Foundations of Pathology Coding Course
Pathology coding can feel like a world of its own. For many coders, it’s an area they want to understand better but don’t always get clear training on. The Foundations of Pathology Coding Course gives you a practical, approachable introduction to pathology and laboratory coding, helping you build confidence with complex reports, specialized services, and payer expectations.
You’ll learn how pathology services fit into the bigger picture of patient care and why accurate coding matters for documentation, reimbursement, and data quality. Through real-world case studies and coding exercises, you’ll become more comfortable reviewing pathology and lab reports, identifying what’s important, and applying codes correctly. The course also introduces high-interest areas like molecular pathology, genomic testing, and proprietary lab analyses — skills that can set you apart and support long-term career growth.
Education and experience requirements
A high school diploma or equivalent is recommended
Some prior coursework or knowledge in medical terminology, anatomy, and physiology is strongly encouraged to ensure learners can understand the clinical language used in pathology documentation
Learners should be comfortable navigating electronic health records (EHRs), reading lab and pathology reports, and working with codebooks or digital coding tools
Continuing education units (CEUs)
Approval for 10 CEUs upon successful course completion.
Course syllabus
Required books
2025 Foundations of Pathology Coding - Training Manual; AAPC publisher (included in course)
Course format
This is an online self-paced instruction course. You get the flexibility to complete the course on your own time, at your own pace with on-demand training. Get the help you need from the certified coaching team at any point in your training via email.
Course length
This course is designed to be taken at your own pace within a 4-month period or less. Your enrollment date begins on the date of your purchase.
Certificate of completion
Certificate issued upon completion with a 70% passing score.
Who should take this course?
While no prior coding experience is strictly required, the course is ideal for:
New or aspiring medical coders with a foundational understanding of CPT® and ICD-10-CM
Experienced coders seeking to specialize in pathology and laboratory coding
Healthcare professionals (e.g., lab technicians, billing staff) who want to broaden their skillset in medical coding
Course objectives
Once you complete this course, you'll be equipped to:
Interpret documentation sources
You'll know how to identify valid documentation (such as pathology reports and lab orders) and understand what information can and cannot be used for code assignment — avoiding non-compliant practices like coding directly from lab results.Assign CPT® codes for pathology and lab services
Accurately code a wide range of lab services, including drug assays, molecular diagnostics, genomic sequencing, and proprietary lab tests, using the appropriate CPT® codes.Link diagnoses to procedures
Understand how to link diagnosis codes to pathology procedures to support medical necessity, which is critical for correct reimbursement and preventing claim denials.Apply ICD-10-CM coding principles
Use proper diagnosis coding techniques based on pathology findings and supporting clinical documentation, ensuring the codes reflect the patient’s condition and services rendered.Maintain coding compliance
Apply knowledge of payer rules — such as National Coverage Determinations (NCDs) and Local Coverage Determinations (LCDs) — to avoid denials and meet audit standards.Contribute to clinical and financial accuracy
Ensure your coding work supports downstream functions, including surgery and anesthesia coding, as final coding decisions often depend on the pathology report findings.
Course content
Chapter 1: Introduction to Pathology Coding and the Role of the Pathology Coder
Objective: Explain the role and responsibilities of a pathology coder, identify appropriate documentation sources, and recognize the impact of accurate pathology coding on clinical outcomes, surgical reporting, and research data
Chapter 2: CPT® Coding for Pathology and Laboratory Services
Objective: Understand the structure of the CPT® Pathology and Laboratory section and apply appropriate codes to laboratory testing procedures
Chapter 3: ICD-10-CM and Compliance in Pathology Coding
Objective: Apply ICD-10-CM coding principles to pathology-related documentation by identifying appropriate diagnosis sources, understanding the relationship between pathology findings and diagnoses, recognizing payer policies such as NCDs and LCDs, and evaluating real-world scenarios to ensure coding accuracy and compliance
Course terms and conditions
By purchasing any online course and other items, I certify that I have read and agree to the online course terms and conditions and the refund policy.
Date of purchase is considered your course start date, additional time will be given for processing of your order. After your order is processed, you will receive further email instruction for course access.
This online course must be completed within a 1-year period or less from date of purchase. Additional time extensions may be purchased for a monthly fee. Date of purchase is considered your course start date. After your order is processed you will receive further email instruction on course access.