Spring 2025 Course Syllabus
Course: POFM-2310 (Section: 71, CRN: 10243)
Intermediate Medical Coding
LSCPA Logo Image
Instructor Information
Instructor Tonya Harbert
Email keithtj@lamarpa.edu
Phone (409) 984-6501
Office Umphrey Industrial Technology Center - Room: 201H
Office Hours 10:30-2:00 Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday
Additional Contact Information Virtual and phone appointments are available. Office visits are by appointment only. The instructor may not be in the office or on campus outside these hours and may be in other campus locations during these hours. To ensure availability, it’s best to call or email the instructor to schedule a meeting.
Course Information
Description Assignment and application of various coding guidelines with emphasis on physician billing and regulatory requirements. Includes code selection for Evaluation and Management (E/M) and Medical/Surgical cases.
Required Textbooks Textbook Purchasing Statement: A student attending Lamar State College Port Arthur is not under any obligation to purchase a textbook from the college-affiliated bookstore. The same textbook may also be available from an independent retailer, including an online retailer.

Book List and Access Information

1. MindTap Online Learning Platform for Understanding Current Procedural Terminology and HCPCS Coding Systems: 2025 Edition

Author: Mary Jo Bowie | Edition: 12th Edition | Copyright: 2026
Bundle: MindTap + eBook | ISBN: 9798214113005 | Publisher: Cengage

Access: Students will have instant access to this e-book through the Seahawk Book Bundle on Cengage's MindTap platform. No physical textbook will be sent.

2. Coding Manuals (Printed Versions Only)

  • AMA CPT® Professional 2025
    ISBN: 9781640163041 | Author: AMA | Editor: AMA | Publisher: AMA
  • HCPCS Level II Expert 2025
    ISBN: 9781635277449 | Author: AAPC | Editor: AAPC | Publisher: AAPC

Important Notes

  • No Additional Purchases Required: All required resources are included in the Seahawk Book Bundle and covered by tuition (unless a student has opted out).
  • Textbook Return Policy: Textbooks must be returned at the end of the semester. Students may write and take notes in textbooks as if they owned them. Workbooks and manuals do not need to be returned.

Additional Materials/Resources N/A
Corequisites/Prerequisites None
Learning Outcomes WECM:
Analyze case studies; apply codes to Evaluation and Management (E/M) and Medical/Surgical cases; and identify the major components of managed health care and third-party reimbursement issues.
 
TSSB:
1.1 Enters or confirms code(s) associated with medical diagnosis(es), procedures, and services
1.2 Ensures medical codes reflect medical record documentation
4.2 Validates coding accuracy using clinical information found in the health record
Program Student Learning Outcomes Identify, pronounce, and spell medical terms. Translate and interpret health abbreviations and symbols. Utilize medical software applications. Extract information from health records for appropriate code validation. Sequence codes according to established guidelines and standards. Analyze current health care trends.
Lecture Topics Outline Introduction to Current Procedural Terminology
Modifiers
Evaluation and Management
Anesthesia
Surgery & the Integumentary System
Musculoskeletal System
Respiratory System
Cardiovascular System
Hemic & Lymphatic Systems
Mediastinum and Diaphragm
Digestive System
Urinary System
Male Genital System
Female Genital System
Maternity Care & Delivery
Endocrine System
Nervous System
Eye & Ocular Adnexa
Auditory System & Operating Microscope
Radiology
Pathology and Laboratory
Medicine
HCPCS Codes
Major Assignments Schedule

COURSE SCHEDULE

 

Week

Dates

Topics/Assignments

Due Date

 

Week 1 & Week 2

Jan 20-24 & Jan 27-31

WEEK 1&2: Introduction to class; Syllabus; Syllabus Quiz; Self Introduction Discussion Board

Feb 4

 

 Week 3

Feb 3-7

Foundations of Medical Coding and Reimbursement Systems
(In the course on blackboard – No Books Required)

Feb 11

 

Week 4

Feb 10-14

Introduction to Current Procedural Terminology; Modifiers

Feb 18

 

Week 5

Feb 17-21

Evaluation and Management
Anesthesia

Feb 25

 

Week 6

Feb 24-28

Surgery & the Integumentary System; Musculoskeletal System

Mar 4

 

Week 7

Mar 3-7

EXAM 1; Respiratory System
Cardiovascular System

Mar 18

 

SPRING BREAK

Mar 10-14

No Class: Spring Break

 

Week 8

Mar 17-21

Hemic & Lymphatic Systems
Mediastinum and Diaphragm

Mar 25

 

Week 9

Mar 24-28

Digestive System
Urinary System
Male Genital System

Apr 1

 

Week 10

Mar 31-Apr 4

EXAM 2; Female Genital System
Maternity Care & Delivery

Apr 8

 

Week 11

Apr 7-11

Endocrine System

Nervous System

Apr 15

 

Week 12

Apr 14-18

EXAM 3; Eye & Ocular Adnexa
Auditory System & Operating Microscope
Radiology

Apr 22

 

Week 13

Apr 21-25

Pathology and Laboratory
Medicine

Apr 29

 

Week 14

Apr 28-May 2

HCPCS Codes

May 6

 

Week 15 & 16

May 5-15

EXAM 4
FINAL EXAM
(Comprehensive)

May 13

 

Note: All assignments are DUE Tuesdays at 11 a.m.

