Medical Billing and Coding Training

Medical billing and coding is a growing field with a multitude of job opportunities,¹ but it does require a certain level of training. Here, we’ll take a look at MBC courses at DeVry University, what they include and what students will learn during the course of their education.

In a comprehensive medical billing and coding training program, you can be exposed to coursework in preparation of a career as a medical biller and coder, including preparation for nationally recognized certifications, such as Certified Coding Specialist (CCS) certification from the American Health Information Management Association (AHIMA).

In such a program, students can learn a variety of skills and disciplines. For example, DeVry University’s medical billing and coding program is designed to teach students:

Learn medical terminology, including the foundations of words used to describe the human body and its conditions, terminology for medical procedures, the names of commonly prescribed medications and common abbreviations.

Explore the history and organization of, and current issues in, the U.S. healthcare delivery system, including interrelationships among system components and care providers.

Study the principles and guidelines for using the International Classification of Diseases system to code diagnoses and procedures in an inpatient setting.

Explore reimbursement and payment methodologies applicable to healthcare provided in various U.S. settings as it relates to relevant forms, processes, practices and the roles of health information professionals.

Compile codes, categories, calculations, tabulations and audits, or verify information or data.

Enter, transcribe, store or maintain information in written or electronic form.

Study the principles and guidelines for using the Current Procedural Terminology system for reporting physician and other healthcare services, including non-inpatient procedures.

Abstract, classify and code medical data while also ensuring data quality and Integrity.

All of these skills combine to help students understand medical billing and coding, identify medical procedures and treatments, communicate effectively with both insurance companies and patients and collaborate with other medical professionals to create accurate health records.

A medical biller and coder with these skills can not only help their employer’s bottom line, but also ensure that patients receive high-quality care² with the help of comprehensive health records.

The right medical billing training and medical coding training can go a long way to help you pursue your goals as a medical billing and coding professional. Look for a program that covers everything from physiology and disease classification to health insurance and regulatory compliance. For example, at DeVry University our medical billing and coding programs include these courses:

HIT141: Health Information Processes

Introduces health information functions, such as content and format of records, retention and storage requirements, indexes and registries, as well as forms design. You'll also explore relationships among departments and clinical providers within a healthcare system.
 

HIT203: International Classification of Diseases I

Addresses principles, guidelines, definitions and coding conventions of the International Classification of Diseases-10-Procedural Coding System (ICD-10-PCS). You'll gain the experience to dissect operative reports and build codes in ICD-10-PCS accurately.
 

HIT205: International Classification of Diseases II

Introduces principles and guidelines for using the ICD-10-Clinical Modification (ICD-10-CM) system to code diagnoses. You'll learn about coding ethics, data quality and the application of coding principles to electronic record systems.
 

HIT211: Current Procedural Terminology Coding I

Expands your knowledge of clinical classification systems and the most current principles of Current Procedural Terminology. You'll also explore the application of coding principles to an electronic record system.
 

HIT213: Current Procedural Terminology Coding II

Explores advanced coding techniques and guidelines from the Current Procedural Terminology code set and the International Classification of Diseases. You'll practice coding complex case studies and medical reports by utilizing manual  tools.
 

HIT220: Legal and Regulatory Issues in Health Information

Introduces legal and regulatory issues in healthcare with an emphasis on their applications in healthcare information services and documentation of care. You'll explore the rights and responsibilities of providers, employees, payers and patients in a healthcare context.
 

HIT230: Health Insurance and Reimbursement

Explores reimbursement and payment methodologies applicable to healthcare provided in various U.S. settings. You'll learn concepts related to insurance products, third-party and prospective payment, as well as managed care organizations.
 

HIT260: Coding Practicum

Provides you with hands-on experience in coding authentic patient records. You'll gain 40 hours of practical experience in medical coding for various patient types and encounters as you apply your knowledge and skills to complex case studies in a virtual setting.
 

HIT261: CCS Review

Helps prepare you for the Certified Coding Specialist (CCS) certification exam, which determines aptitude in multiple competency domains including health information documents, diagnosis and procedure coding, as well as regulatory guidelines and reporting requirements for Acute Care (Inpatient) service.

These courses cover a wide range of subjects that students may need to know in their day-to-day work as medical billers and coders.

Additionally, such courses can help to prepare students for major medical billing and coding certification exams including:

• Certified Coding Specialist (CCS, offered by American Health Information Management Association (AHIMA)
• Certified Coding Associate (CCA), offered by AHIMA

When looking into medical billing and coding training, seek a program that offers:

• Accreditation by a recognized organization such as the Higher Learning Commission (HLC) or Accrediting Commission for Community and Junior Colleges (ACCJC)
• Hands-on experience opportunities, such as EHR Go simulation software, which gives you access to simulated medical records as well as several applications and software programs used in the medical billing and coding field.

EHR Go is an electronic health record system and web-based platform, complete with more than 300 live patient files, designed for hands-on educational purposes.  It gives you the opportunity to put theory to practice and perform simulated medical coding activities.

• Adequate preparation for major medical billing and coding certification exams, such as the CPC, CCS and CCA certifications offered by AAPC and AHIMA

If you’re interested in becoming a medical biller and coder for the healthcare industry, DeVry University’s medical billing and coding online classes can you help you pursue your goal.