How would you like to work in a field where your skills are always in demand and you get to help people every day? This program offers you the training you need to become an Administrative Medical Specialist (AMS), a medical receptionist, a scheduler, an insurance specialist, or a diagnostic or procedural coder.

You’ll master skills that will make you an asset in a wide variety of healthcare settings. From scheduling appointments to managing medical records to filing insurance claims, you’ll understand everything you need to do to support patient care from start to finish.

The program also offers valuable training in medical office management, as you learn about patient and insurance billing, filing, payroll and human resources tasks, collections, and inventory management. Your training includes step-by-step tutorials that teach you how to work with Medical Office Simulation Software (MOSS ©).

You'll also gain hands-on, practical experience in medical billing and coding for insurance claims. As you work with the main coding manuals in the field, the ICD-9-CM and the CPT, you’ll learn how to code disorders, services, and procedures for all systems of the body. The program also covers the Healthcare Procedural Coding System (HCPCS).

Finally, you'll master the legal, ethical, and regulatory concepts that are central to this field, including HIPAA compliance requirements, industry-specific techniques for filing insurance, and diagnostic and procedural coding tasks.

Upon completion of the course, you’ll receive a Certificate of Completion from the school through which you enrolled. In addition, you’ll receive a voucher for a study guide, and the registration fee for the CBCS (Certified Medical Billing and Coding Specialist) certification credential through the National Healthcareer Association (NHA). You’ll also be eligible to register, prepare for, and take the National Healthcareer Association (NHA)’s certification examinations, the CMAA (Certified Medical Administrative Assistant) and the CBCS (Certified Billing and Coding Specialist).

Upon successful completion of the Administrative Medical Specialist with Medical Billing and Coding program, you will:

• Understand what an AMS does, grasp how the healthcare system functions, and discover the many job settings in which an AMS can work.
• Be able to define the legal and ethical rules governing healthcare, and be cognizant of legal issues including HIPAA, informed consent, contracts, and liability.
• Be proficient in communication skills, telephone techniques, organization, and time management.
• Understand how to manage patient medical records, including chart creation, filing techniques, and rules for records retention.
• Know how to handle prescriptions and medications in a medical office.
• Be able to perform the billing process in a medical office and grasp the basics of banking and bookkeeping.
• Comprehend the responsibilities of an office manager in a healthcare facility and the financial aspects of managing a medical practice.
• Be familiar with Medical Office Simulation Software (MOSS©) and learn how to perform a variety of tasks using practice management software, including patient scheduling, posting procedure and treatment charges, and processing insurance claims.
• Understand what medical billers and coders do, grasp the steps of diagnostic coding and be able to navigate through the ICD-9-CM coding manual.
• Master diagnostic coding for all body systems, newborn conditions, signs and symptoms, ill-defined conditions, injury, poisoning, V codes, and E codes.
• Know how to use the CPT coding manual to code procedures, services, and treatments; Evaluation and Management (E/M) encounters; and radiology, pathology, and laboratory services.
• Understand the Healthcare Procedural Coding System (HCPCS).
• Gain a mastery of the types of health insurance and managed care models, be able to complete a health insurance claim form (CMS 1500), and know how providers are reimbursed for their services.

Lesson 1: Overview: What is an Administrative Medical Assistant?

• Career as an Administrative Medical Specialist
• Certification
• The Human Side of a Career as an AMS
• Healthcare: The Big Picture

Lesson 2: Legal and Ethical Issues in Healthcare

• Ethics and Etiquette
• Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA)
• Additional Legal Issues

Lesson 3: Effective Communication and Receptionist Duties

• The Basics of Communication
• Communication Do’s and Don’ts
• The Medical Receptionist’s Role
• Verification of Insurance Benefits
• Preauthorization
• The Office and Reception Area—A Closer Look

Lesson 4: Telephone Procedures and Appointment Scheduling

• Phone Systems
• Telephone Policies and Procedures
• Appointment Scheduling

Lesson 5: Filing Skills

• Filing Systems
• Alphabetic Filing Rules
• Filing Supplies and Equipment
• Filing Medical Records

