Course Detail: HLT140 - Medical Billing and Coding
Become a Certified Medical Billing and Coding Specialist
Train for an in-demand healthcare career in medical billing and coding and prepare for industry certification in this course. Upon successful course completion, you will be able to choose an exam voucher for the professional certification that best aligns with your interests and career goals.
Exams available include:
- Certified Professional Coder (CPC) exam offered by the American Academy of Professional Coders (AAPC)
- Certified Coding Associate (CCA) exam offered by the American Health Information Management Association (AHIMA)
- Certified Billing and Coding Specialist (CBCS) exam offered by the National Healthcareer Association (NHA)
Job Outlook for Medical Billing and Coding Specialists
- According to the AAPC, medical records specialists without certification earn an average of $61,022 per year, while those with certification see higher earnings, averaging $66,979 annually.
- Medical billers and record specialists are currently in demand. The Bureau of Labor Statistics estimates that employment for medical billers and coders is projected to grow by 9% over the next eight years, which is faster than the average for all occupations. That translates to 15,000 job openings per year.
WHAT DOES A MEDICAL BILLER AND CODER DO?
Medical Billers and Coders are responsible for processing patient data including medical records and related insurance. In this position, you will code a patient's diagnosis and then request payment from the patient's insurance company. You will play an important role in ensuring that healthcare providers are quickly and accurately paid for the treatment they give patients.
IS THERE A DIFFERENCE BETWEEN A MEDICAL BILLING AND A MEDICAL CODING?
Yes. Medical coders translate patient care into current procedural terminology (CPT) codes. Their primary responsibility is to ensure that the medical services provided are accurately coded. Medical billers are responsible for creating a claim based on the codes a medical coder provides. Many professionals in this area do both medical billing and medical coding.
WHAT ARE THE REQUIREMENTS FOR A MEDICAL BILLING AND CODING CAREER?
Entry-level positions typically require completion of a certificate and passing one of the certification exams or an associate degree program in medical billing and coding. Additionally, medical billing and coding professionals must understand the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA).
HOW LONG DOES IT TAKE TO BECOME A MEDICAL BILLER AND CODER?
In most cases, it takes between one and three years to become a medical biller and coder. Earning a medical billing and coding certification can take up to one year, while earning an associate degree can take up to three years.
Course Objectives
· Be fully prepared to pass one of the following professional certifications that best aligns with your interest and career goals:
o Certified Professional Coder (CPC) exam offered by the American Academy of Professional Coders (AAPC)
o Certified Coding Associate (CCA) exam offered by the American Health Information Management Association (AHIMA)
o Certified Billing and Coding Specialist (CBCS) exam offered by the National Healthcareer Association (NHA)
· Learn how the CPT Category II codes and ICD-10 codes work and how to assign them in common medical billing and coding procedures
- Gain hands-on billing experience with medical billing and coding software
- Externship Starter Kit to help you gain valuable experience in the field
- Medical Biller standalone option for those who aren't interested in Medical Coding
Prerequisites and Requirements
There are no prerequisites to take this course.
Curriculum
I. Medical Terminology
A. Introduction to Medical Terminology
B. The Musculoskeletal System
C. The Cardiovascular System
D. The Lymphatic and Immune Systems
E. The Respiratory System
F. The Digestive System
G. The Urinary System
H. The Nervous System
I. The Special Senses the Eyes and Ears
J. The Integumentary System
K. The Endocrine System
L. The Reproductive System
M. Diagnostic Procedures, Nuclear Medicine, Pharmacology
II. Medical Billing and Coding
A. Introduction to Medical Billing and Coding
B. Introduction to Health Insurance
C. Managed Healthcare
D. Revenue Cycle Management
E. Legal Aspects of Health Insurance and Reimbursement
F. ICD-10-CM Coding
G. CPT Coding
H. HCPCS Level II Coding
I. ICD-10-PCS Coding
J. Pharmacology for Coders
K. Midterm
L. Clinical Documentation Improvement (CDI)
M. Insurance Claims
N. Commercial Insurance
O. Blue Cross Blue Shield
P. Medicare
Q. Medicaid, CHIP, TRICARE, Workers' Compensation
R. Certification
S. How to Find a Job in Medical Billing and Coding
T. Final
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