Medical billing and coding professionals are essential to the healthcare industry. This comprehensive program prepares students for a successful career in this field, covering medical billing procedures, computer skills, and office administration. Crucially, it also provides the training needed to obtain the nationally recognized Certified Professional Coder Apprentice (CPC-A) credential, offered by the American Academy of Professional Coders (AAPC).
The AAPC is a respected organization providing accreditation, education, networking, and recognition for medical coders nationwide. Earning the CPC-A certification demonstrates proficiency in medical coding and can significantly enhance career prospects. This program acts as your Gateway Coding training, setting you on the path to a rewarding career.
Medical billing involves submitting and tracking insurance claims for healthcare services. This requires a thorough understanding of medical records and coding systems like CPT®, HCPCS Level II, and ICD-10-CM. Medical coders review clinical documentation and translate this information into the appropriate medical codes using these same classification systems. This process, known as gateway coding, is fundamental to accurate billing and reimbursement.
Medical billers often handle both front-end and back-end tasks, including gathering patient data, entering charges, verifying insurance coverage, obtaining prior authorizations, collecting co-pays, and meticulously reviewing claims (also known as “scrubbing”) for accuracy before submission. This ensures accurate gateway coding for optimal reimbursement.
This program aims to equip students with the necessary skills and knowledge to excel in these roles. Specific objectives include:
Program Objectives: Mastering Gateway Coding Skills
- Critical Thinking: Develop critical thinking skills to apply medical terminology, insurance regulations, and coding guidelines effectively.
- Insurance Terminology: Understand fundamental health insurance terminology related to billing and claims processing.
- HIPAA Compliance: Adhere to HIPAA regulations for patient privacy and security.
- Computer Proficiency: Master computer skills essential for documentation, billing, and coding in healthcare settings.
- ICD-10-CM Mastery: Utilize the ICD-10-CM manual to accurately assign diagnostic codes. This is a critical aspect of gateway coding.
- CPT and HCPCS Proficiency: Utilize CPT and HCPCS code books to assign procedure and service codes correctly based on medical records, further enhancing gateway coding accuracy.
This comprehensive curriculum provides the essential foundation for a career in medical billing and coding, emphasizing the crucial role of gateway coding in the healthcare revenue cycle. By mastering these skills, graduates will be well-prepared to contribute to efficient and accurate healthcare administration. This program is the gateway to coding proficiency and career success.
