Program Map for Medical Billing & Coding ATA
Medical coders and billers may work in hospitals, offices, or from home analyzing patient charts to assign universal numeric codes for reporting and billing purposes. Knowledge of health care, disease processes, and treatments is used to determine these codes expertly. Also, knowledge of medical insurance and government payer expectations are used for reimbursement. Critical thinking, attention to detail, and accuracy are essential in this field.
Program Description: Everett Community College offers an Associate in Technical Arts degree in Medical Billing and Coding with embedded Medical Coding (MC) and Medical Billing (MBS) Certificates. Both the MC and MBS Certificates are offered in an online environment.
PROGRAM INFORMATION AND COSTS
Everett Community College offers a Medical Coding program that is completely online and charges "fees" to students for their classes instead of tuition. This enables students from outside Washington State to complete the online program at a reasonable cost. The Medical Billing Specialist program is also offered online. However, the Medical Billing Specialist program charges "tuition" for each required class. Students who are not Washington State residents may have to pay out-of-state tuition. Information about tuition and fees can be found at the tuition rates website and the Medical Coding home page.
Students earning a C- or lower in required classes will need to repeat the class; additional fees or tuition apply. Financial Aid is available to eligible students to assist in meeting the costs of the programs. Students are encouraged to apply for Financial Aid early.
A certificate or degree is awarded once students have completed the required course work with a C or better in each required class and after the application for each certificate or degree is approved by the college.
PROGRAM ADVISORS
Medical Coding Program Director
Karla Pouillon, RN, M.Ed.,CCS,CPC
kpouillon@everettcc.edu
Christine Malone, EdD, MBA, MHA, CMPE, CPHRM, FACHE
cmalone@everettcc.edu
CHECKLISTS
- Medical Billing Specialist Certificate Checklist
- Medical Coding Certificate Checklist
- Medical Coding and Billing ATA Checklist
- Pre-College to College English and Math Checklist
Notes on using this map:
* indicates an elective course that is recommended but not required and could be substituted with another appropriate course. For example, ENGL& 102* on a map means that ENGL& 102* is recommended, but any 5-credit course from the Basic Communication Skills list on the DTA would also be acceptable.
→ indicates a pre-requisite relationship. For example, MATH&141→ MATH&142 on a map indicates that a student must pass MATH& 141 before taking MATH& 142
(F, W, Sp, Su) indicates the quarters in which a course is offered, if not offered every quarter. For example, ART 116 (W) means that ART 116 is only offered during the Winter quarters
TS stands for Transitional Studies. Courses taken through the Transitional Studies department do not qualify for financial aid but cost only $25 per quarter. To see if you qualify, contact the Advising Center at advising@everettcc.edu or 425-388-9339.
& as part of a course number (e.g. ACCT& 202) indicates that the course is part of the Common Course Numbering System
D as part of a course number (e.g. ENGL& 102D) indicates that the course fulfills the Diversity Course requirement for the AAS-DTA degree
This icon is used for course requirements.
The learning objectives of this course are the foundation of future courses in this pathway. Success in critical courses positions you to be successful in later courses in this pathway.
This icon is used for mandatory or recommended actions related to advising.
Before taking your college-level courses, you may need to complete prerequisites.
Attend an Information Session to decide on your first-quarter classes.
Prepare for college-level Math.
If your math placement is below MATH 76, you'll need to take the following sequence of courses, starting from the level you placed into:
- TS 60 → TS 70
Prepare for college-level English
If your English placement is below ENGL& 101, you’ll need to take the following sequence of courses, starting from the level you placed into:
- ENGL/TS 097 → ENGL/TS 098
Note: Depending on their placement, English Language Learners may need additional courses before ENGL/TS/AEP 97.
If you are not confident in your computer skills, take CL 101—Computer Literacy. Students are strongly advised to possess computer skills that include word processing, file saving and transfer, and internet and email use. Lack of competence in these skills may result in the inability to complete program requirements.
Before registering each quarter, check your Degree Planner to see what classes you should take to stay on track. See your faculty program advisor with any questions you have.
Recommended Actions
- Looking for more support and assistance by phone, tablet, or computer? Visit the Online Student Support and Resources page.
- Do you qualify for Financial Aid? Fill out a FAFSA or WASFA and visit the Financial Aid Office to begin discussing how to pay for college.
- The Center for Disability Services (CDS) office at Everett Community College provides various accommodations for students with disabilities and academic barriers.
- Visit the Tutoring Center, Writing Center, and the Library.
- Consider registering for a study skills class offered by DEVED department.
- Get involved with Student Life and join a campus club.
- Consider visiting EvCC’s professional counselors at the Counseling and Student Success Center if you need additional support. They educate and serve students to develop and achieve their academic, career, and personal goals.
- See if you qualify for TRiO, MESA, scholarships, or support from CDS
- Talk to your Faculty Program Advisor or attend an Information Session for more details.
Complete college-level courses. Focus on those that fit in the Healthcare Pathway so that if you change to another Healthcare program, most of the credits you've earned will apply to your new goal.
Take MATH 76 or BUS 130 - Mathematical Literacy or Business Math Take ENGL 98 - Introduction to College Writing or ENGL& 101 - English Composition I Take MC 103 - Introduction to Administrative Medical Office Take MC 118 - Health Information Delivery Take MC 120 - Healthcare Vocabulary Take MC 137 - Structure and Function of the Human Body Take MC 143 - Pathopharmacology (Completion of MC 137 pre-requisite in a must)
Recommended Actions
Check back in with your faculty program advisor to discuss whether this is the right program for you and update your plan of study as needed.
- If you haven't already, join a club that aligns with your interests.
Complete program-specific degree requirements and begin preparing for graduation and transfer. If you change to another program in this phase, some credits earned may not apply to your new program.
Take MC 147 - Introduction to Diagnosis Coding Take MC 151 - Introduction to Procedure Coding Take MC 218 - Reimbursement & Legal Compliance (PR MC 118) Take MC 247 - Advanced Diagnosis Coding (PR MC 147) Take MC 251 - Advanced Procedure Coding (PR MC 151) Take HLTH 150D - Intercultural Communication in Health Care Take HCM 180 - Principles of Medical Insurance (PR CL 101 or IP) Take HCM 181D - Diversity in Law and Ethics for Health Occupations Take HCM 182 - Medical Front Office (PR CL 101 or IP)
Recommended Actions
Contact your faculty program advisor to discuss transfer options and career opportunities.
Complete all remaining degree/certificate requirements before you graduate!
Take Electives from the checklist, or talk with your advisor. Take MC 280 - Professional Practice Experience (to be taken after completing all Medical Coding Certificate courses with a C or higher). Prepare for one of the national certification exams. See your faculty program advisor for more details.
Apply for graduation at least one quarter in advance.
Recommended Actions
Meet with your faculty program advisor to make sure all degree/certificate requirements are met.