Medical Billing and Coding Program in Houston, TX
Gain Critical Skills for a Medical Billing & Coding Specialist
Medical billing and coding is one of the fastest-growing careers in the healthcare industry today! The need for professionals who understand how to code healthcare services and procedures for third-party insurance reimbursement or even private pay is growing substantially. Physician practices, hospitals, pharmacies, long-term care facilities, chiropractic practices, physical therapy practices, and other healthcare providers all depend on medical billing and coding for insurance carrier reimbursement.
Medical billing and coding is more than just numbers; it’s the backbone of healthcare. As a medical coder, you’ll play a vital role in ensuring that healthcare providers receive the reimbursement they deserve for their services.
With the rapid evolution of healthcare, there’s never been a better time to join this dynamic field. Our comprehensive program equips you with the skills and knowledge to understand the ins and outs of medical coding and billing. From medical terminology to mastering coding systems like ICD-10 and CPT, you’ll be well-prepared to succeed.
Our hybrid learning format combines the best of both worlds: in-person instruction for personalized guidance and online resources for flexibility. Want to learn more? Contact Smithwood Medical Institute today!
Become a Medical Coding Expert in Just 12 Weeks
Smithwood Medical Institute’s medical billing and coding school in Houston equips you with the essential skills and knowledge to excel in the field. Through a combination of classroom instruction and practical exercises, you’ll learn how to:
- Master medical terminology and anatomy: Build a strong foundation for understanding medical records and diagnoses.
- Navigate insurance, reimbursement, and billing: Gain expertise in the healthcare revenue cycle and the complexities of insurance claims.
- Become proficient in ICD-10 and CPT coding: Learn how to accurately assign codes for procedures and diagnoses to ensure proper reimbursement.
Key Program Features
- Comprehensive Curriculum: Our program covers all the essential topics, including medical terminology, anatomy, insurance, reimbursement, and coding.
- Flexible Learning: With lecture hours and administrative lab and self-study hours, you can tailor your learning to your schedule.
- Hands-On Experience: Our practical exercises will help you apply your knowledge and develop the skills needed for success.
- Program Length: 11 weeks
- Materials: 5 textbooks
- Externship: 1 week externship
Ready to launch your career in medical coding? Enroll in our program today and start your journey toward a rewarding and fulfilling profession.
Topics covered in the course include:
- Intro to International Classification of Diseases, Clinical Modifications & Coding Guidelines
- Introduction to the organization and use of the ICD-9-CM, ICD-10-CM, and CPT manuals
- Basics of diagnostic and procedural coding
- The Health Insurance Claim Form (CMS 1500)
- HIPAA and Electronic Data Interchange (EDI)
- Review and practice coding Evaluation and Management (E&
- M) services
- Review and practice coding from anesthesia, surgery, radiology, medicine, and the pathology/laboratory sections of the CPT
- CPT Modifiers, E and V Codes, and Late Effects
- Coding surgical procedure and medical procedures for the cardiovascular, integumentary, male/female reproductive systems, maternity care and delivery
- Coding for general surgery, radiology, pathology, diagnostic, therapeutic and laboratory services and the Level II National Codes
- Tracing delinquent claims & insurance issues
- Third-party reimbursement issues
- Development of and Improvements to the ICD-10-CM Coding Manual
- Examination of the ICD-10-PCS system
- Education & Certification
- Students should have a high school diploma or GED.
- National Certification: After obtaining the certificate of completion, students who complete this course are eligible to sit for the National Healthcareer Association (NHA) Certified Billing & Coding Specialist (CBCS) exam.
The Medical Coding and Billing Role
The occupational outlook for medical billing and coding is promising, with the Bureau of Labor Statistics estimating an 9% growth rate from 2022 through 2032. Medical billing and coding professionals must be detail-oriented, organized, and self-disciplined to ensure that all data is entered accurately and on time. Professionals working in medical billing and coding may be referred to by several different titles depending on their specific role, including:
- Medical Billing and Coding Specialist
- Medical Biller
- Medical Coder
- Health Claims Specialist
- Medical Claims Specialist
- Medical Records Specialist
- Health Records Specialist
- Insurance Coder
- Medical Records Technician
- Health Information Technician
Due to the administrative nature of their role, medical billing and coding specialists are found in a variety of healthcare settings that can range greatly in terms of day-to-day schedule, overall flexibility, and location. Other settings in which a medical coding and billing specialist may work include but aren’t limited to the following:
- Physician Offices
- Hospitals
- Outpatient Medical Facilities
- Long Term Medical Facilities
- Post-Acute Care Facilities
- Insurance Companies
- Free-Standing Emergency Care Service/Urgent Care Facilities
- Ambulance Services
Medical Billing and Coding Classes in Houston FAQs
Upon completion of this program, you’ll be able to:
- Understand the medical coder’s role: Duties, training, and career prospects.
- Prioritize confidentiality and accuracy: Importance of proper documentation.
- Differentiate healthcare payers: Medicare, Medicaid, Workers’ Comp, and more.
- Navigate legal and ethical considerations: Roles of coders, physicians, and patients.
- Optimize physician reimbursement: Abstract patient records, apply coding guidelines, and follow reimbursement procedures.
- Stay up-to-date: Keep current with medical compliance and reimbursement policies.
- Handle claims: Understand explanations of benefits, denied claims, and appeals.
- Ensure ethical coding: Optimize coding based on documented services.
- Prepare and submit claims: Accurately complete CMS 1500 forms.
- Pursue professional development: Explore continuing education and professional organizations.
- Medical Terminology – Get Connected! 2nd Edition, Suzanne S. Frucht
- Medical Insurance: A Revenue Cycle Process Approach 8th Edition, McGraw Hill
- Bucks 2023 Step-by-Step Medical Coding 2023 Edition, Elsevier
- Current Procedural Terminology 2023 CPT Professional Edition
- International Classification of Diseases ICD-10 2023: The Complete Official Book
The program is taught through lectures, PowerPoint presentations, class discussions, group discussions, case studies, and hands-on practice with insurance forms and claims. Hands-on coding with CPT and ICD-10 coding books includes hospital services. Grades are determined through class participation, quizzes, administration lab, and examinations.
Yes, students who successfully complete the Medical Billing and Coding Program will receive a Certificate of Completion. This certificate can be a valuable asset when applying for jobs in the healthcare industry.
Additionally, it can serve as a foundation for further education or certifications in healthcare administration or related fields.
Staying Current As a Medical Biller and Coder Specialist (MBCS)
Students must stay current to be professional coders. Coders must make a plan to stay current and implement it. A coding specialist must constantly learn, as this is a requirement for this profession.
Each year the coding manuals for all coding sets are updated, new codes are added, and old ones are deleted. Many codes are revised to make them more detailed or to communicate the diagnosis or procedures more clearly. Coders must regularly update their skills and knowledge to keep up with the changing medical and insurance fields.
Medical coders must understand how to stay current and how to use the latest coding manuals and instructions. Using old codes results in insurance claim rejections, which ultimately result in the provider or facility not being reimbursed for services rendered to patients and a lot more work in recoding claims or submitting appeals for denied claims, resulting in the medical entities losing money.