Medical Administrative Assistant Career Prep Expert

MSM124 / Hours: 895 / Access Length: 12 Months / Delivery: Online, Self-Paced
Retail Price: $3,999.00 / Materials Included

Course Overview:

Administrative Medical Assisting is one of the fastest growing careers in the health care industry today. The need for professionals that understand how to utilize computerized medical office software and perform administrative office procedures is growing substantially. Physician practices, hospitals, chiropractic practices, and other health care providers all depend on administrative professionals for day-to-day-support. In the Administrative Medical Assistant course you will learn medical terminology, patient confidentiality, scheduling, customer service, basic patient documentation, and basic billing as well as other administrative duties required by front office personnel. 

With the Medical Billing program, you will gain the skills you need to enter one of the fastest-growing fields in allied health as a medical billing specialist. In this program, you will gain hands-on, practical experience working with the main coding manuals in the field, the ICD-9-CM and the CPT. In addition, you will be introduced to the new ICD-10-CM diagnosis coding system. You will also master the legal, ethical, and regulatory concepts that are central to this field.

With the Medical Coding program, you will gain the skills you need to enter one of the fastest-growing fields in allied health as a medical coding specialist. In this program, you will gain hands-on, practical experience working with the main coding manuals in the field. In addition you will be introduced to the new ICD-10-CM diagnosis coding system. You will also master the legal, ethical, and regulatory concepts that are central to this field. Upon completion you will be prepared to sit for the Cerfified Billing and Coding Specialist and the Certified Medical Administrative Assistant exams which are included in the price of the course. 

Prerequisite: Solid knowledge of Medical Terminology.  If you do not know Medical Terminology, you can take our additional courses.

This course prepares the student to take the following certificaton exam(s):

• National Healthcareer Association (NHA) Medical Administrative Assistant
• National Healthcareer Association (NHA) Medical Billing and Coding Specialist (CBCS)

The cost of the course INCLUDES the cost of the certification exams.

Course Outline:

Medical Administrative Assistant Career Prep Curriculum:

Lesson 1: Introduction to Medical Assisting, part 1

In this lesson, we will learn the basic roles of an administrative medical assistant, communication basics, and explore legal compliance in medical offices.

Lesson 2: Introduction to Medical Assisting, part 1

In this lesson, we will learn about ethics in healthcare, explore proper medical terminology, and identify best practices when coaching patients.

Lesson 3: Fundamentals of Ambulatory Care, part 1

In this lesson, we will explore the front end operations of a healthcare facility, including written communications, telephone techniques, and patient processing.

Lesson 4: Fundamentals of Ambulatory Care, part 2

In this lesson, we will continue the review of front end operations by reviewing patient records, principles of pharmacology, and maintaining safe equipment and supplies.

Lesson 5: Coding and Medical Billing

In this lesson, we will review the medical assistant's role in medical coding and billing. Procedures for diagnostic coding and medical billing claims procedures are also covered.

Lesson 6: Advanced Ambulatory Care Administration

In this lesson, we will learn more advanced front office procedures, such as accounts receivable and accounts payable. We will also discuss advanced roles in administrative medical assisting, such as medical office management.

Lesson 7: Assisting with Medical Specialties

In this lesson, we will learn about the administrative medical assistant's role in handling and responding to medical emergencies.

Lesson 8: Job Seeking

In this lesson, we will learn about how to apply for and find a job in the field of administrative medical assisting.

Medical Billing Specialist Curriculum:

Lesson 1: Role of an Insurance Billing Specialist

This lesson covers the role of an insurance billing specialist in various healthcare settings, focusing on accurate claims submission, coding, and billing procedures. Through case-based exercises, you will develop proficiency in handling claim denials, correcting patient information errors, and navigating professional and ethical considerations essential for success in medical billing and reimbursement.

Lesson 2: Privacy, Security, and HIPAA

This lesson examines HIPAA compliance through real-world case studies of violations and their resolutions. You will analyze how privacy and security failures impact healthcare organizations, the consequences of noncompliance, and strategies for remediation. The lesson also covers how state privacy laws interact with HIPAA, shaping compliance requirements across different jurisdictions.

Lesson 3: Compliance, Fraud, and Abuse

This lesson focuses on compliance, fraud, and abuse in medical billing, using real-world cases to illustrate key differences. You will examine common fraudulent practices, regulatory measures like the False Claims Act, and enforcement programs that monitor violations. A mock compliance audit example will provide the steps in detecting and preventing billing errors.

