Description:
*After obtaining the practical work experience (6 months to 2 years), students who complete this course will be qualified to sit for National Medical Coding Certification exams .
Medical Billing and Coding is one of the fastest-growing careers in the health care industry today. The need for professionals that understand how to code health care 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 health care providers all depend on medical billing and coding for insurance carrier reimbursement.
This course offers the skills needed to solve insurance billing problems, how to manually file claims (using the CPT and ICD-10-CM manual), complete common insurance forms, briefly overview trace delinquent claims, examine the process to appeal denied claims, and use generic forms to streamline billing procedures.
Details:
What You Will You Learn:
• Basics of health insurance and procedural coding
• Documentation guidelines and legal issues affecting insurance claims and medical records
• Introduction to the CPT and ICD-10-CM Manuals and coding systems
• Anesthesia/Surgery, Radiology, and Pathology/Laboratory Medicine
• Diagnosis Coding
• CPT Modifiers, E and V Codes, and Late Effects
• Introduction to International Classification of Diseases, Clinical Modifications, and Coding Guidelines
• The Health Insurance Claim Form (CMS 1500)
• HIPAA and Electronic Data Interchange (EDI)
• Tracing Delinquent Claims and Insurance Problem Solving
• Managed Care Systems, Special Plans, Third-Party Reimbursement, Medicare, Blue Cross Blue Shield Plans, Medicaid and Other State Programs, CHAMPUS and CHAMPVA, Worker’s Compensation, Disability Income Insurance, and Disability Benefit Programs
Note: After obtaining the practical work experience (6 months to 2 years), students who complete this course will be qualified to sit for the American Academy of Professional Coders (AAPC) Certified Professional Coder (CPC or CPC-H Apprentice) exam; the American Health Information Association (AHIMA) Certified Coding Associate (CCA) exam; and/or other National Certification Exams.
Individuals seeking to enter into an entry-level medical billing and coding position, or seeking to be nationally certified in medical billing and coding.
Students must have or plan to receive a high school diploma or GED. Participants must also possess a minimum of 10th-grade math and reading skills.
This entry-level course does not require the use of a computer as the focus of a coding professional is the proper use of coding and the related coding manuals.
Note: Participants must be at least 18 years old to sit for the national certification exam after completing this course.
The three potential certifications listed below are for reference purposes only and are not included in the course fee. The instructor can provide feedback on which certification is best for a student to pursue.
Certified Professional Coder (CPC; CPC-H)
www.aapc.com
American Academy of Professional Coders (AAPC)
Exam Cost: $299 (Online), Exam Cost: $399 (Physical Location)
Exam Length: 150 questions, 5 hours and 40 minutes to complete
Certified Coding Associate (CCA)
www.ahima.org
American Health Information Management Association (AHIMA)
Exam Cost: $199 (Member), $299 (Non-Member)
Exam Length: 100 - 115 questions, 2 hours to complete
Certified Billing and Coding Specialist (CBCS)
www.nhanow.com
National Healthcareer Association (NHA)
Exam Cost: $117
Exam Length: 90 questions, 2 hours to complete
Participants interested in becoming Medical Coders or pursuing a national certification should have a high school diploma or GED equivalent. Also, certain National Medical Coding Certification exams are very complex and may require 6 months to 2 years of suggested practical coding experience prior to taking the exam or being recognized as a certified medical coding professional.
Ms. Linda Cantu
Linda Cantu has more than 17 years of teaching experience. Additionally she brings more than 25 years of healthcare experience to the classroom. Her diverse background includes medical insurance coding and billing; medical office instructor, and hospital business office collector. She is currently Medical Insurance Billing & Coding Program Supervisor for Valley Grande Institute, Weslaco, TX.
Note: If you are applying for the Continuing Education Private Loan to cover the registration fee for a non-credit continuing education program, then please use the UTRGV Continuing Education School Code: 003599. The loan amount you note in the application cannot exceed the open enrollment fee noted on our website. The minimum for the loans must be $500.00. Some service charges may apply.
Please email continuinged@utrgv.edu once you have been approved by your loan provider so we may certify your loan.
Online Course Information
Dates:
September 13 - December 1, 2022
Days:
Tuesdays and Thursdays
Times:
Lecture: 6:00 p.m. - 9:30 p.m.
Format:
Online - Live via Zoom
Instructor:
Ms. Linda Cantu
Cost:
$ 1,899
Notes:
* Lecture components of this class will occur online via Zoom on Tuesdays and Thursdays.
Brownsville Course Information
Days:
TBA
Dates:
TBA
Times:
Lecture: 6:00 p.m. - 9:30 p.m.
Format:
Hybrid - Live via Zoom
Location:
Lecture: Online via Zoom*
Instructor:
TBD
Cost:
$ 1,899
Notes:
* Lecture components of this class will occur online via Zoom on Tuesdays and Thursdays.
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