Beginner
CPT
A code set commonly used to report medical procedures and professional services in appropriate billing contexts. A common beginner confusion: Recognizing CPT is not the same as being trained or authorized to code.
ICD-10-CM
A diagnosis classification system used in US healthcare reporting and billing contexts. A common beginner confusion: A diagnosis code is not something an unqualified VA should infer from symptoms.
HCPCS
A coding system used for certain products, supplies, services, and procedures in applicable billing contexts. A common beginner confusion: HCPCS and CPT overlap in some contexts but are not the same code set.
PHI
Protected health information: identifiable health-related information protected under applicable privacy rules. A common beginner confusion: PHI is broader than a diagnosis alone and can include administrative information linked to a person.
CMS-1500
A standard claim form used for certain professional healthcare claims. A common beginner confusion: Learning the form layout is not coding or billing certification.
HIPAA
A US federal law with privacy, security, and other rules affecting protected health information and covered activities. A common beginner confusion: HIPAA is not a generic label for every privacy rule, and compliance depends on context and role.
US Healthcare Basics: Patient, Provider, Payer
Explain the three central participants and how information and responsibility move between them. This beginner module connects the concept to Patient Inquiry, Insurance Verification and includes a fictional practice activity.
Insurance Basics for Beginners
Recognize common plan information and know what must still be verified. This beginner module connects the concept to Patient Intake, Insurance Verification and includes a fictional practice activity.
Clinic vs Hospital vs Facility
Understand that care settings, departments, billing entities, and workflows can differ. This beginner module connects the concept to Visit / Service, Coding Review and includes a fictional practice activity.
Front Desk and Scheduling Basics
Follow a calm administrative scheduling sequence while routing clinical questions safely. This beginner module connects the concept to Patient Inquiry, Scheduling and includes a fictional practice activity.