Lesson 4: Basics of Health Insurance

This lesson explores the history and evolution of health insurance, providing context for modern coverage structures. You will learn to compare insurance plans, interpret policy terms, and analyze cost-sharing responsibilities. Through real-world scenarios, you will practice identifying key components of insurance policies and determining coverage implications for patients and providers.

Lesson 5: The Blue Plans, Private Insurance, and Managed Care Plans

This lesson covers the financial and operational differences between private and public insurance, focusing on provider networks and reimbursement negotiations. You will learn to interpret insurance contracts, evaluate how payment structures shape provider decisions, and determine the impact of network agreements on patient costs and access to care.

Lesson 6: Medicare

In this lesson, you will extract key details from Medicare insurance cards, determine provider participation options, and apply Medicare-specific reimbursement models. You will also learn to follow claim submission timelines, process overpayment corrections, and interpret recent legislative updates that affect Medicare policies and provider payments.

Lesson 7: Medicaid and Other State Programs

In this lesson, you will evaluate state-specific Medicaid policies, determine how expansion impacts access to care, and interpret how Medicaid integrates with programs like CHIP and SNAP. You will also develop skills in navigating provider enrollment, understanding state-level reimbursement models, and identifying how funding differences affect patient coverage and services.

Lesson 8: TRICARE and Veterans Health Care

In this lesson, you will learn to apply military-specific billing regulations, handle claims for active-duty and retired service members, and manage referrals within TRICARE and Veterans Health Administration systems. You will also practice identifying provider classifications, calculating patient cost-sharing for military beneficiaries, and addressing access challenges unique to veterans through real-world case examples.

Lesson 9: Workers’ Compensation, Automobile, and Liability Insurance

This lesson provides an overview of workers’ compensation, automobile, and liability insurance. You will identify eligibility requirements, classify types of claims, and recognize key reporting forms. Additionally, you will examine employer and insurer responsibilities, understand fee schedules, and explore processes for managing fraud investigations, coordinating benefits, and addressing out-of-state claims.

Lesson 10: Disability Income Insurance and Disability Benefit Programs

This lesson explains how to verify eligibility for federal, state, and private disability income programs, interpret benefit amounts based on policy terms, and identify required documentation for claims. You will also review waiting periods, benefit structures, and the processes involved in submitting disability claims across different programs.

Lesson 11: Medical Documentation and the Electronic Health Record

In this lesson, you will examine the structure of electronic health records, identify required medical documentation, and recognize common errors that affect billing accuracy. This lesson covers legal standards for record retention, provider responsibilities in documentation, and the processes used to review and audit medical records for compliance and accuracy.

Lesson 12: ICD-10-CM Coding

In this lesson, you will review diagnostic coding and understand interpreting ICD-10-CM guidelines and applying conventions to accurately code diagnoses. You'll learn to sequence diagnosis codes, ensuring each aligns with established medical necessity, and effectively utilize coding manuals. This session also introduces the distinctions between outpatient and inpatient coding requirements, enhancing your coding precision across different medical settings.

Lesson 13: CPT Coding

This lesson guides you through interpreting CPT coding conventions and recognizing procedure code categories, including E/M services, surgery, radiology, and laboratory codes. This lesson covers the use of code modifiers, identification of bundled services, and common coding errors. You will also explore surgical, radiology, and laboratory coding and examine how procedural codes influence reimbursement.

Lesson 14: HCPCS Level II Coding

In lesson 14 you will explore the HCPCS Level II coding system, focusing on categories like durable medical equipment, drugs, and transportation services. This lesson guides you in using the HCPCS manual, applying correct code modifiers, and referencing the Table of Drugs and Biologicals for accurate code selection.

Lesson 15: The Paper Claim CMS 1500

This lesson covers the CMS-1500 paper claim form, including its purpose, required fields, and when paper submissions are necessary. It outlines claim types, processing steps, and common errors that lead to rejections. The lesson breaks down each section of the form, detailing how to enter provider, patient, and insurance information accurately.

Lesson 16: The Electronic Claim

This lesson explains the structure of electronic claims, the role of clearinghouses, and how data is transmitted securely. It covers transaction and code set regulations, unique provider and patient identifiers, and the use of electronic remittance advice. You will examine common processing errors, troubleshoot methods, and the benefits of electronic claims over paper submissions.

