Medical Billing Specialist (Voucher Included)

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OVERVIEW

The Medical Billing Specialist course offers valuable training in legal, ethical, and regulatory concepts that are central to this field, including HIPAA compliance, fraud and abuse in medical billing, and third-party payer guidelines. You will also understand all phases of the revenue cycle, including patient registration, charge capture, medical coding, claim submission, data analytics, payer reimbursement, patient billing, and collection practices.

Medical Terminology is truly the language of medicine. In this course, you will study the word parts, structures, and functions of the human body. You will also learn about the disorders and medical procedures that are common to each body system, including musculoskeletal, cardiovascular, respiratory, digestive, nervous, endocrine, integumentary, genitourinary, lymphatic, and immune.

Upon completion of this course, you should be well prepared to find your place in this rewarding healthcare career. You will receive a Certificate of Completion from the school through which you enrolled, and you will also be able to take the Certified Professional Biller (CPB) exam offered by the American Academy of Professional Coders (AAPC).

This course offers enrollment with a voucher. The voucher is prepaid access to sit for the certifying exam upon eligibility. Proctor fees may apply, which are not included.

Disclaimer: To qualify for the externship applications process, students must successfully complete the online course content and have account balances up to date (at a minimum). Going through the externship application process does not guarantee an externship. COVID may be affecting the externship process or site availability in your area. Students can begin researching the steps of the application process 2 weeks prior to completing courses.

What you will learn

  • Describe the different stages of the revenue cycle
  • Recognize federal laws that affect healthcare
  • Define health insurance and medical terminology
  • Use the ICD-10-CM, CPT, and HCPCS Level II codebooks to assign medical codes accurately
  • Explain the data entry requirements of a medical insurance claim form
  • Identify the billing guidelines of government and private payers
  • Recount the structures, functions, and disorders of the different body systems

How you will benefit

  • Be able to manage the revenue cycle to maximize reimbursement effectively
  • Recognize fraud and abuse in medical billing
  • Assign medical codes from different types of clinical documentation
  • Complete medical claims according to payer guidelines
  • Receive a Certificate of Completion that will show a prospective employer that you received comprehensive, up-to-date training in medical billing that may set you apart from other candidates
  • Receive a voucher for the Certified Professional Biller (CPB) exam offered by the American Academy of Professional Coders (AAPC) that will bolster your resume and authenticate your skillset
  • Participate in an optional externship to learn how your course of study applies to the real world

