What Is Medical Billing and Coding?
What is Medical Billing and Coding?
Medical Coding is the process of converting diagnosis codes to ICD-9 codes and procedure codes to CPT codes. It also involves HCPC (pronounced, hick-pick) codes that identify supplies and drugs for correct billing. Modifiers are used to support additional services or procedures that are rendered to receive additional reimbursement for services.
Medical Billing is the process of billing insurance carriers and understanding the insurance terminology for filing and appealing claims. An insurance claim starts when a patient has contact with a health-care provider and ends when payment is received from the patient or insurance carrier.
What will I learn from this class?
You will learn about ICD-9 (diagnosis codes) and CPT (procedure codes). In addition, information on insurance companies and reimbursements will be covered; e.g., Medicare, Medicaid, HMO’s, Blue Cross, Work Comp, etc. We will also cover modifiers, HCPC codes, HIPAA, Compliance, HCFA-1500 and other aspects of the billing field.
Can I obtain a job by taking this class and what are employers looking for?
Absolutely. With the knowledge of ICD-9/CPT and Medical Billing, any medical employer would consider you for a position because of your schooling, even without experience. In addition to the knowledge required to do the job, employers are looking at a candidate's individual personality. There are several questions that are asked when employers call for references:
- How did they get along with others in the classroom
- How was their attendance
- What is their personality like?
Employers rarely ask for student grades.
What type of classes are offered?
Career Coders offers eight different classes:
- Introduction to Medical Billing and Coding
- Medical Terminology
- Basic Anatomy
- CPC Certification Program
- Hospital Billing and Facility Case Studies
- Medical Office Administration
- Introduction to Medical Software
- Computer Basics
Please see the Career Coders Class Catalog for details.
Is Career Coders an approved school?
Yes. Career Coders is approved by the State of Colorado Department of Higher Education through Division of Private Occupational Schools. Melody Irvine is accredited and certified through the American Academy of Professional Coders to teach the PMCC course for the CPC certification test.
When do classes start?
New classes start almost every month. There are morning, afternoon, and evening classes taught during the week with some Saturday classes available to fit your schedule.
About the instructor
Melody Irvine has five national certifications. Certified Coding Specialist Physician Based (CCS-P), Certified Coding Specialist (CPC), Audit Specialty Credential (E/M), Certified Medical Billing Specialist (CMBS), and Certified Reimbursement Specialist (CMRS). She has worked in the medical field (locally) for 29 years and has been teaching for 9 years. For addional information, please see the profile on Melody S. Irvine.
Where can I read more about a Medical Billing and Coding Career?
There are several web-sites that I recommend for more information about a career in medical billing and coding field.
You can also view the information on this web site, or feel free to email Career Coders, LLC. at:
If you are interested in reserving a space for class, please call (970) 663-0020 to schedule a time to register. A deposit is required. There is a minimum number of students required for all classes.
Career Coders is more than happy to supply names and contact information of past and/or present students at your request.