Certified Medical Administrative Assistant w/ Medical Billing & Coding

Overview

Become a Certified Medical Administrative Assistant

Nationwide, healthcare is one of the fastest growing fields for new jobs. This 100% online course will prepare you for a career in healthcare as a medical assistant and billing/coding specialist. By course completion, you will be ready to pass the Certified Medical Administrative Assistant (CMAA) national certification exam offered by the National Healthcareer Association (NHA) and receive a voucher which covers the fee of the exam. You will also be able to choose a voucher for the medical billing and coding certification that best aligns with your interests and career goals (CPC, CCA, or CBCS).

What you will learn

• Medical coding terminology required for medical coding, including the structures and functions of the human body
• The disorders and medical procedures common to each body system
• Legal, ethical, and regulatory concepts central to the field, including HIPAA compliance and third-party guidelines for filing insurance claims
• The main coding manuals: ICD-10-CM, ICD-10-PCS, CPT, and HCPCS Level II
• How to code diagnoses, services, and procedures for all systems of the body
• The fundamentals of medical billing & coding and medical terminology
• Word parts and the structures and functions of the human body
• What is required to succeed as a Medical Administrative Assistant
• Multi-tasking as it relates to scheduling appointments, processing insurance requests, maintaining records, and corresponding with patients
• The best financial practices for a medical center
• The fundamentals of medical terminology and ethical best practices
• The basics of working with medical documents, medical billing, and coding processes

How you will benefit

• You will be awarded a certificate of completion and will be prepared to sit for the professional certification that best aligns with your interest and career goals.
• Certified Professional Coder (CPC) exam offered by the American Academy of Professional Coders (AAPC)
• Certified Coding Associate (CCA) exam offered by the American Health Information Management Association (AHIMA)
• Certified Billing and Coding Specialist (CBCS) exam offered by the National Healthcareer Association (NHA)
• You will also be able to choose a voucher for the professional certification to enroll for the exam.
• You'll also receive access to the study materials that align with the exam option you choose.
• Jump-start your career in the medical field
• Get hands-on, practical experience in medical billing and coding
• Learn how to effectively communicate with prospective patients and fellow professionals in the medical industry
• Understand how to create positive, efficient experiences for patients to make them more comfortable

Job Outlook for Certified Medical Administrative Assistants

Medical administrative assistants combine two valuable skill sets in professions that are growing quickly, according to the US Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS). BLS data indicates job opportunities for medical assistants will grow by 23% overall by 2028. According to PayScale.com, certified medical administrative assistants earn around $37,000 per year on average.

The BLS also reports that medical billing and coding specialists earn an average annual salary of $40,350 and work in one of the fastest growing professions.

Combining these two disciplines has potential to raise your income expectancy and value to employers.

Course Objectives

• Be fully prepared to pass the Certified Medical Administrative Assistant exam, offered by National Healthcareer Association (NHA) and one of the following professional certifications that best aligns with your interest and career goals:
• Certified Professional Coder (CPC) exam offered by the American Academy of Professional Coders (AAPC)
• Certified Coding Associate (CCA) exam offered by the American Health Information Management Association (AHIMA)
• Certified Billing and Coding Specialist (CBCS) exam offered by the National Healthcareer Association (NHA)
• Learn the legal, ethical, and regulatory aspects of medical office management
• Understand HIPAA compliance and third-party guidelines for filing insurance claims
• How to code diagnoses, services, and procedures for all systems of the body
• Learn medical terminology and the structures and functions of the human body
• The basics of working with medical documents, medical billing, and coding processes

Prerequisites and Requirements

T There are no prerequisites to take this course. However, in order to sit for national certification exams, candidates must have a high school diploma or equivalent. Therefore, it is recommended you have this before enrolling in this course.

Curriculum

I. Medical Terminology

II. Certified Medical Administrative Assistant

• Becoming an Administrative Medical Assistant
• Managing Stress and Improving Communication
• Law, Ethics and Healthcare
• Improving Your Medical Office
• Computers in the Ambulatory Care Setting
• Telecommunications and Patient Scheduling
• Midterm
• Medical Terminology: Word Parts, Plurals, Abbreviations
• Managing Medical Records
• Written Communication
• Working with Medical Documents
• Medical Billing and Coding: An Overview
• Daily Financial Practices
• The Administrative Medical Assistant as Office Manager
• Final

