MEDC-101: Medical Coding: ICD-10-CM/PCS

This online medical coding course introduces students to ICD-10-CM and ICD-10-PCS, the international coding standards used for diagnoses and procedures in healthcare. Students will learn official coding conventions, apply guidelines across body systems, and practice assigning codes through case studies and exercises. The course emphasizes accuracy, compliance, billing, and reimbursement, making it ideal preparation for careers in medical coding, health information management, and healthcare compliance.

Course Description

MEDC-101: Medical Coding I: ICD-10-CM/PCS provides students with a foundation in diagnostic and procedural coding using industry-standard systems. Guided by Understanding ICD-10-CM and ICD-10-PCS by Mary Jo Bowie, students will explore the structure, conventions, and official guidelines that govern coding in hospitals, clinics, and insurance organizations.

The course covers coding for a wide range of conditions and procedures, including infectious diseases, neoplasms, circulatory and respiratory disorders, pregnancy, injuries, and surgical interventions. Students will also study ICD-10-PCS conventions for coding medical, surgical, obstetric, imaging, and rehabilitation procedures.

By the end of the course, learners will be able to assign codes accurately, evaluate compliance and billing requirements, and use coding resources to minimize errors. This training is essential for entry-level positions in medical billing and coding, health information management, and reimbursement, while also preparing students for advanced courses and certification pathways.

Textbook: Understanding ICD-10-CM and ICD-10-PCS: A Worktext, 10th Edition (Mary Jo Bowie, 2026)

Course Objectives

Explain the structure, conventions, and official guidelines of ICD-10-CM and ICD-10-PCS.

Apply diagnostic and procedural codes accurately across multiple body systems and clinical scenarios.

Analyze case studies to determine correct code assignment using ICD-10-CM and ICD-10-PCS guidelines.

Demonstrate proficiency in coding for medical, surgical, and specialty procedures.

Evaluate coding accuracy in relation to compliance, billing, and reimbursement requirements.

Utilize coding resources and tools to improve efficiency and reduce errors in healthcare documentation.

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Course Contents

Introduction to ICD-10-CM and ICD-10-PCS – Purpose, history, and structure

ICD-10-CM Conventions and Guidelines – Coding rules and documentation standards

Infectious and Parasitic Diseases – HIV, TB, sepsis, and bacterial infections

Neoplasms – Coding for benign, malignant, and uncertain tumors

Blood and Immune Disorders – Anemias, clotting, and immune deficiencies

Endocrine, Nutritional, and Metabolic Disorders – Diabetes, thyroid, and obesity

Mental and Behavioral Disorders – Substance use, anxiety, and mood disorders

Nervous System Diseases – Epilepsy, multiple sclerosis, and neurological coding

Eye and Ear Disorders – Vision, hearing, and balance conditions

Circulatory System Diseases – Heart disease, hypertension, and vascular coding

Respiratory System Diseases – Asthma, pneumonia, COPD, and lung conditions

Digestive System Diseases – GI tract, liver, pancreas, and gallbladder

Genitourinary System Diseases – Kidney, bladder, and reproductive disorders

Pregnancy and Childbirth – Labor, delivery, and complications

Perinatal Conditions and Congenital Malformations – Birth defects and neonatal care

Symptoms, Signs, and Abnormal Findings – Ill-defined conditions and diagnostic coding

Injury, Poisoning, and External Causes – Fractures, burns, overdoses, and trauma

External Causes and Z Codes – Factors influencing health status and encounters

Introduction to ICD-10-PCS – Structure, conventions, and code building

PCS Coding Guidelines – Root operations, approaches, and qualifiers

Medical and Surgical Procedures – Coding by body system (musculoskeletal, cardiovascular, etc.)

Obstetric and Newborn Procedures – Labor, delivery, and neonatal interventions

Imaging, Nuclear Medicine, and Radiation Therapy – Diagnostic and therapeutic coding

Physical Rehabilitation and Audiology – Therapy, rehab, and audiology services

Mental Health and Substance Abuse Treatments – Coding psychotherapy and treatment services

New Technology Section – Innovative and experimental procedures

Case Studies and Practice – Comprehensive coding applications and scenarios

Compliance and Reimbursement – Accuracy, fraud prevention, and billing standards

Final Exam and Professional Preparation – Summative coding assessment

Single Course or Program Option

This course may be purchased individually or as part of the certificate programs listed below.

Medical Coding & Billing
Medical Coding & Billing w/Foundations

Recommended Prerequisites

Accreditation You Can Trust

Washington Technical Institute is fully accredited by the Middle States Association Commissions on Elementary and Secondary Schools (MSA-CESS)—a regional accrediting agency recognized for setting high standards in education. This accreditation affirms that our programs, operations, and outcomes meet rigorous academic and institutional benchmarks. MSA-CESS accreditation is a mark of quality that ensures our students receive an education that is both credible and respected. It also means WTI is committed to continuous improvement, student success, and accountability at every level.