Online Certified Medical Insurance Specialist Courses

Individuals interested in working with health insurance claims and medical coding can pursue careers as certified medical insurance specialists (CMIS). Several 2-year and 4-year colleges offer online courses within their medical insurance specialist certificate programs.

Overview of Online Courses for Aspiring Medical Insurance Specialists

Medical insurance specialists work within medical practices to secure correct and timely reimbursement for healthcare claims from insurance companies. Many of the courses needed for certification are available online, either as individual classes or as part of 1-year certificate programs offered by community colleges and some 4-year universities. Successful completion of the program allows candidates to take the CMIS exam offered by the Practice Management Institute (PMI).

Course Requirements

Prior to beginning coursework, students should possess some basic knowledge of insurance billing and reimbursement procedures as performed in a clinical setting. Familiarity with computer technology and the ability to access online class materials using the Internet are required, as are basic skills in word processing and e-mail communication.

List of Online Certified Medical Insurance Specialist Courses

Medical Terminology Course

This course offers an overview of the medical terms, concepts and language generally used in clinical practice settings. Classes in word construction and definition, pronunciation, Latin language roots and spelling are designed to provide students with a fundamental knowledge of human anatomical names, diagnostic terms and medical procedures. The course is typically offered at the beginning of the program.

Healthcare Introductory Course

This course provides a comprehensive analysis of the history and development of healthcare in the United States, with a focus on the changing role of the medical professional. Coursework examines the influence of computing technology on medical practice and modern healthcare delivery methods.

Medical Law, Privacy and Ethics Course

Guidelines for medical practice conduct, patient's rights and the legal aspects of working in a clinical setting are reviewed in this course. Topics may include the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA), causes for malpractice litigation, individual professionalism and preventing criminal activity in the healthcare setting.

Basic ICD-9-CM Coding Course

The fundamental guidelines for medical diagnostic and procedural coding are set forth in this course. Students are presented with the principal regulations regarding proper use and designation of codes and the ethical and legal issues surrounding insurance claims coding and submission.

Computer Data Entry Course

This course is designed to build the keyboarding skills needed for efficient computer-based data entry, with a focus on improving alpha-numeric speed and accuracy through self-paced exercises. The class may include an overview of the typical data entry applications used in business offices. Successful completion of introductory computer, English and reading courses are recommended prior to course enrollment.