Revenue Cycle Management Medical Coder Biller, A.T.D.

Program Overview

The Revenue Cycle Management Medical Coder Biller certificate is a PCAP-approved, 38-credit hour program. Medical coding professionals provide reliable and valid information for reimbursement and research. This requires a unique blend of skills.

A coder is a specialist who can convert the health information to diagnosis and procedures codes that assist health care providers receive proper reimbursement. Since coders understand the data, they also can analyze the data.

Coding professionals work in a multitude of settings throughout the health care industry including hospitals, physician offices, clinics, long-term care facilities, insurance companies, government agencies and home care providers.

To fit your schedule, Santa Fe College's 38 credit hour certification program offers a full time and part-time option. Courses are online with proctored testing requirements to include professional practice experience (PPE).

The SF comprehensive Revenue Cycle Management/Medical Coder Biller certificate program includes biomedical courses such as anatomy physiology, pathophysiology, pharmacotherapy, information technology, as well, instruction in disease classification system (ICD10CM/PCS) and a nomenclature system (CPT4/HCPCS).

All courses in this certification program ladders into the A.S. degree in Health Information Technology. Students needing additional information should check the program website or contact the program director and/or advisor.

Upon completion of program, the students are eligible to take the American Health Information Management Association (AHIMA) Certified Coding specialist (CCS), Certified Coding Associate (CCA) or American Academy of Professional Coders (AAPC) Certified Professional Coder (CPC) National Certification Exam; the student decides which certification they would like to obtain.

Santa Fe College Program Quick Facts 2024-2025

  • 98% Job Placement Post-graduation
  • 97% Program Completion Rate
  • 100% Employer Satisfaction
  • 100% Student Satisfaction

Santa Fe College – Health Information Technology Programs are "cutting edge" programs that are committed in providing:

  • Excellent instruction
  • Relevant instruction in theory and technology
  • Advocate the Code of Ethics, Integrity, honesty, leadership, cultural diversity, and equity
  • Collaborate with our community and professional practice experience partners.
  • Promote lifelong learning.

In keeping with SF and AHIMA's values and goals, the Health Information Technology Programs are comprehensive higher educational laddering opportunities for the student to ultimately become employable.

  • Provide value to the industry by becoming HIM leaders across all health and business sectors.
  • Educate consumers to optimize their health through management of their personal health information.
  • Be recognized as experts in information governance.
  • Transform data into information intelligence.
  • Be thought leaders that support and practice evidence-based research.

According to the Bureau of Labor statistics, employment in health information technologists and medical registrars, revenue cycle management, and data analytics occupations is projected to grow 17 percent from 2021 to 2031, much faster than the average for all occupations, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics. By earning an Associate Degree in Health Information Technology or a certificate in revenue cycle management from Santa Fe College's Health Information Technology (HIT) program, the student will have a bright future in the healthcare and business industry.

There are no Admission requirements for this program.

If a student is not at college level, they would take the prep classes before beginning the program courses but could still be admitted.

Biomedical courses such as BSC2085 and BSC2086 plus labs and/or HSC 2531 is highly suggested to take prior to taking coding courses or as co-requisites.

Students can pursue two programs at the same time, such as an A.S. degree and an A.A. degree, or a primary degree and an alternate degree or supplement A.A., A.S. degree with certifications.

DRC and Testing Accommodations

Requests for testing accommodations must be made in advance with the Disabilities Resource Center (DRC) located on the Northwest Campus. Please be prepared to provide documentation of disability to the DRC when making the request. Contact 352-395-4400v/TTY for further assistance.

All tuition and fees are estimated costs and subject to change without notice.

Program Costs:

  • Florida Residents:
    • $106.77 per credit hour x 38 credit hours = $4,057.26
  • Non-Florida Residents:
    • $382.90 per credit hour x 38 credit hours = $14,550.20

Does not include books, lab fees, etc.

For more information, please visit Tuition Costs and Due Dates.

Scholarships

Financial Aid

There are many options to finance your education. You may be eligible for Federal Grants, Work Study, State Grants, Federal Loans, and Institutional Scholarships. For more information and how to apply, please visit the Financial Aid page.

