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Coding Basics Program

Coding Basics is a self-paced, 12-course program which will help you learn the skills you need to become a coding professional. Coding professionals abstract clinical data from health records and assign appropriate medical codes. These codes are used for reimbursement, planning, and research. Comprehensive training in inpatient and outpatient coding is provided, along with the necessary background courses in health record content, medical terminology, and disease process.



Overview
Cluster 1
Cluster 2
Cluster 3
Cluster 4
Books

Coding Basics Overview

Upon completion of the program, the graduate will be able to:

  • Accurately apply diagnosis and procedure code utilizing ICD-9-CM, CPT, and HCPCS
  • Understand what changes are coming with the ICD-10-CM and ICD-10-PCS classification systems
  • Interpret coding guidelines for accurate code assignment
  • Identify the importance of documentation on code assignment and the subsequent reimbursement impact
  • Practice AHIMA's Standards of Ethical Coding

The Coding Basics program has been designed so students can learn all the fundamentals in about 15 months by following the recommended pace of taking four clusters of three classes, each cluster lasting 15 weeks. We have arranged the 12 classes in these four groups for an optimal learning experience. However, AHIMA also realizes there are also busy individuals who wish to approach the program at a slower pace, so AHIMA is now offering all 12 Coding Basics classes for sale individually, so students can take classes in groups of two or, occasionally, one at a time. Because lessons learned in one class will help support lessons learned in the others, we recommend that students not take more than 2-6 weeks off between classes or clusters, or they may experience difficulty keeping up with the coursework.

All Coding Basics classes are designed to be self-directed and are not led by instructors. The advantage of a self-directed program is that you aren't forced to wait until the 15-week access period is over before moving on to the next class or cluster of classes —you can complete the program more quickly if you want to!

Students who successfully complete the Coding Basics Program (four clusters with three classes per cluster or 12 single classes) will receive a Coding Basics Certificate of Completion and may choose to sit for the Certified Coding Associate (CCA) national certification exam.
> Learn more about the CCA national certification exam

Click on the category names below to see more detail.


Prerequisite: A "C" or better in a college-level basic Human Anatomy and Physiology course
Requirements:
* Purchase required books (necessary for most courses in each cluster) > View book list
* Have access to certain technology
* Obtain proctor for all final exams
* Become student member (or show proof of existing membership)
Credits: 33 total college course credits recommended by ACE
Begin 3-Course Clusters or Individual Course: If you pay by credit card, you'll be given access AS SOON AS WE CONFIRM FULFILLMENT OF PREREQUISITE REQUIREMENT. If you pay by check, you will be given access as soon as payment is processed and fulfillment is confirmed.
Access to 3-Course Clusters or Individual Courses: 15 weeks
Price Schedule:
(prices are the same for members and non-members)
  • $2000 all four 3-course clusters registered at one time (save $200-$400!)
  • $550 each 3-class cluster
  • $225 each single class

Click on one of the cluster titles below for a detailed description of the three classes in that cluster.

Cluster 1
  • Healthcare Delivery Systems
  • Medical Terminology
  • Computer Basics in Healthcare

Cluster 2

 
  • Pathophysiology/Pharmacology
  • Basic ICD-9-CM Coding — Part 1
  • Healthcare Data Content and Structure

Cluster 3
  • Basic CPT Coding — Part 1
  • Medical Office Procedures
  • Basic ICD-9-CM Coding — Part 2

Cluster 4
  • Basic CPT Coding — Part 2
  • Reimbursement Methodology
  • Professional Practice Experience

Prerequisite

Prior to beginning your first Coding Basics course, you must provide official proof that you completed a college-level Human Anatomy and Physiology course that covers the structure and function of all body systems.  No lab is required. You must have passed the course with a grade of "C" or higher.

Note, to help you meet this prerequisite, AHIMA offers an online Human Anatomy and Physiology course. Click here for information on AHIMA's Human Anatomy and Physiology course and its required textbook.

Step 1: Submit the Coding Basics Prerequisite Form
All prospective students must complete the * Coding Basics Prerequisite Form before beginning any course in this program.   Each student needs to submit the form only ONCE.

Step 2: There are four different ways you can prove you have fulfilled the prerequisite:
  • Transcript
    The prerequisite may be completed with AHIMA's Human Anatomy and Physiology course or through a post-secondary academic institution.  Students who completed the prerequisite through an institution other than AHIMA are required to send proof of completion to AHIMA.  Each prospective student who submits the online Coding Basics Prerequisite Form will receive an e-mail with complete instructions on how to submit the official transcript.

  • RHIAs and RHITs
    RHIAs and RHITs have already satisfied the Coding Basics prerequisite course and will NOT need to submit transcripts.  They must still, however, submit the Coding Basics Prerequisite Form. After submitting the form, RHIAs and RHITs may enroll in the Coding Basics courses immediately WITHOUT awaiting prerequisite verification.

  • Students who completed AHIMA’s Human Anatomy and Physiology course
    Students who successfully completed AHIMA’s Human Anatomy and Physiology course will NOT need to submit transcripts.  They must still, however, submit the Coding Basics Prerequisite Form. After submitting the form, students who successfully completed AHIMA’s Human Anatomy and Physiology course may enroll in the Coding Basics courses immediately WITHOUT awaiting prerequisite verification.

  • Physicians and nurses
    We will accept a copy of a nursing or medical license in lieu of a transcript.  Physicians and nurses must still, however, submit the Coding Basics Prerequisite Form.

