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Camille White Jackson

Absolute medical Coding Institute (AMCI) lead instructor, Mrs. Jay who is also the AMCI curriculum director, will provide students with basic instruction on ICD-10-CM, CPT, and HCPCS Level II Coding. Upon completion of this course, students should have a good foundation to build a solid understanding of medical coding.  Also, upon completion of this course, students are ready to begin preparation for the national medical coding exams. 

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Absolute medical Coding Institute (AMCI) lead instructor, Mrs. Jay who is also the AMCI curriculum director, will provide students with basic instruction on ICD-10-CM, CPT, and HCPCS Level II Coding. Upon completion of this course, students should have a good foundation to build a solid understanding of medical coding.  Also, upon completion of this course, students are ready to begin preparation for the national medical coding exams. 

Learn the fundamentals from one of the industry's best.  In this course you will learn:  ICD-10-CM coding with basic ICD-10-CM guidelines, CPT Coding with basic CPT coding guidelines, and HCPCS level II with basic HCPCS level II guidelines.  All code sets will give students opportunities to apply to practice.  Finally,  this course includes basic medical terminology. This is a comprehensive fundamentals course.

*AMCI students have among the highest medical coding exam passer rating in the country, however this is course is an introduction course.  This course  is not comprehensive enough for coding certification exam preparation for the leading medical coding certifications.  Students will need advanced medical coding training to sit for the CPC or CCS coding certifications.

The US bureau of labor statistics projects medical billing and coding profession is growing at a faster rate than most professions, and likely to continue growing over the next 10 years.

Who Should Take the Introduction to Medical Coding Course (i2MC)?

  • Individuals interested in entering the field of medical coding.

  • Those seeking to explore if medical coding is the right career path for them.

  • Beginners in medical coding looking to establish foundational knowledge.

  • Individuals in need of a refresher course at the beginner's level.

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What's inside

Learning objectives

  • Learn basic icd-10-cm coding and guidelines
  • Application of basic icd-10-cm codes
  • Learn basic cpt/hcpcs level ii coding and guidelines
  • Application of basic cpt/hcpcs level ii codes

Syllabus

Students will have a basic understanding of medical coding and the job outlook for the medical coding profession.
Introduction to Introduction to Medical Coding
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Student be provided an overview of ICD-10-CM Coding
How to Look up an ICD-10-CM code and ICD-10-CM origins
General ICD-10-CM Guidelines
How to Select The Main Term
Introduction to ICD-10-CM

This video is not required but will cover the material in a different way. If you are having any trouble during this section please feel free to try this video or reach out to us.

Guidelines and Conventions, Signs/Symptoms and Selecting Main Terms
Word Association Game
Summary of What Have We Learned?
ICD-10-CM Look up the following
Main Lecture
Basic ICD-10-CM Code look up
ICD-10-CM Basic Coding Scenario Practice, and Selecting the First-Listed code using the AMCI RFE Chart

Download the RFE Chart.  The AMCI Chief Reason for the Encounter chart (RFE) chart is a First-Listed general UHDDS guideline chart that aids coding students in selecting the correct first-listed code in the setting of multiple diagnoses. 

Section Three Main Lecture
Complete Handout
How to code seventh Characters and Sequelae with Medical Terminology
Introduction to CPT Coding

CPT is a code set for professional procedures and services.  This code set is maintained by the American Medical Association (AMA).  This lecture was developed for the beginner level coders.

Section 5 Main Lecture
Quiz (Basic CPT Code look up)
Basic CPT Coding (Includes scenarios)
CPT Coding for the Coding Certification Exam
Section 6 Main Lecture
Week 6 CPT Coding for the CPC Exam
HCPCS Level II Coding and Modifiers
Introduction to HCPCS Level II
Section 7 Main Lecture
Modifier Sheet
Locate your AAPC Local Chapter and Join to begin Networking
CPT, HCPCS Level II, Modifiers Quiz
All About the Business of Medicine
Section 8 Main Lecture
Business of Medicine

Good to know

Know what's good
, what to watch for
, and possible dealbreakers
Provides a foundational understanding of ICD-10-CM, CPT, and HCPCS Level II coding, which are essential for anyone starting a career in medical coding
Includes opportunities to apply coding principles to practice scenarios, which reinforces learning and builds confidence for aspiring medical coders
Covers basic medical terminology, which is crucial for understanding medical records and accurately assigning codes
Prepares students to begin preparation for national medical coding exams, though advanced training is needed for certifications like CPC or CCS
Uses the AMCI Chief Reason for the Encounter chart (RFE), a tool that aids students in selecting the correct first-listed code in scenarios with multiple diagnoses
Encourages students to locate and join their local AAPC chapter to begin networking, which can be valuable for career advancement in medical coding