 

PCAP LogoAHIMA PCAP Approved Coding Program

Santa Fe College is one of 27 PCAP approved coding programs throughout the nation.

Coding certificate programs which have earned formal approval under AHIMA's Professional Certificate Approval Program (PCAP) adhere to quality standards in programming, instruction and curriculum for non-degree granting academic coding certificate programs.

PCAP approved coding certificate programs offer a comprehensive curriculum which meets or exceeds rigorous PCAP coding competencies and have been evaluated for compliance with faculty qualifications for coding education and program standards.

Benefits of PCAP Approval

  • Industry-wide recognition for compliance with quality standards in programming, instruction, curriculum, and competencies for non-degree granting academic coding certificate programs
  • Prominent listing in the Directory of PCAP Approved Programs
  • Student eligibility to sit for AHIMA's Certified Coding Associate (CCA), Certified Coding Specialist (CCS) or Certified Coding Specialist – Physician-based (CCS-P) certification exams
  • Demonstrated adherence to rigorous standards set by industry leaders in coding practice and coding education
  • Demonstrated commitment to coding practice workforce development through practical application and competency demonstration via required professional practice experiences

Coding and Revenue Cycle Typical Job Titles:

AHIMA Career Map (80+ HIM professional roles that cross all healthcare/business sectors) represented in four categories: Coding and Revenue Cycle, Data Analytics, Informatics, Information Governance. See featured health information management jobs.

Just to name a few:

  • Insurance claims specialist
  • Billing and Collections specialist
  • Physician Coding Compliance Specialist
  • DRG Validator
  • Clinical Documentation specialist
  • HIM Revenue Cycle Specialist
  • Coding Professional
  • Coding Educator
  • Reimbursement and Insurance Manager
  • Chargemaster Manager
  • Coding Trainer
  • Director of Coding

Salary Range:

Department of Labor

  • Medical Records & Health Information Technicians - 2021 Median Pay:
    • $62,990 per year
    • $30.28 per hour

AHIMA US Salary Survey Report

  • HIM Professionals in 2019 - Average Salary by Years of Experience:
    • 0-1 years: $44,530
    • 1-2 years: $47,290
    • 3-4 years: $51,110
    • 5-6 years: $52,400
    • 7-10 years: $59,770
    • 11-20 years: $70,080
    • 21-30 years: $81,510
  • Salary by AHIMA Credential:
    • CCA - $53,790
    • CCS - $79,060
    • CCS-P - $77,790
    • RHIT - $70,300
    • RHIA - $91,450
    • CHDA - $92,100 (Depending on healthcare experience, AHIMA eligibility applies)
    • CDIP - $93,770
    • CHPS - $100,560

Professional Practice CAPSTONE Experiences (PPE)

The program is thankful for the 40+ industry partners who host Santa Fe College Health Information Technology Students.

(Gainesville, Jacksonville, Orlando)

2018 AHIMA Health Information Management Curricula Competencies

Each academic level is comprised of six common domains representing the areas of mastery important for all HIM students and practitioners regardless of academic degree.

Domain I. Data Structure, Content, and Information Governance
Domain II. Information Protection: Access, Use, Disclosure, Privacy, and Security
Domain III. Informatics, Analytics, and Data Use
Domain IV. Revenue Cycle Management
Domain V. Health Law & Compliance
Domain VI. Organizational Management & Leadership

At the associate degree level, programs can choose one or both specialty tracks which include Data Management and Revenue Management.

Competencies are broadly written to allow for program flexibility and attainment of the required Bloom's levels regardless of academic program. The competencies represent progression across all academic levels.

Program Learning Outcome (PLO) Summary (AHIMA 38 Competencies across A.S. curriculum)

PLO1: Student will describe revenue cycle management
PLO2: Student will demonstrate the use of information protection; access, use, disclosure, privacy, and security.
PLO3: Student will describe the key aspects of health law and compliance.
PLO4: Student will identify the activities associated with organizational management and leadership.
PLO5: Students will apply health informatics/data analysis concepts to the management of health information through the utilization of technologies, and databases all while supporting the secure electronic exchange of data to promote the quality of healthcare.
PLO6: Student will validate the assignment of diagnostic and procedure codes and groupings in accordance with official guidelines, and regulatory requirements all while contributing to the revenue cycle management and clinical documentation improvement processes.

