Clinical Medical Assistant Specialist

Hours: 905 / Access Length: 2 Years / Delivery: Online, Mentor Supported
Retail Price: $8,356.00

Course Overview:

A Clinical Medical Assistant Specialist is someone who plays a vital role on any medical team. These assistants are there to take care of the needs of the patient and carry out any orders the doctor may have. Duties include taking vital signs, drawing blood, front office personnel, billing, and administering medication.

• Medical Terminology - learn the key elements used to build medical terms, as well as review body structure and the main systems of the human body.
• Medical Assistant - explore the role of the medical assistant, the importance of health records, and key terminology in the field.
• Medical Administrative Assistant - learn patient confidentiality, scheduling, customer service, and basic patient documentation, as well as other administrative duties required by front office personnel.
• Medical Billing - gain hands-on, practical experience working with the main coding manuals in the field, the ICD-10-CM and the CPT. Master the legal, ethical, and regulatory concepts that are central to this field. 

This course prepares a student to take the National Healthcareer Association (NHA) Medical Assistant (CCMA), Medical Administrative Assistant (CMAA), and Billing & Coding Specialist (CBCS) national certification exams.

Course Outline:

Medical Terminology Curriculum:

Lesson 1: Medical Terminology Basics

This lesson will help you be able to Identify the four-word elements used to build medical words. You will also learn how to divide medical words into their component parts and apply the basic rules to define and build medical words. You will learn how to interpret pronunciation marks so you can pronounce medical terms presented in this chapter.

Lesson 2: Body Structures

One of the most important parts of the course is understanding the organization of the body. While each person is unique in their own right, the way we are assembled as humans (in a general sense are nearly the same). For this lesson, upon understanding the different levels, planes, and regions of the body, participants will learn how to properly pronounce terms related to a body structure. Documenting health care activities will conclude this part of the course through the assigned activities provided.

Lesson 3: Integumentary, Digestive and Respiratory Systems

The third lesson of the course begins the comprehensive review of the major parts of the body. In this case, the first three (3) in focus are the integumentary, digestive, and respiratory systems. Better put, this lesson will provide comprehensive details and knowledge to understand medical terms specific to one's skin, digestive, and breathing systems. Anatomy and physiology reviews are included in the reading material so participants can not only comprehend terminology but also view where it is often located in these parts of the body. Additional supplemental materials located in the back of the text are available as additional study aids and reference for this and other core portions of the course.

Lesson 4: Cardiovascular, Blood, Lymphatic and Immune Systems

Continuing the discussion of core body systems, the fourth lesson reviews more specific systems which blood commonly flows through. This includes cardiovascular systems such as the heart, lymphatic systems, and more. Similar to other course lessons that focus on body systems, one will need to comprehend the aforementioned knowledge plus an understanding of various diseases or body issues that may result when malfunctions may occur. As mentioned in the previous lesson, additional supplemental materials located in the back of the text are available as additional study aids and reference for this and other core portions of the course.

Lesson 5: Musculoskeletal, Urinary, and Reproductive Systems

The fifth lesson of the course continues the focus of core body systems that medical professionals must understand in order to properly convey and use terms correctly. This lesson goes into great detail about musculoskeletal, urinary, and reproductive systems. These body systems are often dependent on others working properly and failure of those having issues or deficiencies will likely cause these to do the same or at worse fail. Participants should pay particular focus to the reproductive systems and their respective terms as they only apply to their gender and at times, it can be easy to confuse their respective terminologies. As part of a major reoccurring theme for the course, additional supplemental materials located in the back of the text are available as additional study aids and reference.

Lesson 6: Endocrine Systems

The second to last part of the course focuses on an ever-increasing medical base within the United States and the world - endocrinology. Endocrine systems provide the necessary functionality to help keep equilibrium within one's body and nutrients (e.g. glucose and insulin) to keep that balance in place. Hence, thyroid and diabetes care increasing in need, medical professionals must have a strong grasp of common terminology used in this space so that it can be communicated properly and effectively to patients and other medical personnel. To aid in the learning experiences in this important section of the course, additional supplemental materials located in the back of the text are recommended to be used in conjunction with required reading assignments.

