Certificate Program--18 Semester Credits --12 Weeks--360 Clock Hours--Cost $5000
The number of people seeking health care services has increased as a result of an aging population, technologic advances, and better access to health care. At the same time, there is an increase in the use of outpatient services. This increase is due in part to the government introduction to tighter controls over inpatient services. The government continues to increase its involvement in and control over health care through reimbursement of services for Medicare patients. Other insurance companies are following the governments lead and adopting reimbursement systems that proved effective in reducing third-party payer costs.
Health care in America has undergone tremendous change in the recent past, and more changes are promised for the future. These changes have resulted in an ever increasing demand for qualified medical coders. The government predicts a growth in the demand for medical coders of 49% during the year of 2000-2010 time periods, with all health services ranked as the third largest growth industry in America. The national shortage has increased the salary for the coding occupation, and salaries in general show a solid upward trend.
According to the 2007 Academy Salary Survey, U.S. Department of Labor projects a faster than average growth for the career of medical coding. The fastest employment growth is going to be in the physician’s office, and especially large group practices. The increased demand for coder’s is due to the increase in the number of medical tests, treatments, and procedures and the increase in the claims reviewed by third party payers.
This program is designed to provide the student with necessay skills to succeed as a medical billing specialist. This course includes studies in computer basics, word processing, medical terminology and anatomy, basics of health insurance, Medisoft Medical software, Current Procedural Terminology (CPT), and Diagnostic and Procedure Codes (ICD-10-CM). Student is not required to have previous computer or medical skills. The student must have a high school diploma or GED.
Computer Basics:
Upon completion of this unit the student should be able to itentify types of computers and components of a personal computer. Explain the data processing cycle and how it applies to the computer tasks, identify common software and hardware devices and their functions. Demonstrate basic Microsoft Windows skills and explain how to manage files.
Microsoft Word:
In this program the student will become familiar with the use of Word for letter and report writing. They will learn the use of the tool bars to edit, format, cut, paste and correct errors in Word.
Anatomy and Terminology (The Language of Medicine):
This is a basic overview of the major systems of the human body. It will include not only identification, but also the location and the function of the systems covered along with conditions and diseases that are common to those systems. The knowledge that you gain will jump-start your career in the medical workplace.
HIPPA for Allied Health Careers (Certification):
As you know the field of health care is in the midst of an enormous transition from paper-based to electronic transactions and health records, requiring protection of patients' privated health information. While the demand for graduates with a background in allied health exceeds the supply, students entering the field today also need a basic understanding of how to protect health information in their work settings. That is the purpose of this course.
Medical Insurance-Understanding the Claim Cycle in the Medical Office:
This combination textbook and workbook, explains each phase of the medical claim cycle, from the time the patient calls for an appointment until the financial transaction for the encounter is completed. Coverage includes types of insurance payers, basic coding and billing rules, and standard requirements for outpatient billing using the CMS-1500 claim form. It also emphasizes legal aspects related to each level of the medical claim cycle and the importance of the medical office employee, showing their responsibility for and impact on successful reimbursement.
Computers in the Medical Office-NDC Medisoft:
Welcome to Computer's in the Medical Office, the new electronic health records revolution. This course introduces you to the concepts and skills you will need for a successful career in medical office billing and electronic health records. Medical biller is one of the ten fastest-growing allied health occupations. This employment growth is the result of the increased medical needs of an aging population, advances in technology, and the growing number off health practitioners. Computers in the Medical Office prepares students for administrative tasks in health care practices. The course introduces and simulates situations using NDCMedisoft Advanced, a widely used medical administrative software. While progressing through NDCMedisoft's menus and windows, students learn to input patient information, schedule appointments, and enter transactions. In addition, they produce various lists and reports, and learn to create insurance claims. These invaluable skills are important in effective electronic financial management of health care practices.
Case Studies for the Medical Office:
This section is an introduction to a simulated medical group. You will learn about the purpose, the people, and the structure of the practice. In addition you will be introduced to the topics of medical records and patient privacy. It is important to understand the proper use and disclosure of patient health information. You will learn about your role and your specific responsibilities in a medical group, including activities such as scheduling, billing, and responding to patient inquiries.
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