Supporting Knowledge Courses

  • BSC2085/L Anatomy/Physiology
  • BSC2086/L Anatomy/Physiology
  • HSC2531 Medical Terminology
  • STA2023 Statistics (Math)
  • CGS1101 Computer Applications

Program Length: 1 year (Full-time) 2 years (Part-time)

Credit hours: 38

Time to completion: Depends on whether full-time or part-time student. Fall and Spring start opportunities.

Need C or higher in all coursework.

All students are urged to make an appointment to see SF's Business Programs Advisor once each semester to ensure that adequate progress toward a degree is being made. All students must apply for graduation upon enrollment in their last semester of coursework.

Format:

  • Online

Curriculum:

Sample Sequencing for Full-time Students - Fall Start

Florida CIP: 0351071400
SF Program Code: 6598

The Santa Fe College HIT Program is complying with the State DOE request to recategorize C.C.C. 6592 to a A.T.D. 6598 effective Fall 2023 Semester.

2024-2025
Total SF Semester Hours = 38

Term 1 Summer (10 credit hours)

  • HSC2531 Medical Terminology (3 credit hours)
  • BSC2085/L – Anatomy Physiology 1 and Lab (4 credit hours)
  • HIM1000 Introduction to Healthcare and Information Management (3 credit hours) Must be familiar with Microsoft Applications as they will be used throughout the program. If not comfortable or need a refresher, please take CGS1101 prior to taking HIM1000.

Term 2 Fall (10 credit hours)

  • BSC2086/L – Anatomy Physiology 2 and Lab or take during fall semester. (4 credit hours)
  • HIM1253CCPT-4 Basic Procedure Coding (3 credit hours) Pre-req: BSC2085, BSC2085L and HSC2531 Co-req: BSC2086/L
  • HIM2211 (or Fall) Health Information Technology (3 credit hours) Pre-req: HIM1000

Term 3 Spring (9 credit hours)

  • HIM1440 Pharmacotherapy/Pathophysiology for Allied Professionals (3 credit hours) Pre-req: BSC2085, BSC2085L and BSC2086/L and HSC2531
  • HIM2722C Introduction to ICD10CM Diagnosis Coding (3 credit hours) Pre-req: BSC2085/L, BSC2086/L and HSC2531; Co-req: HIM1440
  • HIM2012 Health Law and Compliance (3 credit hours) Pre-req: HIM1000
  • HIM2652 – Electronic Health Records/Informatic Systems Pre-req: HIM1000

Term 3 Summer (9 credit hours)

  • HIM2292 Advanced IP/OP Coding (3 credit hours) Pre-req: HIM2722C, HIM1253C,
  • HIM2814C PPE I: Traditional & Exam Prep – last course to take in RCM certificate but is Pre-req to progress to second year in A.S. HIT degree (Requires 30 hours at site during business hours) (3 credit hours) Pre-req: HIM1000, HIM2211, HIM2273C, HIM1253C, HIM2272C and HIM2012 Last course taken in RCM Certificate
  • HIM2273C Revenue Cycle Management (3 credit hours) Pre-req: HIM1253C and HIM2722C

Sample Sequencing for Part-time Students - Fall Start

Florida CIP: 0351071400
SF Program Code: 6598

The Santa Fe College HIT Program is complying with the State DOE request to recategorize C.C.C. 6592 to a A.T.D. 6598 effective Fall 2023 Semester.

2024-2025
Total SF Semester Hours = 37

Term 1 Summer (7 credit hours)

  • HSC2531 Medical Terminology (3 credit hours)
  • BSC2085/L – Anatomy Physiology 1 and Lab (4 credit hours)

Term 2 Fall (10 credit hours)

  • HIM1000 Introduction to Health Information Management (3 credit hours) Must be familiar with Microsoft Applications as they will be used throughout the program. If not comfortable or need a refresher, please take CGS1101 prior to taking HIM1000.
  • HIM1253C CPT-4 Basic Procedure Coding (3 credit hours) Co-req: BSC2086/L, Pre-req: BC2085/L, and HSC2531
  • BSC2086/L – Anatomy Physiology 2 and Lab or take during fall semester. (4 credit hours)

