Understand and apply the principal elements of anesthesia coding;

Comprehend the proper use of modifier codes for anesthesia services;

Know the basic differences that make anesthesia coding unique;

Understand the standard formula based on units;

Know and apply the surgery coding guidelines;

Understand the “technical component” of outpatient surgery coding;

Understand the usage and application of modifier codes in the surgery setting;

Define diagnostic and therapeutic procedures, and the coding rules specific to each;

Learn how to avoid unbundling or fragmentation in billing;

Learn how hospitals are now paid for outpatient services; APCs;

Understand what drives coding in outpatient facilities;

Understand the role and function of Medical Records, Admitting & Business Offices in the coding process;

Define what is a “clean” claim;

Comprehend the importance of the Charge Description Master (CDM);

Understand what goes on the UB-92 claim form;

Understand the differences between a hospital-based ambulatory surgery center and a free-standing ambulatory surgery center;

Define the key aspects of the Ambulatory Payment Classifications;

Define the differences in E/M coding in the physician office vs. various outpatient departments;

Understand the need for complete documentation for these services.

Identify key elements and words in documentation, using the guidelines outlined;

Identify which key elements and words should be used for diagnostic coding, using the guidelines outlined;

Recognize the differences between signs, symptoms, and diagnoses;

Determine correct diagnostic code order, using the guidelines outlined;

Comprehend the reasons to establish a uniform coding system;

Use the ICD9-CM code book conventions and format;

Understand the use of the Tabular List and Alphabetical Index of the ICD9-CM code book;

Know the terminology unique to ICD9-CM;

Recognize the signs & symbols unique to ICD9-CM and their application in the diagnostic coding process;

Understand the proper use of V codes; of E codes;

Comprehend the proper assignment of the chief reason for the encounter;

Understand the proper use of the Drugs & Chemicals Table;

Understand the method to determine the appropriate ICD9-CM  codes for assigning the adverse effects of drugs or poisonings;

Determine whether ingestion of drugs and chemicals is the result of: accidental poisoning, Therapeutic use of drugs; suicide or assault; undetermined;

Properly use the Hypertension Table located in the ICD9-CM code book;

Comprehend the relationships of other medical conditions that complicate hypertension with assumptions that are made in coding these conditions;

Understand the proper rules for assigning codes to neoplasms;

Grasp the proper coding of pregnancy and pregnancy complications;

Understand the importance of complete documentation.

Grasp the proper usage of modifiers for radiology services;

Understand the appropriate application technical/professional component modifiers;

Identify the different types of radiology services;

Distinguish the components of interventional radiology;

Know when to report modifiers and x-ray consults;

Identify common radiology terms;

Understand the methodology used for reporting pathology and laboratory codes;

Recognize the difference between the professional and technical components of Pathology & Laboratory;

Learn the special instruction sin the code subsections;

Comprehend the various modifiers used for coding pathology services;

Understand the proper coding guidelines for each subsection of the medicine section;

Identify the services included in the medicine section;

Understand how to code medicine section services in conjunction with other services covered by the APCs;

Identify the special circumstances for coding psychiatric services;

Know when dialysis codes are reported and what services are included in a procedure code;

Learn how to report ophthalmology codes;

Recognize the coding rules for ENT services;

Understand the need for adequate documentation in all Medicine services.

Understand the levels of the HCPCS system;

Know how HCPCS fits within the entire Medicare system;

Learn how HCPCS will be beneficial in obtaining accurate reimbursement;

Use of HCPCS codes in Outpatient Prospective Payment System;

Understand the differences between Medicare Part A and Part B coverage;

Learn to determine if Medicare is the Secondary Payer (MSP);

Determine the location of a Local Medical Review Policy (LMRP) for a particular outpatient service;

Understand the payment system of the Ambulatory Payment Classifications;

Understand the need for complete documentation for these outpatient services;

Review sample certification exam.