Lesson 17: Receiving Payments and Insurance Problem-Solving

This lesson covers the revenue cycle management process, including claim submission, adjudication, and reimbursement timelines. It explains how to interpret explanation of benefits (EOB) documents, manage secondary insurance claims, and identify common claim errors. The lesson also explores strategies for handling denied claims, filing appeals, and working with Medicare, TRICARE, and state insurance commissioners to resolve payment issues.

Lesson 18: Collection Strategies

In this lesson, you will examine how to manage payments, track outstanding balances, and handle missed payments in a healthcare setting. You will learn about different billing methods, fee adjustments, and legal requirements for collections. The lesson also guides you through strategies for communicating with patients about payments, resolving disputes, and addressing unpaid debts through collection agencies or legal action.

Lesson 19: Introduction to Health Care Facilities and Ambulatory Surgery Centers

In this lesson, you explore the structure of healthcare facilities, the differences between inpatient and outpatient services, and the regulations that impact operations. This lesson covers how reimbursement systems determine payment for services, including prospective payment models and insurance billing processes. You will also review quality reporting requirements and policies that influence patient care standards.

Lesson 20: Billing for Health Care Facilities

In lesson 20, you learn how professional, outpatient, and inpatient billing differ, along with the coding systems and claim forms used for each. This lesson covers selecting principal diagnoses and procedures, understanding the structure of ICD-10-PCS codes, and applying official coding guidelines. The CMS-1450 (UB-04) form is also introduced, detailing its sections and how it is used for facility claims.

Lesson 21: Seeking a Job and Attaining Professional Advancement

The final lesson will explore career opportunities in medical billing and coding, including job search strategies, professional certifications, and networking for advancement. This lesson covers resume writing, interview preparation, and proper application techniques. You will also learn about self-employment considerations, business planning, and the benefits of joining professional organizations.

Medical Coding Specialist Curriculum:

Lesson 1: Reimbursement, HIPAA, and Compliance

In this lesson, you develop understanding of Medicare's structure, including Parts A through D, and interpreting essential HIPAA rules. You will learn how to locate information in the Federal Register, explain the Outpatient Resource-Based Relative Value Scale (RBRVS), recognize Medicare fraud indicators, and identify key aspects of managed health care.

Lesson 2: An Overview of ICD-10-CM

In lesson 2, you explore the structure and application of the ICD-10-CM diagnostic coding system. You will learn how to navigate its Alphabetic Index and Tabular List, effectively use official instructional notations, and understand the importance of coding conventions to ensure accurate and compliant coding practices.

Lesson 3: ICD-10-CM Outpatient Coding and Reporting Guidelines

In this lesson, you determine the first-listed diagnosis for various scenarios, including outpatient surgery, observation stays, and prenatal visits. You will learn to apply Z codes, report unconfirmed diagnoses using symptom codes, differentiate between diagnostic and therapeutic services, and accurately code for chronic and coexisting conditions based on official ICD-10-CM guidelines.

Lesson 4: Using ICD-10-CM

In this lesson, you practice assigning accurate ICD-10-CM codes by using both the Alphabetic Index and Tabular List. You will apply conventions, understand the importance of specificity, report acute and chronic conditions, identify combination codes, distinguish integral from non-integral conditions, and correctly sequence codes for residual effects and laterality.

Lesson 5: Chapter-specific Guidelines (ICD-10-CM Chapters 1-10)

In lesson 5, you review coding for infectious and parasitic diseases, including proper use of combination and multiple codes. You will analyze neoplasm codes to distinguish between primary, secondary, and in-situ malignancies. Additionally, you will apply guidelines for coding conditions such as sepsis, antibiotic resistance, viral hepatitis, and HIV.

Lesson 6: Chapter-specific Guidelines (ICD-10-CM Chapters 11-14)

In this lesson, you code gastrointestinal hemorrhages by utilizing site-specific and combination codes for conditions such as diverticulitis with perforation. You will apply multiple coding for cellulitis with infectious agents, identify and report pressure ulcer stages, distinguish between traumatic and pathological fractures, and document chronic kidney disease according to its severity stages.

Lesson 7: Chapter-specific Guidelines (ICD-10-CM Chapters 15-22)

In this lesson, you document conditions related to pregnancy, childbirth, and the puerperium by applying rules for pre-existing versus pregnancy-related conditions. You will assign codes for complications such as ectopic pregnancies and postpartum conditions, code congenital anomalies, and sequence diagnoses involving signs, symptoms, injuries, and external causes.

