Health Information Technology Certificate, Coding and Reimbursement Specialist
Classes offered at following campus(es)
- Metro
Contact Information:
Ruby Marshall ruby.marshall@tulsacc.edu 918-595-7074 School of Health SciencesAs a coding and reimbursement specialist, you play a critical role in today’s healthcare industry. TCC's Health Information Technology Coding and Reimbursement Specialist Certificate program provides you with the skills required to work in a broad range of health care settings, including, but not limited to, hospitals, physicians’ offices, clinics, or insurance companies. Due to the implementation of electronic health records, many coders can work from their own homes.
Role of Coding Specialists
Coders review and analyze health documentation converting diagnostic and procedural narratives into alpha-numeric codes for reporting health data. There are many demands for accurately and comprehensively coded clinical data including reimbursement issues, assessment of healthcare processes and outcomes, case-mix management, public health statistics, administrative and clinical decision support, and research activities. Converting the narratives may require the coder to interact with the responsible healthcare provider to assure the validity of the coded data. The need for qualified coders plays a vital role in the financial and quality aspects of healthcare.
Apply to Program
The applicant pool for programs in the School of Health Sciences is very competitive. An application does not mean acceptance into the Health Sciences program. Applicants are required to meet with a School of Health Sciences advisor before they apply to a program and may be required to attend an orientation for the Allied Health-related programs. All application correspondence from the School of Health Sciences will be through your TCC email.
Workforce Development Degree Information
Workforce development degree and certificate programs are designed to prepare students for direct entry into the workforce. They may advance students within their current career positions or open doors to new career opportunities. Coursework may apply towards a degree at a four-year university; check with an advisor for further information. The number of hours that apply to a degree will vary from one university to another.
Course of Study
In our program, you will examine ICD-10-CM, ICD-10-PCS, CPT and HCPCS coding guidelines in detail, as well as other classification systems and terminologies, revenue cycle management, reimbursement systems, (i.e., Medicare Severity Diagnosis Related Groups, Ambulatory Patient Classification, Resource Based Relative Value System, Resource Utilization Groups, Case Mix Groups, and Home Health Resource Groups), and compliance issues.
Certification Exams
Graduates of the Coding and Reimbursement Specialist Certificate Program may apply to take a national examination to become a Certified Coding Associate. After 2-3 years of recommended coding experience, you may take the national Certified Coding Specialist examination.
Certificate Program Approval
The Tulsa Community College Coding and Reimbursement Specialist Certificate Program is approved by the AHIMA Professional Certificate Approval Program (PCAP). The approval period is from Nov. 30, 2021 – Nov. 30, 2024.
This designation acknowledges the coding program as having been evaluated by a peer review process using a national minimum set of standards for entry-level coding professionals.
Additional information regarding the accreditation process, certification, and/or the health information management coding profession may be accessed at the following websites:
Professional Certificate Approval Program
HIT Essential Skills/Technical Standards
Student Achievement and Outcomes
| Year | Graduation Rate | Employment Rate | Certification Exam Pass Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2019-20 | 86% | 75% | 100% |
| 2020-21 | 100% | 100% | 100% |