    •
  • Prerequisite verification
    After we receive an official transcript or medical license, AHIMA will send an e-mail message to each prospective Coding Basics student, containing the status of the prerequisite and eligibility to begin the Coding Basics courses.  Note that RHIAs and RHITs, as well as students who successfully completed AHIMA’s Human Anatomy and Physiology course, will not receive this e-mail verification, but may enroll and request activation of courses immediately after submitting the prerequisite form.
Requirements

Books

Textbooks are not included in the program tuition fees. For a complete list of required textbooks and manuals > view the Coding Basics book list. You'll also find information on how to order your books and qualify for member discounts.

For students who are thinking about ordering their books for all clusters at one time, note that AHIMA reserves the right to change which books and which editions of books are required for each cluster up to 30 days before a cluster starts.

Technology

Coding Basics requires the use of the free Adobe Acrobat Reader and Adobe Flash plug-ins.
> Get links to download these plug-ins.

Proctored Final Exams

All Coding Basics finals must be taken under the supervision of a proctor. This means you must ask a manager, supervisor, human resources personnel, or HIM coworker to be in the same room with you as you complete your exams. If you are taking the courses outside of work, you may ask a friend to be your proctor. Spouses or family members cannot be proctors.

Proctoring is necessary for the Coding Basics courses to be accepted for credit. Detailed proctoring instructions and forms can be viewed here:

Adobe Acrobat Reader is required to view and print the first two documents above. Be sure you have the latest version of this free software.
> Get link to download Acrobat Reader

Membership

Coding Basics enrollees are required to obtain AHIMA membership so they will have access to the features offered on the Communities of Practice and to materials located in the AHIMA Body of Knowledge.

Student membership is currently available to most Coding Basics enrollees at $35 per year. You are not eligible for student membership and must join as an Active member if:

  • If you have previously been an Active member of AHIMA.
  • If you have a an AHIMA credential or have registered for an exam,.

Membership guarantees you discounts on all books published by AHIMA. But the benefits go far beyond book savings...when you join, all AHIMA resources — including the Journal of AHIMA, the AHIMA Body of Knowledge, and the Communities of Practice — will be yours to enjoy.  After payment for your first class or three-class cluster has been received and processed, you may apply.

> Go to the online membership form
> Get more details on AHIMA membership


Credits

For the benefit of our Coding Basics and Anatomy & Physiology students, AHIMA Distance Education participates in the American Council on Education's (ACE) Transcript Service. The ACE Transcript Service offers a lifelong record for students who have successfully completed our courses that have been reviewed by ACE CREDIT. This service enables adult learners to present a nationally recognized transcript to the college or university of their choice for the potential award of academic credit. For more information, visit ACE CREDIT Transcript Service web site.

Note: Transfer of credit is determined by the receiving institution.

> View a list of credits recommended for individual courses and other details

Students may register with ACE any Coding Basics courses, and Human Anatomy & Physiology. Courses must be successfully completed, to qualify. All of a student's ACE-evaluated courses are shown on one transcript with easy-to-read descriptions, credit recommendations, and suggested transfer areas. Upon request, the transcript can be released at any time to a college of the student's choice. To join the ACE Transcript Service, students must pay a one-time set-up fee of $40.00 and a nominal fee of $15.00 each time they request the release of a transcript.

> Complete an online registration with ACE (for Coding Basics students)


Clusters/Courses Begin

As soon as a student's payment has been received and processed, AHIMA will send a registration confirmation via e-mail. Students may then begin their coding basics courses on any date, as long as their A&P prerequisite has been satisfied, by following the steps below. After you have registered, there are two steps you need to take, to start your class:

Step 1: Log In and Request Approval
Log in to the campus, go to the "My Classes" list, and click on the title of the new class or cluster. Click the "Request Approval" button and submit the brief form there, and we will contact you within 3 business days with a "Welcome" e-mail. (Note that your course(s) will not be approved to begin unless you have already provided us proof of your A&P prerequisite having been satisfied.)

Step 2: Self-Activate
Students should self-activate course(s) on the date they are ready to begin, since their 15-week course period begins then. Follow the instructions in the "Welcome" e-mail you receive, to log in again and "Self-Activate" (start) your course or cluster. That is when your 15-week course period will begin. You should self-activate a course or cluster within two weeks of receiving your Welcome e-mail. If you need your self-activation period extended submit a customer support request and select appropriate topic under E-Learning.

If you have registered but have not yet ordered and received the textbooks for your course(s), you should wait until the books arrive, and THEN request approval to start your courses.


Cluster/Course Length and Repeat Class Registrations

Full Program or Clusters

Students who have registered for the full Coding Basics program (all four clusters) will be enrolled in one cluster at a time. Students have 15 weeks to complete the three classes within each cluster. Students who do not complete one of their classes before deadline, or complete any class with an average below 70%, will need to repeat that class in order to receive a certificate at the completion of the program. Submit a customer support request to contact Coding Basics administration about repeating a class.

Because this program is self-paced, some students may take less than 15 weeks to complete a cluster of classes. If you are registered for the full program and are ready to move on, you may request activation of your next cluster before the 15-week access period for your current cluster is over.

Some students may decide to register and activate a class or cluster before they've completed what they're currently working on. Remember that if you choose to overlap classes/clusters, you must complete all the work by deadline.

Single Courses

Students who have registered for single classes may be enrolled in no more than three classes at one time. You will have 15 weeks to complete each individual class. Students who do not complete a class before deadline, or complete a class with an average below 70%, will need to repeat that class in order to receive a certificate at the completion of the program. Submit a customer support request to contact Coding Basics administration about repeating a class.

Extensions

Extensions will be considered only for students with extraordinary and unforeseen circumstances, such as bereavement or medical emergency. All requests for extensions must be in writing, sent either by mail or e-mail.


Registration

All 4 Coding Basics Clusters

$2000.00 AHIMA members
and nonmembers
Save $200-$400 by registering for all 4 clusters at one time!

Click Here to Register

Select a cluster tab above to register for that 3-course cluster or individual courses within that cluster.





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