Florida Department of Education
Curriculum Framework 

The standards and benchmarks for this program were updated for the 2026-27 academic year.

Program Title: 	Medical Information Coder/Biller 
Career Cluster: 	Health Science

College Credit Certificate	
CIP Number	0351071404	
Program Type	College Credit Certificate (CCC)	
Program Length	37 credit hours	
CTSO	HOSA	
SOC Codes (all applicable) 	For program SOC codes, please see the Program and Course Tables section of the CTE Program Resources page linked below.	
CTE Program Resources 	http://www.fldoe.org/academics/career-adult-edu/career-tech-edu/program-resources.stml	

Purpose

This certificate program is part of the Health Information Technology AS degree program (1351070700).  

A College Credit Certificate consists of a program of instruction of less than sixty (60) credits of college-level courses, which is part of an AS or AAS degree program and prepares students for entry into employment (Rule 6A-14.030, F.A.C.).

This program offers a sequence of courses that provides coherent and rigorous content aligned with challenging academic standards and relevant technical knowledge and skills needed to prepare for further education and careers in the Health Science career cluster; provides technical skill proficiency, and includes competency-based applied learning that contributes to the academic knowledge, higher-order reasoning and problem-solving skills, work attitudes, general employability skills, technical skills, and occupation-specific skills, and knowledge of all aspects of Health Science career cluster. 

The program is designed to prepare students for employment in a variety of health care settings as entry-level coders, medical record coders, coding technicians, coding clerks, or medical coders/billers (Medical Records and Health Information Technicians).  Some colleges may choose to divide the Coder/Biller Certificate into two tracks, one for coding and one for billing.

The content includes but is not limited to medical terminology, anatomy and physiology, coding systems, fundamentals of disease process, including pharmacology, healthcare delivery systems, basics of medical records services, ethical and legal responsibilities, safety/security procedures, basic data processing, and employability skills.

Additional Information relevant to this Career and Technical Education (CTE) program is provided at the end of this document.

Program Structure

When developing the course sequence for the local implementation of this program, select courses that:
•	Meet the skill development requirements of the standards and benchmarks of this program.
•	Where reasonable and practicable, align with programs offered by your institution or other postsecondary institutions in Florida, including: 
o	Related AS and AAS degrees.
o	Baccalaureate degrees within the same career pathway and/or Federal CIP code.

Visit FloridaShines’ Discover Programs website to identify other institutions that offer similar programs to review their course sequencing. Where appropriate, course alignment between institutions offering related programs can facilitate interagency student articulation.

Visit FloridaShines’ Common Prerequisites Manual to identify courses that are prerequisites for admission into an upper division program.  When sub-baccalaureate courses are aligned to the course admissions requirements of baccalaureate programs with the same career pathway, students can enter upper division coursework seamlessly.   