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Activities

Be better prepared before your course. Deepen your understanding during and after it. Supplement your coursework and achieve mastery of the topics covered in AMCI Introduction to Medical Coding (I2MC) Beginner Course with these activities:
Review Basic Medical Terminology
Reinforce your understanding of medical terms, which is essential for accurate coding.
Browse courses on Medical Terminology
Show steps
  • Review common prefixes, suffixes, and root words.
  • Practice defining medical terms related to anatomy and physiology.
  • Take a practice quiz on medical terminology.
Review 'ICD-10-CM Official Guidelines for Coding and Reporting'
Study the official guidelines to ensure accurate and compliant ICD-10-CM coding.
Show steps
  • Read the introduction and general coding guidelines.
  • Focus on chapters relevant to common coding scenarios.
  • Take notes on key rules and exceptions.
Practice ICD-10-CM Coding Scenarios
Reinforce your ICD-10-CM coding skills through repetitive practice with realistic scenarios.
Browse courses on ICD-10-CM
Show steps
  • Find online resources with ICD-10-CM coding scenarios.
  • Code each scenario and compare your answers to the correct codes.
  • Analyze your mistakes and review the relevant guidelines.
Four other activities
Expand to see all activities and additional details
Show all seven activities
Review 'CPT Professional'
Study the official CPT codebook to understand procedure coding guidelines.
Show steps
  • Read the introduction and general coding guidelines.
  • Focus on sections relevant to common procedures.
  • Take notes on key rules and exceptions.
Create Flashcards for CPT/HCPCS Modifiers
Memorize common CPT and HCPCS modifiers to improve coding accuracy.
Show steps
  • Identify frequently used CPT and HCPCS modifiers.
  • Create flashcards with the modifier code on one side and the description on the other.
  • Review the flashcards regularly.
Build a Personal Coding Glossary
Compile a glossary of coding terms and definitions to aid in future coding tasks.
Show steps
  • Create a document or spreadsheet to store coding terms.
  • Add terms encountered during the course and their definitions.
  • Regularly update and expand the glossary.
Attend Local AAPC Chapter Meetings
Network with experienced coders and learn about industry trends and best practices.
Show steps
  • Locate the nearest AAPC chapter.
  • Attend chapter meetings and introduce yourself to other members.
  • Participate in discussions and ask questions.

