Overview
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Medical billing and coding and medical administration is one of the fastest-growing careers in the healthcare industry today! The need for professionals who understand how to code healthcare services and procedures for third-party insurance reimbursement is growing substantially. Physician practices, hospitals, pharmacies, long-term care facilities, chiropractic practices, physical therapy practices, and other healthcare providers all depend on medical billing and coding and medical administrative professionals for insurance carrier reimbursement.
This program offers the skills needed to perform complex coding and billing procedures. The program covers: CPT (Introduction, Guidelines, Evaluation and Management), specialty fields (such as surgery, radiology and laboratory), the ICD-10 for both diagnosis and procedure coding, and basic claims processes for insurance reimbursements. This program delivers the skills learners need to solve insurance billing and coding problems. It details proper assignment of codes and the process to file claims for reimbursement. Additionally this program offers learners a well-rounded introduction to medical administration that delivers the skills individuals require to obtain an administrative medical assistant position or advance within their current healthcare career.
Program Objectives
After completing this program, learners will be able to:
- Build medical terms using word parts
- Interpret medical terms
- Describe the various medical specialties
- Recognize medical terms associated with various body systems
- Demonstrate the interconnectedness of body structures
- Communicate effectively in a professional healthcare environment
- Identify the important role of a medical coder in upholding ethical billing practices and in obtaining reimbursement for healthcare services
- Correctly use the ICD-10-CM for diagnostic coding
- Correctly use CPT codes for coding medical procedures
- Apply national and local HCPCS codes and modifiers
- Explain the purpose and use of ICD-10-PCS codes
- Function effectively in administrative and clerical positions in the medical office
- Describe the roles of individuals working in medical administrative capacities
- Manage health information and records according to privacy policies
- Complete basic billing and coding to process insurance forms
- Manage practice finances
- Assist in handling medical emergencies
- Describe techniques for academic and career development
- Describe the healthcare environment
Certifications
There are several National Certification exams that are available to students who successfully complete this program:
- American Academy of Professional Coders (AAPC) Certified Professional Coder Exam (CPC or CPC-H Apprentice)
- American Health Information Association (AHIMA) Certified Coding Associate (CCA) exam
- National Healthcareer Association (NHA) Billing and Coding Specialist Certification (CBCS)
- National Healthcareer Association (NHA) Certified Medical Administrative Assistant (CMAA) exam
Externship
Although not a requirement, once students complete the program, they have the ability to participate in an externship and/or hands on practicum so as to practice the skills necessary to perform the job requirements of a professional in this field. Students will be assisted with completing a resume and/or other requirements necessary to work in this field. All students who complete this program are eligible to participate in an externship and will be placed with a participating organization near their location.
NOTE: In order to take an externship, one must successfully complete and pass the national certification exam.