Continuous changes in the medial billing and coding industry and HIPAA changes have created an incredible demand for those trained in coding. The Advanced Coding for the Physician's Office course is designed for students with previous coding experience, a basic coding education, or the GES Administrative Medical Specialist course (click here for more information on the AMS course). CPT, ICD-9-CM (Volumes I and II), and HCPCS Level II Coding will be covered along with information on the Correct Coding Initiative (CCI), compliance and reimbursement issues, E&M guidelines, and much more. Details and tips are provided to ensure that the most in-depth knowledge is acquired. This leads to increased accuracy in code selections and a smoother billing process with quicker and better reimbursement. This course prepares students for the Certified Professional Coder (CPC) certification exam offered by the American Academy of Professional Coders (AAPC).

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FEATURES

This nationally recognized Advanced Medical Coding online certification training program prepares students to learn CPT, ICD-9, CM (Volumes I and II), and HCPCS Level II Medical. This advanced medical coding program is designed for students with previous medical coding experience.

A basic coding education, or the GES Administrative Medical Specialist course are required. Preparation for the Certified Professional Coder (CPC) certification exam is included. This online program is only offered in partnership with major colleges and universities.

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TOPIC HIGHLIGHTS

Part I: ICD-9-CM - Disease Classification

1. Introduction
2. Understanding the Structure
1. Alphabetic Index
2. Tabular List
1. Classification of Disease and Injury
2. Supplementary Classifications
1. V-Codes
2. E-Codes
3. Appendices
3. ICD-9-CM Conventions
1. Alphabetic Index
2. Tabular List
3. Conventions shared by both
4. Putting ICD-9-CM to work
5. ICD-9-CM Disease Classification Chapter Review

Part II: CPT and HCPS Coding

1. Introduction
1. History
2. Level I
1. Structure
2. Guidelines
3. Modifiers
2. Putting CPT to Work
1. Reviewing Source Documents
2. Using the Index
3. Basic Steps to CPT Coding
3. CPT Chapter Review
1. Evaluation and Management
1. Documentation Guidelines of Key Components
1. History
2. Examination
3. Medical Decision Making
2. Demonstration of E&M Level Selection
3. E&M Modifiers
2. Anesthesia
   1. Guidelines
   2. Anesthesia Modifiers
3. Surgery
1. General Information and Definitions
2. Guidelines
3. Special Circumstances
4. Surgery Modifiers
4. Radiology
1. General Information
2. Guidelines
3. Radiology Modifiers
5. Pathology and Laboratory
1. General Information
2. Guidelines
6. Medicine
1. General Information
2. Medicine Modifiers
3. Special Services and Reports
4. Quiz for Medicine Modifiers
4. HCPCS Level II
1. Introduction
2. Understanding the Structure
1. The Index
2. The Appendixes
3. The Text
3. Coding Conventions
1. Symbols
2. Modifiers
3. Coding Principles
4. Medicare Coding Requirements

Part III: Local Resources and the Internet

1. Using the Internet for Finding Resources
1. Pros
2. Cons
2. Valuable Resources
1. Local Medical Review Policies
1. Specific CPT Coding Guidelines
2. Covered and Non-Covered ICD-9 Codes
2. National Correct Coding Initiative (NCCI)
3. Finding Other Resources
3. Compliance and Reimbursement Issues
1. Fraud
2. Medicare
1. Part I
2. Part II
3. Resource-Based Relative Value Scale
4. Traditional Insurance
5. Managed Care Organizations
6. Health Maintenance Organizations
7. Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services
8. Diagnosis-Related Groups
9. Ambulatory Patient Groups

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CERTIFICATE REQUIREMENTS

A 70% or better must be achieved in order to receive a Certificate of Completion.

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COURSE OBJECTIVES

Students registering for the Advanced Coding for the Physician's Office course should have an understanding of the CPT-4 (CPT), ICD-9-CM (ICD-9), and HCPCS coding principles. There will be brief introductions involving the "basics" of coding and then will span out to include the more in-depth information.

Part 1: ICD-9-CM Coding- Disease Classification
Objectives of Part 1:

• To build upon the prior knowledge of ICD-9 diagnostic coding with increased understanding and confidence. Have a clear understanding of the alphabetic and tabular structures of volumes 1 and 2 of the ICD-9 book, including the tables. Understand and use appropriately the coding conventions in volumes 1 and 2. Understand the CMS guidelines for outpatient diagnostic coding and identify the "special circumstances" specified in the guidelines. Review distinct information about each chapter, subchapter and category within the ICD-9 book. Gain a complete understanding of each sub-category of ICD-9 codes and the disease processes involved, as well as, understanding of the supplementary classifications. Identify both primary and principal diagnoses.
• Increased accuracy of ICD-9 disease classification coding while using the acquired knowledge of CMS guidelines and chapter specifics.

