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Become a Medical Billing and Health Records Specialist

Medical Billing Specialists connect medicine with the legal and financial systems that support our healthcare system. As our population ages, the demand for these professionals is growing rapidly. In this comprehensive course bundle, you will learn the concepts and skills of medical coding and billing along with the legal and technical aspects of Electronic Health Records (EHR). Upon successful completion, you will be ready to take and pass the Certified Professional Biller (CPB) exam offered by the American Academy of Professional Coders (AAPC) and the Certified Electronic Health Record Specialist (CEHRS) exam through the National Healthcareer Association (NHA).

Job Outlook for Medical Billing Specialist with Electronic Health Records

  • The US Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) expects the demand for Medical Records and Health Information Specialists to grow by 8% between now and 2029. This is much faster than the anticipated growth rate for all jobs. The BLS notes that the increasing use of EHR by all types of healthcare providers is a strong factor in this demand.
  • Average salaries for Medical Billing Specialists range from $34,362, according to Indeed.com to $37,440 according to ZipRecruiter.com. The AAPC reports that Medical Billing Specialists who hold its CPB status earn $55,078 per year, on average. Your compensation will depend on your experience, location and credentials, among other factors.

Medical Billing Specialist with Electronic Health Records  FAQ’s

WHAT ARE THE DUTIES OF A MEDICAL BILLING SPECIALIST WITH ELECTRONIC HEALTH RECORDS?

Medical Billing Specialists submit claims to health insurance providers in order to arrange payment for patients’ medical treatments and procedures.

ARE ELECTRONIC HEALTH RECORDS IMPORTANT FOR MEDICAL BILLING SPECIALISTS?

EHRs add technical, logistical and legal dimensions to the medical billing and claims processes. They are used in every facet of healthcare, including hospitals, ambulatory surgery centers, long-term care facilities, clinics, and physicians’ offices. Understanding how to navigate and properly use EHR gives a Medical Billing Specialist an advantage across the healthcare field.

IS CERTIFICATION IMPORTANT FOR MEDICAL BILLING SPECIALISTS?

Certifications such as those offered by the AAPC and NHA signal that you have undergone a structured and rigorous course of study to become prepared for your career. Because healthcare facilities work in a highly regulated environment, many require certification for initial hiring and job advancement.

Course Objectives

  • 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
  • Learn to manage patient visits, arrange follow-up care, and issue prescriptions
  • Keep track of vital information such as patient allergies and medications Understand how to best read and interpret health records
  • Understand how to best read and interpret health records
  • Learn how to communicate with patients and report public health information

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.

Curriculum

Medical Terminology

  1. Medical Billing Specialist
  2. Introduction to Medical Billing
  3. Introduction to Health Insurance
  4. Managed Healthcare
  5. Revenue Cycle Management
  6. Legal Aspects of Health Insurance and Reimbursement
  7. ICD-10-CM Coding
  8. CPT Coding
  9. HCPCS Level II Coding
  10. Maximizing Reimbursement
  11. Pharmacology for Medical Billers
  12. Midterm
  13. Clinical Documentation Improvement (CDI)
  14. Insurance Claims
  15. Commercial Insurance
  16. Blue Cross Blue Shield
  17. Medicare
  18. Medicaid, CHIP, TRICARE, Workers’ Compensation
  19. Certification
  20. How to Find a Job in Medical Billing (Optional)
  21. FINAL
  22. Certified Electronic Health Records Specialist
  23. An Overview of EHR and CEHRS
  24. An Introduction to MOSS 3.0
  25. History of EHRs
  26. Steps to EHR Implementation
  27. The EHR Framework
  28. The EHR and Record Content
  29. Lists, Treatment Plans, Orders, and Results
  30. Patient Visit Management
  31. Coding, Billing, and Practice Reports
  32. Patient Communications
  33. Practice Reports, Research, Registries, and Reportable Events
  34. Personal Health Records and Continuing Care Records

Instructors

Nancy Smith

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

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. Before that, she was employed as the lead instructor for the Allied Health Department at 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.

Registration and Enrollment

This course is open enrollment. You can enroll and begin at any time.

Community & Workforce Education Contact

Jane Wheeler

Jane Wheeler

(719) 384-6802
jane.wheeler@otero.edu
Student Services Center

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