Live Virtual Certified Coder Boot Camp® Original—Payer Edition
Course Overview
Looking for payer-specific resources? We have them!
Payer-specific coding training from HCPro, the most trusted name in coder education
The premier CPC® exam preparation course
The Live Virtual Certified Coder Boot Camp® Original—Payer Edition teaches the fundamentals of ICD-10-CM, CPT®, and HCPCS Level II coding for professional services and hospital outpatient services. This can’t-miss education is for payers concerned about fraud and abuse and provides payer professionals with intensive training on ICD-10-CM diagnosis coding, CPT, and HCPCS II coding.
This program equips payer professionals with the knowledge they need to identify overpayments or catch issues of fraudulent or abusive billing practices. 2021 updates include the major revisions to evaluation and management coding. Join us to sift through these changes!
You will learn how to:
- Understand and appropriately apply coding principles and guidelines
- Navigate the ICD-10-CM, CPT, and HCPCS II coding manuals
- Apply knowledge to achieve success on the AAPC's CPC exam
- Develop fundamental coding skills for all medical specialties with a thorough review of the entire CPT manual
This boot camp will ensure payer professionals have a deep understanding of accurate code assignment for ICD-10-CM, CPT, and HCPCS II by learning the latest coding guidelines.
In addition, the Live Virtual Certified Coder Boot Camp® Original—Payer Edition is the perfect test prep for payer professionals who want to take their career to the next level with certification as it assists in preparation for the AAPC's Certified Professional Coder (CPC) exam.
Leave class ready to take the CPC exam!
Who should attend?
Whether you’re new to the coding world, need a deeper understanding of the rules, or need a refresher prior to sitting for certification, this course is for you. Learn more about the fundamentals, as well as in-depth info about ICD-10-CM codes and HCPCS Level II coding.
This isn't just any coding course. See the HCPro difference for yourself!
- Rules-based learning: We only use recognized source authorities, such as the current ICD-10-CM, CPT, and HCPCS II manuals, but we supplement these with additional nationally recognized source authorities like the AHA's Coding Clinic for ICD-10-CM/PCS® and the AMA's CPT Assistant®.
- Hands-on learning: Course participants work approximately 500 coding exercises, including a 150-question practice CPC exam and numerous operative reports. Each participant also receives a printed answer key for all exercises, including the practice exam.
- Small class size: Class size is limited to ensure individual attention.
- Well-established program: HCPro is the nation's first organization to offer boot camp training courses to healthcare coding professionals. We have more than 20 years of experience teaching coders, and on average, participants rate this course 4.9 on a 5.0 scale.
Looking to train your whole team? We can bring our expert instructors to you! Learn more here!
Live Virtual Certified Coder Boot Camp® Original—Payer Edition
Outline/Agenda
Module 1: Introduction and Coding Fundamentals
- Types of coding systems
- Levels of HCPCS coding
Module 2: Diagnosis Coding (ICD-10-CM)
- Common conventions, symbols, and terminology in the ICD-10-CM coding manual
- Assigning ICD-10-CM codes based on the Official Guidelines for Coding and Reporting
Module 3: Introduction to CPT; Evaluation and Management Services
- Categories of CPT codes
- Common symbols and terms used in the CPT manual
- Assigning evaluation and management codes by category and level
- Assigning evaluation and management–specific modifiers (e.g., -24, -25, -57)
Module 4: Coding Anesthesia Services
- Types of anesthesia
- Assigning CPT codes for anesthesia services when provided by an anesthesiologist or someone other than an anesthesiologist
- Physical status modifiers and qualifying circumstance add-on codes
Module 5: Introduction to Surgery Coding and Coding Integumentary Procedures
- Identifying “separate procedures” and when they are reported
- Assigning surgical modifiers correctly
- Assigning CPT codes for:
- Excision of benign and malignant lesions
- Closures (simple, intermediate, and complex)
- Mohs surgeries
- Adjacent tissue transfers
- Breast procedures
Module 6: Coding Musculoskeletal Procedures
- Identifying the anatomy of the spine
- Assigning CPT codes for:
- Fracture care
- Spinal arthrodesis
- Reporting a CPT code for the application of a cast
Module 7: Coding Respiratory Procedures
- Assigning CPT codes for:
- Nasal endoscopic procedures
- Laryngoscopies
- Bronchoscopies
Module 8: Coding Cardiovascular Procedures
- Assigning CPT codes for:
- Pacemaker and defibrillator insertion and replacement
- Coronary artery bypass grafting
- Aneurysm repairs
- Central venous access devices
- Endovascular revascularization
Module 9: Coding Digestive System Procedures
- Assigning CPT codes for:
