EASTERN's New Medical Coding and Billing Class Begins March 11

Eastern Center for Arts and Technology’s (EASTERN) Continuing Education department’s next Medical Coding and Billing program begins on March 11.  EASTERN’s program consists of six 30-hour courses offered at our convenient Willow Grove location. Each course meets two nights per week, 3 hours per night for five weeks. After successfully satisfying the program requirements, the student will receive a certificate of completion.  Afterwards they may apply to take the exam for certification through a number of professional associations, including AHIMA, AAPC and others. Tuition for the entire program is less than $2,000 plus books. To register, please stop by our Terwood Road campus, or register online at www2.eastech.org/continuing-education.

For nearly 50 years, EASTERN has been a driving force in the success of individuals and the companies who employ them. Our commitment to preparing a ready, skilled and knowledgeable workforce is obvious in thousands of local enterprises from healthcare to manufacturing to banking. The mission of EASTERN, a leader in technology and in developing innovative, responsive programs, is to equip all students with the skills, knowledge and attitudes necessary to select, enter and succeed in a career, and to anticipate and adapt to change by providing high-quality technical instruction and specialized services.

What is Medical Coding and Billing?

Medical coding and billing personnel work in the medical records and health information systems of doctor’s offices, hospitals and other medical care facilities.  Medical coders properly document a patient’s diagnosis and treatment using a specific alpha numeric coding system. They receive the doctor’s notes and assign specific codes for use by the biller. The medical biller then prepares reimbursement requests on behalf of the medical providers and submits them to insurance companies for payment for services provided.  Medical facilities rely on the skills of medical coders and billers to receive accurate reimbursements for their services.  Medical coders and billers can work in almost any facility connected to the health industry, including hospitals, physician offices, surgical centers, insurance companies and private coding/billing organizations.

Employment Projections & Wages

The United States Department of Labor reports that employment of medical records and health information technicians is expected to increase by 21 percent from 2010 to 2020, faster than the average for all occupations. The demand for health services is expected to increase as an aging population will need more medical tests, treatments, and procedures. This will also mean more claims for reimbursement from private and public insurance. The median annual wage of medical records and health information technicians was $32,350 in May 2010.  Most medical records and health information technicians work full time.  Some work evenings or weekends to cover shifts in medical facilities that remain open 24 hours a day. (Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Department of Labor, Occupational Outlook Handbook, 2012-13 Edition, Medical Records and Health Information Technicians, on the Internet at http://www.bls.gov/ooh/healthcare/medical-records-and-health-information-technicians.htm (visited February 13, 2013).

PROGRAM COURSES:

Classes are held Tuesday and Thursday evening 6 p.m. – 9 p.m. (30 class hours per course).  Tuition for each course is $330.

MC 101     Terminology, Anatomy &   Physiology                                                                                

This course is designed to introduce the student to medical terminology by understanding word roots, suffixes and prefixes, abbreviations and terms associated with the human body. The majority of the course provides a comprehensive study of the anatomy and physiology of the body. Topics included in this first course are: chemistry, cells, tissues, glands, membranes, disease and integumentary, skeletal, muscular, nervous, sensory and endocrine systems.

MC 102           Anatomy & Physiology 2 & Pathophysiology

Covers the circulatory, lymphatic, respiratory, digestive and reproductive systems. The pathophysiology portion of the course studies the changes in the body that occur as a result of a disease or injury.

MC 103           Health Information

A study of HIPAA regulations, medical records, legal and ethical issues, HIM (Health Information Management), code of ethics, and maintenance of heath care records, including electronic record keeping systems.

CB 201            Diagnostic Coding

Diagnostic coding using ICD-9 & ICD-10 and guidelines for code usage. Introduction to ICD-10 as compared to ICD-9.

CB 202            Procedural Coding

Procedural coding using ICD-9, ICD-10 and CPT-4 coding with practice sessions. The RBRVS (Resource Based Relative Value Scale) schedules and E&M (Evaluation and Management) insurance billing codes will be explored.

CB 203            Introduction to Billing

A study of various payment systems, Resource Based Relative Value Scale and its use, 3rd party payers, managed care and various health plans, review of regulations and compliance issues.