Term 3 Spring (6 credit hours)

  • HIM1440 Pharmacotherapy/Pathophysiology (3 credit hours) Pre-req: BCS2084 with lab and HSC2531. Co-req: HIM2722C
  • HIM2652 – Electronic Health Records/Informatic Systems Pre-req: HIM1000

Term 4 Summer (3 credit hours)

  • HIM2012 Health Law and Compliance (3 credit hours) Pre-req: HIM1000

Term 5 Fall (6 credit hours)

  • HIM2211 Health Information Technology (3 credit hours) Pre/Co-req: HIM1000
  • HIM2722C Introduction to ICD10CD Diagnosis Coding (3 credit hours) Pre/Co-req: HIM1440

Term 6 Spring ( 6 credit hours)

  • HIM2292 Advanced IP/OP Coding (3 credit hours) Pre-req: HIM1253C and HIM2722C
  • HIM2273CL Revenue Cycle Management (3 credit hours) Pre-req: HIM1253C and HIM2722C

Term 7 Summer (3 credit hours)

  • HIM2814C PPEI: Traditional & Exam Prep – last course to take in RCM certificate and first PPE to start second year of A.S. HIT degree. (3 credit hours) (Requires 30 hours at site during business hours) Pre-req: HIM1000, HIM2211, HIM2273C, HIM1253C, HIM2272C and HIM2012 last course to take in RCM Certificate.

Sample Sequencing for Part-time Students - Spring Start

Florida CIP: 0351071400
SF Program Code: 6598
2024 - 2025
Total SF Semester Hours = 38

Term 1 Fall (7 credit hours)

  • HSC2531 Medical Terminology (3 credit hours)
  • BSC2085/L – Anatomy Physiology 1 and Lab (4 credit hours)

Term 2 Spring (10 credit hours)

  • HIM1000 Introduction to Healthcare and Information Management (3 credit hours) Must be familiar with Microsoft Applications as they will be used throughout the program. If not comfortable or need a refresher, please take CGS1101 prior to taking HIM1000.
  • HIM1253C CPT-4 Basic Procedure Coding (3 credit hours) Pre-reqs: BSC2085 with lab and HSC2531
  • BSC2086 and BSC2086L Anatomy and Physiology with lab (4) Pre-req: HSC2531

Term 3 Summer (6 credit hours)

  • HIM2211 Health Information Technology (3 credit hours) Pre/Co-req: HIM1000
  • HSC2531 Medical Terminology (3 credit hours)

Term 4It Fall (9 credit hours)

  • HIM1440 Pharmacotherapy/Pathophysiology (3 credit hours) Pre-reqs: BSC2085 with lab, BSC2086/L and HSC2531; Co-req: HIM2722C
  • HIM2722C Classification Systems ICD10CM (3 credit hours) Pre-reqs: BSC2085/L and BSC2086 with lab (could take in Spring); Co-req: HIM1440

Term 5 Spring (3 credit hours)

  • HIM2012 Health Law and Compliance (3 credit hours) Pre-req: HIM1000
  • HIM2292 Advanced IP/OP Coding (3 credit hours) Pre-req: HIM2722C and HIM1253C

Term 6 Summer (9 credit hours)

  • HIM2273C Revenue Cycle Management (3 credit hours) Pre-req: HIM2722C and HIM1253C
  • HIM2814C PPE I: Traditional & Exam Prep – last course to take in RCM Certificate (Requires 30 hours at site during business hours) (3 credit hours) Pre-reqs: HIM1000, HIM2211, HIM2273C, HIM1253C, HIM2272C and HIM2012 last course to take in RCM certificate

The Health Information Technology Program is a practice discipline with cognitive, sensory, affective and psychomotor performance requirements. Applicants should assess their aptitude and ability to perform professional duties by reviewing the Program Performance Standards below and discussing them with their healthcare provider. Applicants who identify potential difficulties with meeting the Program Performance Standards should communicate their concerns to the Academic Chair for Business Programs. If the concern is related to a documented disability, applicants are responsible for contacting the Disabilities Resource Center for determination of reasonable and appropriate accommodation.