- Tonsillectomies and adenoidectomies
- Digestive system and endoscopic procedures
- Hernia repairs
Module 10: Coding Urinary/Genital System, Obstetrics, and Endocrine Procedures
- Assigning CPT codes for:
- Open and endoscopic procedures in the urinary system
- Open and endoscopic procedures in the male genital system
- Hysterectomies and tubal ligations
- Maternity care and delivery services
- Abortion procedures
Module 11: Coding Nervous System Procedures
- Assigning CPT codes for:
- Craniectomy/craniotomy procedures
- Skull base surgeries
- Injection procedures involving the spinal cord/spine
- Neurostimulators
Module 12: Coding Eye, Ocular, and Auditory Procedures
- Assigning CPT codes for:
- Cataract extractions
- Procedures to treat and prevent retinal detachments
- Strabismus surgeries
- Procedures involving the auditory system
Module 13: Coding Radiology Services
- Use of contrast in radiological procedures and when the administration of the contrast is separately reportable
- Assigning CPT codes for:
- Diagnostic radiology procedures
- Radiation therapy services
- Nuclear medicine services
- Interventional radiology procedures
Module 14: Coding Pathology and Laboratory Services
- Identifying the use of “panels” in reporting for diagnostic laboratory procedures
- Distinguishing between a qualitative screening vs. a quantitative screening
- Assigning CPT codes for:
- Diagnostic laboratory services
- Surgical pathology, including consults during surgery
Module 15: Coding Medicine Services
- Assigning CPT codes for:
- Supply and administration of vaccine/toxoids
- Psychotherapy services
- Dialysis services
- Ophthalmological services
- Cardiac catheterizations, percutaneous coronary angioplasties, and stent insertion procedures
- Injection and infusion services
Module 16: HCPCS II Coding
- Assigning HCPCS Level II codes and applicable modifiers
Course Agenda/Outline subject to change.
Live Virtual Certified Coder Boot Camp® Original—Payer Edition
Learning Objectives
At the conclusion of this educational activity, participants will be able to:
- Apply conventions and instructional notes, including chapter- and section-specific guidelines, to accurately assign codes in ICD-10-CM, CPT, and HCPCS II for outpatient/professional services
- Relate effects on reimbursement caused by appending appropriate CPT/HCPCS II modifiers to applicable procedure codes
- Review CPT procedure codes assignment in a variety of surgical procedures for many medical specialties
- Review an operative report in order to assess the assignments of accurate diagnosis and procedure codes
- Improve accuracy of audit and review teams
- Recall material in preparation for the AAPC’s CPC exam
Continuing Education
Coming Soon!
Live Virtual Certified Coder Boot Camp® Original—Payer Edition
Questions/Answers
What is the focus of the Live Virtual Certified Coder Boot Camp® Original—Payer Edition?
The Live Virtual Certified Coder Boot Camp® Original—Payer Edition focuses on ICD-10-CM, CPT, and HCPCS Level II coding for professional services and hospital outpatient services. The first part of the course is devoted primarily to ICD-10-CM diagnosis coding, while the rest is devoted primarily to CPT and HCPCS II coding. The purpose of this boot camp is to provide a solid foundation in ICD-10-CM, HCPCS II, and CPT coding and prepare course participants for the CPC exam, if they so desire (many people take the course without pursuing certification).
What is the live virtual class format?
The live virtual boot camp is instructor-led education that can be accessed from the comfort of your home. Classes are led by our expert instructors, typically take place over the course of a week or two, and allow instructor/student interaction and engagement.
How long does the course last?
The live virtual course runs from 12:00 p.m. ET/9:00 a.m. PT until 4:30 p.m. ET/1:30 p.m. PT Monday–Friday for two weeks. Each day involves four hours of education plus one 30-minute break.
What computer setup do I need to attend this course?
This course will be hosted on the GoToMeeting® platform. You should have access to a computer that has a microphone and speakers to participate. There is also an option to dial in over a phone line if you need to connect on your phone. You can read the full system requirements for GoToMeeting by visiting https://support.goto.com/meeting/help/system-requirements-for-attendees-g2m010003. You can also test your system by visiting https://support.logmeininc.com/gotomeeting/get-ready.
Does HCPro offer the Live Virtual Certified Coder Boot Camp® Original—Payer Edition as an on-site course?
In addition to our open registration courses, we also offer this boot camp as an on-site course (with a substantial discount) for organizations that have a number of employees who need coding training. For more information on hosting an on-site course, click on Host an On-Site Course.
Is the cost of the exam part of the course registration fee?