Lesson 7: Nervous System and Special Senses

In the final lesson, participants will learn about one body system and special senses. You will be able to locate the major organs of each and describe their structure and function. You will also better understand how each relates to others in the body. You will also learn how to pronounce, spell, and build words related to all both. You will gain an understanding of diseases, conditions, and procedures related to each one as well. You will learn about pharmacology related to the treatment of disorders in each.  One is encouraged to apply cumulative learning experiences to the comprehension of terms learned here as well as additional resources that immediately follow this chapter in the text.

Medical Assistant Career Prep Curriculum:

Lesson 1: Introduction to Medical Assisting

In this lesson, we will learn the basic roles of a medical assistant, the importance and types of patient records, and explore proper medical terminology.

Lesson 2: Fundamentals of Clinical Medical Assisting, Part 1

In this lesson, we will learn the fundamentals of clinical medical assisting, including infection control,

Lesson 3: Fundamentals of Clinical Medical Assisting, Part 2

In this lesson, we will learn about the basics of surgical supplies and instruments, assisting with minor surgeries, electrocardiography, and the role of a medical assistant during medical emergencies.

Lesson 4: Assisting with Medications

In this lesson, we will learn about medications. Principles of pharmacology, reading labels, pharmacy math, and types and methods of medication administration will all be covered.

Lesson 5: Assisting with Medical Specialties, Part 1

In this lesson, we will learn about the medical specialties that employ medical assistants. The basics of each field are covered, including ophthalmology, dermatology, allergy and infectious disease, gastroenterology, orthopedics, and physical medicine.

Lesson 6: Assisting with Medical Specialties, Part 2

In this lesson, we will learn about the medical specialties that employ medical assistants. The basics of each field are covered, including neurology, behavioral health, endocrinology, cardiology, and pulmonology.

Lesson 7: Assisting with Medical Specialties, Part 3

In this lesson, we will learn about the medical specialties that employ medical assistants. The basics of each field are covered, including urology, obstetrics, pediatrics, and geriatrics.

Lesson 8: Assisting with Clinical Laboratory Procedures

In this lesson, we will learn about how medical assistants work with the clinical lab and the medical equipment associated with working with the lab.

Lesson 9: Advanced Clinical Skills

In this lesson, we will cover some advanced skills medical assistants may need in clinical settings with a focus on intravenous therapy and radiology considerations.

Lesson 10: Job Seeking

In this lesson, we will learn about how to apply for and find a job in the field of medical assisting.

Medical Administrative Assistant Career Prep Curriculum:

Lesson 1: Introduction to Medical Assisting, part 1

In this lesson, we will learn the basic roles of an administrative medical assistant, communication basics, and explore legal compliance in medical offices.

Lesson 2: Introduction to Medical Assisting, part 1

In this lesson, we will learn about ethics in healthcare, explore proper medical terminology, and identify best practices when coaching patients.

Lesson 3: Fundamentals of Ambulatory Care, part 1

In this lesson, we will explore the front end operations of a healthcare facility, including written communications, telephone techniques, and patient processing.

Lesson 4: Fundamentals of Ambulatory Care, part 2

In this lesson, we will continue the review of front end operations by reviewing patient records, principles of pharmacology, and maintaining safe equipment and supplies.

Lesson 5: Coding and Medical Billing

In this lesson, we will review the medical assistant's role in medical coding and billing. Procedures for diagnostic coding and medical billing claims procedures are also covered.

Lesson 6: Advanced Ambulatory Care Administration

In this lesson, we will learn more advanced front office procedures, such as accounts receivable and accounts payable. We will also discuss advanced roles in administrative medical assisting, such as medical office management.

Lesson 7: Assisting with Medical Specialties

In this lesson, we will learn about the administrative medical assistant's role in handling and responding to medical emergencies.

Lesson 8: Job Seeking

In this lesson, we will learn about how to apply for and find a job in the field of administrative medical assisting.

Medical Billing Specialist Curriculum:

Lesson 1: Role of an Insurance Billing Specialist

This lesson covers the role of an insurance billing specialist in various healthcare settings, focusing on accurate claims submission, coding, and billing procedures. Through case-based exercises, you will develop proficiency in handling claim denials, correcting patient information errors, and navigating professional and ethical considerations essential for success in medical billing and reimbursement.