Lesson 6: Medical and Medication Records Management

• The Basics of Medical Records Systems
• Recordkeeping and Error Correction
• SOAP and CHEDDAR
• The Elements of a Medical Record
• Drugs and Prescription Records

Lesson 7: Written Correspondence, Mail, and Telecommunications

• Writing a Business Letter
• Communication With Style
• Processing Mail and Telecommunications
• Email and Faxes

Lesson 8: Fees, Credit, and Collection

• Doctor’s Fees
• Billing
• Credit and Collections

Lesson 9: Banking and Bookkeeping

• The Basics of Banking
• Checks, Bank Deposits, and ATMs
• Managing a Checkbook and Bank Statements
• Bookkeeping, the Daysheet, and Accounts Receivable

Lesson 10: Office and Financial Management

• Key Duties of an Office Manager
• Employee Management
• Policy and Procedure Manuals
• Facility Oversight
• Business Travel
• Computerized Financial Management

Lesson 11: Medical Office Simulation Software (MOSS)

• Getting Started with MOSS
• Mastering the Basics of MOSS
• The Basic Management Categories in MOSS

Lesson 12: MOSS Registration, Insurance, and Data Entry

• Common Types of Medical Insurance Plans
• MOSS Patient Registration
• Procedure Posting Routines

Lesson 13: Insurance Billing, Payment Posting, and Claims Processing

• Processing Insurance Claims
• Posting Payments
• Billing Patients
• Posting Secondary Insurance Payments
• Following up on Insurance Claims

Lesson 14: A Day in a Virtual Medical Office

• Appointment Scheduling
• Patient Registration and Procedure Posting
• Insurance Billing
• Posting Payments and Secondary Insurance Billing
• Patient Billing and Collections
• Posting Secondary Insurance Payments and Electronic RA Payments

Lesson 15: ICD-9-CM Overview

• ICD-9-CM Coding Manual Layout and Structure
• ICD-9-CM Coding Manual Conventions
• Abstracting from the Medical Record
• Steps for Diagnostic Coding Using the ICD-9-CM

Lesson 16: ICD-9-CM Diagnostic Coding I

• General Coding Guidelines for all Chapters in the ICD-9-CM
• Coding Infectious and Parasitic Diseases
• Coding Neoplasms

Lesson 17: ICD-9-CM Diagnostic Coding II

• Coding Endocrine, Nutritional and Metabolic, and Immunity Disorders
• Coding Diseases of the Blood and Blood Forming Organs
• Coding Mental, Behavioral, and Neurodevelopmental Disorders
• Coding Diseases of the Nervous System and Sense Organs
• Coding Diseases of the Circulatory System
• Coding Diseases of the Respiratory System
• Coding Diseases of the Digestive System
• Coding Diseases of the Genitourinary System

Lesson 18: ICD-9-CM Diagnostic Coding III

• Coding Complications of Pregnancy, Childbirth, and the Puerperium
• Coding Diseases of the Skin and Subcutaneous Tissues
• Coding Diseases of the Musculoskeletal System and Connective Tissues
• Coding Congenital Anomalies
• Coding Certain Conditions Originating in the Perinatal Period

Lesson 19: ICD-9-CM Diagnostic Coding V and E Codes

• Coding Supplementary Classification of Factors Influencing Health Status and Contact with Health Services
• Coding Supplementary Classification of External Causes of Injury and Poisoning
• Coding ICD-9-CM Volume 3 Procedures

Lesson 20: ICD-9-CM Guidelines Sections II-IV and Appendix I

• ICD-9-CM Guidelines Section II: Selection of Principal Diagnosis
• ICD-9-CM Guidelines Section III: Reporting Additional Diagnoses
• ICD-9-CM Guidelines Section IV: Diagnostic Coding and Reporting Guidelines for Outpatient Services
  • ICD-9-CM Guidelines Appendix I: Present on Admission

