Online Class: CPT Coding for Beginners

In-Depth Medical Coding: Navigating the CPT Landscape

Medical coding stands as the cornerstone of the modern healthcare system. It's the bridge between medical practitioners and insurance agencies, ensuring that healthcare providers are compensated appropriately for their services. With a robust foundation in the Current Procedural Terminology (CPT) coding manual, professionals in the medical field can enjoy a seamless experience in medical billing, coding, collections, and office administration.

Our comprehensive self-study course offers a thorough exploration of the CPT coding manual, combining essential guidelines with real-world applications. It serves as a guide for beginners and a refresher for seasoned professionals, catering to a broad spectrum of learners.

Who Will Benefit? This course is meticulously crafted for individuals across various facets of the medical domain:

• Aspiring medical billers and coders looking for a foundational grasp on CPT.
• Medical collectors aiming for accuracy in their tasks.
• Medical office administrators seeking efficiency in day-to-day operations.
• Experienced coders aiming to refine their skills and boost their speed, especially when gearing up for the coding certification exams.

Course Highlights:

• Intricacies of the CPT Code: Begin with the basics of the CPT coding system. This introductory module sets the stage, allowing students to get acquainted with the code's structure and significance.

• Deep Dive into Modifiers, Sections, and Symbols: Go beyond the basics by understanding the nuanced differences and critical markers within the CPT.

• Comprehensive System Reviews: Engage in systematic learning from Evaluation and Management to Radiology and Pathology sections of the CPT. Each section is accompanied by assignments and netlinks to provide an immersive experience.

• Scenario-based Learning: Contextualize theoretical knowledge with real-life coding scenarios. This ensures not just rote learning but a practical understanding of the application of codes in various medical contexts.

Course Breakdown: Each module of the course is tailored to offer a granular understanding of the various sections of the CPT:

1. Introduction to the CPT Coding System: Foundation of CPT and its relevance.
2. Modifiers, Sections, and Symbols of CPT®: Decoding the intricacies of CPT.
3. Evaluation and Management CPT® Section: Navigating patient interactions and services.
4. Anesthesia CPT® Section: Grasping codes related to sedation and pain management.
5. Surgery and the Surgical Package in CPT®: Understanding procedural coding nuances.
6. General & Integumentary CPT® Section: Delving into skin and related systems.
7. Musculoskeletal System CPT Section: Codes for bones, muscles, and joints.
8. Respiratory CPT Section: Learning codes for lung and airway procedures.
9. Cardiovascular CPT Section: Delving into the heart and blood vessels.
10. Digestive System CPT Section: Codes for gastrointestinal procedures.
11. Urinary System CPT Section: Navigating renal and urinary procedures.
12. Male and Female Genital CPT Section: Understanding reproductive system codes.
13. Maternity CPT Section: Emphasizing childbirth and maternal care.
14. Nervous System CPT Section: Unpacking codes for neurological procedures.
15. Radiology and Pathology CPT Sections: A look into diagnostic procedures and laboratory tests.

Whether you're starting your journey in medical coding or refining your expertise, our course promises a transformative experience. Dive deep into the world of medical coding, unlock opportunities, and set yourself up for success in the dynamic world of healthcare. Join us and steer your career in the right direction with a command over CPT coding!

Courses Frequently Bought Together:

Medical Terminology 101

Anatomy and Physiology 101

Introduction to Medical Coding

Course Motivation

A system was created to describe the procedures by code numbers. Each code describes a procedure and the billing using these codes, which became the source for the current system used today, Current Procedural Terminology (CPT).

The CPT Code

CPT is a set of codes that identifies a description of a procedure or service. CPT began in 1966 and was published by the American Medical Association (AMA). The five-digit code is a way of communicating to an insurance company, a patient, or a physician, what service or procedure was provided to a patient.

It is extremely important to have current coding manuals in the medical office. Annual updates are made, and not having a current version of the coding manuals can cause the practice reduction in pay if the wrong CPT code is billed for the service, if the place of service does not match the five-digit CPT code, or if the service is not medically necessary.

The CPT Index

The index in the CPT coding manual is located in the beginning or the end of the coding manual, depending on the edition that is purchased.

When searching for a CPT code, always begin in the index. The search can begin with the name of the procedure (such as endoscopy, sigmoidoscopy or colonoscopy), the organ (liver, heart), system or body site (such as the colon), the name of the condition (Colles fracture), a synonym, and eponym, or an abbreviation (such as ECG or EKG). The Index is located in the back part of the CPT coding manual.

A specific code, or range of codes, in the CPT index guides the coder to locate the procedure or surgery that was done. For instance, if the index indicates the five-digit CPT code and a comma, the coder would review each code provided. If a hyphen is indicated between two codes, the coder would review each code, beginning with the first code, up to the last code.

Do not code directly from the index. The codes are to be assigned from the main body of the CPT manual. Remember the rule: index first, confirm second. After locating the code in the index, double-check the code and the description in the main body of the CPT manual.

Description of CPT Codes

Stand-alone codes are referred to as "parent" or "root" codes. Indented codes are found in the CPT coding manual following the parent code. Special attention must be paid when reading the description of the CPT code. The codes are divided into distinct types of services. As we move on through the lessons, you will learn about parent codes and indented codes.

CPT Guidelines

Each section of the CPT manual contains guidelines for the specific chapter. Read and become familiar with the guidelines prior to coding. Important information is listed in the guidelines and becoming familiar with the guidelines will help you make sense out of coding.