, biotechnology, the use of science and technology to enhance human abilities and quality of life, and techniques for assessment and remediation of science and technology hazards.
