Students will learn how to assign codes to medical procedures per official coding guidelines using the ICD-10-CM and CPT coding systems. Students will be introduced to basic HCPCS coding, with a focus on CPT coding for E/M, surgical, pathology/laboratory, and radiology.
MEET YOUR CPT (OUTPATIENT PROCEDURE) CODING INSTRUCTOR...
Laurie Stutzman
BS, PA, CCS, CPC, CPC-I, CPC-H
AHIMA Approved ICD-10-CM/PCS Instructor
Laurie Stutzman practiced as a Physician Assistant in a surgical specialty (Urologic Oncology) as well as family medicine for over 10 years. She taught Medical Terminology and was a Clinical Coordinator for Western University of Health Sciences Physician Assistant Program. Her strong background in surgery serves her well in teaching the procedures driven CPC classes. She also brings clinical experience to the subjects of Anatomy, Physiology, and Pathophysiology. She brings a wealth of medical coding knowledge and has over 10 years of experience as a Medical Coding Instructor for Tri-County Allied Health School.
Laurie holds the Certified Coding Specialist (CCS) credential with the American Health Information Management Association (AHIMA) and the Certified Professional Coder (CPC), Certified Professional Coding-Instructor (CPC-I), Certified Outpatient Coder (COC, formerly known as CPC-H), and Certified Inpatient Coder (CIC) credentials through the American Academy of Professional Coders (AAPC).
STUDENT LEARNING OBJECTIVES
Upon completion of this module, students will be able to:
- Understand and describe the format and characteristics of the CPT/HCPCS code books.
- Introduction to procedure-based payment systems.
- APC assignments
- Locate terms in the CPT Index.
- Apply knowledge of CPT conventions, format, symbols, and notes to identify the correct CPT code.
- Read and interpret encounter/visit documentation and operative reports to identify all diagnoses, tests, procedures, and treatment modalities that affect the outpatient encounter.
- Identify the CMS required modifiers for hospital-based outpatient and physician office services.
- Confirm Evaluation and Management (E/M) codes based upon encounter documentation using the E/M guidelines.
- Interpret and implement the information contained in the CPT Section Guidelines.
- State the purposes of a special report.
- Apply unlisted procedures/services codes appropriately.
- Demonstrate proficiency in CPT coding of procedures/services.
- Verify that the CPT code(s), modifier(s), and ICD-10-CM codes on the HCFA-1500 claim form correctly support the services rendered.
DELIVERY METHOD
Via Zoom
METHODS OF INSTRUCTION
Lecture via Zoom
Exercises and Examinations via Online Portal & email
All course materials will be delivered via Online Portal & email
GRADING
Course completion is defined as follows:
- A student has completed 80% or more of the course assignments.
All examinations, quizzes and homework assignments are graded on a PASS/FAIL basis that is determined by your participation in the course, not your performance. You will receive points for each assignment turned in regardless of the score that you receive on the assignment.
Participation is evaluated by the assignments that you turn in to the instructor via email. These assignments consist of the following:
- In-Class Exercises
- Homework Assignments
- Quizzes
- Examination(s)
All examinations, quizzes and homework assignments must be emailed to your instructor.
HOMEWORK/ASSIGNMENTS
Students should expect to review an expected workload of 30 hours of work outside of the classroom. This will include the reading of course materials and the completion of assignments and homework.
STANDARDS OF PROFESSIONAL CONDUCT
- The standards of professional conduct are an inherent part of professional socialization and expect students in health care to adhere to these standards. Students must demonstrate professional behavior. Being professional means that students demonstrate patterns of personal, academic and professional behaviors, which indicate that they are able to consistently conform his or her conduct to the requirements of Tri-County Allied Health School, and other Rules and Regulations related to scope of practice. The policies, and accepted standards of practice include, but are not limited to those that reflect honesty, accountability, trustworthiness, reliability and integrity, confidentiality, responsibility, adherence to facility’s policies and procedures, punctuality/promptness, and safety. Students must also consistently demonstrate behaviors that convey respectful and caring attitudes to staff, faculty and other students.
- Students must be personally accountable for their own behavior and are expected to maintain the professional, ethical, and legal standards of nursing practice. They are also expected to conduct themselves according to the legal and ethical standards of the community and society. Students must follow established lines of authority and communication in the school and clinical facilities. Students may not use as a forum verbal, written or electronic forms of communication that may reflect a lack of respect, caring or integrity and/or which may be construed as defaming or possibly slanderous/libelous to the institution, program, staff, faculty or other students.
- Students must demonstrate respectful behavior at all times particularly in the classroom, laboratory, and clinical/practicum areas. Some examples of behaviors that students must refrain from include but are not limited to gum chewing, loud talking, and profanity. These are not acceptable behaviors.
Course Curriculum
SCHOOL POLICIES
- All classes must be paid in full prior to or on first day of class
- No refunds
- Only one course may be purchased at a time
- All classes are recorded in transcripts as COMPLETE or INCOMPLETE
- Course completion is defined as a student completing 80% or more of the course assignments AND mandatory completion of the final examination
- All assignments and tests are on a PASS or FAIL basis
- Pass or completion of course is based on participation, not performance
- Students must achieve 80% participation to PASS and complete course
- Attendance is mandatory and missed opportunities to complete assignments or attend class will affect the participation score
- No certificates of completion are issued
- AHIMA or AAPC certifications will serve to aid students in gaining employment
- Handout materials are included in the tuition
- Federal or state funds are not accepted for payments for classes
- Fees to sit for the National Certification examinations are not part of the tuition of Tri-County Allied Health School nor are they collected by this institution
- All testing fees are paid directly to the organization that governs the examination
- Tri-County Allied Health School does not offer any financing or payment plans for tuition fees
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Q: How long is the course?
This course is 96 hours (6 weeks long).
Q: How long will I have access to the materials?
Once enrolled, you will have access to the course for 2 months after the completion of the course.
Q: How can I get a hold of the instructor if I have further questions?
You can email the instructor, Laurie Stutzman, at [email protected] or [email protected].
Q: What if I have other questions about the courses you offer?
You can contact us at [email protected]