Certified Medical Administrative Assistant with Medical Billing and Coding (Vouchers Included)

Online Medical Administration, Billing and Coding Training

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).

Job Outlook for Medical Administrative Assistant

  • 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

Curriculum

  1. Medical Terminology
  2. Certified Medical Administrative Assistant
    1. Becoming an Administrative Medical Assistant
    2. Managing Stress and Improving Communication
    3. Law, Ethics and Healthcare
    4. Improving Your Medical Office
    5. Computers in the Ambulatory Care Setting
    6. Telecommunications and Patient Scheduling
    7. MIDTERM
    8. Medical Terminology: Word Parts, Plurals, Abbreviations
    9. Managing Medical Records
    10. Written Communication
    11. Working with Medical Documents
    12. Medical Billing and Coding: An Overview
    13. Daily Financial Practices
    14. The Administrative Medical Assistant as Office Manager
    15. FINAL
  3. Medical Billing and Coding
    1. Introduction to Medical Billing and Coding
    2. Introduction to Health Insurance
    3. Managed Healthcare
    4. Revenue Cycle Management
    5. Legal Aspects of Health Insurance and Reimbursement
    6. ICD-10-CM Coding
    7. CPT Coding
    8. HCPCS Level II Coding
    9. ICD-10-PCS Coding
    10. Pharmacology for Coders
    11. Midterm
    12. Clinical Documentation Improvement (CDI)
    13. Insurance Claims
    14. Commercial Insurance
    15. Blue Cross Blue Shield
    16. Medicare
    17. Medicaid, CHIP, TRICARE, Workers’ Compensation
    18. Certification
    19. How to Find a Job in Medical Billing and Coding
    20. Final

Instructors

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 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 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

FAQs

  1. What do Medical Administrative Assistants do?
    According to NHA, medical administrative assistants primarily work in the “front office” of a medical practice or healthcare facility. Their duties may include coordinating practice correspondence, maintaining files and scheduling appointments.
  2. Do Medical Administrative Assistants need certification?
    The healthcare environment operates on the basis of professionalism, precision and dedication to patient welfare. Medical assistant certification may be required for many jobs. Earning a CMAA establishes a medical assistant as a caring, responsible professional who has undergone a study and assessment program to validate their credentials.
  3. In what facilities do Medical Administrative Assistants work? 
    Medical assistants commonly work in medical practices, such as physicians’ offices, outpatient clinics, and other healthcare facilities, according to the BLS.
  4. What is the difference between being a Medical Assistant and a Medical Billing and Coding Specialist?
    Essentially, these are two distinct skill sets used within a healthcare setting. However, the responsibilities of a medical assistant may include medical billing, medical coding or both. Similarly, medical billing and coding specialists may have their own job titles or may have their title combined with a medical assistant or medical administrative professional designation.
  5. Why should Medical Assistants learn medical billing and coding?
    The healthcare field offers one of the leading areas of opportunities for career growth today. Within healthcare, specialized medical assistants are among the most in-demand professionals. Matching office administration skills with medical billing and coding opens up more opportunities in both general healthcare administration and specialized medical services.
  6. What are the requirements for a medical billing and coding career?
    Entry-level positions typically require completion of a certificate and passing one of the certification exams or an associate degree program in medical billing and coding. Additionally, medical billing and coding professionals must understand the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA).
  7. What is the difference between certification exams (CPC, CCA, and CBCS)?
    Obtaining a CPC, CCA, or CBCS certification implies that an individual has met competencies in the field of medical billing and coding. Certification is invaluable to the student’s career goals. Students have an opportunity to make confident, informed decisions about the national certification they prefer. The Certified Professional Coder (CPC) exam is offered by the American Academy of Professional Coders (AAPC). It is the gold standard entry-level coding certification for physician, or professional fee, coders. The Certified Coding Associate (CCA) is offered by the American Health Information Management Association (AHIMA). It is an entry-level medical coding certification across all settings–physician practices and inpatient hospital. The Certified Billing and Coding Specialist (CBCS) is offered by the National Healthcareer Association (NHA) and is currently an entry-level medical billing certification for physician practices. In the summer of 2021, the exam will transition to an entry-level billing and coding certification, with the inclusion of ICD-10-CM, CPT, and HCPCS Level II testing.
  8. Can I register for programs if I am an international student?
    Yes, because ed2go programs are online you never have to actually travel to the school.  Most schools offer telephone or online registration.
  9. How long does it take to complete a program?
    All of our programs are self-paced and open enrollment, so you can start them when you want and finish them at your own pace.  When you register, you’ll receive twelve (12) months to complete the program.
  10. What if I don’t have enough time to complete my program within the time frame provided?
    The time allotted to complete your program has been calculated based on the number of hours for each program, so don’t worry too much about not completing in time. If, after a concerted effort, you are still unable to complete, your Student Advisor will help you work out a suitable completion date. Please note that a fee may be charged for an extension.
  11. Do I have to buy additional materials?
    No
  12. Can I get financial assistance?
    ed2go courses are non-credit courses, so they do not qualify for federal aid.  In some states, vocational rehab or workforce development boards will pay for qualified students to take our courses.  Additionally, some students may qualify for financial assistance when they enroll, if they meet certain requirements.
  13. What happens when I complete the program? 
    Upon successful completion of the program, you will be awarded a certificate of completion.
  14. Am I guaranteed a job?
    ed2go programs will provide you with the skills you need to obtain an entry-level position in most cases.  We don’t provide direct job placement services, but our facilitators and career counselors will help you build your resume and are available to give advice on finding your first job.  Facilitators will also be available to use as a professional reference upon completion of the program.  Potential students should always do research on the job market in their area before registering.
  15. Who will be my instructor?
    Each student is paired with a facilitator for one-on-one interaction.  The facilitator will be available (via e-mail) to answer any questions you may have and to provide feedback on your performance.  All of our facilitators are successful working professionals in the fields in which they teach.
  16. How can I get more information about this program?
    If you have questions that are not answered on our website, please feel free to contact us at cpe@ecu.edu. You may also call ed2go directly at 1-877-221-5151.We will answer your questions promptly.
  17. When can I start the program?
    Our programs are all open enrollment.  You can register and start the program as soon as you are ready.Please note: Once the program curriculum is accessed online or through submission of a material shipment confirmation, refunds cannot be issued.
  18. Does this program prepare for a certification?
    Yes, this course actually prepares you for two certifications.  Upon completion of all your coursework, you will be prepared to sit for the Certified Professional Coder (CPC) exam, offered by the American Academy of Professional Coders (AAPC) and the Certified Medical Administrative Assistant (CMAA) exam, offered by the National Healthcareer Association (NHA).  You will receive vouchers for both exams after successfully completing the course and your financial obligation.

Registration and Enrollment

This course is 100% online. Start anytime.