Medical Billing and Coding

This course focuses on the basic principles of medical terminology and is a prerequisite for taking all other courses. An overview of body systems and their diseases will be covered, as well as an introduction to abbreviations and laboratory terms. This course concentrates on the meaning of medical terms.

Instructor: Michelle Sykes, MD

Mon & Wed, Sept 4-Oct 9 from 6-9 p.m.

On campus in DeMare Hall, Room DH-208

This class provides a comprehensive introduction to the many facets of Medical Billing.  Learn about registration, compliance laws, various types of providers, various types of insurance, claims processing, the reimbursement cycle, appealing claims, collecting from patients, and more.  Billing is often a foot-in-the door occupation that can lead to a coding position.  However, many people find their niche in Billing, and stay with it throughout their upwardly mobile career.

Instructor: Kathleen Shera, CPC, CPB

Sat, Sept 14-Oct 19 from 9 a.m.-2 p.m.

On campus in Henderson Hall, Room HH-204

This class introduces the medical coding student to the gross anatomy of the 11 functional organ systems of the human body. Learn to develop skills to apply anatomy fundamentals to a medical record and gain an understanding of the organs referenced in medical procedures and diagnosing coding.

Instructor: Michelle Sykes, MD

Mon and Wed, Oct 14-Nov 13 from 6-9 p.m.

On campus in DeMare Hall, Room DH-208

This course reviews the background of the ICD system, as well as ICD-10-CM diagnosis coding. Learn about assignment, review and clarification of coding conventions.

Instructor: Kathleen Shera, CPC, CPB

Sat, Oct 26-Nov 16 from 9 a.m.-1 p.m.

On campus in Henderson Hall, Room HH-204

This course includes overviews of the Healthcare Common Procedure Coding System (HCPCS) Level II and Category III codes. Practical application of the Current Procedural Terminology (CPT) coding system is part of every class. The importance and relevance of physician documentation is discussed, as well as the interpretation of this documentation in the assignment of CPT procedure codes.

Instructor: Kathleen Shera, CPC, CPB

Sat, Nov 23-Dec 21 from 9 a.m.-2 p.m. (no class Nov 30)

On campus in Henderson Hall, Room HH-204

PREREQUISITE: Knowledge of medical terminology and anatomy, basic knowledge of ICD and CPT coding.
Gain practical application of ICD-10-CM diagnostic coding utilizing official coding guidelines and conventions. In-depth instruction on CPT procedural coding covers anesthesia, pathology, laboratory, medicine and surgery.

Mon & Wed, Jan 13-Feb 26 from 6-9 p.m.

Evaluation and Management coding is the key to appropriately maximizing reimbursement for physician visits. Learn the basics of the specific codes by location and type of visit. Code levels for history, physical examination and medical decision-making based on acuity of diagnosis will be reviewed and discussed. The goal of this course is to ensure that the Evaluation and Management (E&M) code levels are chosen in compliance with the documentation in the patient chart.

Sat, Jan 18-Feb 8 from 9 a.m.-1 p.m.

This hands-on workshop is for new medical coders ready to review and code hospital medical records. Participants practice the knowledge learned in the ICD-10-CM and CPT-4 coding courses and code actual hospital charts.

Sat, Feb 15-22 from 9 a.m.-1 p.m.

Learn 3-M Encoding Software, the leading program used by hospitals, and get valuable hands-on experience. Using nearly 100 medical records, you will learn to properly code the medical bill on the actual software used today. Make the typical mistakes in a classroom setting and learn to avoid them in the workplace.

Mon & Wed, March 3-26 from 6-9 p.m. (no class March 17 & 19)

Learn how to apply billing and coding skills to a variety of positions and duties within a medical practice, as well as about the essential functions and flow of front office management, human resource management, patient services, managing medical records and financial management. Special focus on the emerging use of electronic medical records in a physician’s office is covered.

Mon & Wed, Apr 7-23 from 6-9 p.m.

Using the same two-book set that was used in Medical Building 1, the student builds upon the foundations. Lessons will include in-depth critical thinking. Another name for this class could be Reimbursement Management, for that is where the focus lies.  There will also be practical review of the CMS 1500 and UB04 formats, with claim completion examples. The last chapter of our book focuses on seeking a job and attaining professional advancement.

Sat, Apr 12-June 14 from 9 a.m.-1 p.m. (no class Apr 19, May 24)

PREREQUISITE: Completion of ICD-10- CM/CPT 4 Coding – Practical Application.
This course is a review to prepare students to sit for the AAPC CPC exam. Instruction will include review requirements for the exam, overview of examination details, techniques to improve speed, test taking tips, in-class practice exam and individual assessment of coding skills to determine exam readiness. A student must have extensive coding experience in the classroom or through employment. Certification will increase chances of employment opportunities within a competitive field.

Mon & Wed, April 28-May 21, 2025

For students who wish to take the AAPC CPB Certification Exam, this class is the ultimate preparation.  We will use the AAPC CPB Certification Study Guide. Students must have already completed CCM WFD MBC Fall Part 1 and Spring Part 2, or have equivalent training and/or comparable work experience.  Lessons include health insurance models, consumer driven health plans, A/R and collection concepts, government carriers, workers’ compensation and more. Practice exams are included.

Mon & Wed, June 16-23, 2025

This course will cover the foundational concepts of inpatient facility procedures using ICD-10-PCS coding system.

• Review official ICD-10-CM UHDDS coding guidelines
• Purpose and development of ICD-10-PCS
• Organization, general coding guidelines conventions and coding procedures
• Introduction to ICD-10-PCS coding guidelines for procedures
• Differentiate between inpatient and outpatient services
• Code procedural medical coding for inpatient
• Understand the difference between MS-DRGs and APC assignments
• Introduction to encoder software

Instructor: Joann Baker, CCS, COC, CPC

Remote-live

This advanced course covers the pathophysiology of diseases across all the organ systems.  It’s designed for students with a strong background in anatomy, physiology, and medical coding.  The course reviews medical scenarios involving procedures, diagnostics, and treatments in various healthcare settings, preparing students for the CCS exam.

Instructor: Michelle Sykes, MD

On campus

This course is a review to prepare students to sit for the AHIMA CCS exam. Instruction will include review requirements for exam, overview of examination details, techniques to improve speed, test taking tips, in-class practice exam and individual assessment of coding skills to determine exam readiness. AHIMA CCS exam may be taken at the CCM testing center.

One of the following are recommended to sit for the CCS examination:

• Complete courses in all the following topics: Advanced anatomy & physiology, pathophysiology, pharmacology, medical terminology, reimbursement methodology, intermediate/advanced ICD diagnostic coding, and ICD10 PCS procedural coding
• CCM Introduction to Inpatient Facility Coding or other training
• 1 year of coding experience directly applying codes
• Hold the CCA® credential
• Hold a coding credential from another certifying organization
• Extensive coding experience in the classroom or through employment

Instructor: Joann Baker, CCS, COC, CPC

Remote-live