Florida’s Career Readiness Skills for CTE Programs

Employability Skills	
01.0	Apply academic skills to workplace scenarios.	
01.01	Use reading skills.	
01.02	Use writing skills.	
01.03	Use mathematical strategies and procedures.	
01.04	Use scientific principles and procedures.	
02.0	Design a solution to an industry problem.	
02.01	Use critical thinking.	
02.02	Use creativity.	
02.03	Make sound decisions.	
02.04	Solve problems.	
02.05	Reason. 	
02.06	Plan and organize.	
03.0	Manage resources within an industry project	
03.01	Manage time.	
03.02	Manage money or resources.	
03.03	Manage materials.	
03.04	Manage personnel.	
04.0	Oversee the subcomponents, operations and output of a technical or organizational system.	
04.01	Manage systems.	
04.02	Monitor systems.	
04.03	Improve systems.	
05.0	Use information for decision making.	
05.01	Locate information.	
05.02	Organize information.	
05.03	Use information.	
05.04	Analyze information.	
05.05	Communicate information.	
06.0	Apply relevant technology to workplace scenarios to aid productivity.	
06.01	Use technology.	
07.0	Interpret and express interpersonal communication.	
07.01	Communicate verbally.	
07.02	Listen actively.	
07.03	Comprehend written material.	
07.04	Convey information in writing.	
07.05	Communicate nonverbally.	
07.06	Interpret nonverbal communication.	
08.0	Interact with others to accomplish workplace goals.	
08.01	Collaborate with others in a team.	
08.02	Respond to customer needs.	
08.03	Exercise leadership.	
08.04	Negotiate to resolve conflict.	
08.05	Respect others.	
09.0	Manage personal behavior to maximize productivity and professional growth.	
09.01	Demonstrate responsibility and self-discipline.	
09.02	Adapt and show flexibility.	
09.03	Work independently.	
09.04	Demonstrate a willingness to learn.	
09.05	Demonstrate integrity.	
09.06	Demonstrate professionalism.	
09.07	Take initiative.	
09.08	Display positive attitude.	
09.09	Take responsibility for professional growth.	
Job Attainment	
10.0	Find, assess and apply to job opportunities.	
10.01	Identify online job posts relevant to his or her career aspirations.	
10.02	Compare and contrast the job posts’ required qualifications, job duties, compensation, benefits and employers. 	
10.03	Define what information, documentation and writing prompts are required for the positions.	
11.0	Communicate personal competence, character and fit for a job opportunity.	
11.01	Develop a resume.	
11.02	Write a cover letter.	
11.03	Curate a professional portfolio that includes work products.	
11.04	Prepare for and experience a mock job interview.	
12.0	Cultivate and leverage relationships to professionally advance.	
12.01	Request a signed reference letter, letter of recommendation and/or an online skill/professionalism endorsement. 	
12.02	Develop a plan to cultivate a professional digital footprint.	
12.03	Develop a networking plan for a specific industry of interest.	

Standards

After successfully completing this program, the student will be able to perform the following:
01.0	Demonstrate an understanding of healthcare organizations and health occupations.
02.0	Demonstrate the ability to communicate and use interpersonal skills effectively.
03.0	Explore health informatics as a health professional.
04.0	Apply knowledge of health data concepts.
05.0	Manage the adoption of multiple formats of health records and the function of digital applications.
06.0	Apply Health Information Technology principles.
07.0	Apply classification systems, clinical vocabularies, and terminologies.
08.0	Evaluate ethical issues in Health Information professions.
09.0	Demonstrate compliance with laws, regulations, and standards that impact healthcare.
10.0	Apply policies, regulations, and standards to the management of information associated with treatment, payment, and operations (TPO). 
11.0	Demonstrate computer knowledge and skills.
12.0	Demonstrate employability skills.
13.0	Describe the anatomy and physiology of the human body.
14.0	Demonstrate proficiency in the application of medical terminology.
15.0	Demonstrate an understanding of the fundamentals of disease processes in relation to the human body, including pharmacology.
16.0	Demonstrate proficiency in current medical code set systems and technology-assisted coding solutions.
17.0	Demonstrate proficiency in complex coding scenarios and value-based care requirements.
18.0	Articulate health information services within modern healthcare delivery systems related to the medical coder/biller.
19.0	Ensure professional and ethical behavior of a medical coder/biller in an evolving digital healthcare environment.
20.0	Participate in healthcare revenue cycle management processes.

Florida Department of Education
Student Performance Standards

Program Title: 	Medical Information Coder/Biller 
CIP Number: 		0351071404
Program Length: 	37 credit hours