 

OTHER IMPORTANT DATES

 

Date

Event

 

Jan 27

First Class Day

 

Jan 23

Applying for May 23 graduation begins

 

Feb 11

Census Date

 

Feb 24

Last day to drop/withdraw without penalty

 

Apr 1

Summer & Fall registration begins

 

Apr 17

Final day to drop with penalty

 

Apr 17

Final day to apply for graduation & pay for diploma, cap, and gown

 

Apr 18

Good Friday

 

Apr 28

Applications for May graduates begin

 

May 15

Final grades due in LSCPA system by 4:00 p.m.

 

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.

• 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.

• 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.


Final Exam Date May 6, 2025 - 8:00 AM   Through  May 13, 2025 - 11:00 AM
Grading Scale  90 - 100=A 80 - 89=B  70 - 79=C   60 - 69=D  Below 59 = F
Determination of
Final Grade
Assignments/Quizzes/Participation 50%
Exams 50%
Course Policies
Instructor Policies

Assessment Methods & Grading Policy

  • Grade Tracking: Students are responsible for keeping a record of their grades. Grades can be viewed in the Blackboard gradebook after assignments are completed and graded.
    Note: The instructor will not average grades for students.

  • Assignment Adjustments: The instructor reserves the right to add or change assignments during the semester.

  • Grade Drops: The instructor will not drop any grades.

  • Assessment Methods: Learning is assessed through various means, including assignments, quizzes, discussions, labs, participation, exams, or other methods. Some course activities may enhance learning but are not graded.

  • Due Dates: Weekly due dates are posted in the course schedule.

  • Instructions and Grading: Detailed instructions and grading criteria are provided for each assignment.

Class Participation

  • Participation Requirement: Active participation is required and directly impacts your course average. Logging in and clicking around is not enough.

    • Weekly attendance and activity within the course may count as a participation grade.
  • New Assignments: Additional assignments may be added during the week if deemed necessary by the instructor.

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

Video Access REQUIRED for Virtual Classes or Meetings. 

Video access is mandatory during virtual classes or meetings.

  • The instructor must be able to see your face throughout the session to ensure engagement and participation.
  • Active interactions are required to foster a collaborative and professional learning environment.
  • Having video access ensures active participation, engagement, and effective communication.
  • It allows the instructor to verify attendance and maintains a professional learning atmosphere.

Assignments

  • No Make-Up Assignments: Assignments not submitted by the due date and time will receive a grade of zero (0). The instructor will not grade late assignments.

Quizzes

  • No Make-Up Quizzes: Quizzes may be given weekly. Missing a quiz will result in a grade of zero (0). Quizzes cannot be made up once they close.

Exams

  • No Make-Up Exams: Missing an exam will result in a grade of zero (0). At the end of the semester, the instructor will average all exam grades (including zeros) to replace the missed exam.

    Example:
    Test grades: 100, 100, 0, 80
    Total: 280 ÷ 4 = 70 (the averaged grade will replace the zero).
    Final grades: 100, 100, 70, 80

  • Final Exam Exemption: Students with an average of 80 or better and who have passed all other exams may be exempt from the final exam. The average of all previous exam grades will serve as the final exam grade.

  • Academic Dishonesty:

    • First offense: Zero on the exam or academic work in question.
    • Second offense: Grade of "F" for the course.
  • Work Ahead: If coursework is available, students are encouraged to complete assignments ahead of the scheduled due dates.

Attendance Policy

Class Participation and Attendance Policy

  • Research indicates a clear cause-and-effect relationship between attendance and college success. Based on this, the instructor monitors student course activity on a weekly basis.

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

  • Active participation is mandatory and directly impacts your course average. Simply logging in and clicking around is not sufficient.

    • Additional assignments may be added during the week if deemed necessary by the instructor.
    • Attendance (course activity) may count as a weekly participation grade.
  • It is the student’s responsibility to contact the instructor via email regarding any absences. Absences do not grant extensions for coursework or due dates.

Additional Information

Course Information and Policies

MYLSCPA Username & Password Issues

For assistance, contact Kenneth Lisby at (409) 984-6150.

Blackboard Help (Available 24/7)

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

Laptop Loan Program

LSCPA offers a laptop loan program for students in need.

  • This is a first-come, first-served program.
  • To apply, visit the LSCPA website and search "Laptop loan program" in the search bar.

Device Requirements

This course is designed to be completed on a laptop or desktop computer. Using a mobile device may lead to missed vital information or assignments.

  • Computers are available in the LSCPA computer lab (student ID required).

