Healthcare, Veterinary, & Human Services:

Medical Billing and Coding

Medical Billing and Coding Certificate Program

The Medical Billing & Coding Certificate Program is designed for those who want to begin medical billing and coding careers or prepare for a nationally recognized certification exam. The training in this program will also provide you with the necessary skills required by employers seeking a Medical Billing or Medical Coder Specialist. The Medical Billing & Coding Certificate program will include training in word processing, spreadsheets, business correspondence, medical terminology, insurance terminology, insurance claims processing, and essential coding concepts. Medical billers are responsible for submitting claims to insurance companies, Medicare, Medicaid, and in some instances, patients themselves on behalf of their employers or clients. Professional medical coders transform verbal descriptions of diseases, injuries, and procedures into numeric or alphanumeric codes. The coding of health-related data permits access to medical records by diagnoses and procedures for use in clinical care, research, and education. Students who successfully complete this program will be qualified to sit for the American Academy of Professional Coders (AAPC) – Certified Professional Coder Exam (CPC) or the American Health Information Management Association (AHIMA). For more information on the national certification exams or student membership with the AAPC or AHIMA, please visit either: www.aapc.com or www.ahima.org. This program is eligible for WIA funding – contact CT Works early to inquire.

The following courses are required to earn this certificate:
1)      Computer Skills in the Medical Office       $275
2)      Medical Terminology                                    $550
3)      Medical Billing                                                $550
4)      Medical Coding                                              $899
                                                                 Total =   $2,274 + textbooks

Computer Skills in the Medical Office

This course will provide students with a solid foundation in the most popular Microsoft Office software applications to ensure prerequisite computer knowledge that will help medical office professionals in their business and administrative roles. Instruction will focus on the word processing of documents, the use of spreadsheets for business and financial applications, and keyboarding for accuracy and speed. Microsoft Word and Excel 2007 will be used for the preparation of classroom assignments, which will incorporate proper written communication skills and business correspondence. Students are encouraged to purchase a 1-2 GB flash drive to save their classroom assignments.

$275

Evening Program – Middletown Campus

CRN#: 3437
Dates: 9/6 – 11/1 (No Class: 10/25)
Days: 8 Tuesdays
Times: 6:00 – 9:00PM
Location: Chapman Hall, Room 612
Instructor: Melanie Hannah, M.B.A.

Medical Terminology

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. Students will be introduced to the systems of the body and terminology related to each system, along with anatomy. Common medical abbreviations of tests, 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. A textbook is required for this course and can be purchased for approximately $50 through our college bookstore. Please bring the CRN and course title to the college bookstore when purchasing.

$550

Evening Program – Meriden Center

CRN#: 1472
Dates: 2/23 - 5/24
Days: 14 Thursdays
Times: 6:00 – 9:00PM
Location: Meriden Center Room 103
Instructor: Monica Jensen, M.S.N.

Medical Billing

This course will introduce students to the ever-changing environment of medical health insurance and claims processing, insurance terminology, types of insurance, and the eligibility and benefit structure of the insurance plan. Topics discussed will include the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA), Medicare, Medicaid, Managed Care, TRICARE, and Workers’ Compensation. Students will learn to generate and manage billing claim forms for the medical office and other organizations. As hospitals and physician offices look for more efficient ways to collect payments and prevent billing oversights, the need for medical billers continues to expand. Students will be prepared to analyze and accurately decipher complicated medical claims and oversee the entire billing and reimbursement process. Many medical billers enjoy a lucrative income working independently, or by supporting clients directly in medical offices or hospitals. If you’re currently employed in medical administration, or looking to enter the field, you’ll benefit from this training in medical billing. A bundled textbook/workbook is required for this program and can be purchased for approximately $160 through our college bookstore. Please bring the CRN and course title to the college bookstore.

$550

Evening Program – Middletown Campus

CRN#: 3438
Dates: 10/17 – 12/19
Days: 10 Mondays
Times: 6:00 – 9:00PM
Location: Chapman Hall, Room 610
Instructor: Barbara Rutigliano, M.S., C.P.C.

Medical Coding

This course will introduce students to the challenging and rewarding field of Diagnostic and Procedural Medical Coding. Conventions, guidelines and the application of ICD-9-CM (International Classification of Disease, 9th Edition, Clinical Modification), CPT®-4 (Current Procedural Terminology 4th Revision), and HCPCS Level II will be covered in great detail. HIPAA (Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act) and Medicare compliance issues will also be discussed. Students will gain an appreciation of the relationship between accurate coding and financial reimbursement. Prerequisites: Medical Terminology and Medical Billing.

$899

Evening Program – Middletown Campus

CRN#: 1476
Dates: 1/16/12 – 4/9/12 (No Class: 2/20/12)
Days: Mondays & Wednesdays
Times: 6:00 – 9:00PM
Location: Chapman Hall, Room 628
Instructor: Barbara Rutigliano, M.S., C.P.C.