Medical Coding: Hospital-Based

Program Description
The Medical Coding – Hospital-Based Program is designed to prepare individuals for diagnostic and procedural coding positions in hospital-based settings such as hospital outpatient clinics, emergency departments, inpatient facilities, or hospital sponsored surgery centers. The Certificate Program includes theoretical and laboratory instruction on the Phoenix College campus as well as a professional practice affiliation in an area health care setting. The Medical Coding – Hospital-Based Program is approved by the American Health Information Management Association (AHIMA) and provides the foundation needed for the Certified Coding Associate (CCA) examination of the AHIMA.

Employment Opportunities
Certified coders are in demand. Although certification is provided by professional organizations unrelated to this Program, this curriculum will provide the strong theoretical foundation needed for selected credentialing examinations. Entry-level salaries vary depending on qualifications, prior health related experience, and type of facility and average $28,000 - $36,000/year.

Physical Requirements
Work in hospital-based coding may require physical activities including continuous computer data entry, filing, retrieving, and transporting paper records, and extended periods of sitting. Limited lifting of records.

Admission Criteria

• Submission of HIM Certificate Programs Application Form
• High school diploma or GED or equivalent
• English assessment reflecting eligibility for ENG 101 First Year Composition or ENG 107 First Year Composition for ESL or permission of Program Director
• Successful receipt of fingerprint/background clearance card and presentation at the HIM Department office

For Your Information

• Additional requirements, including drug and health screenings, must be successfully completed prior to professional practice placement (HIM222).
• Courses are primarily offered in evening hours or online. Part-time enrollment is possible.
• Advanced placement is available depending on documentation of experience or prior education. See Program Director.
• Courses may be offered only once a year. Advisement for sequencing is important.

Application Procedure
The Program Application should be submitted prior to taking any medical coding courses.

Program Entry:

1. Obtain the HIM Certificate Programs Application, curriculum information, and fingerprint background clearance packet from the Health Programs Advisor located in the campus Advisement Center.
2. Complete the enrollment process at Phoenix College Admissions and Records:
   • Submit the General Phoenix College Student Information Form
   • Request official transcripts from each school that you will use for transfer credits
   • Request evaluation of all non-Maricopa Community Colleges transcripts
3. Submit the completed application materials to the Health Information Management Department, Medical Coding Programs. This includes:
   • HIM Certificate Programs Application
   • ASSET placement for English reflecting eligibility for ENG101
   • First Year Composition or ENG107
   • First Year Composition for ESL or transcript documenting equivalent credit
4. Fingerprint/background check clearance card (must be presented in person)