Become a Certified Medical Coder in Five Days!

Lack of adequate training can cost any medical practice dearly in terms of lost revenue due to inaccurate reimbursement. Erroneous claims may even trigger a carrier audit. That is why it makes good business sense to employ certified professionals to handle your reimbursement process. Accredited professionals are more confident in their abilities and able to use that heightened knowledge to train others in the practice. Other benefits include enhanced efficiency and productivity, and a higher level of financial security for the practice.

The San Diego County Medical Society (SDCMS) will host the Practice Management Institute (PMI) Certified Medical Coder (CMC) preparatory course at our offices at 5575 Ruffin Road, Suite 250. The class meets on five Fridays beginning on October 23, 2009, and running through November 20, 2009. Registration for this SDCMS-hosted CMC program is limited to 30 participants. SDCMS members and their staff may attend for the discounted rate of $599 each (nonmembers pay $999), which includes the certification exam. For more information on this course, contact Lauren Wendler, your SDCMS office manager advocate, at (858) 300-2782 or at LWendler@SDCMS.org. To register today, simply fill in the information requested below and fax this form to SDCMS at (858) 569-1334.

Course Curriculum

Medical Terminology for Diagnostic and Procedural Coding:

• Roots, Prefixes, and Suffixes
• Anatomy and Physiology
• Body Structure and Body Systems

ICD-9-CM Diagnostic Coding:

• Coding Conventions
• Guidelines From CMS
• Primary vs. Secondary Codes
• Signs/Symptoms and Ill-defined Conditions
• Neoplasms and Adverse Effects
• Injuries, Burns, Fractures, and Wounds
• Supplementary Classifications
• OB/GYN Codes

CPT Procedural Coding:

• CPT Categories, Format, and Guidelines
• Diagnostic vs. Therapeutic Services
• E&M Services for All Categories Plus Modifiers
• Surgical Coding Guidelines and Procedures
• Modifiers for Surgical Procedures
• Coding From Chart Notes and Operative Reports

Ancillary Services and Advanced Coding

• Maternity and Delivery Services
• Radiology
• Pathology and Lab Services in the Physician's Office
• Medicine and Intervention
• Coding Problem Set Exercises
• Medical and Surgical Specialties

Course Details

• When: October 23, 30, November 6, 13, 20 (five Fridays), from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. each day (sign in 15 minutes prior to program).
• Where: At the San Diego County Medical Society meeting room, 5575 Ruffin Road, Suite 250, San Diego, CA 92123.
• Cost: SDCMS member physicians and their staff pay the discounted rate of $599. Only SDCMS member physicians and their staff may attend. Registration fee includes breaks, lunch, instructional materials, and certification exam. Required materials include CPT, ICD-9-CM Volume 1 and 2, HCPCS manual, and a medical dictionary.
• Presented By: This course is presented by the Practice Management Institute (PMI) and hosted by the San Diego County Medical Society (SDCMS) and the California Medical Association (CMA).
• Cancellation Policy: A full refund less a $20 processing fee is given if cancellation is received seven-plus days prior to program start date. A 50 percent refund is given if cancellation is received six days to 48 hours prior to start date. No refund is given if cancellation is received less than 48 hours in advance. Upon registration, custom materials are printed, refreshments are ordered, and seating is reserved, and, as a result, PMI strictly adheres to this policy.
• To Register: Click here to download a registration form.
• Questions? Contact Lauren Wendler, your SDCMS office manager advocate, at (858) 300-2782 or at LWendler@SDCMS.org.