This certificate program is part of the Health Information Technology AS degree program (1351070700).  At the completion of this program, the student will be able to:	
01.0	Demonstrate an understanding of healthcare organizations and health occupations. The student will be able to:	
01.01	Discuss the evolution of healthcare.	
01.02	Demonstrate an understanding of the infrastructure of healthcare in the United States.	
01.03	Discuss healthcare regulatory agencies and organizations.	
01.04	Recognize levels of education, credentialing requirements, employment opportunities, workplace environments, and career growth potential.	
01.05	Summarize the roles of various providers and disciplines throughout the continuum of healthcare and respond to their information needs. 	
02.0	Demonstrate the ability to communicate and use interpersonal skills effectively. The student will be able to:	
02.01	Apply basic speaking and active listening skills with meaningful feedback. 	
02.02	Identify characteristics of successful and unsuccessful communication, including barriers. 	
02.03	Demonstrate emotional intelligence (e.g., recognize verbal and non-verbal cues). 	
02.04	Demonstrate effective professional communication using correct spelling, grammar, formatting, and confidentiality. 	
02.05	Use appropriate medical terminology and abbreviations. 	
02.06	Promote health information training and awareness to internal/external stakeholders. 	
02.07	Model communication skills to varied levels of understanding and cultural orientation, including generational differences, cultural, socioeconomic, ethnic, and religious groups. 	
02.08	Distinguish between subjective and objective information. 	
03.0	Explore health informatics as a health professional. The student will be able to:	
03.01	Discuss the past, present, and future of health information.	
03.02	Examine professional opportunities related to health information.	
03.03	Demonstrate knowledge of industry-recognized credentials and professional associations applicable to the field of health information.	
04.0	Apply knowledge of health data concepts. The student will be able to:	
04.01	Examine various health data uses and data sets. 	
04.02	Identify various characteristics of health data quality and emerging standards.	
05.0	Manage the adoption of multiple formats of health records and the function of digital applications. The student will be able to:	
05.01	Apply regulations and requirements of health information to the continuum of care.	
05.02	Analyze health information as it relates to treatment, payment, and operations (TPO). 	
06.0	Apply Health Information Technology principles. The student will be able to:	
06.01	Explain how changing regulations and technology impact the health information field.	
06.02	Validate the accuracy, integrity, and reliability of information from health information systems and applications in healthcare.	
06.03	Demonstrate proficiency and understanding of creation, use, storage, retrieval, and exchange of health data.	
07.0	Apply classification systems, clinical vocabularies, and terminologies. The student will be able to:	
07.01	Demonstrate the use of classification systems, clinical vocabularies, terminologies, and nomenclatures. 	
08.0	Evaluate ethical issues in Health Information professions. The student will be able to:	
08.01	Interpret the industry-recognized code of ethics for healthcare information practices.	
08.02	Analyze ethical issues related to health information.	
08.03	Manage ethical issues related to treatment, payment, and operations.	
09.0	Demonstrate compliance with laws, regulations, and standards that impact healthcare. The student will be able to:	
09.01	Advocate the importance of maintaining ethical and legal standards in gathering, managing, and analyzing health information. 	
09.02	Identify all regulations, laws, and standards that impact health information, including the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA). 	
09.03	Explain the composition of the legal health record.	
09.04	Apply health information policies and procedures for privacy, confidentiality, and security. 	
09.05	Articulate legal terms and processes that impact healthcare. 	
10.0	Apply policies, regulations, and standards to the management of information associated with treatment, payment, and operations (TPO).  The student will be able to:	
10.01	Describe how regulatory change impacts workflow. 	
10.02	Demonstrate knowledge of policies and procedures for access and disclosure of protected health information to authorized users.	
10.03	Adhere to appropriate and applicable healthcare regulatory and accrediting agency guidelines.	
11.0	Demonstrate computer knowledge and skills. The student will be able to:	
11.01	Demonstrate the ability to create, manage, organize, attach, and retrieve files.	
11.02	Demonstrate the ability to connect to and perform research using search engines and by identifying reputable websites.	
11.03	Demonstrate proficiency in word processing, spreadsheets, and presentation software.	
11.04	Demonstrate the ability to manage software programs. 	
11.05	Demonstrate knowledge of safe computer practices and security procedures such as encryption, passwords, and biometrics.	
12.0	Demonstrate employability skills. The student will be able to:	
12.01	Identify and exemplify professional traits desirable in a member of the healthcare team. 	
12.02	Demonstrate professional standards of healthcare workers as they apply to hygiene, dress, language, and behavior (e.g., telephone and email etiquette, social media, courtesy, and self-introductions).	