SYLLABUS

  1. Medical Terminology
    1. Introduction to Medical Terminology
    2. The Musculoskeletal System
    3. The Cardiovascular System
    4. The Lymphatic and Immune Systems
    5. The Respiratory System
    6. The Digestive System
    7. The Urinary System
    8. The Nervous System
    9. The Special Senses: The Eyes and Ears
    10. The Integumentary System
    11. The Endocrine System
    12. The Reproductive System
    13. Diagnostic Procedures, Nuclear Medicine, Pharmacology
  2. Medical Billing Specialist
    1. Introduction to Medical Billing
      1. Career Opportunities
      2. Personal and Technical Qualifications
      3. Employment Settings
      4. Telecommunications
      5. Professional Certifications
    2. Introduction to Health Insurance
      1. Health Insurance Terminology
      2. Commercial and Government Payers
      3. Healthcare Documentation
      4. Electronic Health Record
    3. Managed Healthcare
      1. Types of Reimbursement
      2. Managed Care Providers
      3. Managed Care Models
      4. Consumer-Directed Health Plans
    4. Revenue Cycle Management
      1. Phases of Revenue Cycle Management
      2. Encounter Form, Chargemaster
      3. Insurance Claim Cycle
      4. New Patient Registration
      5. Collection Practices
    5. Legal Aspects of Health Insurance and Reimbursement
      1. Laws Affecting Healthcare
      2. Protected Health Information (PHI)
      3. Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA)
      4. Fraud and Abuse in Medical Billing
      5. Release of Information (ROI)
    6. ICD-10-CM Coding
      1. Overview of ICD-10-CM
      2. Key Features
      3. Organization of the Codebook
      4. Index to Diseases and Injuries
      5. Tabular List of Diseases and Injuries
      6. Coding Conventions
      7. Official Guidelines
    7. CPT Coding
      1. Overview of Healthcare Common Procedure Coding System (HCPCS)
      2. Category I, Category II, and Category III Codes
      3. Organization of the Codebook
      4. Main CPT Sections
      5. Evaluation and Management
      6. Anesthesia
      7. Surgery
      8. Radiology
      9. Pathology and Laboratory
      10. Medicine
      11. Code Modifiers
    8. HCPCS Level II Coding
      1. Overview of HCPCS Level II
      2. Organization of the Codebook
      3. Durable Medical Equipment
    9. Maximizing Reimbursement
      1. Price Transparency
      2. Data Analytics
      3. Billing Audits
    10. Pharmacology for Medical Billers
      1. Pharmacodynamics and Pharmacokinetics
      2. Routes of Administration
      3. Drug Classifications
      4. Prescription Drugs and Over-the-Counter Drugs
      5. Controlled Substances
      6. Medication Lists and the Electronic Health Record
    11. Midterm
    12. Clinical Documentation Improvement (CDI)
      1. Deficiencies in Documentation
      2. Medical Necessity
      3. Coding Audits
      4. Types of Clinical Documentation
    13. Insurance Claims
      1. National Uniform Claim Committee
      2. CMS-1500 Claim Form
      3. Patient and Insured Information
      4. Physician or Supplier Information
      5. UB-04 Claim Form
    14. Commercial Insurance
      1. Individual/Group Health Insurance, Automobile, Disability, Liability, Workers’ Compensation
      2. Completing Commercial Health Insurance Claims
    15. Blue Cross Blue Shield
      1. History of BCBS
      2. Types of BCBS Plans
      3. Participating/Nonparticipating Providers
      4. BCBS Billing and Payment Guidelines
    16. Medicare
      1. Medicare Eligibility
      2. Medicare Part A, B, C, and D
      3. National Coverage Determinations/Local Coverage Determinations
      4. Participating/Nonparticipating Providers
      5. Physician Fee Schedule
      6. Medicare Billing and Payment Guidelines/NCCI
    17. Medicaid, CHIP, TRICARE, Workers’ Compensation
      1. Medicaid
      2. Children’s Health Insurance Program (CHIP)
      3. TRICARE
      4. Workers’ Compensation
    18. Certification
      1. Importance of Certification
      2. Study Strategies for the Certification Exam
      3. Prior to the Exam
      4. Morning of the Exam
      5. During the Exam
    19. How to Find a Job in Medical Billing (Optional)
      1. Formulating Your Career Goals
      2. What Employers Want
      3. Showcasing Your Skills
      4. Resume Tips
      5. Cover Letter Tips
      6. Interview Questions
    20. FINAL

REQUIREMENTS

Requirements:

Hardware Requirements:

  • This course can be taken on a PC or Mac.

Software Requirements:

  • PC: Windows 8 or later.
  • Mac: macOS 10.6 or later.
  • Browser: The latest version of Google Chrome or Mozilla Firefox is preferred. Microsoft Edge and Safari are also compatible.
  • Microsoft Word or an equivalent word-processing program.
  • Adobe Acrobat Reader.
  • Software must be installed and fully operational before the course begins.

Other:

  • Email capabilities and access to a personal email account.

Instructional Material Requirements:

The instructional materials required for this course are included in enrollment. The following textbooks will be shipped to you approximately 7-10 business days after enrollment in Medical Terminology:

  • Medical Terminology for Health Professions

The following textbook, workbook, and codebooks will be shipped to you approximately 7-10 business days after enrollment in the Medical Billing Specialist course:

  • Understanding Health Insurance: A Guide to Billing and Reimbursement, by Michelle A. Green.
  • Workbook to Accompany Understanding Health Insurance: A Guide to Billing and Reimbursement, by Michelle A. Green.
  • ICD-10-CM Expert for Physicians
  • CPT Professional
  • HCPCS Level II Professional
  • CPB Certification Study Guide, from AAPC

Please Note: You will receive a digital book if the physical book is on backorder.

Prerequisites:

There are no prerequisites to take this course. However, in order to sit for national certification exams, candidates must have a high school diploma or equivalent. Therefore, it is recommended you have this before enrolling for this course.

INSTRUCTOR

Nancy Smith has over 30 years of experience in the healthcare industry. Her clinical experience includes working as a medical assistant for a network of rural health clinics, and as a medical coder, insurance claims specialist, and medical records auditor. She worked as a medical office manager for ten years, where she recruited and trained all medical assistants. Nancy holds a bachelor’s degree in vocational education and has developed and taught medical assistant programs.

