Welcome to the CHRP Main Page

ADMISSION REQUIREMENTS

Applicants must have a good command of the English language, and must be a high school graduate/GED with basic typing or computer skills.

The selection process for admission to the program includes:

• Personal interview
• Written essay
• Basic aptitude test
• Two letters of reference

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PROGRAM OF STUDY

First Semester
• Medical Terminology
• Anatomy & Physiology I
• Basic ICD-9-CM Coding
• Coding Guidelines & Reimbursement

Second Semester
• Anatomy & Physiology II
• Medical Billing
• Classification Coding Lab.
• CPT / HCPCS Coding

Third Semester
• Case Studies
• Professional Development
• CPT/HCPCS Coding
• Preparation for CCA/ CCS exam.

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COURSE DESCRIPTIONS

MEDICAL TEMINOLOGY
The course introduces the technical language of medicine through word construction utilizing roots, prefixes, suffixes and combinations. This course is designed to give the student a working knowledge of disease, diagnostic tests, clinical procedures and pharmacology.

ANATOMY & PHYSIOLOGY I & II
A review of body systems will include the respiratory, circulatory, skeletal and muscular, nervous, urinary, reproductive, integumentary, and endocrine systems.

BASIC ICD-9-CM CODING
ICD-9-CM coding conventions will be explained in detail. Students will learn to use these conventions by coding actual diagnoses and procedures. Introduction to the prospective payment system as it relates to DRG’s is included as well as proper sequencing of diagnoses & procedures.

CODING GUIDELINES & REIMBURSEMENT ISSUES
This course is a continuation of ICD-9-CM coding, which covers specific coding guidelines for a variety of medical conditions. The relationship between ICD-9-coding and DRG assignments will be presented, along with the proper application of UHDDS guidelines.

CPT/HCPCS CODING I & II
The student will learn the basic structure of APC’S as well as how to perform CPT and HCPCS Coding.

MEDICAL BILLING
The course provides a comprehensive understanding of the various third party insurance billing and collection policies within state and federal guidelines. It provides an extensive review of the reimbursement methodology for these payors as it relates to ICD-9-and CPT coding. Guidelines that were established by HCFA for Medicare beneficiaries will also be covered extensively.

CLASSIFICATION CODING LAB
The laboratory class will provide students with “ hands-on” experience in ICD-9-CM Coding DRG assignment, CPT Coding, Pharmacology and Pathology. The laboratory practice exercises will utilize actual coding examples. This will be the principle method of instruction. The impact of coding accuracy and its relationship to reimbursement will be stressed.

PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT
This course is designed to provide the student with fundamentals that will enable them to appropriately work in a professional environment. It will include an overview of confidentiality of health information, data security, customer relations, interactive communication skills, and motivational initiatives to help the student have confidence in themselves and their newly acquired coding skills.

CASE STUDIES
Students will be introduced to case studies, which will consist of medical and surgical scenarios. The exercise will allow further hands-on experience in both ICD-9-CM and CPT. The student will learn how to analyze medical documents, and how to abstract pertinent data for coding. An introduction to utilizing an automated encoder will also be provided.

PREPARATION FOR CCA/CCS EXAM
A review of the competencies for the CCS exam, along with sample multiple-choice questions will be assigned to students. An extensive review of coding guidelines, rules & regulations, pharmacology, and pathology will be provided.

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INFORMATION

For further information regarding program starting dates, tuition and related fees, please contact Mary Bowman, RHIT, Program Director.

Telephone: 718-270-7750
e-mail: mary.clements-bowman@downstate.edu