III. Medical Billing and Coding

• Introduction to Medical Billing and Coding
• Introduction to Health Insurance
• Managed Healthcare
• Revenue Cycle Management
• Legal Aspects of Health Insurance and Reimbursement
• VI. ICD-10-CM Coding
• CPT Coding
• HCPCS Level II Coding
• ICD-10-PCS Coding
• Pharmacology for Coders
• Midterm
• Clinical Documentation Improvement (CDI)
• Insurance Claims
• Commercial Insurance
• Blue Cross Blue Shield
• Medicare
• Medicaid, CHIP, TRICARE, Workers' Compensation
• Certification
• How to Find a Job in Medical Billing and Coding
• Final

Instructors

Nancy Smith

Nancy Smith has over 30 years of experience in the healthcare industry. Her clinical experience includes working as a medical assistant for a network of rural health clinics, and as a medical coder, insurance claims specialist, and medical records auditor. She worked as a medical office manager for ten years, where she recruited and trained all medical assistants. Nancy holds a bachelor's degree in vocational education and has developed and taught medical assistant programs.

LaTisha Cottingham

LaTisha Cottingham has over 20 years of experience in the healthcare industry. She has six years of teaching experience in the field of medical billing and coding and Medical Assisting. Currently she is employed as an HIM Analyst for a long-term care establishment that is based out of Alabama.

Carline Dalgleish

Carline Dalgleish has worked in medical office administration for over 30 years. She holds a bachelor's degree in Business Information Systems, a master's degree in Leadership, and a post-baccalaureate certificate in Health Information Management. She is a Registered Health Information Administrator and an AHIMA Approved ICD-10-CM/PCS Trainer. Dalgleish is the author

Certified Medical Administrative Assistant FAQs

Can I register for courses if I am an international student?

Yes, ed2go courses are completely online. However, keep in mind that not all certifying bodies or industry-specific certifications are recognized internationally. Please review your country's regulations prior to enrolling in courses that prepare for certification.

Does this course prepare for a certification?

Yes. This course prepares you to sit for the Certified Medical Administrative Assistant (CMAA) exam, offered by the National Healthcareer Association (NHA). You will receive a voucher for the exam after successfully completing the course coursework.

This course also prepares you for three other certifications: 1) Certified Billing and Coding Specialist (CBCS) exam, offered by the National Healthcareer Association (NHA), 2) Certified Professional Coder (CPC) exam, offered by American Academy of Professional Coders (AAPC), and Certified Coding Associate (CCA) exam, offered by AHIMA. You will receive a voucher for the certification exam of your choosing after successfully completing the course.

When can I start this course?

This course is open enrollment, so you can register and start the course whenever you are ready. Access to your course can take 24-48 business hours.

How long does it take to complete this course?

After you register, you will receive 12 months to complete the course. The time allotted for completion has been calculated based on the number of course hours.

What if I don't have enough time to complete the course within the time frame provided?

If you are unable to complete the course, contact your Student Advisor to help you work out a suitable completion date. Please note that an extension fee will be charged. If you are funded through a third-party organization, approval may also be required.

What kind of support will I receive?

The course instructor will be available by email to answer any questions you may have and to provide feedback on your performance. Occasionally, your course may be supported by a team of industry experts. You will also be assigned a Student Advisor for academic support.

What happens when I complete the course?

Upon successfully passing the final exam, you will be awarded a certificate of completion from the school or organization that you registered through. You will receive an exam voucher for Certified Medical Administrative Assistant (CMAA) exam, offered by the National Healthcareer Association (NHA), as well as your choice of three other certifications: 1) Certified Billing and Coding Specialist (CBCS) exam, offered by the National Healthcareer Association (NHA), 2) Certified Professional Coder (CPC) exam, offered by American Academy of Professional Coders (AAPC), and Certified Coding Associate (CCA) exam, offered by AHIMA. You are eligible to receive your certification exam vouchers after successfully completing the course and meeting all financial obligations.

Am I guaranteed a job?

ed2go courses will help you gain the skills you need to obtain an entry-level position in most cases. However, you should always research the job market in your area before enrolling.

Can I get financial assistance?

ed2go courses are non-credit, so they do not qualify for federal aid, FAFSA, and Pell Grant. In some states, vocational rehab or workforce development boards may provide funding to take our courses. Additionally, you may qualify for financial assistance if you meet certain requirements. To learn more about financial assistance.

How can I get more information about this course?

If you have questions that are not answered on our website, representatives are available via LIVE chat. You can also call us at 1-877-221-5151 during regular business hours to have your questions promptly answered. If you are visiting us during non-business hours, please send us a question using the "Contact Us."

What is a Certified Medical Administrative Assistant?

A Certified Medical Administrative Assistant (CMAA) is a certification earned by those who have proven their expertise in efficiently and effectively running healthcare offices. This nationally recognized designation is something that many employers are searching for in one of the fastest-growing careers today. Upon earning this certification, you'll be able to confidently handle correspondence, answer calls, schedule appointments, operate computer systems, maintain files, update and maintain patient information, and create operation reports for any medical practice, essential duties for any administrative medical assistant.

