Medical coding is a fascinating field that impacts all of healthcare in the United States and around the globe. Using standardized classification codes, medical and administrative personnel can describe medical conditions, treatments, outcomes, and billing procedures.
Because current healthcare practices are always incorporating new conditions and information, medical coding and billing classes at Prism Career Institute teach foundational concepts, as well as strategies for adapting to change. Students can learn medical coding and billing in our medical assistant program, taught at all three campus locations, in Philadelphia, PA, Cherry Hill, NJ, and West Atlantic City, NJ.
How Did COVID-19 Change Medical Billing & Coding?
The COVID-19 pandemic affected the health of millions of people worldwide, so medical coding experienced revisions and changes to procedures. Not only were new vaccines introduced, which required identification in medical records and for billing practices, but new delivery systems for patient care were utilized.
For example, the U.S. experienced a large increase in telehealth appointments aimed to protect healthcare workers from exposure to the virus. Due to expanded medical insurance coverage sponsored by the federal government, coding and billing procedures for telehealth were subject to new guidance during this public health emergency.
In addition, the identification of the virus and its attendant variety of symptoms and subsequent illnesses are all subject to medical coding classifications. More codes were generated, and more administrative work was required to keep up with medical coder responsibilities. These codes are not only used to track outbreaks and illnesses but also to provide data for public health research. Additionally, they help when billing insurance companies and government agencies so healthcare organizations can generate income, pay their employees, and continue to function.
Medical assistants who choose medical coding careers benefit from medical billing and coding classes that provide fundamental knowledge and practical skills. These courses encourage students to adapt to new circumstances, as well.
Up-to-Date Medical Billing and Coding Classes
Stay current with medical billing and coding classes that teach you the important tasks and skills necessary to become a professional. At Prism Career Institute, we thoroughly cover the most up-to-date technology for the electronic medical record, which usually is the initial source for medical coding classifications. Students in the medical assistant program learn how to input codes and other information correctly into the patient’s electronic health record. Building on these skills, students can pursue additional certifications after graduation, including:
- Certified Professional Coder (CPC)
- Certified Professional Biller (CPB)
- Certified Coding Associate (CCA)
- Registered Health Information Technician (RHIT)
The medical assistant program at Prism Career Institute also includes externships that provide real-world job experience and networking opportunities.
Impacts of Medical Billing and Coding Changes
Changes to medical billing and coding impact the financial health of individual healthcare organizations, including hospitals, physician practices, urgent care clinics, nursing homes, and home healthcare companies. The insurance industry makes payments based on accurate medical coding.
Coding also affects the care that patients receive. When diagnoses are properly coded in the electronic medical record and within the billing system, patients can more easily access medications and appropriate care. When codes are wrong, delays and denials can result, which also can affect the health and well-being of patients.
Other social impacts of changes to medical billing and coding procedures include workflow and burnout. Learning new codes and adapting to changing circumstances can slow, or even increase, the work of medical billing and coding professionals. Medical assistants and medical practitioners who input classification codes into the electronic health record may experience learning curves and additional, time-consuming questions to answer. Unless the medical operation can adapt to these changes, staff may experience greater levels of burnout.
Choose Experienced Faculty and Quality Instruction
At Prism Career Institute, our faculty shares their practical experience with students in the medical assistant program. We have developed a high-quality curriculum that prepares graduates for careers in a variety of settings. Our medical billing and coding classes and practical externship experiences help students achieve career success. For more information about our programs at our campuses in Philadelphia, PA, Cherry Hill, NJ, and West Atlantic City, NJ, contact us today.