Medical Coding

• To understand medical terminology and acronyms commonly used in the healthcare industry
• Foundational knowledge in the following areas for 11 organ systems:

• Anatomy
• Physiology
• Diseases
• Therapies

• How to read and decipher clinical documentation from various providers
• Three coding systems: ICD-10-CM, CPT, and HCPCS, and how to properly apply them in various outpatient coding scenarios
• Healthcare compliance and regulations
• To navigate basic encoder software

The final week of the program features a one-day, six-hour mock simulation/test preparation for the American Academy of Professional Coders (AAPC) Certified Professional Coder (CPC) exam*. As part of student’s enrollment, they are allowed to come back one time only, free of charge to participate in the one-week test preparation and mock CPC exam simulation after the completion of their program.

*CSULB does not guarantee the success of any student on the CPC exam. Exam results will vary by student and their individual performance. The CPC exam fee is not included as part of the fees for this course. This course only covers outpatient coding. It does not cover inpatient coding.

This is a non-credit, certificate program. There are no application requirements. You must have a high school diploma.

No, you do not need to be a matriculated student to register for the course.

Unfortunately, we do not offer financial aid or payment plans for this course. Full payment is due prior to the 1st day of class.

This program is offered both face-to-face and in a hybrid setting, but is not offered fully online.

Option #1 - Hard copy textbooks:

• Medical Terminology for Health Professionals - $124.95
• Understanding ICD-10-CM & ICD-10-PCS: A Worktext - $119.95
• ICD-10-CM for Physicians Coding Book - $76.97
• Cengage Mind Tap - $119.99
  • Total = $441.86 (not including tax, shipping & handling costs)

Option #2 - e-books:

• ICD-10-CM for Physicians Coding Book - $76.97
• Cengage Mind Tap (includes e-book versions of all the textbooks) - $119.99
  • Total = $196.96 not including tax, shipping & handling costs

No, this program does not include an externship.

We do not assist with job placement upon successful completion of the course. Although we will forward any job opportunities that are sent to us from various companies, we cannot secure or guarantee employment for our students.

This program is offered 3 times per year: in the Fall, Spring and Summer semesters.

Yes, we accept high school diplomas from countries outside the U.S.

Currently, no CSULB academic credit is awarded for enrolling in this non-credit program.

• Any individual who needs to understand medical coding
• Anyone who may want to obtain new skills to generate additional revenue while working another job or during retirement

This course is for anyone who wants to learn medical coding for the outpatient environment only. This course will not teach any inpatient coding. No previous medical or healthcare industry knowledge or work experience is necessary as a prerequisite for this program.

This program is taught by an industry expert with over 20 years’ experience in the Medical Coding field.

There is no enrollment deadline, but you should enroll as soon as you know you want to join the program. Class size is limited, so enroll early. If the program fills up, you can ask to be placed on a waiting list or enroll in a subsequent semester.

Click the "Add to Cart" button on the right-hand side of the page to enroll. If the program has already started, email cpie-info@csulb.edu.

CPC-A is Certified Professional Coder - Apprentice, meaning a person with less than two years of coding experience. The "apprentice" designation can be removed with a letter stating that one has had two years of coding experience. The American Academy of Professional Coders (AAPC) also has a coding practice/application program that one can purchase and complete to remove the "A."

There are job listings which state that they will hire a CPC-A, but the goal is for newly credentialed coders to obtain the necessary experience to get the "A" removed, which can be accomplished via AAPC's coding practice/application.

The CPC exam fee is not included in the cost of the course. The instructor will review with students when, where, and how to register for the CPC exam.

The schedule is set to ensure that the class covers all required coursework.

All class sessions are recorded and posted for students to review.