PROFESSIONAL MEDICAL BILLING AND CODING
What is a Medical Biller and Coder?
Medical billers and coders play a major role in bringing together patients, health care providers, and insurance companies. They translate the documents in a patient’s chart into codes and spend most of their time using their computer to enter data into a billing system or looking for information to clarify notes in the patient’s chart. The day-to-day duties may consist of:
· Retrieving referrals
· Checking eligibility and benefits verification for treatment
· Reviewing patient bills for accuracy and completes, and obtaining any missing information
· Following up on unpaid claims within standard billing cycle
This program will prepare the student to become nationally certified as a CPC-A (Certified Professional Coder Apprentice). This certification is sponsored by the American Academy of Professional Coders (AAPC). The AAPC is a nationally recognized organization offering professional accreditation, education, recognition, and networking opportunities to medical coders. Students need to be able to effectively manage their time to successfully complete this program. Students must take all required courses to receive a certificate.
USDOL scholarships (funding) are available for eligible students enrolled in the programs (CNA, Central Sterile Processing, Medical Billing and Coding, and Patient Care Technician), please contact (203) 332-5057 for more information. The total cost of CT Statewide Healthcare Industry Pathway project (CT SHIP) is $6.9M. $3.4M (49%) is funded through a U.S. Department of Labor – Employment and Training Administration grant and another $3.5M (51%) is committed through non-federal state and local resources.
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Anatomy & Physiology/Medical Terminology
5 Weeks | 37.5 Hours | Beacon Hall 125 | CRN 80356
Medical language translates into communication used by all levels of staff working in or around a clinical environment. It is very logical and organized according to body systems, anatomy, physiology, and disease processes. A course in medical terminology is essential for students who will be involved in any science-related career. In this 37.5-hour class students will be introduced to the systems of the body and terminology related to each system, along with anatomy. Common medical abbreviations of texts, diseases, and procedures will be introduced. Students will learn about the structure of medical words, including prefixes, suffixes, combining forms, and how to decipher medical words.
07/09/2024 – 08/08/2024 | Tuesdays & Thursdays | 6:00pm – 9:45pm
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Medical Coding I (ICD-10)
5 Weeks | 37.5 Hours | Beacon Hall 125 | CRN 80357
This 37.5-hour course simplifies ICD-10 diagnosis to ensure the most accurate billing and optimal reimbursement for outpatient medical services. The Guide to the Update section lists all new and revised codes, providing quick access to the annual changes. Official Guidelines for Coding and Reporting (OGCRs) are listed and integrated within the code set, providing fast, easy access to the official coding rules.
08/13/2024 - 09/12/2024 | Tuesdays & Thursdays | 6:00pm – 9:45pm
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Medical Coding II (CPT & HCPCS)
5 Weeks| 37.5 Hours | Beacon Hall 125 | CRN 80358
This 37.5-hour course will cover the HCPCS and identify the purpose of the CPT manual. It will allow students to convert descriptions of medical, surgical, and diagnostic services into numerical codes. Students will learn CPT coding conventions, organization of the HCPCS Level II codes, and steps for assigning CPT and HCPCS Level II codes.
09/17/2024 - 10/17/2024 | Tuesdays & Thursdays | 6:00pm – 9:45pm
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AAPC Exam Prep
6 Weeks | 45 Hours | Beacon Hall 125 | 80359
This 45-hour course is a review of coding concepts and techniques required to pass the AAPC CPC-A Certification exam, including becoming acquainted with the structure and materials on the exam, reviewing all sections of CPT, ICD-10-CM, and HCPCS, and recognizing strategies used on the certification exam.
10/22/2024 - 12/03/2024 | Tuesdays & Thursdays | 6:00pm – 9:45pm
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Medical Health Insurance
6 Weeks | 45 Hours | Beacon Hall 324 | CRN 80360
An introduction to the world of health insurance billing and the dynamic, growing field of health information management. This 45-hour course provides a thorough, practical overview of key principles and current practices, from patient registration to claims submission. Students will learn the ten steps that clearly identify all the components needed to successfully manage the medical insurance claims process. The cycle shows how administrative medical professionals “follow the money.” Medical insurance specialists must be familiar with the rules and guidelines of each health plan in order to submit proper documentation, which then ensures that offices receive maximum, appropriate reimbursement for services provided.
01/07/2025 - 02/13/2025 | Tuesdays & Thursdays | 6:00pm – 9:45pm
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Electronic Health Records
6 Weeks | 40 Hours | Beacon Hall 324 | CRN 80861
This course provides experience in performing entry-level competencies in the administrative areas of the medical office. The material and activities included in the 40-hr simulation provide the student with medical office experiences and acquaint them with procedures, forms, medical transcription, HIPPA, filing, managing records, scheduling, ordering supplies, billing, coding, utilizing effective communication demonstration involving ethical considerations and management skills. Using current, realistic medical office cases, students build transferable computerized medical billing and scheduling skills. A final grade of 70% or higher is required to register for the national certification exam.
02/18/2025 - 0/27/2025 | Tuesdays & Thursdays | 6:00pm – 9:45pm
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