Coding & Reimbursement Specialist

Coding and reimbursement processing is performed by specialists employed in health care settings. Coding & reimbursement specialists (C&RS) assign ICD, CPT, and HCPCS codes to diagnoses and procedures/services provided to patients in a variety of healthcare environments. Alfred State's comprehensive online coding certificate program offers individuals the opportunity to pursue a business-related career that is an essential part of the health care industry.

C&RS courses are offered as part of the health information technology program through the Internet using learning management software. Internet-based students complete C&RS course work online. Each C&RS student is assigned to an academic adviser who assists with course selection and sequencing, and serves as the student’s advocate.

Internet-based course offerings are of the same quality and meet the standards of traditional on-campus courses, and they are designed and delivered to meet established course objectives.

Students enrolled in the coding and reimbursement specialist program must complete 47 credits and earn grades of “C” or higher in all BIOL and MEDR-prefix courses.

Coding and reimbursement specialist (CRS) program students must earn a minimum grade of "C" or higher on their first and/or second attempt in each BIOL and MEDR course.  Two unsuccessful attempts (less than "C") will result in dismissal from the CRS academic program.

Professional Practice Experience

Students complete non-paid professional practice experiences (PPEs) in the health information (coding) departments of an acute care hospital (200 hours). PPE arrangements are made in consultation with each student so that a convenient location is selected. Students are required to earn a grade of at least "C" in each BIOL- and MEDR-prefix course prior to placement. Students must also earn a grade of at least "C" in the MEDR 1312 and MEDR 1323 to graduate from the coding and reimbursement specialist program. Students are not a substitute for paid staff during PPEs, which means they are expected to receive appropriate supervision and mentoring during completion of all tasks.

The Joint Commission Accreditation Standards Manual requires hospitals to implement "a process to ensure that a person's qualifications are consistent with his/her job responsibilities." This standard "applies to staff, students and volunteers," and it further states that the hospital is responsible for verifying "the following according to law, regulation or hospital policy: information on criminal background." As such, Alfred State College students who complete PPEs in the coding and reimbursement specialist and health information technology programs may be required to undergo a criminal background check prior to placement at the facility. In addition, the facility may require students to undergo a physical examination (on-site at the facility or by the student's primary care provider) prior to beginning the PPE. The physical examination includes drug screening, a Tb test, and/or DTB, hepatitis B, and/or MMRV immunization or status. Students may be required to incur costs associated with the criminal background check and/or physical examination.

Once a PPE placement has been arranged, students are expected to contact the professional practice supervisor (e.g., Director of Health Information Department) to arrange a schedule for attendance. Students may be required to attend an on-site orientation at the professional practice facility, which could be several days in length.