Lesson 21: Current Procedural Terminology (CPT) Introduction

• CPT Coding Manual Layout
• CPT Coding Manual Conventions
• CPT Procedural Coding Steps
• Coding Evaluation and Management (E and M) Services

Lesson 22: CPT Procedural Coding I

• Coding Anesthesia Services
• Coding Surgery Services
  • Integumentary System
  • Musculoskeletal System
  • Respiratory System
  • Cardiovascular System

Lesson 23: CPT Procedural Coding II

• Coding Surgery Services
  • Hemic and Lymphatic Systems
  • Mediastinum and Diaphragm
  • Digestive System
  • Urinary System
  • Male and Female Genital System
  • Reproductive System
  • Intersex Surgery
  • Maternity Care and Delivery
  • Endocrine System
  • Nervous System
  • Eye and Ocular Adnexa
  • Auditory System
  • Operating Microscope

Lesson 24: CPT Procedural Coding III and HCPCS

• Laboratory and Pathology Coding
• Radiology Coding
• Medicine Coding
• HCPCS Level II Coding
• Coding for Medical Necessity

Lesson 25: Billing and Reimbursement

• Medical Insurance Overview
• Insurance Carriers
  • Blue Cross/Blue Shield
  • Medicare
  • Medicaid
  • TRICARE
  • Worker’s Compensation
  • Billing and Reimbursement
  • CMS-1500 Medical Insurance Claim Form
  • Reimbursement and Follow-up

Completion and Certification

There are no prerequisites for this program. It is recommended, but not required, that you have knowledge of medical terminology or have taken a medical terminology course. Knowledge of anatomy and physiology is also helpful.

Technical Requirements

Students must have:

• An IBM-compatible (PC) computer running Windows XP (Service Pack 2), Windows Vista, or Windows 7.
• A CD-ROM drive (for installing the Medical Office Simulation Software (MOSS©).
• Access to a word-processing program, preferably Microsoft Word.
• Internet access. While the program will work from a dial-up connection, high-speed Internet access (like DSL or Cable) is recommended.
• Adobe Reader (free download online).
• Sound card or integrated sound support.
• Computer speakers or headphones.

MOSS 2.0 is compatible with Windows XP (Service Pack 2), Vista, and Windows 7.

Important Note: A Mac computer will not work for this course.

 Materials Included

ed2go will provide the required textbooks for this program. Each student will receive the following books:

• Administrative Medical Assisting, 6^th edition, by Marilyn T. Fordney, Linda L. French, and Joan J. Follis
• Administrative Medical Assisting Workbook
• Getting Started in the Computerized Medical Office: Fundamentals and Practice with Medical Office Simulation Software (MOSSv2)
• Understanding Health Insurance (UHI), 10^th edition, by Michelle A Green and Jo Ann C Rowell
• 2012 Educational ICD-9-CM, Volume 1, 2, and 3, and HCPCS Level II, 1^st edition
• CPT Standard 2012, 1^st edition
• Merriam-Webster's Medical Desk Dictionary, 3^rd edition

Felisha Bochantin has been in the medical coding industry since 1994. She currently holds a bachelor's degree in Health Care Administration. Felisha is a Certified Professional Medical Coder, Certified Professional Medical Coder- Hospitals and a Certified Professional Medical Coding Curriculum Instructor, and is a member of the AAPC and AHIMA. She has an extensive background in teaching a variety of medical billing and coding core courses as well as general education courses. Her experience includes: administrative billing, correct coding and compliance auditing for inpatient, and outpatient and physician offices. Felisha has instructed and designed core curriculum for medical coding certification programs. In addition to her adjunct teaching schedule, she is employed full time by a large health care payer.

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. Previously she was employed as the lead instructor for the Allied Health Department for 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: 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 a member of the American Academy of Professional Coders (AAPC) and the National Healthcare Association (NHA) where she is a test proctor.

Carline Dalgleish has worked in medical office administration, including administrative medical assisting and medical billing and coding, for over 35 years. She holds a bachelor's degree in Business Information Systems, a post-baccalaureate certificate in Health Information Management, a master's degree in Leadership, and is a Registered Health Information Administrator (RHIA).

