Catalog Description

Hours: 63 (36 lecture, 27 laboratory)
Description: Students will acquire basic knowledge of the functions of coding in the ambulatory medical setting. In addition, students will learn to interpret and locate codes in both the CPT (Current Procedural Terminology) and ICD-10-CM (International Classification of Disease, clinical modification 10) manuals. (letter grade only) (not transferable)

Course Student Learning Outcomes

  • CSLO #1: Explain the structure of the CPT (Current Procedural Terminology) and ICD-10-CM (International Classification of Diseases, clinical modification 10) manuals.
  • CSLO #2: Describe how to locate procedural and diagnostic codes used in the ambulatory setting.
  • CSLO #3: Identify the purpose and use of modifiers and the supplemental HCPCS Codes.

Effective Term

Fall 2018

Course Type

Credit - Degree-applicable

Contact Hours

63

Outside of Class Hours

72

Total Student Learning Hours

135

Course Objectives

Lecture Objectives:
1. Explain the structure of the CPT (Current Procedural Terminology) and ICD-10-CM (International Classification of Diseases, clinical modification 10) manuals.
2. Describe how to locate E/M (Evaluation and Management) procedural codes for patient visits.
3. Define when Category II and III codes are used.
4. Describe how to locate procedural and diagnostic codes used in the ambulatory setting.
5. Illustrate the purpose and use of modifiers and the supplemental HCPCS Codes.
Lab Objectives:
1. Distinguish the various steps to coding while using the CPT or ICD-10-CM manuals
2. Apply the elements involved in E/M (Evaluation and Management) coding and locate the proper procedural codes.
3. Explain the difference between Category I, II and III codes.
4. Locate and choose procedural and diagnostics codes using the step-by-step procedure given in each chapter.
5. Describe the process of appending modifiers to codes and the use of supplemental HCPCS codes.

General Education Information

  • Approved College Associate Degree GE Applicability
    • CSU GE Applicability (Recommended-requires CSU approval)
      • Cal-GETC Applicability (Recommended - Requires External Approval)
        • IGETC Applicability (Recommended-requires CSU/UC approval)

          Articulation Information

          • Not Transferable

          Methods of Evaluation

          • Objective Examinations
            • Example: 1. Students will take a multiple choice test on Procedural Coding. Standard Grading. Exam question example: Which of the following indicates that a procedure was different from the standard description but not in a way that changed the definition or required a different code? a. Add-on codes b. Modifiers c. Co-existing condition d. Expanded codes Answer: b. Modifiers
          • Skill Demonstrations
            • Example: 1.Students will use physicians’ notes and the CPT manual to locate the correct codes for all procedures done. Then use online publisher tool to enter the codes for each exercise and submit via LMS. Standard Grading. 2.Students will use physicians’ notes and the ICD-10-CM manual to locate the correct codes for all diagnoses given. Then use online publisher tool to enter the codes for each exercise and submit via LMS. Standard Grading.

          Repeatable

          No

          Methods of Instruction

          • Laboratory
          • Lecture/Discussion
          • Distance Learning

          Lab:

          1. Students will use physicians’ notes and the CPT manual to locate the correct codes for all procedures done. Then use online publisher tool software to enter the codes for each exercise and submit for standard grade.
          2. Students will use physicians’ notes and the ICD-10-CM manual to locate the correct codes for all diagnoses given. Then use online publisher tool to enter the codes for each exercise and submit for standard grade.

          Lecture:

          1. Instructor will present PowerPoint lecture presentations on structure of the CPT (Current Procedural Terminology) manual followed by discussion with students on the correct sequence used for locating CPT codes.
          2. Instructor will present PowerPoint lecture presentations on structure of the ICD-10-CM (International Classifications of Diseases, clinical modification 10) manual followed by discussion with students on the correct sequence used for locating ICD-10-CM codes.

          Typical Out of Class Assignments

          Reading Assignments

          1. Read section on Modifiers in the textbook and be prepared to discuss how they apply to CPT codes. 2. Read section in the textbook on HCPCS regarding connection with CPT codes and be prepared to discuss.

          Writing, Problem Solving or Performance

          1. Written critical thinking exercises on modifiers. Ex:When would it be appropriate to use modifiers. 2. Written critical thinking exercises on HCPCS. Ex: Answer the question: When might Codes not found in the CPT manual be found in the HCPCS manual?

          Other (Term projects, research papers, portfolios, etc.)

          Required Materials

          • The Complete Diagnosis Coding Solution
            • Author: Safian and Johnson
            • Publisher: McGraw-Hill Publisher
            • Publication Date: 2016
            • Text Edition: 3rd
            • Classic Textbook?:
            • OER Link:
            • OER:
          • The Complete Procedure Coding Solution
            • Author: Safian and Johnson
            • Publisher: McGraw-Hill Publisher
            • Publication Date: 2016
            • Text Edition: 3rd
            • Classic Textbook?:
            • OER Link:
            • OER:

          Other materials and-or supplies required of students that contribute to the cost of the course.

          Optional: HCPCS manual, ICD-10-CM, CPT