Career center

Learners who complete AMCI Introduction to Medical Coding (I2MC) Beginner Course will develop knowledge and skills that may be useful to these careers:
Medical Coder
A medical coder translates healthcare diagnoses, procedures, medical services, and equipment into universal alphanumeric codes used for medical billing. This role is foundational to healthcare administration, ensuring accurate and efficient processing of medical claims. This course provides an introduction to the essential coding systems such as ICD-10-CM, CPT, and HCPCS Level II, which are critical for a medical coder. The course's focus on basic coding guidelines and practical application directly helps a medical coder in their daily tasks, and the emphasis on real-world scenarios builds a necessary foundation for accurate coding.
Medical Billing Specialist
A medical billing specialist manages the billing process for healthcare providers, from submitting claims to resolving denials. The work of a medical billing specialist requires a strong understanding of medical codes and compliance regulations. Because this course teaches ICD-10-CM, CPT, and HCPCS Level II coding, it is relevant to this role. It provides a foundation in coding that a medical billing specialist can leverage to ensure accurate submissions. Additionally, the course's introduction to the business of medicine can provide crucial context to a specialist.
Healthcare Claims Analyst
A healthcare claims analyst examines medical claims to ensure accuracy and compliance with healthcare regulations. Healthcare claims analysts must have a strong knowledge of medical coding because they analyze and interpret the coded data to detect errors, fraud, and abuse. This introductory course to medical coding can improve a claims analyst's understanding of the coding process. This course directly translates to a claims analyst's day to day work by familiarizing them with the major coding systems: ICD-10-CM, CPT, and HCPCS Level II.
Medical Records Technician
A medical records technician organizes and manages health information data, ensuring its accuracy and accessibility. A medical records technician must understand how medical data is encoded. This course is very helpful for a medical records technician, because it introduces basic medical coding using ICD-10-CM, CPT, and HCPCS Level II. The technician uses these codes to organize and retrieve patient information. Additionally, this course provides an understanding of data management within the context of healthcare, and the business of medicine, which a medical record technician can use to better perform their role.
Clinical Documentation Improvement Specialist
A clinical documentation improvement specialist works to improve the quality and accuracy of patient documentation. This work has a direct impact on coding accuracy. A clinical documentation improvement specialist needs some familiarity with medical coding practices and standards, especially major coding systems like ICD-10-CM and CPT. This course will assist them in understanding the basic principles of medical coding. The course material focusing on coding guidelines and code application is particularly useful to someone who works to improve documentation for coding accuracy.
Medical Office Administrator
A medical office administrator manages the day-to-day operations of a medical office or clinic. A medical office administrator may need to understand basic medical coding principles as they affect billing and record management. This introductory course to medical coding may be useful as it gives an overview of ICD-10-CM, CPT, and HCPCS Level II coding. This general understanding is especially helpful within the context of billing and the business of medicine.
Healthcare Auditor
A healthcare auditor reviews medical records and billing processes to ensure compliance and prevent fraud. A healthcare auditor must understand medical coding. This course in medical coding helps build a foundation in ICD-10-CM, CPT, and HCPCS Level II. This course may be useful to a healthcare auditor because it provides a crucial understanding of the coding systems they will encounter when auditing medical records and bills. The course's focus on coding guidelines and the business of medicine is also valuable context for the work of a healthcare auditor.
Health Information Manager
A health information manager oversees the maintenance and security of patient data. A health information manager must understand medical coding. This course can build a foundation in medical coding procedures and guidelines, especially in ICD-10-CM, CPT, and HCPCS Level II. This course may be useful as it introduces coding systems, the business of medicine, and data management. These are important building blocks for the work environment of a health information manager.
Medical Transcriptionist
A medical transcriptionist converts voice recordings made by healthcare professionals into written reports. Although medical transcriptionists are not coders, understanding medical codes can help them accurately transcribe details, especially in areas regarding diagnostic and procedural nomenclature. This course, which touches on ICD-10-CM, CPT, and HCPCS Level II coding, may be useful for medical transcriptionists who wish to improve their understanding of medical language and information.
Patient Access Representative
A patient access representative is often the first point of contact for patients in a healthcare setting, and is responsible for patient registration, insurance verification, and basic administrative tasks. They do not code directly. However, a course in basic medical coding may be useful to a patient access representative as it familiarizes them with medical terminology, and the coding systems used in the medical field such as ICD-10-CM, CPT, and HCPCS Level II. This knowledge of the field can lead to a more efficient and effective operation of medical facilities.
Medical Assistant
A medical assistant performs clinical and administrative tasks under the supervision of a physician or other healthcare professional. This course may be useful to a medical assistant, even though their role is not directly involved in medical coding. This course will help them understand the basic principles of medical coding and how ICD-10-CM, CPT, and HCPCS Level II codes are used in a medical setting. The course's introduction to the business side of medicine can be useful as well.
Healthcare Administrator
A healthcare administrator manages the overall operations of healthcare facilities. Although their role does not involve day-to-day coding, an understanding of fundamental medical coding may be helpful. This introduction to medical coding, which includes ICD-10-CM, CPT, and HCPCS Level II may be useful for a healthcare administrator, giving them a basic understanding of the systems used in medical billing and reimbursement, as well as the business of medicine.
Health Informatics Specialist
A health informatics specialist manages health information systems to improve patient care. While this role does not focus mainly on coding, a basic understanding of medical coding can equip an informatics specialist with an understanding of how coded data is used within the larger health system. This course's introduction to ICD-10-CM, CPT, and HCPCS Level II may be useful to a specialist who seeks a deeper understanding of how data is generated and used within the medical system.
Medical Software Trainer
A medical software trainer teaches healthcare professionals how to use electronic health record systems. They may or may not need to know medical coding directly. This course may be useful to someone who trains others in medical software. This course teaches the basics of medical coding, including ICD-10-CM, CPT, and HCPCS Level II. This may be helpful to someone who trains others to use these systems, as a trainer may benefit from understanding the data that passes through the software.
Public Health Analyst
A public health analyst collects and analyzes data to improve public health programs and policies. Although not directly involved in coding, a public health analyst benefits from a basic understanding of medical coding as it provides crucial context for interpreting medical and healthcare data. This course may be useful, as it introduces the basic principles of ICD-10-CM, CPT, and HCPCS Level II coding. This background helps a public health analyst who must work with various datasets from the healthcare system and the business of medicine.

Reading list

We've selected two books that we think will supplement your learning. Use these to develop background knowledge, enrich your coursework, and gain a deeper understanding of the topics covered in AMCI Introduction to Medical Coding (I2MC) Beginner Course.
Is the official guide for ICD-10-CM coding. It provides essential rules and conventions for accurate diagnosis coding. Familiarizing yourself with these guidelines is crucial for success in medical coding. This book must-have reference for any medical coder.
Is the official guide for CPT coding. It provides detailed descriptions and guidelines for coding medical procedures and services. Familiarizing yourself with this book is crucial for success in medical coding. This book must-have reference for any medical coder.

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