Certified Outpatient Coder (COC) Training – Self Learning

The Curriculum Covers

Introduction to Medical Coding
Overview of healthcare industry and coding profession
Importance of accurate coding in revenue cycle
Types of medical coding certifications (CPC, CCA, CCS, etc.)
Overview of coding systems: ICD-10-CM, CPT, HCPCS Level II

Anatomy & Physiology
Basic medical terminology
Human body systems and their functions
Anatomical positions, planes, and directions
Common diseases and surgical procedures

Medical Terminology
Prefixes, suffixes, root words
Abbreviations and acronyms
Vocabulary related to body systems
Word building and interpreting medical terms

ICD-10-CM (Diagnosis Coding)
Structure and format of ICD-10-CM
Guidelines for coding diagnoses
Chapter-specific coding (e.g., infectious diseases, neoplasms, pregnancy, mental health)
Combination codes, Excludes notes, and sequencing guidelines

CPT (Procedure Coding)
Introduction to CPT and coding structure
Coding guidelines and conventions
Evaluation and Management (E/M) services
Surgery section by body system
Anesthesia, Radiology, Pathology, and Medicine sections

HCPCS Level II
Structure and use of HCPCS
Durable Medical Equipment (DME) codes
Drugs, injections, and supplies
Medicare and payer-specific use of HCPCS

Reimbursement & Compliance
Overview of healthcare reimbursement systems
Insurance plans (Medicare, Medicaid, private insurers)
HIPAA and compliance regulations
Introduction to claim forms (CMS-1500, UB-04)
Medical necessity and documentation requirements

Coding Guidelines & Ethical Practices
AAPC/AHIMA coding ethics
Fraud and abuse in medical billing
Denials, appeals, and audits
Confidentiality and professional conduct

Practical Coding Scenarios
Hands-on coding exercises with real-world cases
Coding from medical records and charts
Mock exams and practice assessments
Case studies for outpatient and inpatient scenarios

Certification Exam Preparation
Review of all modules
Time management strategies
Practice tests (CPC, CCS, or CCA format)
Exam registration and logistics