No, the cost of the exam is not included in the $1,699 course registration fee. Course participants desiring to take the examination will be required to register for the exam with the AAPC and pay a separate examination fee and student membership fee directly to the AAPC. Information on registering for (and paying for) the examination is sent out upon receipt of the student's course registration materials. Please do not send payment for the exam with your course registration fee. (Please visit the AAPC site for details.)
Who typically attends the course?
- Auditors and claim review personnel
- Coders
- Benefit integrity staff
- Fraud, waste, and abuse staff
- Case managers/care managers
- Physicians, NPs, PAs, and other clinicians
- Compliance officers and auditors
- Finance and reimbursement managers/staff
- Healthcare consultants, CPAs, and lawyers
- Health plan and insurance company personnel
- Medicare carrier and intermediary personnel
What material does the course cover?
Click on the Course Outline tab for more information about the topics covered by the Live Virtual Certified Coder Boot Camp® Original—Payer Edition.
Does completion of the course lead to any formal certification?
The CPC examination is optional, but highly recommended for boot camp participants. Individuals with the CPC credential are nationally recognized as having particular expertise in medical coding. In addition, we find that students who know that they are going to sit for the CPC examination are more focused during the course.
Course participants desiring to take the examination will be required to register for the exam with the AAPC and pay a separate examination fee directly to the AAPC. Students can find a list of exam sites on the AAPC's website.
How is the certification exam structured?
The CPC examination consists of 150 multiple-choice questions covering all of the areas listed in the course outline. The examination is timed and must be completed in five hours and 40 minutes. The CPT, ICD-10-CM, and HCPCS II manuals must be used during the examination. The examination is scored by the AAPC.
How do I register for the certification exam?
Information on exam registration is sent out with confirmation of your course registration.
Can I take the certification exam through one of the local AAPC chapters?
Information on alternative exam sites is available on the AAPC's website.
Is the course just an exam prep class?
No, it is intended to be much more than an exam prep class. Although we work hard to help our course participants become credentialed, the objective of the course is to provide a solid foundation in coding principles and to teach course participants how to use the coding manuals properly. However, as a part of the course, our instructors review suggested strategies for preparing for and taking the CPC exam. Course participants also work a complete 150-question practice CPC exam as a part of the course.
Does Medicare or any other third-party payer require coders to be certified?
We are not aware of any such requirement. To the best of our knowledge, coding certification, while generally helpful in promoting accurate coding, is entirely voluntary.
How intense is the course compared to a more traditional full-semester course?
It is an understatement to say that the Live Virtual Certified Coder Boot Camp® Original—Payer Edition is intense. We cover a full semester of material over the course of two weeks. Students work approximately 500 coding problems/exercises (including nightly homework). Other than breaks, course participants are in class from 12:00 p.m. to 4:30 p.m. ET over 10 days. Course participants should plan on devoting their full time and attention to the boot camp program during the course.
Does the course require previous coding experience?
No. The course starts with coding fundamentals and does not assume that participants have any particular background or experience. However, because of the fast-paced nature of the course, it is recommended (but not required) that Live Virtual Certified Coder Boot Camp® Original—Payer Edition participants have at least one year of experience working in the healthcare industry in a billing-related, administrative, or clinical position.
Also, if you do not already have a solid understanding of medical terminology, we strongly recommend that you complete a medical terminology self-study course prior to the start of the Boot Camp. A good self-study program is Medical Terminology for Health Professions, 8th Edition, by Ann Ehrlich and Carol L. Schroeder. It offers a comprehensive guide for the beginner. The book is available on Amazon and may also be available from one of your local bookstores; its ISBN number is 1305634357. Our students who do not have a strong background in medical terminology typically find this book extremely helpful.
How is the course taught?
The course is taught using a combination of lecture, class discussion, and individual and group problem solving. Course participants should also plan on several hours of additional out-of-class work each evening during the course.
Do I need to bring my own coding manuals to class?
You will need the current year of the AMA CPT® 2021 Professional Edition, ICD-10-CM Expert for Physicians, and a HCPCS Level II manual for the class. We will be providing you the latest versions of ICD-10-CM Expert for Physicians and HCPCS Level II. You'll also need these books if you plan on taking the CPC exam (see below for more information on how to register for the exam).
Does HCPro ever share contact information (e.g., name, address, phone number, email address, etc.) with other companies?
Historically, we have not shared contact information with anyone outside of our company. However, it is possible that at some point we might share contact information with other companies that offer products and services that we think would be of interest to our customers. If you would like us to keep your contact information confidential, please let us know so that we can flag your information in our customer database as “Do Not Share.”
What if I need to cancel or transfer my registration?
Please click here to view our cancellation policy.
How do I get more information?
Contact our sales team at 615-724-7200 or email PD-IS@SimplifyCompliance.com.