Lesson 8: Introduction to CPT

In lesson 8, you navigate the CPT manual by identifying its purpose, sections, and structure. You will locate codes using the CPT index, interpret guidelines and symbols such as add-on and modifier exemptions, apply appropriate modifiers to procedures, and differentiate between Category I, II, and III codes for reporting services and emerging technologies.

Lesson 9: Introduction to the Level II National Codes (HCPCS)

In this lesson, you examine the structure and purpose of Level II HCPCS codes. You will classify codes based on their groupings, including those for durable medical equipment, drugs, and transportation services. You will also differentiate temporary codes, apply appropriate modifiers, and navigate the Table of Drugs to report administered medications.

Lesson 10: Modifiers

In lesson 10, you apply CPT modifiers to enhance procedural accuracy and reimbursement. You will assign modifiers such as -22 for increased procedural services, -50 for bilateral procedures, and -51 for multiple procedures. Additionally, you will learn to document complex scenarios involving staged or discontinued procedures and mandated services.

Lesson 11: Evaluation and Management (E/M) Services

In this lesson, you apply evaluation and management coding by determining the place and type of service, identifying patient status, and selecting the appropriate service level based on either medical decision-making or total time spent. You will analyze key components such as the number of problems addressed, data reviewed, and risk assessment to ensure accurate coding.

Lesson 12: Anesthesia

In this lesson, you define types of anesthesia, including general, regional, and monitored anesthesia care. You will analyze how the anesthesia payment formula incorporates base units, time units, and modifying factors. You will also learn how to apply qualifying circumstance codes, physical status modifiers, and understand the unique process of reporting multiple concurrent procedures.

Lesson 13: Surgery Guidelines and General Surgery

In this lesson 13, you interpret surgical package components, including preoperative visits, intraoperative services, and postoperative care. You will learn to apply modifiers for staged or related procedures, understand unique differences between separate and bundled procedures, and use special reports to document unlisted surgical services requiring detailed descriptions.

Lesson 14: Integumentary System

In this lesson, you document integumentary procedures, including coding incision and drainage for abscesses and wound debridement based on depth and body area. You will differentiate excision codes for benign versus malignant lesions, apply rules for lesion size and margins, classify repairs by complexity, and sequence grafts and flaps according to recipient and donor site requirements.

Lesson 15: Musculoskeletal System

In this lesson, you analyze procedures within the musculoskeletal system, focusing on treatment types for fractures and dislocations. You will distinguish between open, closed, and percutaneous fracture treatments, identify when grafting or fixation is required, apply traction techniques, and code procedures like arthroscopy, cast application, and tendon repair based on anatomical site and procedure details.

Lesson 16: Respiratory System

In lesson 16, you examine how procedural approach and anatomical extent affect code selection within the respiratory system. You will cover the differences between diagnostic and surgical endoscopies, analyze modifiers for multiple procedures performed through the same scope, apply guidelines for coding complex procedures like thoracotomy and lobectomy, and report procedures based on nasal, tracheal, and lung sites.

Lesson 17: Cardiovascular System

In this lesson, you explore cardiovascular coding across the Surgery, Medicine, and Radiology sections of the CPT manual. It covers the important considerations of invasive and noninvasive procedures, understand how to report catheter placements within vascular families, apply guidelines for pacemaker and cardiac valve procedures, and interpret codes for electrophysiology and nuclear cardiology services.

Lesson 18: Hemic, Lymphatic, Mediastinum, and Diaphragm

This lesson focuses on coding procedures within the hemic and lymphatic systems, mediastinum, and diaphragm. You will learn when to apply specific codes for splenectomy types, bone marrow harvesting, and limited versus radical lymphadenectomy. Additionally, you will code mediastinal biopsies by approach and diaphragmatic repairs for conditions such as hernias or eventration.

Lesson 19: Digestive System

In this lesson, you learn various procedures throughout the digestive system, focusing on distinctions such as diagnostic versus surgical endoscopies. You will determine code selection based on gastro-intestinal anatomical sites, including esophageal dilations, intestinal resections with anastomosis, and specialized procedures like Roux-en-Y gastric bypass and laparoscopic cholecystectomy.

Lesson 20: Urinary and Male Genital Systems

In this lesson, you analyze procedures involving the urinary and male genital systems by focusing on surgical techniques and anatomical classifications. You will assess methods for procedures such as pyeloplasty for ureteropelvic junction obstruction, complex nephrolithotomy for staghorn calculi, and radical nephrectomy, while interpreting bundled services and the appropriate use of modifiers.

