Health Information Management

Coding Specialist Program

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This program has now been updated v2022 of the ICD-10-CA and CCI Classifications and the Canadian Coding Standards.

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This program is recognized by the Canadian College of Health Information Management as preparatory for the Coding and Classification Specialist Certification

 

This program will prepare HIM professionals to become specialists in acute care coding and classification.

The Coding Specialist Program will improve accuracy, consistency, and productivity, and improve confidence to code even the most complicated cases. You will be recognized as a coding expert and improve your employability in the coding job market.

This program is ideal for employers who wish to train new coders or improve consistency and efficiency of current coding staff. Group rates are available in these situations so please contact us for more information.

Why Take This Program?

  • Approximately 120-150 hours of practice and learning
  • Learn on your own schedule – start anytime, complete as quickly as you want in up to 15 months
  • Teaches you problem solving techniques you can use with any challenging chart
  • Hands-on experience with real cases and most relevant, up to date resources
  • Supported by expert coding faculty
  • Be recognized as an expert
  • All graduates will be eligible to apply for CHIMA’s Classification and Coding Specialist Certification (CCCS)
  • Graduates may claim 30 CHIMA CPE Credits in the Formal HIM-Related Education category

Who Should Take This Program?

Prerequisites:

This program requires an application. It is intended for certified Health Information Management professionals who meet at least one of the requirements below:

  • Have graduated from an accredited Canadian Health Information Management Program in the past two years OR
  • Have worked in a coding role using the ICD-10-CA/CCI classifications within the last 2 years. OR
  • Have successfully completed our Coding Refresher within the last 2 years

Proof of one of the above will be required as part of the application process.

Other requirements:

  • Proof of active certified membership in CHIMA.
  • Access to CIHI’s ICD-10-CA and CCI Folio Views Software is required and available for free to CHIMA members. More information will be provided after enrolment. Encoder software is not allowed in this program.
  • Apple users will require additional software that converts the operating system to Windows (e.g.: parallels) in order to use the Folio software

More information on application documents can be found here.

Length:
  • Approximately 150 hours
  • Take up to 15 months to complete, at your own pace
Cost:
  • $1195 CAD
  • International students, please contact us before applying.
  • Optional Recommended text:
  • Optional: ICD-10-CA/CCI Classification Primer, 9th Edition – eBook ($155) or Paperback ($225)  Purchase Text

At the completion of this program, learners will be able to:

  1. Apply coding and classification rules, principles, and standards with confidence
  2. Display a high level of accuracy, completeness, and efficiency in coding charts of varying degrees of complexity and type
  3. Apply a systematic process to problem solving any case
  4. Assign ICD-10-CA and CCI codes for any codes, for any case and explain/justify code selection confidently:
    • Explain how and why they arrived at codes
    • Identify key information sources and pertinent facts needed for decision-making
    • Apply and explain all relevant coding rules and principles
    • Access appropriate resources and support
    • Use common and helpful tips and tricks to enhance accuracy and efficiency
    • Use appropriate and consistent methods of troubleshooting

Each of 6 modules will contain key coding and classification rules, conventions, resources, and tips for clinical cases of each category. Learners must then code a series of charts, in clinical types identified as particularly challenging, frequently problematic, or complex. A journal component will help the learner to bring coding and classification processes to a consistent, conscious level.

Module 1: Fundamentals – Refresher

Module 2: Medicine

Module 3: Surgery

Module 4: Obstetrics

Module 5: Neoplasms

Module 6: Trauma

Coding Specialist Program Quick FAQ

  • What will I achieve at the completion of this course?

    At the end of this course, you will receive a certificate from CHA Learning. You will also be eligible to challenge the exam for the Classification and Coding Specialist Certification (CCCS)

  • Do I need to be a certified HIM Program to enrol?

    Yes, you must be a certified, active member of CHIMA to enrol.

  • Do I have to have recent coding experience to enrol?

    Yes, to enrol in this program you must either have recent coding experience within the last two years, or be a graduate of an accredited HIM program within the last two years.

  • Can I take this course if I live outside of Canada?

    In some cases, international applicants are eligible to take this course. Please contact us to discuss your situation.

“I feel I have gained a ton of skill and knowledge and have been able to apply this knowledge to any case that is put in front of me. I feel like a much more well-rounded coder and am excited to tackle whatever gets thrown my way!”
—Meagan H., Graduate 2021
“Completing this program has changed the way I approach a case to code. I have a better understanding of the coding standards and I feel more confidence in interpreting and applying them.”
—Jill V., Graduate 2021

Articles About Clinical Coding in Canada

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