Receive In-Depth Training in Medical Billing and Coding

Medical billing and coding is one of the most important jobs in a healthcare setting, and there are roles for certified specialists in the field in many different types of offices.

This on-campus program teaches the skills needed to gain employment as an entry-level insurance biller and coder in a medical facility, physician’s office, clinic, insurance company, or office setting.

The objective of the Insurance and Coding Specialist program is to provide graduates with the skills and knowledge that will enable them to qualify for entry-level positions in the field, as well as prepare them to become nationally certified for their career.

Course specifics

MBC 116 – Medical Billing and Coding

This multi-dimensional program encompasses fundamental skills necessary in the billing and collection of healthcare fees. It includes the assessment of patient records using detailed healthcare coding systems. Other specific skills include computer applications, medical terminology, anatomy, and professional development. Medical terminology and anatomy will be taught throughout the program.

MBC 116 is 128-hour course, with all hours spent in a classroom/lecture setting. There are no lab/clinical or internship requirements for this course.

Tuesday and Thursday evenings from 6:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m.

Monday and Wednesday evenings from 6:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m.

The course covers topics relevant to preparedness in the field, including claims processing, healthcare payers, and inpatient/outpatient billing and coding.

Claims processing

This topic concentrates on providing students with an understanding of the basic types of medical insurance programs available in today’s health care system, such as HMOs, PPOs, IPAs, and Managed Care.

It also acquaints students with billing formats using the universal claim form and provides the skills necessary to master the basic aspects of medical insurance billing. Payment collections, overdue accounts receivable, and current reimbursement methodologies and compliance will also be covered.

Healthcare payers

This topic concentrates on different types of insurance payers, knowing how to recognize these payers, how to process payer claims and emphasizes rules and regulations, policies and procedures of the various major payers such as Medicare, Medical, the “Blue Programs,” Tricare, and Worker’s Comp.

Inpatient billing and coding

Students learn how to abstract medical information from patient records. Students will learn how to use the Physician’s Current Procedural Terminology (CPT), Healthcare Procedure Coding System (HCPCS), and International Classification of Diseases (ICD-10-CM) volumes 1 and 2 for medical insurance and coding. Students will also learn the process for coding surgeries, laboratory tests/diagnostics, anesthesia, radiology procedures, pathology, and other medical services.

Outpatient billing and coding

Students will develop ancillary billing and coding skills. Emphasis is placed on advanced diagnostic and procedural coding in the outpatient facility. Students will use the Physician’s Current Procedural Terminology (CPT), Healthcare Procedure Coding System (HCPCS), and International Classification of Diseases (ICD-10-CM) volumes 1, 2, and 3 for medical insurance and coding.

Final course emphasis is geared towards preparing the students for national certification exams for the Insurance and Coding Specialist with the National Center for Competency Testing (NCCT) and National Health Career Association (NHA).

Course objectives

By learning the role and responsibilities of medical billing and coding specialists, students will be prepared for entry-level jobs in the field upon completion of the course. By the end of this intensive, 4-month course, students will be able to accomplish the following:

• Exhibit a basic understanding of anatomy and medical terminology needed to accurately enter patient information about procedures and diagnoses
• Identify different patient insurance plans, verify eligibility, and demonstrate knowledge of the relevant claims forms (CMS1500)
• Demonstrate the ability to use the HCPCS, CPT, and ICD-10-CM manuals in a practical environment
• Qualify for on-the-job experience and build a resume that makes them an ideal candidate for employment

Learn more about this program by calling (858) 357-8800.