Lesson 21: Reproductive, Intersex surgery, Female Genital System, and Maternity care and Delivery

In this lesson, you focus on key procedures within the reproductive, genital, and maternity care systems. You work with procedures such as brachytherapy for cervical cancer, staged intersex surgeries, and vulvectomies based on size and tissue depth. Finally, you will review bundled services in global maternity care and situations requiring separate reporting, like pregnancy-related diagnostic visits.

Lesson 22: Endocrine and Nervous Systems

In this lesson, you review surgical and diagnostic procedures related to the endocrine and nervous systems. You explore thyroidectomy techniques, including subtotal and total removal of thyroid tissue based on disease severity. This lesson also covers procedures such as cerebrospinal fluid shunting, craniotomies, and neuroplasty, focusing on procedural variations by anatomical site and purpose.

Lesson 23: Eye, Ocular Adnexa, Auditory, and Operating Microscope

This lesson covers procedural concepts related to the eye, ocular adnexa, and auditory systems. You learn how procedural choices, such as lamellar versus penetrating keratoplasty, affect surgical coding. Techniques for treating retinal conditions with photocoagulation and managing auditory issues like eustachian tube dysfunction with tympanostomy will also be addressed, along with the use of an operating microscope for precision surgeries.

Lesson 24: Radiology

In this lesson, you explore the Radiology section of the CPT manual, focusing on diagnostic imaging, ultrasound, radiation oncology, and nuclear medicine procedures. You will interpret terms related to radiology positioning and projections, distinguish between professional and technical components, and apply guidelines for using modifiers like -26 and -TC for component reporting.

Lesson 25: Pathology/Laboratory

In this lesson, you will learn how to categorize pathology and laboratory services based on test types, such as organ panels, therapeutic drug monitoring, and molecular pathology. You will learn distinctions between qualitative and quantitative analyses, evaluate drug assay procedures, and identify how tests like hematology panels, microbiological cultures, and pathology consultations are applied in clinical practice.

Lesson 26: Medicine

In this lesson, you learn how to navigate the broad range of services within the Medicine section, including immunization protocols, biofeedback therapy, and dialysis management. You explore the structure of various subsections, understand the two-code system for immunization reporting, and identify active and passive immunizations based on purpose and delivery methods.

Lesson 27: Inpatient Coding

In this lesson, you learn how to identify the principal diagnosis in complex inpatient scenarios, such as cases with multiple interrelated or uncertain conditions. You interpret how Present on Admission indicators impact hospital reimbursement and review scenarios where the original treatment plan is not carried out due to complications or other factors.

All necessary course materials are included.

Certification(s):

This course prepares the student to take the following certification exam(s):

• National Healthcareer Association (NHA) Medical Administrative Assistant
• National Healthcareer Association (NHA) Medical Billing and Coding Specialist (CBCS)

The cost of the course INCLUDES the cost of the certification exams.

System Requirements:

Internet Connectivity Requirements:

• Cable, Fiber, DSL, or LEO Satellite (i.e. Starlink) internet with speeds of at least 10mb/sec download and 5mb/sec upload are recommended for the best experience.

NOTE: While cellular hotspots may allow access to our courses, users may experience connectivity issues by trying to access our learning management system.  This is due to the potential high download and upload latency of cellular connections.   Therefore, it is not recommended that students use a cellular hotspot as their primary way of accessing their courses.

Hardware Requirements:

• CPU: 1 GHz or higher
• RAM: 4 GB or higher
• Resolution: 1280 x 720 or higher.  1920x1080 resolution is recommended for the best experience.
• Speakers / Headphones
• Microphone for Webinar or Live Online sessions.

Operating System Requirements:

• Windows 7 or higher.
• Mac OSX 10 or higher.
• Latest Chrome OS
• Latest Linux Distributions
  

NOTE: While we understand that our courses can be viewed on Android and iPhone devices, we do not recommend the use of these devices for our courses. The size of these devices do not provide a good learning environment for students taking online or live online based courses.

Web Browser Requirements:

• Latest Google Chrome is recommended for the best experience.
• Latest Mozilla FireFox
• Latest Microsoft Edge
• Latest Apple Safari

Basic Software Requirements (These are recommendations of software to use):

• Office suite software (Microsoft Office, OpenOffice, or LibreOffice)
• PDF reader program (Adobe Reader, FoxIt)
• Courses may require other software that is described in the above course outline.