12.03	Identify necessary documentation that may be required when applying for a healthcare position. 	
12.04	Model the process to obtain employment, including but not limited to, job search, cover letter, resume, application, interview, and thank you letter. 	
13.0	Describe the anatomy and physiology of the human body. The student will be able to:	
13.01	Describe the structure and function of the respiratory system.	
13.02	Describe the structure and function of the circulatory system.	
13.03	Describe the structure and function of the musculoskeletal and connective tissue systems.	
13.04	Describe the structure and function of nervous and sensory systems.	
13.05	Describe the structure and function of the reproductive system.	
13.06	Describe the structure and function of the urinary system.	
13.07	Describe the structure and function of the digestive system.	
13.08	Describe the structure and function of the endocrine system.	
13.09	Describe the structure and function of the integumentary system. 	
13.10	Describe major mental health disorders. 	
14.0	Demonstrate proficiency in the application of medical terminology. The student will be able to:	
14.01	Identify word parts of medical terminology in daily use.	
14.02	Build, spell, and pronounce correctly appropriate terms from word parts and be able to define the word.	
14.03	Identify word parts and be able to build, spell, and understand new words with those parts.	
14.04	Spell and use medical abbreviations.	
14.05	Identify terminology specific to healthcare settings, including surgical, medical, and therapeutic.	
14.06	Apply medical reference sources.	
15.0	Demonstrate an understanding of the fundamentals of disease processes in relation to the human body, including pharmacology. The student will be able to:	
15.01	Demonstrate an understanding of the predisposing factors and direct causes of disease as they relate to the human body.	
15.02	Demonstrate an understanding of the general pathogenesis and morphology of disease and its role in the disease process.	
15.03	Demonstrate an understanding of pharmacological agents, uses, treatments, and utilize drug reference sources.	
15.04	Identify and use diagnostic test terminology.	
16.0	Demonstrate proficiency in current medical code set systems and technology-assisted coding solutions. The student will be able to:	
16.01	Apply coding conventions and guidelines when utilizing Computer-Assisted Coding (CAC) and Natural Language Processing (NLP) technologies.	
16.02	Implement processes for maintaining and updating coding resources, including automated updates and coding software maintenance. 	
16.03	Validate codes using both manual and automated systems, including diagnosis, procedure, HCPCS level II codes, APCs, and applicable modifiers and groupings according to current official guidelines. 	
16.04	Perform coding using current versions of ICD-10-CM, ICD-10-PCS, CPT, and HCPCS Level II in both traditional and virtual healthcare settings, including telehealth services. 	
16.05	Analyze the impact of Social Determinants of Health (SDoH) coding on revenue cycle management and participate in Clinical Documentation Integrity (CDI) programs using modern technology solutions. 	
16.06	Evaluate documentation compliance using automated auditing tools and Artificial Intelligence (AI)-assisted documentation improvement systems. 	
17.0	Demonstrate proficiency in complex coding scenarios and value-based care requirements. The student will be able to:	
17.01	Apply coding concepts to complex cases, including post-acute care and virtual health encounters.	
17.02	Utilize advanced analytics tools to assess case-mix index, hierarchical condition categories (HCCs), risk adjustment factors, and quality metrics for value-based reimbursement.	
17.03	Analyze cases across the contemporary healthcare continuum, including remote patient monitoring and digital health services.	
17.04	Apply various classification systems, including ICD-O, DSM, ICF, and emerging code sets for precision medicine and genomics.	
18.0	Articulate health information services within modern healthcare delivery systems related to the medical coder/biller.  The student will be able to:	
18.01	Collaborate with interdisciplinary teams in various departments through digital communication platforms and shared health information systems.	
18.02	Utilize electronic health records (EHRs) and other digital health information systems content in various settings.	
18.03	Educate stakeholders on regulatory compliance, including information blocking rules, interoperability requirements, and privacy regulations. 	
19.0	Ensure professional and ethical behavior of a medical coder/biller in an evolving digital healthcare environment. The student will be able to:	
19.01	Advocate for the expanding role of the medical coder/biller in data analytics and population health management.	
19.02	Adhere to ethical coding practices in AI and automated coding systems.	
20.0	Participate in healthcare revenue cycle management processes. The student will be able to:	
20.01	Prepare claims using electronic claims submission systems and automated verification tools. 	
20.02	Analyze various payment methodologies (e.g., value-based and alternative payment models).	
20.03	Utilize modern accounting software and patient financial engagement platforms. 	
20.04	Apply reimbursement methodologies for emerging healthcare delivery models, including telehealth and remote patient monitoring, in various settings. 	
20.05	Maintain digital charge capture systems and management tools in various settings. 	
20.06	Implement compliance strategies for regulatory requirements (e.g., price transparency and surprise billing regulations). 	