Important: Computer failure or lack of Internet access is not an acceptable excuse for missed assignments, projects, quizzes, or exams.

  • Students are encouraged to use campus resources if needed.

Software and Internet Access

Students must have all required course materials, including necessary software, e-books, and key codes. Reliable Internet access is mandatory for all online courses. If Internet access is unreliable, students can use the LSCPA open computer lab.

Methods of Presentation

This course may include various presentation methods, such as:

  • Lecture: PowerPoint slides, interactive notes, video, or audio sources.
  • Computer-Assisted Learning: Blackboard, publisher websites, and other platforms.
  • Lab Exercises and Discussion Boards: Hands-on and interactive assignments.
  • Internet Resources: Supplemental materials to enhance learning.

Drop/Withdrawal Policy

  • Students must verify drops/withdrawals are submitted before the final withdrawal date.
  • Retain a copy of the drop/withdrawal form for your records.
  • Return any department-owned books or equipment; failure to do so may impact your standing with LSCPA.
  • Texas law limits students to six course withdrawals at public colleges and universities (with some exceptions). Withdrawals after the penalty-free date will count toward this limit.
  • Consult the LSCPA catalog for full details and refer to the academic calendar for important dates.

E-Mail/Voice Mail Etiquette

  • Use proper email etiquette, including complete sentences and a full subject line with your name, course name, and section number.
  • Voice mail messages should clearly state your name, course, and return phone number.

Dress for Success

Students may wear casual clothing that respects the classroom environment. This includes any virtual classes and virtual meetings.

  • Clothing that exposes intimate parts, underclothing, sleepwear, or items with inappropriate logos or text is not allowed.
  • Students dressed inappropriately may be asked to leave, and this will count as an absence.

Examples of inappropriate attire:

  • Sports bras or boxers without outerwear.
  • Pajamas, robes, or slippers.
  • Clothing that is too tight, too loose, or distracting.

 

Exceptions and Changes

The instructor reserves the right to make changes or exceptions to the syllabus at their discretion.

Institutional Policies
MyLSCPA Be sure to check your campus email and Course Homepage using MyLSCPA campus web portal. You can also access your grades, transcripts, academic advisors, degree progress, and other services through MyLSCPA.
Academic Honesty Academic honesty is expected from all students, and dishonesty in any form will not be tolerated. Please consult the LSCPA policies (Academic Dishonesty section in the Student Handbook) for consequences of academic dishonesty.
ADA Considerations The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) is a federal anti-discrimination statute that provides comprehensive civil rights for persons with disabilities. Among other things, this legislation requires that all students with disabilities be guaranteed a learning environment that provides for reasonable accommodation of their disabilities. If you believe you have a disability requiring an accommodation, please contact the Disability Services Coordinator, Room 117, in the Student Sucess Center. The phone number is (409) 984-6241.
COVID 19 Information The Lamar State College Port Arthur (LSCPA) Student Code of Conduct COVID 19 Policy requires students who have been diagnosed with COVID 19 to report their condition directly to their local health department. Students should also contact their course faculty to report their quarantine status. In addition, this policy requires all students to wear face coverings when directly exposed to COVID 19 in compliance with the criteria included in the policy. For more information please refer to the COVID 19 link on the LSCPA website.
Facility Policies No food or tobacco products are allowed in the classroom. Only students enrolled in the course are allowed in the classroom, except by special instructor permission. Use of electronic devices is prohibited.
HB 2504 This syllabus is part of LSCPA's efforts to comply with Texas House Bill 2504.
Mandatory Reporting of Child Abuse and Neglect As per Texas law and LSCPA policy, all LSCPA employees, including faculty, are required to report allegations or disclosures of child abuse or neglect to the designated authorities, which may include a local or state law enforcement agency or the Texas Department of Family Protective Services. For more information about mandatory reporting requirements, see LSCPA's Policy and Procedure Manual.
Title IX and Sexual Misconduct LSCPA is committed to establishing and maintaining an environment that is free from all forms of sex discrimination, including sexual harassment, sexual violence, and other forms of sexual misconduct. All LSCPA employees, including faculty, have the responsibility to report disclosures of sexual misconduct, including sexual harassment, sexual assault (including rape and acquaintance rape), domestic violence, dating violence, relationship violence, or stalking, to LSCPA's Title IX Coordinator, whose role is to coordinate the college's response to sexual misconduct. For more information about Title IX protections, faculty reporting responsibilities, options for confidential reporting, and the resources available for support visit LSCPA's Title IX website.
Clery Act Crime Reporting For more information about the Clery Act and crime reporting, see the Annual Security & Fire Safety Report and the Campus Security website.

Grievance / Complaint / Concern If you have a grievance, complaint, or concern about this course that has not been resolved through discussion with the Instructor, please consult the Department Chair.
Department Information
Business and Industrial Technology
Chair:Sheila Guillot
Email:guillsr@lamarpa.edu
Phone:(409) 984-6381