The Medical Billing & Coding Profession
Medical billing and coding 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 for insurance carrier reimbursement. The medical industry will have almost 50% more jobs available by 2023; therefore, a surplus of medical facilities will continue to hire candidates who specialize in medical billing and coding..
The Medical Billing & Coding Program
This billing and coding course offers the skills needed to perform complex coding and billing procedures. The course covers: CPT (Introduction, Guidelines, Evaluation and Management), specialty fields (such as surgery, radiology and laboratory), the ICD-10 for both diagnosis and procedure coding, ICD-9 (Introduction and Guidelines) and basic claims processes for insurance reimbursements.This billing and coding program delivers the skills students need to solve insurance billing and coding problems. It details proper assignment of codes and the process to file claims for reimbursement. This course covers the following key areas and topics:
Medical Billing & Coding Detailed Course Information:
Lesson Checklist
Each lesson includes a prescribed checklist of activities for successful completion of the lesson. This includes lesson objectives, readings, and recommended assignments. Although assignments are optional, the instructor will grade and provide feedback on submitted assignments.
Course Materials:
Module/Lesson Structure
The Medical Billing and Coding program is divided into five main content modules. The textbook is 2015 Step-by-Step Medical Coding by Carol J. Buck. Each module contains one or more lesson presentations to view. These lesson presentations are the “lectures” which, along with the textbook readings and resources, will help you learn the material. The lesson presentations aim to address a variety of learning styles and preferences using text, audio, video, etc. Each lesson contains at least one Check Your Understanding interactive self-assessment that will help you gauge your comprehension of that lesson’s content.
Many lessons include supplemental resources such as games, animations, videos, and interactive activities. Using these additional materials will deepen your understanding of the content. Each module has a Module test (the last Module concludes with a Final Exam for all students).
Module 1 – Introduction to Medical Billing and Codings
Module 2 – Introduction to the CPT and HCPCS
Module 3 – Using the CPT
Module 4 – More CPT Surgery Sections
Module 5 – Radiology, Laboratory, Medicine, and Inpatient Coding
The Medical Coding ICD-10 Modules
This Medical Coding ICD-10 course reviews key elements of the changes from ICD-9 to ICD-10 and examines the impact of this change on the U.S. healthcare system. Modules will provide an overview of the ICD-10 for both diagnosis and procedure coding. It covers the transition from ICD-9 to ICD-10 and reviews the changes and updates. It includes the new codes, the structure, and nature of the characters. You will also learn how to use the appropriate code manuals.
Note: This program can be completed in 6 months. However, students will have online access to this program for a 12-month period.
Education and National Certifications
National Certification
Upon successful completion of this Auburn University program, students would be eligible to sit for the American Academy of Professional Coders (AAPC) -Certified Professional Coder Exam (CPC or CPC-H Apprentice); the American Health Information Association (AHIMA) Certified Coding Associate (CCA) exam and the National Healthcareer Association (NHA) Billing and Coding Specialist Certification (CBCS) exam.Students who complete this program are encouraged to complete the externship option with their program. Students who complete this program can and do sit for the national certification exam and are qualified, eligible and prepared to do so. Auburn University works with each student to complete the exam application and register the student to take their national certification exam.
Externship / Hands on Training / Practicum
Although not a requirement of this program, once students complete the Medical Billing & Coding program they have the ability to participate in a clinical externship and/or hands on practicum so as to practice the skills necessary to perform the job requirements of a Medical Billing & Coding professional. Students will be assisted with completing a resume and/or other requirements necessary to work in a hospital, physicians’ practice, clinic and/or with other healthcare organizations. All students who complete this program are eligible to participate in an externship and will be placed in a healthcare organization near their location. Auburn University works with national healthcare organizations and has the ability to place students in clinical externship opportunities nationwide
Note: No refunds can be issued after the start date published in your Financial Award document.