Medical Billing & Coding Course Outline

Central Career is one of the leading dental schools in New Jersey. Our programs include dental assisting, medical assisting, medical billing & coding, business & technology.

Course Title:	Medical Billing and Coding
Total Hours:	700 Clock Hours
Total Weeks:	Day Program 28 Weeks Evening Program 50 Weeks
Objective:	To provide students with the knowledge and skills required to function effectively in today’s medical office environment. Graduates will be prepared for entry-level positions that require general administrative skills, as well as specialized knowledge of medical terminology and procedures, insurance billing and coding systems, computerized patient accounting, and computer skills and expertise. Graduates will also be qualified to perform entry-level secretarial duties in any business/office environment.
Course Schedule:	Title Instructional Hours 1 Medical Terminology 105 Hours 2 Medical Office Management 30 Hours 3 Computers in the Medical Office 45 Hours 4 Medical Coding / Billing 90 Hours 5 Job Skills 30 Hours 6 Introduction to Computers 30 Hours 7 MS-Word 30 Hours 8 MS-Excel 30 Hours 9 Keyboarding / Computer Lab 120 Hours 10 Computerized Accounting 30 Hours 11 Business Skills 60 Hours 12 Externship 100 Hours Total Hours: 700 Hours

Curriculum Schedule

1

MEDICAL TERMINOLOGY (105 hours)

This course provides students with a working knowledge of the basic structure of medical words, including prefixes, suffixes, roots, and combining forms and plurals. Included are the proper pronunciation, abbreviations, spelling, and definitions of medical terms. The following body systems will be covered: respiratory, musculosketetal, endocrine, nervous, cardiovascular, digestive, genitourinary, and the male and female reproductive systems.

2

MEDICAL OFFICE MANAGEMENT (30 hours)

his course utilizes a medical office simulation package to teach students the professional conduct and administrative procedures required in any medical office: greeting patients, telephone techniques and manners, billing and collection procedures, insurance procedures, and record keeping. Students will incorporate transcription exercises, learning to develop transcription skills utilizing simulation packages and tapes.

3

COMPUTERS IN THE MEDICAL OFFICE (45 hours)

This course introduces students to the use of computers in today’s health care office environment. Students will focus on the preparation and accurate processing of various medical documents found in the computerized medical office, such as electronic Medicare claims, and medical software to do accounts receivable and insurance billing.

4

MEDICAL CODING/BILLING (90 hours)

This course introduces students to coding, which is an essential part of insurance filing. Students will learn the codes for diagnoses (ICD-9), procedures (CPT), and the special codes for Medicare/Medicaid (HCPCS).

5

JOB SKILLS (30 hours)

Students are taught the necessary job-hunting skills and strategies needed to successfully compete in the job market. Resume preparation, interviewing techniques, etc. are also covered.

6

INTRODUCTION TO COMPUTERS (30 hours)

This course provides students with an introduction to the computer, as students discover its operation, capabilities, and limitations. Students are taught key terms, system hardware, and complete lab exercises designed to provide practical skills in a variety of software applications.

7

MS-WORD (30 hours)

Students learn to create, edit, print, and enhance documents from the simplest letter to the most complex manuscript. It will also cover advanced formatting techniques, how to use tables and graphs, and the creation of styles and templates. You will learn how to automate your work, create columns, and use drawing tools.

8

MS - EXCEL (30 hours)

Students learn the basic concepts needed to run fully integrated spreadsheet software programs, to create and calculate with formulas, use charts, and create / print reports.

9

KEYBOARDING / COMPUTER LAB (120 hours)

Proper typing techniques and principles are developed to maintain a high level of accuracy while building speed. After achieving proficiency in skill building, students progress to formatting activities which include business letters, tabulated reports and medical correspondence/reports. A minimum skill of 45 words per minute with three errors is desired. (Computer Lab: Students who are meeting their progressive keyboarding goals will have the opportunity to use Keyboarding class time to work on or practice other application assignments. Students may also be given the opportunity to take other computer classes that may not be part of the curriculum noted such as Advanced MS-Word, MS-Excel, MS-Access, etc.)

10

COMPUTERIZED ACCOUNTING (30 hours)

Students will use the latest computerized accounting software to learn basic Accounting and Bookkeeping principles, language and concepts that will enable them to set up and maintain a chart of accounts; track payables, receivables and inventory; create invoices and post transactions; age payables and receivables; reconcile bank accounts; process payroll; prepare general ledger, balance sheet, financial statements; and the close year process.

11

BUSINESS SKILLS (60 hours)

In Business Math Review, students review the basic skills of arithmetic, whole numbers, fractions, ratios and percents, and measurement, through practice with computations commonly used in business applications. In Business English Review, students review the basic elements of Modern English including language structure, grammar, punctuation, and parts of speech. Dictionary usage, editing, and proofreading are also covered.

12

EXTERNSHIP (100 hours)

The Externship program is intended to provide students with real-world exposure to the health care field. The School will assist students with placement in a health-related office where they will perform the required duties and responsibilities under the supervision of a health care professional. Common externship positions include medical biller, medical coder, medical receptionist or secretary.