LaTisha Cottingham has over 20 years of experience in the healthcare industry. She has six years of teaching experience in the field of medical billing and coding and Medical Assisting. Currently, she is employed as an HIM Analyst for a Long-Term Care establishment that is based out of Alabama. Previously she was employed as the lead instructor for the Allied Health Department for a local career institute. LaTisha’s field of expertise is in the area of physician-based inpatient coding and Emergency Department coding. The certifications that she holds are as follows: a Registered Health Information Technician (RHIT), a Certified Professional Coder (CPC), and a Certified Clinical Medical Assistant (CCMA). In preparation for ICD-10-CM, LaTisha received her ICD-10-CM/PCS Trainer Certification from American Health Information Association (AHIMA), where she is currently a member. LaTisha is also a member of the American Academy of Professional Coders (AAPC) and the National Healthcare Association (NHA) where she is a test proctor.

Carline Dalgleish has worked in medical office administration for over 30 years. She holds a bachelor’s degree in Business Information Systems, a master’s degree in Leadership, and a post-baccalaureate certificate in Health Information Management. She is a Registered Health Information Administrator and an AHIMA Approved ICD-10-CM/PCS Trainer. Dalgleish is the author of an ICD-10 coding system and owns her own consulting firm, AnnGrant Educational Services.

Lydia S. Stewart, RN, BSN, currently serves as the Revenue Cycle Manager at a large regional medical center. Lydia has been a Registered Nurse for 23 years, 15 of those years specializing in Critical Care Nursing and supervision. She is responsible for Medical Audits, Charge Capture, and governmental compliance audits and reviews. Lydia is a member of the Louisiana Medical Auditor Association and Healthcare Financial Management Association (HFMA).

Bunny Reeves is the senior ambulatory surgery coder at the Maimonides Medical Center in Brooklyn, New York. She trains student coders at Maimonides Medical Center and previously trained and supervised entry-level coders at Staten Island’s St. Vincent Medical Center. Reeves is a Certified Coding Specialist, accredited by the American Health Information Management Association (AHIMA).

Sharon L. Blackford, MA, BA, RMA, has over 30 years of experience in the medical field. She has a Master’s degree in Organizational Management, a Bachelor’s degree in Business Management, and has served as a Registered Medical Assistant since 1994. Sharon was an active duty Clinical Specialist in the U.S. Army for 10 years. Sharon later moved to the Gulf Coast to accept a position as the Director of Education of Blue Cliff College and was promoted to Campus Director.

Stacey O’Brien has more than 10 years of experience in medical coding and reimbursement. Ms. O’Brien has been a risk adjustment coder for a Medicare advantage plan, audited medical records for a consulting firm, and currently supervises the coding and electronic claims submission process for a group medical practice. She has a bachelor’s degree from the University of Pittsburgh and a CPC coding certification from the AAPC.

FAQS

What is medical billing?

Medical billing is the process of submitting health insurance claims on behalf of a patient to various health insurance payers to acquire payment for services provided by a medical facility.

What is the occupational outlook for medical billers?

The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics estimates that jobs in medical billing will grow much faster than average—eight percent over the next 10 years. This increase is double the average job growth rate in the United States. Our population is aging, which means that more medical care will be needed in the coming years.

How much do medical billers make?

Based on current job postings, the median salary for a medical biller ranges from $34,632 according to Indeed.com to $37,440 according to ZipRecruiter. The American Association of Professional Coders (AAPC) reports in its 2019 Salary Survey that “medical billers with a CPB™ certification average $55,078 in annual salary.” Your salary will depend on the type and size of healthcare facility you work for, years of experience in the field, credentials, certifications you obtain, and where in the country you choose to live and work.

Why is medical billing training and certification important?

Medical billers follow strict processes to ensure that payment requests are submitted the correct way to receive payment promptly. Without the knowledge of these processes, healthcare provider reimbursement may be compromised.

Medical billing training and certification are important because they not only help you gain the knowledge you need for success in the profession, but they also provide ways for you to prove to employers that you have the skills needed to perform the job. Industry certifications can help your resume stand out from other job applicants and could make the difference in you getting an interview and ultimately a job. According to the AAPC, Certified Professional Biller (CPB™) certification “demonstrates a professional’s working knowledge to support cleaner claim submission, faster reimbursement, fewer denials, and better run practices and facilities.”