Lesson 2: Privacy, Security, and HIPAA

This lesson examines HIPAA compliance through real-world case studies of violations and their resolutions. You will analyze how privacy and security failures impact healthcare organizations, the consequences of noncompliance, and strategies for remediation. The lesson also covers how state privacy laws interact with HIPAA, shaping compliance requirements across different jurisdictions.

Lesson 3: Compliance, Fraud, and Abuse

This lesson focuses on compliance, fraud, and abuse in medical billing, using real-world cases to illustrate key differences. You will examine common fraudulent practices, regulatory measures like the False Claims Act, and enforcement programs that monitor violations. A mock compliance audit example will provide the steps in detecting and preventing billing errors.

Lesson 4: Basics of Health Insurance

This lesson explores the history and evolution of health insurance, providing context for modern coverage structures. You will learn to compare insurance plans, interpret policy terms, and analyze cost-sharing responsibilities. Through real-world scenarios, you will practice identifying key components of insurance policies and determining coverage implications for patients and providers.

Lesson 5: The Blue Plans, Private Insurance, and Managed Care Plans

This lesson covers the financial and operational differences between private and public insurance, focusing on provider networks and reimbursement negotiations. You will learn to interpret insurance contracts, evaluate how payment structures shape provider decisions, and determine the impact of network agreements on patient costs and access to care.

Lesson 6: Medicare

In this lesson, you will extract key details from Medicare insurance cards, determine provider participation options, and apply Medicare-specific reimbursement models. You will also learn to follow claim submission timelines, process overpayment corrections, and interpret recent legislative updates that affect Medicare policies and provider payments.

Lesson 7: Medicaid and Other State Programs

In this lesson, you will evaluate state-specific Medicaid policies, determine how expansion impacts access to care, and interpret how Medicaid integrates with programs like CHIP and SNAP. You will also develop skills in navigating provider enrollment, understanding state-level reimbursement models, and identifying how funding differences affect patient coverage and services.

Lesson 8: TRICARE and Veterans Health Care

In this lesson, you will learn to apply military-specific billing regulations, handle claims for active-duty and retired service members, and manage referrals within TRICARE and Veterans Health Administration systems. You will also practice identifying provider classifications, calculating patient cost-sharing for military beneficiaries, and addressing access challenges unique to veterans through real-world case examples.

Lesson 9: Workers’ Compensation, Automobile, and Liability Insurance

This lesson provides an overview of workers’ compensation, automobile, and liability insurance. You will identify eligibility requirements, classify types of claims, and recognize key reporting forms. Additionally, you will examine employer and insurer responsibilities, understand fee schedules, and explore processes for managing fraud investigations, coordinating benefits, and addressing out-of-state claims.

Lesson 10: Disability Income Insurance and Disability Benefit Programs

This lesson explains how to verify eligibility for federal, state, and private disability income programs, interpret benefit amounts based on policy terms, and identify required documentation for claims. You will also review waiting periods, benefit structures, and the processes involved in submitting disability claims across different programs.

Lesson 11: Medical Documentation and the Electronic Health Record

In this lesson, you will examine the structure of electronic health records, identify required medical documentation, and recognize common errors that affect billing accuracy. This lesson covers legal standards for record retention, provider responsibilities in documentation, and the processes used to review and audit medical records for compliance and accuracy.

Lesson 12: ICD-10-CM Coding

In this lesson, you will review diagnostic coding and understand interpreting ICD-10-CM guidelines and applying conventions to accurately code diagnoses. You'll learn to sequence diagnosis codes, ensuring each aligns with established medical necessity, and effectively utilize coding manuals. This session also introduces the distinctions between outpatient and inpatient coding requirements, enhancing your coding precision across different medical settings.

Lesson 13: CPT Coding

This lesson guides you through interpreting CPT coding conventions and recognizing procedure code categories, including E/M services, surgery, radiology, and laboratory codes. This lesson covers the use of code modifiers, identification of bundled services, and common coding errors. You will also explore surgical, radiology, and laboratory coding and examine how procedural codes influence reimbursement.

Lesson 14: HCPCS Level II Coding

In lesson 14 you will explore the HCPCS Level II coding system, focusing on categories like durable medical equipment, drugs, and transportation services. This lesson guides you in using the HCPCS manual, applying correct code modifiers, and referencing the Table of Drugs and Biologicals for accurate code selection.

