Required Course Materials

1. MindTap for Bowie’s Understanding ICD-10-CM and ICD-10-PCS: A Worktext, 2025 Edition — 2 Terms Instant Access (Digital)

Publisher: Cengage Learning, 10th Edition
Format: Instant access/eText access code for two terms
ISBNs: 9798214113241 (digital), 9798214113258 (print)

2. ICD-10-CM Professional for Physicians 2025 (Paperback) - MANUAL REQUIRED FOR COURSE

Publisher: Optum / Optum360
ISBN: 9781622549474
Format: Softbound / paperback codebook
Publication: Late 2024 for the 2025 edition

3. ICD-10-PCS Professional 2025 (Paperback) - MANUAL REQUIRED FOR COURSE

Publisher: Optum / Optum360
ISBN: 9781622549528
Format: Softbound / paperback codebook

WECM Information

End-of-Course Outcomes

By the end of this course, students will be able to:

• Abstract information from health records for appropriate code validation.

• Code procedures and diagnoses accurately.

• Apply decision-making skills to ensure proper sequencing.

Lab Recommendation

Participation in lab sessions is recommended for hands-on practice and reinforcement of coding concepts.

Key Matrix for Medical Coding Program

Proper Application of Diagnosis and Procedure Codes

• 1.1: Enter or confirm code(s) associated with medical diagnoses, procedures, and services.

• 1.2: Ensure medical codes accurately reflect the medical record documentation.

Ensuring Compliance with Healthcare Laws and Standards

• 4.2: Validate coding accuracy using clinical information found in the health record.

1. Identify, pronounce, and spell medical terms.
2. Translate and interpret health abbreviations and symbols.
3. Utilize medical software applications.
4. Extract information from health records for appropriate code validation.
5. Sequence codes according to established guidelines and standards.
6. Analyze current health care trends.

1. Utilize computer software for basic office functions.
2. Uses medical terminology, jargon, and abbreviations correctly.
3. Define general legal terms as they apply to the practice of medicine in ambulatory care settings.
4. Understand and apply ethics relevant to medical coding and medical office practice.
5. Apply ICD and CPT rules and guidelines to complete claims forms for submission.

Course Schedule – ICD-10-CM & PCS Coding

Fall 2025 | Aug 25 – Dec 11

All coursework is due the following Tuesday at 10 a.m.

Students are strongly encouraged to keep a dedicated notebook for this course.

• Take notes for each chapter, system to use while completing assignments, quizzes, and exams.
• These notes can be used in other coding classes as well, including those in upcoming semesters.

Course Expectations & Guidelines

Monitor Course Communication Regularly
• Check Announcements, Emails, and Course Content multiple times each week.
• Stay informed to ensure you don’t miss updates or important information.

Stay on Top of Assignments and Deadlines
• Assignments and due dates are posted in the course.
• Use the Calendar, Announcements, Email, and To-Do List to stay organized.
• If coursework is made available in Blackboard, you are encouraged to work ahead of scheduled weeks and due dates.

Changes May Occur
• The instructor reserves the right to modify assignments, due dates, or course work during the semester. Check email several times a week for course announcements.
• It is your responsibility to remain active in the course and stay updated with all posted changes.

Always Use Blackboard Links
• Complete assignments through links provided in Blackboard to ensure your grades post properly in the course on Blackboard. If you do not do this, you may be required to re-do assignments.
• Not all assignments in Cengage's MindTap will be assigned or required.
• Do not go directly to the publisher’s website unless directed by the instructor.
• Always rely on Blackboard links for guidance.

Submit Work on Time
• Turn in all work by the posted due date or as outlined in verbal or written instructions.
• Refer to the Late Work Policy below for details.

Assessment Methods & Grading

• Grade Tracking: Students are responsible for keeping track of their grades and course average. Grades will be posted in the Blackboard gradebook once assignments are graded. The instructor will not average grades for students.

• Assignment Changes: The instructor reserves the right to add or modify assignments during the semester.

• Grade Policy: The instructor will not drop grades.

• Assessment: Each module targets specific learning outcomes. Some activities may enhance learning but may not be graded. Assessments may include assignments, quizzes, discussions, labs, participation, exams, or other methods.

• Due Dates: Coursework due dates are posted weekly in the course.

• Instructions: Detailed instructions and grading information will be provided for each assignment. Students are expected to read all instructions carefully.

• Early Completion: If coursework is available in advance, students are encouraged to complete it ahead of the scheduled due dates.

Class Participation

• Participation is required and directly affects the course average. Simply logging in or “clicking around” does not count; students must actively engage with course materials.

• The instructor may use course activity and attendance to help determine participation grades.

• Students must check announcements and emails at least three times per week.

Assignments

• No make-up assignments. Late work will not be accepted. Any missed assignment will receive a grade of zero (0).

Quizzes

• No make-up quizzes. Missed quizzes will receive a grade of zero (0). Once closed, quizzes cannot be retaken.

Exams

• No make-up exams. Missed exams will be recorded as zero (0).

• At the end of the semester, the average of all exam grades (including zeros) will replace the zero for the missed exam.

  • Example: Test grades = 100, 100, 0, 80 → Average = 70. The zero is replaced with 70, resulting in grades of 100, 100, 70, 80.

