The Lifelong Learning Center
310 South Curtis Street
Missoula, MT 59801
(406) 549-8765
Certified Outpatient Medical Coding
Are you considering how to improve your job opportunities in the medical field? Have you considered becoming a certified medical coder? Medical coders convert medical information into codes. These codes are transmitted and used by insurance companies or other agencies.
This 80 hour training program will provide the most current information related to medical 
coding and follows an approved curriculum to prepare individuals for the CPC® certification exam.
This training will provide theory and fundamentals of outpatient diagnosis (ICD-9), surgical and medical procedures (CPT), and supplemental (HCPCS) coding. Instruction will include guided exercises through coding books; individual and group coding exercises, analysis and coding of medical report scenarios, and examination preparation exercises.
General Procedures:
Applications are available at the Lifelong Learning Center at 310 South Curtis. You will receive a letter after the application deadline informing you of your admission status. If you are admitted into the coding program, you will be required to attend a mandatory orientation.
Certified Outpatient Medical Coding Application Form (opens a pdf)
Certified Medical Coding Program
Are you considering how to improve your job opportunities in the medical field? Have you considered becoming a certified medical coder? Medical coders convert medical information into codes. These codes are transmitted and used by insurance companies or other agencies.
This 84 hour training program will provide the most current information related to medical coding and follows an approved curriculum to prepare individuals for the CPC® certification exam.
This training will provide theory and fundamentals of outpatient diagnosis (ICD-9), surgical and medical procedures (CPT), and supplemental (HCPCS) coding. Instruction will include guided exercises through coding books; individual and group coding exercises, analysis and coding of medical report scenarios, and examination preparation exercises.
Application Requirements:
You will need to submit the following information by the application deadline to be considered for admission into the coding program.
Pre-Requisites:
Required:
Medical Terminology
Anatomy & Physiology
Options for pre-requisites classes through the Lifelong Learning Center:
On site classes (check current course catalog)
OR
On line at: www.ed2go.com/learningcenter
Medical Terminology: A Word Association Approach
Human Anatomy and Physiology
Human Anatomy and Physiology II
- (Pre-Requisite course work for students not currently working in the medical field (Highly Recommended – but not required) – completion of a Medical Billing course on site at the Lifelong Learning Center)
Pre-Requisite courses are waived for those with a current medical license.
Examples: LPN, RN, NP, PA, DO, MD
Application Deadline & Requirements:
Date: December 19, 2011 or until filled
1. Complete Application Form
2. Copies of medical degree and/or proof of current license (to waive pre-requisite courses)
3. Copies of transcripts for successful completion of Medical Terminology and Anatomy & Physiology course work.
- Or Completion of “Prove-it Tests” with a score of 80% or higher in these subjects (to schedule tests call Missoula workforce Center Job Service at 728-7060)
4. Tuition payment in full or authorization for payment. $999 for Missoula on-site classes, $1344 for distance learning classes (meet at same times via a computer).
Upon Admission:
Once you have been admitted into the Coding Program you will receive a program acceptance letter. This letter will provide further details regarding required materials.
Additionally, admitted students will be required to:
- Attend a mandatory orientation.
- Receive required books and complete assignments to prepare for the first class.
Cost of Program:
Costs of the coding program are as follows:
- Tuition: $999 for Missoula onsite classes, $1344 for distance learning classes (meet at same times via a computer)
- Includes 84 hours of classroom training
- Required text books and coding book package.
- Students are required to utilize the coding book package in this course. No coding books from other sources will be accepted into the program or for the proctored exam.
- Required student membership fee of $70.00 to join American Academy of Professional Coders (AAPC). This membership is required after acceptance into the program for access to specific course materials and to sit for the national examination.
- You are required to provide your membership number to the course instructor on the first class meeting.
- A national coding examination will be offered at the end of this program. Registration for the national examination is limited to students who have successfully completed the program. An examination fee of $260.00 will be required at the time of examination enrollment. Testing date will be announced during mandatory orientation session.
Program Schedule:
- Orientation is required for those students who have been notified with acceptance into the program. Students must attend all classes to be eligible for certification examination.
- Application Deadline: December 19, 2011
- Beginning Date: January 24 2012
- Ending Date: March 24 2012
- Days: Tues & Thurs
- Times: 5:30 pm – 9:30 pm
- Days: Saturday(s) TBA
- Times: 9:00 – 3:00 pm
Distance Learning Brochure: Outpatient Certified Coding Distance Learning
Certification Exam:
To qualify for the CPC® examination you will be required to:
- Maintain a passing grades on all course work and exams
- Enroll and pay for a student membership to AAPC
- Enroll and pay for the national coding examination to AAPC
- Provide two letters of recommendation from current or previous medical employer(s)
- Provide to AAPC Examination Department two letters of recommendation for proof of two-year work experience in the medical field. These letters can be from current or previous employer(s) must be on company letterhead, dated, and signed by person making the recommendation. The two-years of medical work experience can be in any of the following areas: medical records, use of medical codes, or hands-on-patient care. These letters are required for national examination at a non-apprentice level.
- IF you do not have two years of work experience in the medical field your national examination will be apply to the apprentice level.
- To qualify for an apprentice certification CPC-A® two-years of work experience is not required. This course is fast-paced and requires strong knowledge of pre-requisites materials. This course is designed for individuals who qualify for a non-apprentice status and obtain their certifications at the CPC® level.
- Upon successful completion of the coding program students are eligible to sit for a national coding examination. This exam is scheduled at the end of the program and will be proctored on-site. Registration for the examination is limited to qualified students in the program. Students will be required to enroll through AAPC for the examination during the program. An examination fee of $260.00 will be required at the time of examination enrollment.
Copyright© 2011 The Lifelong Learning Center