Lesson 15: The Paper Claim CMS 1500

This lesson covers the CMS-1500 paper claim form, including its purpose, required fields, and when paper submissions are necessary. It outlines claim types, processing steps, and common errors that lead to rejections. The lesson breaks down each section of the form, detailing how to enter provider, patient, and insurance information accurately.

Lesson 16: The Electronic Claim

This lesson explains the structure of electronic claims, the role of clearinghouses, and how data is transmitted securely. It covers transaction and code set regulations, unique provider and patient identifiers, and the use of electronic remittance advice. You will examine common processing errors, troubleshoot methods, and the benefits of electronic claims over paper submissions.

Lesson 17: Receiving Payments and Insurance Problem-Solving

This lesson covers the revenue cycle management process, including claim submission, adjudication, and reimbursement timelines. It explains how to interpret explanation of benefits (EOB) documents, manage secondary insurance claims, and identify common claim errors. The lesson also explores strategies for handling denied claims, filing appeals, and working with Medicare, TRICARE, and state insurance commissioners to resolve payment issues.

Lesson 18: Collection Strategies

In this lesson, you will examine how to manage payments, track outstanding balances, and handle missed payments in a healthcare setting. You will learn about different billing methods, fee adjustments, and legal requirements for collections. The lesson also guides you through strategies for communicating with patients about payments, resolving disputes, and addressing unpaid debts through collection agencies or legal action.

Lesson 19: Introduction to Health Care Facilities and Ambulatory Surgery Centers

In this lesson, you explore the structure of healthcare facilities, the differences between inpatient and outpatient services, and the regulations that impact operations. This lesson covers how reimbursement systems determine payment for services, including prospective payment models and insurance billing processes. You will also review quality reporting requirements and policies that influence patient care standards.

Lesson 20: Billing for Health Care Facilities

In lesson 20, you learn how professional, outpatient, and inpatient billing differ, along with the coding systems and claim forms used for each. This lesson covers selecting principal diagnoses and procedures, understanding the structure of ICD-10-PCS codes, and applying official coding guidelines. The CMS-1450 (UB-04) form is also introduced, detailing its sections and how it is used for facility claims.

Lesson 21: Seeking a Job and Attaining Professional Advancement

The final lesson will explore career opportunities in medical billing and coding, including job search strategies, professional certifications, and networking for advancement. This lesson covers resume writing, interview preparation, and proper application techniques. You will also learn about self-employment considerations, business planning, and the benefits of joining professional organizations.

All necessary course materials are included.

Certification(s):

This course prepares a student to take the National Healthcareer Association (NHA) Medical Assistant (CCMA), Medical Administrative Assistant (CMAA), and Billing & Coding Specialist (CBCS) national certification exams.

System Requirements:

Internet Connectivity Requirements:

• Cable, Fiber, DSL, or LEO Satellite (i.e. Starlink) internet with speeds of at least 10mb/sec download and 5mb/sec upload are recommended for the best experience.

NOTE: While cellular hotspots may allow access to our courses, users may experience connectivity issues by trying to access our learning management system.  This is due to the potential high download and upload latency of cellular connections.   Therefore, it is not recommended that students use a cellular hotspot as their primary way of accessing their courses.

Hardware Requirements:

• CPU: 1 GHz or higher
• RAM: 4 GB or higher
• Resolution: 1280 x 720 or higher.  1920x1080 resolution is recommended for the best experience.
• Speakers / Headphones
• Microphone for Webinar or Live Online sessions.

Operating System Requirements:

• Windows 7 or higher.
• Mac OSX 10 or higher.
• Latest Chrome OS
• Latest Linux Distributions
  

NOTE: While we understand that our courses can be viewed on Android and iPhone devices, we do not recommend the use of these devices for our courses. The size of these devices do not provide a good learning environment for students taking online or live online based courses.

Web Browser Requirements:

• Latest Google Chrome is recommended for the best experience.
• Latest Mozilla FireFox
• Latest Microsoft Edge
• Latest Apple Safari

Basic Software Requirements (These are recommendations of software to use):

• Office suite software (Microsoft Office, OpenOffice, or LibreOffice)
• PDF reader program (Adobe Reader, FoxIt)
• Courses may require other software that is described in the above course outline.