Overview

The Diagnosis and Procedural Coding (DPC) certificate prepares students to perform medical diagnosis and procedural coding in an outpatient or ambulatory health care setting. The courses taken to meet requirements for the Diagnosis and Procedural Coding certificate also prepare a student to continue into the Health Information Technology degree program in an 1 + 1 option. (Visit the HIT page).

Work Settings

Medical coders work primarily in an office setting. However, coding may be performed at home through use of a secure Internet connection. Working from one’s home is however usually reserved for employees who have gained experience by working in the office for a period of time

Credentialing Requirements

Upon successful completion of the Diagnosis and Procedural Coding Certificiate Program, the DPC graduate may apply to take the Certified Coding Associate (CCA) exam. Successful completion of the exam allows the certificate graduate to use the CCA credential. For more details on the CCA exam process, please see the AHIMA website at http://www.ahima.org/certification/cca.asp.

Location

Diagnosis and procedural coding courses are taught on the Harriman campus at 276 Patton Lane, Harriman during the day and also at the Knox Center for Health Sciences at 132 Hayfield Lane in West Knoxville during evening hours. Some of the HIT courses are also taught via distance education utilizing the Internet and computer technology.

Costs

The cost of registration, textbooks, liability insurance, physical exam, student membership in AHIMA and background check average approximately $3,500 per year. Students are responsible for providing transportation to classes and assigned clinical practice sites and all expenses associated with travel. All expenses are subject to change.

Besides normal tuition & fees, other expenses include:

• Books: Contact the RSCC Bookstore for titles and prices
• Liability insurance: $30
• Physical Exam and immunizations
• Criminal background check (if required): $65
• Graduation Fee: $25
• Student membership to AHIMA: $35

Steps to enroll at RSCC as a Diagnosis and Procedural Coding Certificate Program Applicant

1. Submit an RSCC Admissions Application pay a one-time $20 application fee. Indicate on the application you are interested in the Diagnosis and Procedural Coding Technology Program.
2. Submit required proof of immunizations.
3. Note, you must be accepted into the Diagnosis and Procedural Certificate program before you can begin taking most classes with a HIT prefix.

Steps to be accepted into the RSCC Diagnosis and Procedural Coding Certificate Program

• Apply for acceptance into the Health Information Technology Program by
  completing a Allied Health Sciences Application and submit it to the Health Sciences Admission Office before the program deadline date, July 15.
• Maintain a grade of “C”” in any required science courses.
• Only health information technology courses which were completed within three years prior to applying for admission or readmission will be considered for meeting degree requirements with the exception of the following courses which are open to any RSCC student: HIT107 Medical Terminology, HIT102 Fundamentals of Health Information Management and HIT113 Legal Aspects of Health Information

After the program deadline date, the Health Sciences Admissions Committee will review the applications and select students based on:

• Completed student file in the Records and Registration Office
• Attendance at one orientation meeting.
• Completion of the following courses prior to application: HIT107 Medical Terminology, BIOL2010 Anatomy and Physiology I, BIOL2020 Anatomy and Physiology II.

Meeting minimum requirements does not guarantee acceptance into the program. Students meeting minimum criteria will be considered competitively based on criteria listed above.

Students accepted into the program will be notified by letter in early August.