• Exemption Opportunity: Students who have completed and passed all exams and maintain a grade of 80 or higher may be exempt from the final comprehensive capstone simulation. If exempt, the average of other exam grades will serve as the final exam grade. If criteria are not met, missing the final exam will result in a zero (0).

Academic Dishonesty

• Any assignment or exam involving academic dishonesty will result in a zero (0).

• A second offense will result in an “F” for the course.

ATTENDANCE POLICY (ONLINE CLASS)

• Research has shown a strong connection between attendance and college success. In an online course, “attendance” is measured by your regular activity and participation in Blackboard. The instructor monitors student course activity weekly.

• Students are expected to log in to Blackboard and check announcements and email at least three times per week, even if they believe all work is complete.

• Class participation is required and directly impacts your course average. Simply logging in is not enough—students must engage with course materials and activities. Additional assignments may be added during the week if the instructor determines they are necessary. Weekly activity in the course may be used as a participation grade.

• It is the student’s responsibility to notify the instructor by email if they will be absent from the course for any reason. However, absences do not extend due dates, and coursework must still be completed on time.

MYLSCPA USERNAME & PASSWORD ISSUES

Call Kenneth Lisby at (409) 984-6150

BLACKBOARD HELP AVAILABLE 24/7

Phone: (936) 496-5379
Email: bbhelp@lamarpa.edu

COMPUTER USE POLICY

This course is designed to be completed on a laptop or desktop computer. Students often miss important information and assignments when attempting to use a mobile device.

Students may use the computers in the LSCPA computer lab if needed. A student ID is required. LSCPA also offers a laptop loan program for students who need to borrow a computer for the semester.

METHODS OF PRESENTATION

Course materials may be presented using a variety of methods, including:

• Lecture (PowerPoint slides, interactive notes, video, or audio sources)

• Computer-Assisted Learning (Blackboard, publisher websites, etc.)

• Lab exercises, discussion boards, and similar activities

• Internet resources

LAPTOP LOAN PROGRAM

LSCPA offers a laptop loan program on a first-come, first-served basis. Students may fill out the online application on the LSCPA website by searching “Laptop Loan Program” in the search bar.

SOFTWARE REQUIREMENTS

Students are required to have all necessary course materials, including (but not limited to) software, e-books, key codes, and any other items needed to complete assignments and readings. Reliable internet access is required for all online courses.

Students without reliable internet access may use the LSCPA open computer lab.

Note: Computer failure and lack of internet access are not acceptable excuses for missed assignments, projects, quizzes, or exams.

DROP/WITHDRAWAL POLICY

• Students who decide to drop/withdraw must verify that the request is submitted before the final withdrawal date.

• It is the student’s responsibility to ensure their name is removed from the roll if they drop/withdraw.

• Students are strongly encouraged to retain a copy of their drop/withdrawal form for records.

• Any books, equipment, or items belonging to the department must be returned; failure to do so may compromise a student’s standing with LSCPA.

• State law permits students to withdraw from no more than six courses during their undergraduate career at Texas public colleges/universities (with certain exceptions). All withdrawals after the “no penalty” date count toward this limit. See the LSCPA catalog for full details.

E-MAIL & VOICE MAIL ETIQUETTE

• Emails must use professional etiquette, including complete sentences and a full subject line with the student’s name, course name, and section number.

• Voice mail messages must clearly include the student’s name, course, and a return phone number.

DRESS FOR SUCCESS (For On-Campus Meetings/Classes)

As future professionals, students are encouraged to practice dressing appropriately. While casual attire is permitted, clothing should reflect respect for the class environment.

Students may be asked to leave class if their attire is inappropriate or distracting; this will be recorded as an absence.

Inappropriate attire includes but is not limited to:

• Clothing that exposes intimate body parts

• Wearing only undergarments (e.g., sports bras, boxers)

• Sleepwear (pajamas, robes, slippers)

• Clothing that is excessively tight or loose

• Clothing with offensive or inappropriate logos/text

BULLYING POLICY

Lamar State College Port Arthur is committed to maintaining a safe, respectful, and inclusive environment for all students, faculty, and staff. Bullying of any kind is strictly prohibited and will not be tolerated in academic, clinical, or online settings.

Definition of Bullying
Bullying is defined as repeated, unwanted, aggressive behavior that involves a real or perceived power imbalance. Bullying can be verbal, social, physical, or digital in nature and may include (but is not limited to):

• Verbal abuse, name-calling, or threats

• Intimidation or humiliation

• Spreading rumors or false information

• Excluding others intentionally from activities or group participation

• Cyberbullying or inappropriate use of digital platforms (e.g., email, discussion boards, video conferencing, publisher platforms, or social media)

Scope:  This policy applies to all students, faculty, and staff in:

• Face-to-face environments such as classrooms, clinical sites, labs, and simulations

• Online environments including (but not limited to) Blackboard, publisher platforms, discussion boards, email, video conferences, and other digital platforms

• Any school-sponsored activity or event

Reporting Process
Any student who experiences or witnesses bullying is encouraged to report the incident to a faculty member, program coordinator, or the department chair. Reports will be handled confidentially and investigated promptly.

Consequences
Verified incidents of bullying may result in disciplinary action, including but not limited to:

• Verbal or written warnings

• Documentation in the student’s file

• Dismissal from the program

• Referral to college administration in accordance with institutional policy

IMPORTANT NOTE

Exceptions and/or changes may be made to information in this syllabus at the instructor’s discretion.