What is the demand for Administrative Medical Assistants?

The demand for Administrative Medical Assistants is high, and it is expected to grow 23 percent over the next several years according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics. This job growth will result mainly from an increasing elderly population as well as advances in healthcare and medical office technology.

What does an Administrative Medical Assistant do?

An Administrative Medical Assistant manages all the front desk activities for a hospital, doctor's office, or other medical facility. This is an integral role in healthcare as it allows doctors and other medical staff to focus on caring for patients. In this role, you will need to have excellent customer service skills as you are often the first person that patients connect with at a medical facility. You will need to be able to multi-task, deal with stress well, use computer systems, handle money, and communicate clearly and concisely. You'll master all these things and more!

What personality traits are helpful for Medical Admins?

As a medical admin, you will interact with patients every day. In fact, you'll often be the first person to greet patients as they enter the medical facility. You'll need the ability to stay calm under pressure, as well as have a friendly demeanor. You'll need to multi-task as this is a position that requires you to juggle a lot of moving parts (answering phones, talking with patients, charting, computer systems, interacting with other office staff including doctors, etc.) You should have the ability to take initiative and be a self-starter. The most successful medical administrative assistants are also organized, dependable, and understand the importance of confidentiality.

What is the difference between an Administrative Medical Assistant and a Medical Assistant?

The difference between an Administrative Medical Assistant and a Medical Assistant is that while both positions can and do perform clerical tasks, a Medical Assistant also can perform some clinical tasks such as helping with examinations, giving injections, and preparing specimens for lab tests.

How much does a an Administrative Medical Assistant make?

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, Administrative Medical Assistants earn a median salary of $36,000. Your exact salary will vary and jobs are available everywhere, but the areas with the highest paying jobs for Administrative Medical Assistants include California, Idaho, Washington D.C., and Connecticut.

Where will I work as a Administrative Medical Assistant?

Medical administrative assistants are found in nearly every medical office in the country. By earning your CMAA, you'll be prepared to work for clinics, private physician offices, hospitals, surgery centers, dentists, optometrists, chiropractors, and more. Professional medical offices need CMAAs to help keep their offices running smoothly as they treat patients.

What is medical billing and coding?

Medical Billers and Coders are responsible for processing patient data including medical records and related insurance. In this position, you will code a patient's diagnosis and then request payment from the patient's insurance company. You will play an important role in ensuring that healthcare providers are quickly and accurately paid for the treatment they give patients.

Where do you work as a Medical Biller and Coder?

Medical Billers and Coders work in a variety of settings. The most common settings include hospitals, doctors' offices and insurance agencies. Some medical billing and coding professionals work for companies that develop medical software, and some work for education institutions that work to train other medical billers and coders. Government agencies have also been known to employ medial billers and coders including the National Center for Health Statistics and Medicaid offices. You may also have the ability to work for a reputable company from your own home.

What is a day in the life of a Medical Biller and Coder like?

A day in the life of a Medical Biller and Coder is a rewarding one. You are responsible for ensuring that healthcare providers receive appropriate compensation for the care they provide as well as helping patients get the maximum benefit of their insurance. It is a job that requires a high level of attention to detail at all times because codes must be correct to produce appropriate bills for services. Much of your time will be spent in front of a computer organizing statements, reviewing bills, and performing quality control. You also may be required to negotiate with insurance companies via phone on behalf of providers or patients. It's also important to coordinate with other coders to ensure accuracy and adherence to standards. Finally, you'll want to keep up on the latest developments and regulations in the industry through continuing education.

What is the difference between a Medical Biller and a Medical Coder?

Medical billers are mainly responsible for submitting patient records to government agencies and insurance companies for services that have been provided in the care of the patient. Medical coders gather information on patient records and assign the proper codes for patient diagnosis which are then used by medical billers to submit claim forms.

Is medical billing and coding in high demand?

Yes. There is a high demand for qualified medical billing and coding professionals in the healthcare industry today. Demand will increase as the population in the Unites States ages. Jobs for these professionals are on the rise and expected to grow faster than average through 2026 according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics.

What is the salary for a Medical Biller and Coder?

According to the AAPC based on its membership, the average Medical Biller and Coder without certification earns around $45,000 per year while those with certification earn an average of $51,500. This means that certification can help you earn up to 15 percent more in this field! Other salary websites place the median salary for those starting out in Medical Billing and Coding around $38,500.

How long do you have to go to school to become a Medical Coder?