She is an AHIMA Approved ICD-10-CM/PCS Trainer, an AHIMA ICD-10 Ambassador, and is a member of the American Health Information Management Association (AHIMA) and the American Association of Healthcare Administrative Management (AAHAM). She recently completed a textbook on the new ICD-10 coding system, and owns her own consulting firm, AnnGrant Education Services, Inc.

LaTrisha Howard has over 10 years experience in the healthcare industry. Ms. Howard has expertise in coding Inpatient, Outpatient, and ER medical records. In addition to Ms. Howard’s experience in coding, she has experience in chart auditing and physician education.

She is currently working as an ER Coder/Auditor for a physician billing and consulting service, and currently holds the CCS and CPC certification, as well as being a member of AHIMA and AAPC.

Mrs. Shonda Miles is a Certified Professional Coder, Certified Professional Medical Auditor, and holds an Executive Masters of Business Administration, Master’s Degree in Business Administration with a concentration in Human Resources and a Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration (Management).

Shonda Miles has over 6 ½ years in the healthcare industry. Mrs. Miles has expertise in coding and chart auditing Inpatient, Outpatient, and ER medical records. She is a member of AAPC, NAMAS and ACHE. She is currently employed with a university hospital as a Compliance Auditor.

Shonda Miles currently teaches in the Administrative Medical Specialist and Medical Billing and Coding Programs. She resides in Shreveport, LA with her husband, Dameon and three sons.

April Raines currently teaches in the Administrative Medical Specialist and Medical Billing & Coding Programs. She resides in Albany, Georgia with her husband, Gabriel, and two sons, Justin and Jordan.

April attended Albany State University where she earned a BS in Allied Health Sciences and Healthcare Administration. She later received an MBA in Healthcare Management from American Intercontinental University.

During her role as Business Office Manager at the Phoebe Cancer Center, she received her Certification from the Healthcare Financial Management Association in Patient Accounting. Her professional experience includes management of Patient Access, Medical Records, and Patient Accounting/Business Office functions.

April is a member and Co-Chair of the Georgia Society of Clinical Oncology Administrators’ Association, National Association of Healthcare Executives, and Oncology Nursing Society.

In addition to her service at the Phoebe Cancer Center and ed2go, April is also adjunct faculty at University of Phoenix and Anthem College. In her free time, April enjoys reading, shopping, traveling, and spending time with family and friends

Marguerite Spence has served as a Health Information Specialist since 1997. She is currently a corporate compliance auditor at a medical center in New York. Ms. Spence simultaneously operates a consulting company where she hires consultants for professional training of medical staff and offers a workshop regarding guidelines and regulations for documentation and coding. Ms. Spence also teaches CPC prep classes at the City University of New York.

Ms. Spence is a certified professional coder. She is a member of AAPC and AMBA.

Ms. Spence is admired by students, doctors, and administrators for her knowledge, skills, and training methods. She is also the proud mother of a Magna Cum Laude graduate of Morgan State University.

Lydia S. Stewart, RN, BSN received her Bachelor of Science Degree in Nursing from McNeese State University in Lake Charles, La. Lydia currently serves as the Revenue Cycle Manager at a large regional medical center in Northeast Louisiana. Lydia has been a Registered Nurse for 23 years, 15 of those years specializing in Critical Care Nursing and supervision.

Lydia has mentored hundreds of nurses throughout the course of her nursing career. She is responsible for Medical Audits, Charge Capture, and governmental compliance audits and reviews. She performs revenue cycle fundamental and charging education to department directors and hospital staff. Lydia collaborates with the business office to rectify billing edit issues. She performs managed care reviews for accurate payment. Lydia also serves as an independent chargemaster and reimbursement consultant to area outpatient service centers. Lydia is a member of the Louisiana Medical Auditor Association and HFMA.

Lydia enjoys reading, spending time with family, elderly parents and brilliant Boxers Venus and Pluto. She resides in Monroe, La. with her husband and son.