HIT Program students should possess the following general qualities: critical thinking, sound judgment, written/verbal professional communication, emotional stability and maturity, empathy, physical and mental stamina, and the ability to learn and function in a wide variety of didactic and clinical settings. Graduates of the HIT Program must have the minimal skills, essential functions, and knowledge to function in a broad variety of clinical settings.

  • Attribute
    • Standard
      • Example
  • Critical Thinking
    • Critical thinking sufficient for business, clinical and technical judgment.
      • Interpret medical records, regulations, data analysis, technology in order to process and make better clinical and business decisions.
  • Interpersonal
    • Interpersonal abilities sufficient to interact with internal and external stakeholders from a variety of social, emotional, cultural and intellectual backgrounds.
      • Communicate and present effectively, appropriately, and sensitively with internal and external stakeholders.
  • Communication
    • Ability to effectively communicate sufficiently with internal and external stakeholders in a verbal and written form.
      • Communicate effectively, appropriately and sensitively with internal and external stakeholders. Gather, manager, analyze, protect and secure information responsible for treatment, operations and payment for organization. The student must be able to read, write, see, speak, hear and interpret written and verbal communication in English.
  • Mobility
    • Physical abilities sufficient to move independently from room to room and through hallways; maneuver in small places.
      • Perform complex motor skills necessary to provide sufficient management, security, protection, analysis of information that contributes to clinical, business and technological aspects of organization. Be able to sufficiently and adequately contribute to the treatment, operations and payment for services rendered.
  • Tactile and Motor Skills
    • Gross and fine motor abilities sufficient to safely and effectively perform functions that affiliate with treatment, operations and payment of services provided.
      • Possess fine and gross motor skills to accurately assess, monitor, gather, secure, protect health information for treatment, operations and payment for services rendered.
  • Hearing
    • Auditory ability sufficient to monitor and assess health information, business and technology needs.
      • Hear to accurately assess vital signs, monitor equipment, alarms and alerts; communicate verbally with patients, family, staff and other healthcare providers.
  • Visual
    • Visual ability sufficient to gather, interpret, manage, secure information for data analysis, medical coding so effectively and successfully perform business and technological practices through treatment, operations and payment of services provided.
      • Read patient charts, flow sheets and equipment; use visual inspection to monitor and assess business, clinical and technological aspects of treatment, operations and payment of services provided.

Technical Standards
The goal of the Santa Fe College's Health Information Technology (HIT) Program is to prepare students for the practice of acquiring, managing, analyzing, and securing health information for the purposes of treatment, payment and operations (TPO) of any organization. The HIM professional is an allied health profession who brings value to any organization.

Modern allied health education requires that the accumulation of scientific knowledge be accompanied by the simultaneous acquisition of essential skills, functions, and professional attitudes and behavior. The college must ensure that patients are not placed in jeopardy by students with impaired intellectual, physical, or emotional functions. Students will be judged not only on their scholastic accomplishments but also on their physical and emotional capacities to meet the full requirements of the college's curriculum and to graduate as skilled and effective practitioners.

Students in the Health Information Technology Program must demonstrate the following minimum abilities to:

  • Acquire and apply information from classroom instruction, laboratory experience, independent learning, and team projects.
  • Communicate effectively in English in oral and written form with colleagues, clerical employees in Health Information Management departments and other health professionals as part of the healthcare team.
  • Communicate effectively in English in oral and written form with patients, attorneys, workers' compensation representatives, insurance companies, and other third-party payers and other individuals and agencies who need information from patient records or databases maintained in Health Information Management departments.
  • Computers and complete computer-based assignments in a timely fashion.
  • Function (consult, negotiate, share) as part of a team.
  • Read, interpret, comprehend material used in HIM settings such as coding manuals, policies and procedures, patient medical records.
  • Calculate mathematical information such as hospital statistics, budgets, and productivity information.
  • Have the manual dexterity necessary to file medical records and cards as well as assemble paper medical record forms. (E H R and paper medical records)
  • Have the visual and manual dexterity necessary to prepare office layouts and to design forms and computer screens.
  • Operate equipment, word processors, transcription equipment, electronic movable files, copier, etc. (E H R and paper medical records)
  • Synthesize information regarding health care outcomes for formal, verbal and/or written presentation to health care professionals.