Additional Information

Laboratory Activities

Laboratory investigations that include scientific inquiry, research, measurement, problem solving, emerging technologies, tools and equipment, as well as experimental, quality, and safety procedures are an integral part of this career and technical program/course. Laboratory investigations benefit all students by developing an understanding of the complexity and ambiguity of empirical work, as well as the skills required to manage, operate, calibrate and troubleshoot equipment/tools used to make observations. Students understand measurement error; and have the skills to aggregate, interpret, and present the resulting data. Equipment and supplies should be provided to enhance hands-on experiences for students.

Special Notes

This program is part of Health Information Technology or Office Administration - Medical Office Specialization.  The College Credit Certificate guarantees transfer of credit of 37 hours toward the AS degree in Health Information Technology or Office Administration.  Minimum entrance requirements for this program include a high school diploma or GED. 

The cooperative method of instruction or clinical rotation is appropriate for this program.  Whenever these methods are offered, the following is required for each student:  a training plan, signed by the student, teacher, and employer, which includes instructional objectives and a list of on-the-job and in-school learning experiences; and a work station which reflects equipment, skills, and tasks which are relevant to the occupation which the student has chosen as a career goal.  The student may receive compensation for work performed. 

Faculty teaching this program must have a minimum of an AS degree in Health Information Management.

Students should be encouraged to become members and participate in the activities of the professional organizations:  American Health Information Management Association and/or American Academy of Procedural Coders.  

About AHIMA Credentials:  Students who complete the Medical Biller Coder program may take the Certified Coding Associate (CCA) credential exam as the first step in their coding career.  The CCA is an entry-level credential that distinguishes new coders in the job market.  Individuals with a CCA credential: 

•	Exhibit a level of commitment, competency, and professional capability usually absent in a newcomer to the field. 
•	Demonstrate a commitment to the coding profession. 
•	Distinguish themselves from non-credentialed coders and those holding credentials from other organizations less demanding of the higher level of expertise required to earn AHIMA certification. 

The CCA should be viewed as the starting point for an individual entering a career as a coder. The AHIMA CCS and CCS-P exams demonstrate mastery level skills in coding.  Most individuals challenge the CCS or CCS-P exams after two or more years of work experience in coding. 

American Health Information Management Association (AHIMA)
919 North Michigan Ave., Suite 2150, Chicago, IL. 60611-5519 (312) 233-1100

The American Academy of Professional Coders (AAPC) sponsors a certification exam for coders with expertise in physician-based settings which leads to the title of Certified Professional Coder (CPC) or Certified Professional Coder Hospital (CPC-H).

American Academy of Professional Coders
309 West 700 South, Salt Lake City, UT 84101 #800-626-2633

The National Healthcare Association also offers a national certification examination for a Certified Billing and Coding Specialist (CBCS).

National Healthcareer Association www.nhanow.com
7500 West 160th Street, Stilwell, Kansas 66085 #800-499-9092 

Outcomes 01-12 are referred to as the Health Information Technology core and do not have to be completed if the students has previously completed the core in another program at any level. The Core should be taken in the program. 

Career and Technical Student Organization (CTSO)

CTSOs are co-curricular career and technical student organizations providing leadership training and reinforcing specific career and technical skills. Career and Technical Student Organizations provide activities for students as an integral part of the instruction offered. Other CTSOs not listed in this curriculum framework or recognized by the Florida Department of Education are permissible provided they support student mastery over the standards and benchmarks of this curriculum framework.

Accommodations

Federal and state legislation requires the provision of accommodations for students with disabilities to meet individual needs and ensure equal access. Postsecondary students with disabilities must self-identify, present documentation, request accommodations if needed, and develop a plan with their counselor and/or instructors. Accommodations received in postsecondary education may differ from those received in secondary education. Accommodations change the way the student is instructed. Students with disabilities may need accommodations in such areas as instructional methods and materials, assignments and assessments, time demands and schedules, learning environment, assistive technology and special communication systems. Documentation of the accommodations requested and provided should be maintained in a confidential file.