Our medical coding courses are self-paced and completed in 12 months or less. You will then have the option to prepare and sit for one of the following national certifications: 1) NHA's Certified Billing and Coding Specialist (CBCS), 2) AAPC's Certified Professional Coder (CPC), or 3) AHIMA's Certified Coding Associate (CCA). Once you are certified, you'll have the qualifications you need to find an entry-level job.

How do I become a Medical Coder without experience?

The path to a career in medical billing and coding typically starts with certification. There are different medical billing and coding certifications offered through certifying bodies, so it's important to choose which one is right for you. This course allows you to choose one of three national certifications to sit for upon completion.

How do I get a medical coding certification online?

To become a certified medical coder, you need to take an online training course that teaches you the CPT®, ICD-10-CM, and HCPCS Level II code sets. Most employers are looking for applicants to have a medical coding certification. After successfully completing this course, you will have the knowledge and skillset to become a medical coder and can sit for one of three national certification exams included in your tuition: 1) NHA's Certified Billing and Coding Specialist (CBCS), 2) AAPC's Certified Professional Coder (CPC), or 3) AHIMA's Certified Coding Associate (CCA).

Do Medical Billers or Medical Coders make more money?

Due to the more technical nature of the job and increased training required, medical coders do tend to make more than medical billers on an annual basis. Both medical billers and medical coders are in high demand. Medical billers earn a median salary of nearly $37,000. The salary of medical coder depends on a variety of different factors including certifications, specialties and experience, but the American Academy of Professional Coders (AAPC) reports that their average salary is around $47,800.

Can you get a job as both a Medical Biller and a Medical Coder?

Other than a handful of exceptions, medical billing and medical coding are two separate professions. You do not need a degree for either profession, but successful coders usually obtain certification. This course will fully prepare you for a career as either a medical biller or a medical coder, including recommended certification. Once you've completed your training, you will decide which area fits your personality and career goals best and move in that direction.

What is a CPC?

CPC, or Certified Professional Coder, is the primary medical coding credential offered by AAPC. AAPC's CPC certification is the gold standard in medical coding and represents world-class expertise that is highly sought and well-compensated by medical organizations across the country.

What does CPC mean for my career in medical coding?

The CPC certification is the gold standard in medical coding and represents world-class expertise that is highly sought and well-compensated by medical organizations across the country.

How do I get my CPC certification?

After successfully completing this online course, you will receive a prepaid voucher to register for the CPC Exam and schedule your test date. Registration should be done three weeks prior to the exam date. After passing the CPC exam, you will have your CPC-A designation without 2 years of prior experience. Completion of the included CPC Practicode will qualify as 1 year of experience towards the full CPC designation. Completing this program also qualifies for 1 year of experience, thus completing both steps and passing the CPC exam will provide you with the full CPC designation and remove the Apprenticeship status.

What is the CPC exam?

The Certified Professional Coder (CPC) exam is administered by the American Academy of Professional Coders (AAPC). It is a common advanced credential for medical coders in physician office settings.

How long is a CPC certificate valid for?

Once the CPC designation is achieved, your AAPC Membership (included) is required to be renewed annually and 36 Continuing Education Units (CEU's) must be submitted every two years for verification and authentication of expertise.

How to become a Certified Professional Coder?

Medical billing and coding is hardly a career you can jump into and learn on the job. A medical biller and coder must understand the Healthcare Common procedure Coding System (HCPCS), as well as CPT Category II codes and ICD-10 codes. Training courses will teach you what these codes are, how to use them, and how to assign them in common medical billing and coding procedures.

How much does a Certified Professional Coder make?

CPCs make between $18 and $25 per hour, varying by location, experience, and additional credentialing.

What does AAPC stand for?

AAPC, or the American Academy of Professional Coders, is an independent organization founded in 1988 to provide education and professional certification to medical coders. They have over 190,000 members and offers 28 certifications related to medical billing, medical coding, healthcare documentation and more.

What is the CCA exam?

The Certified Coding Associate (CCA) exam is an entry-level certification provided through the American Health Information Management Association (AHIMA). It indicates proficiency in medical coding in hospital and office settings.

What does CBCS stand for?

CBCS stands for Certified Billing and Coding Specialist, and it is a designation earned from the nationally recognized National Healthcareer Association (NHA). With this credential, you'll gain billing and coding skills that are essential to various medical facilities including hospitals, surgery centers, physician offices, nursing homes, mental health facilities, home healthcare agencies, and dental offices. Earning your CBCS credential will prove to prospective employers that you have what it takes to work with patient information, prevent fraud and abuse, support coding and billing practices, submit claims, and help healthcare providers gain maximum reimbursement for services.