What is the difference between medical billing and medical coding?

Medical billing and coding are separate processes, but both are important regarding receiving payment for healthcare services. Medical billers are mainly responsible for submitting patient records to government agencies and insurance companies for services that have been provided in the care of the patient. Medical coders gather information on patient records and assign the proper codes for patient diagnosis, which are then used by medical billers to submit claim forms.

Why get trained with us?

This course provides a comprehensive approach to career training and certification preparation. We offer scenario-based learning with frequent interactivities and safe-to-fail exercises to help you practice the skills you obtain. Our course provides hands-on practice with claims and coding with work assignments that help learners apply concepts presented in this course. The CPB™ certification exam and prep assets are included within the cost of tuition.

Does this program prepare me for a certification?

Yes, this program prepares you for the Certified Professional Billing (CPB™) exam offered by the American Association of Professional Coders. Complete this course 100% online at your own pace and utilize the certification prep assets, which will get you ready to sit for and successfully pass your CPB™ exam. You will receive a voucher for the exam after successfully completing the program and your financial obligation.

What is a certified medical biller?

A practicing or aspiring medical biller can prepare for and take a national certification exam, such as the Certified Professional Biller (CPB™) offered by the American Association of Professional Coders (AAPC) and included in this course. Successfully passing this exam will provide you with the CPB™ designation.

What is the American Association of Professional Coders?

The American Association of Professional Coders (AAPC) is an organization founded in 1988 to provide education and certification for professional medical billers and coders. It also exists to heighten the standards of the industry through training, certification, networking, and job opportunities. The AAPC has over 200,000 members globally and offers 28 different certifications related to the business side of healthcare.

How long does it take to become a medical biller?

You will have up to 12 months to complete this online, self-paced course, but depending on your time commitment and study schedule, you may be able to complete the course much sooner. Upon successful completion of this course, we encourage you to take advantage of the included certification prep materials and then register to take the CPB™ exam.

How much does medical billing certification cost?

The cost of the CPB™ certification exam will be included in the cost of enrollment. You will receive a voucher at the end of your course that you can use to sit for the exam when you’re ready. There is no additional cost.

Can I register for courses if I am an international student?

Yes, ed2go courses are completely online. However, keep in mind that not all certifying bodies or industry-specific certifications are recognized internationally. Please review your country’s regulations prior to enrolling in courses that prepare for certification.

Does this course prepare for a certification?

Yes, you will be prepared for the Certified Professional Biller (CPB) exam offered by the American Academy of Professional Coders (AAPC). Upon successful completion of the course, you will receive a certification exam voucher and applicable study materials to prepare for the exam.

When can I start this course?

This course is open enrollment, so you can register and start the course whenever you are ready. Access to your course can take 24-48 business hours.

How long does it take to complete this course?

After you register, you will receive 12 months to complete the course. The time allotted for completion has been calculated based on the number of course hours.

What if I don’t have enough time to complete the course within the time frame provided?

If you are unable to complete the course, contact your Student Advisor to help you work out a suitable completion date. Please note that an extension fee will be charged. If you are funded through a third-party organization, approval may also be required.

What kind of support will I receive?

The course instructor will be available by email to answer any questions and provide feedback on your performance. Occasionally, your course may be supported by a team of industry experts. You will also receive support from the student advising team.

What happens when I complete the course?

Upon successfully passing the final exam, you will be awarded a certificate of completion from the school or organization that you registered through. You will also receive a certification exam voucher and applicable study materials for the Certified Professional Biller (CPB) exam offered by the American Academy of Professional Coders (AAPC).

Am I guaranteed a job?

ed2go courses will help you gain the skills you need to obtain an entry-level position in most cases. However, you should always research the job market in your area before enrolling. You may also receive assistance from our Externship Coordinator and access to an Externship Starter Kit included in your course.

Can I get financial assistance?

ed2go courses are non-credit, so they do not qualify for federal aid, FAFSA, and Pell Grant. In some states, vocational rehab or workforce development boards may provide funding to take our courses. Additionally, you may qualify for financial assistance if you meet certain requirements. Learn more about financial assistance.

How can I get more information about this course?

If you have questions that are not answered on our website, representatives are available via LIVE chat. You can also call us at 1-877-221-5151 during regular business hours to have your questions promptly answered. If you are visiting us during non-business hours, please send us a question using the “Contact Us.”