Part 2: CPT & HCPCS Coding
Objectives of Part 2:

• Understand the three levels of HCPCS coding- Level I-CPT, Level II-National Codes and Level III-Local Codes (To be eliminated with the HIPAA implementation). Understand the important of remaining up to date on CPT coding changes and learn steps to avoid missing information on the changes that occur. Gain a complete understanding of the use of modifiers, section guidelines and the uses of specific CPT codes. Learn the 10 steps to CPT coding that will help in being compliant and provide better reimbursement because of increased accuracy. Learn the difference between each of the categories in the Evaluation and Management (E&M) section in order to simplify code selection. Get a better understanding of the components surrounding E&M code selection. Know the CMS E&M documentation guidelines (DG) and apply them respectively. Gain detail information on each CPT modifier and their uses. Increased knowledge of each section through comprehensive review. Demonstrate accurate code assignment with the increased knowledge of CPT coding guidelines. Have a better understanding of when to use unlisted procedures. Learn the difference between national and local HCPCS codes and modifiers. Learn and apply the HCPCS coding conventions. Gain knowledge on the HCPCS modifiers and their uses.
• Increased knowledge of Medicare guidelines for both inpatient and outpatient services.

Part 3: Local Resources and the Internet.
Objectives for Part 3:

• Learn to use the Internet for looking up Local Medical Review Policies (LMRP), state specific guidelines, compliance issues, and other issues of coding and billing. Know the foundation of the LMRP's, their uses and when to apply them. Learn about Internet web sites that allow contact with other people in the coding and billing environment for comparison of difficult issues.
• Realize that, no matter how long you have been in the business, issues will arise that prove difficult in resolving and may require networking with others in the business.

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PDF BROCHURE

Please click here to download the PDF brochure for the Gatlin online courses offered by OCPE.

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WHO SHOULD ATTEND

The Advanced Coding for the Physician's Office course is not an entry level course. This course is designed specifically for students with previous coding experience, previous education, or the GES Administrative Medical Specialist course.

The intended audience for this course is a student who is seeking preparation for national certification or a student who wants to enhance their coding skills in order to make themselves more marketable in the workplace.

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Samantha Mullins is the author and instructor for the Advanced Coding for the Physician's Office. Samantha has been in the healthcare industry approximately ten years. She has a variety of skills from managing physician practices, auditing coding and compliance issues, and coding/billing procedures and services. She currently works for VitalMed, Inc a company that provides healthcare management and consulting services. This brings together all of her skills into a challenging career.

Samantha is a Certified Professional Coder and is also an AAPC approved instructor for the Professional Medical Coding Curriculum (PMCC) and has a specialty certification on Anesthesia coding. In the past she has been an instructor for various coding and medical terminology courses for Gatlin Education and is a part-time George Mason University, OCPE, Gatlin instructor.

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1. How do I register for a Gatlin online course?

Please contact our office on the Fairfax campus in Northern Virginia (NOVA) or call 703-993-2113. Click here for more information or to download a copy of the registration form.

2. How much do Gatlin online courses cost?

To view the prices for all Gatlin courses that are offered by George Mason University, please click here.

3. Why do I have to take Gatlin courses through a participating school?

Gatlin does not offer courses directly to the public. They partner with major colleges and universities to offer their programs.

4. Do I have to travel to register for or to attend a Gatlin online course?

All Gatlin courses are delivered entirely online, you do not have to go to a class or travel to a school. If you are unable to visit our office on the Fairfax campus in Northern Virginia (NOVA), please contact us at 703-993-2113 or click here for more information or to register for a course.

5. How long does it take to complete a Gatlin course?

All of our Gatlin courses are asynchronous. You can start and finish the course at your own pace. Most courses are designed to be completed within 180 days. You may request an extension if you think you will need more time to complete a course (fees may apply). Please contact us at 703-993-2113 or click here if you have any questions or if you would like to register for a course.

6. Do I have to buy additional materials?

Please refer to the green Included Materials box located on the upper right hand side of this page. If materials are included in this course, they will be shipped by Gatlin to you via UPS ground service after you have registered for a course.

7. Can I get financial aid for Gatlin courses?

Gatlin courses are non-credit and therefore are not eligible for Federal Student Aid. However there are a number of loan programs that can be used to fund your course. Click here to view a list of these options or call 703-993-2113 for more information. Gatlin also provides a loan opportunity for students (www.collegeloanapplication.com).

8. What happens when I complete the course?

If you obtain a final passing grade of 70% or greater in a course, we will award you a George Mason University certificate of completion.

9. Who will be my instructor?

Each student is paired up with a facilitator for one-on-one interaction. The facilitator will be available (by e-mail) to answer any questions you may have and to provide feedback on your performance. Facilitators are all successful working professionals in the fields in which they teach.

10. What are the system requirements in order to take an online course?

Please see the "PC requirements" section listed for individual courses.

11. When can I start the course?

Registrations are rolling. Please send us your registration form at the time you wish to start your course. Registrations take five to seven business days to process.

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