The essential abilities listed in this document can be accomplished through direct student response, the use of prosthetic or orthotic devices or through personal assistance, e.g., readers, sign language interpreters, note-takers. Reasonable accommodation in compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act will be provided on an individual basis. Students seeking accommodations should initiate their request with the Disabilities Resource Center, Santa Fe College. Students will then discuss their needs with the appropriate course instructor(s).

Professional Appearance: Students must abide by specific professional appearance requirements while in the program. These requirements have been agreed upon by Santa Fe College and its clinical partners. Hair must be maintained within the range of natural color and must be conservative in length and style. Completely shaved or bald styles are acceptable; however, not partially shaved or one-sided haircuts are permitted. Visible tattoos must always be covered. Visible body piercings are not allowed, and earlobe gauges must be covered. Earrings are limited to one stud-style pair per ear. Clothing and footwear must comply with standards prescribed by the program. Facial hair should be kept neat and trimmed short. Artificial nails, nail polish, jewelry, watches, and perfume are not permitted. Professionalism is to be maintained throughout the program, professional practice experience and beyond. Remember, you represent YOU, the program, and the college.

Required Immunizations, Hepatitis B vaccine* (Cost estimate based upon physical and full immunization/titer panel offered by SF Student Health Center. Costs for other health care providers may vary. Titers available through Alachua Co Public Health Dept. for $20 blood draw fee. Allow 10-14 days for results.)

*The first shot in the Hepatitis B vaccine series must be taken a minimum of 30 days prior to the start of the first semester of professional course work. The second shot should be taken a minimum of 30 days following the administration of the first one. The final shot is taken 5 months after the 2nd injection. Hepatitis B series can be declined by signing a declination statement. Up to $300

American Heart Association BLS/CPR card (2 person infant/child). Health care provider course required; on line BLS/CPR training not accepted. $55

Flu vaccinations (2) Up to $40

Level 2 National Background Screening Up to $55

National Certification Exam (AHIMA) Fee (depending on being a member/certification) Up to $300

Potential PPE site expenses, hotel, meals, transportation Up to $200

Disclosure

The Cost of Attendance (COA) is not the bill that you will receive from Santa Fe College. It is an estimate of what it costs the typical student to attend Santa Fe College for one academic year including tuition, books, course materials, living expenses, transportation, and miscellaneous personal expenses.

Tuition and fees in the cost of attendance below are calculated for credit hour programs, assuming enrollment in 12 credit hours in the Fall and Spring semesters. Actual tuition and fees may vary by program. For a better understanding of your chosen program’s tuition and fees, see program costs above.

Undergraduate Lower Division Courses (A.A./A.S. Degree Courses)
  Off-Campus* Off-Campus with Parent**

Tuition and Fees

In-State: $106.77 per credit
Out-Of-State: $382.90 per credit

In-State: $2,563

Out-Of-State: $9,190

In-State: $2,563

Out-Of-State: $9,190

Books, Course Materials,
Supplies, and Equipment

$783 $783
Living Expenses
(Food & Housing)
$10,367 $3,654
Miscellaneous
Personal Expenses
$2,394 $2,394
Transportation $1,197 $3,942
Total

In-State: $17,304

Out-Of-State: $23,931

In-State: $13,336

Out-Of-State: $19,963

Undergraduate Upper Division Courses (Bachelor's Degree Courses)
  Off-Campus* Off-Campus with Parent**

Tuition and Fees

In-State: $126.33 per credit
Out-Of-State: $428.83 per credit

In-State: $3,032

Out-Of-State: $10,292

In-State: $3,032

Out-Of-State: $10,292

Books, Course Materials,
Supplies, and Equipment
$783 $783
Living Expenses
(Food & Housing)
$10,367 $3,654
Miscellaneous
Personal Expenses
$2,394 $2,394
Transportation $1,197 $3,942
Total

In-State: $17,773

Out-Of-State: $25,033

In-State: $13,805

Out-Of-State: $21,065

*Off-Campus: you intend to live off-campus but not with your parent(s).

**Off-Campus with Parent: you intend to live with your parent(s) or other relatives.

Note: All costs and rates are subject to change for the upcoming year.

For more detailed information, visit SF's Cost of Attendance page.

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