There are 12 units of study

The Medical Office and Administrative Medical Assistant
Looking for a fun, challenging job that’s always in demand? If so, AMA (administrative medical assisting) may be just the field for you! In this lesson, we’ll look at the exciting job opportunities for AMAs, the variety of careers they can choose from, and the different settings where they can work.
 
Ethics, the Law, and HIPAA
The law and medicine go hand-in-hand—so today we’ll look at the laws you’ll want to know if you become an AMA. We’ll cover everything from contracts to malpractice, and delve into HIPAA (a federal act that affects everyone in the health care field). In addition, we’ll take a quick peek at ethics and medical office etiquette.
 
Computers and Office Equipment
Today we’ll explore the office equipment and computer hardware you’re likely to use as an AMA. In addition, we’ll delve into software—both standard office programs and the specialized software we use in the field of medical information management.

Filing Processes and Equipment
If you think filing is a bore, this lesson will change your mind. You’ll discover what the rainbow of colored stickers on a medical file means, and you’ll even practice creating a patient chart yourself. You’ll also find out why medical offices love lateral files, and you’ll master the tricky rules of alphabetizing. (Yes, it’s more challenging than it looks!)
 
Records Management
Now that you’re an expert on the outside of a patient chart, it’s time to look inside. Today you’ll find out which forms go in a medical record, and just where you’ll put each one. In addition, you’ll learn about two styles of note-taking: SOAP and CHEDDAR. And finally, you’ll delve into the topic of medical record audits and find out the legal way to correct a patient’s chart.

Appointment Scheduling, Check-In, and Check-Out
It’s time to introduce the star of our show: the patient. Today you’ll learn everything about what we call a patient encounter. We’ll start by talking about the phone skills you can use to make appointments, handle questions, and soothe angry callers. Next, we’ll flip open the appointment book and explore the tricks for scheduling patients easily and efficiently. And finally, we’ll follow a patient’s visit from start to finish, and see how many tasks an AMA does during that appointment.
 
Reception Area Tasks and Communication Skills
We’ll start this lesson in the waiting room, where you’ll learn more about the tasks a receptionist handles—from opening and closing a medical office to keeping the reception area ship-shape. After that, we’ll talk about some barriers to communicating effectively with patients, and you’ll discover ways to overcome them. We’ll end our lesson by looking at one of the fun and creative jobs that AMAs do: creating informational brochures and teaching aids.

Medical Insurance Basics
Medicare, Medicaid, managed care, commercial insurance—what does it all mean? In today’s lesson, you’ll find out! First, you’ll learn the meaning of terms like managed care, capitation, and fee-for-service.  Next, we’ll explore government programs like Medicare, Medicaid, Workers’ Compensation, and TRICARE. By the time you’re done, you’ll have a good feel for the many types of insurance an AMA handles every day.
 
The Medical Insurance Claim Form
Did you ever study an insurance claim form? If so, you know it contains dozens of mysterious questions and checkboxes. Well, today you’ll come face-to-face with one of these claim forms—and conquer it. By the end of our lesson, you’ll know how to fill in each field of the CMS-1500 claim form. In fact, you’ll even get to try it yourself!

Diagnostic Coding
Medical coding is a hot field for AMAs, so it’s a great specialty if you’re looking for job security. In today’s lesson, we’ll take a quick look at diagnostic coding and see why it’s both fun and challenging. We’ll take a tour through the ICD-9-CM, talk about the detective work involved in abstracting a diagnostic statement, and explore the steps of coding a diagnosis.

Procedural Coding
We’ll finish up our tour of medical coding today with an overview of procedural coding. First, you’ll learn all about a manual called the CPT and discover how to use it to code everything from surgeries to X-rays to acupuncture. After that, we’ll examine a second manual called the HCPCS (“hix-pix”), which contains codes for ambulances, root canals, and much more. We’ll also delve into anesthesia coding, a tricky but rewarding sub-specialty.

The Business Office
In our final lesson, we’ll visit the business office and talk about how AMAs keep track of the money coming in and going out. In addition, we’ll look at inventory control and supply ordering—two crucial jobs that help keep a medical office running smoothly. Finally, we’ll talk about managing a payroll and investigate several jobs that fall under the umbrella of human resources.

There are 13 units of study

• Cultural Competence in Health Care
• Traditional Healing Systems
• Manual Bodywork Healing Therapies
• Understanding Chiropractic Care
• Yoga: An Integrative Practice for Life
• Acupuncture
• Natural Products: Nutraceuticals, Probiotics, Herbs, and Botanicals
• Aromatherapy: The Healing Power of Scent
• Naturopathy: A Natural System of Healing
• Animal-Assisted Therapy
• The Chakra System
• Legal Issues in Complementary and Alternative Medicine (CAM)
• Ethical Issues in Complementary and Alternative Medicine (CAM)

There are 12 units of study

 Medical Coding Basics

In our first lesson, we'll explore the history of medical insurance and medical coding. After that, we'll take a few minutes to get familiar with the coding books and tools that medical coders use. We'll finish up the lesson with an important discussion about patient privacy and confidentiality.

Coding in the Real World

Today we'll take a close look at how medical professionals use medical codes in the real world. We'll get to know the common forms medical coders use and explore the different types of medical codes you'll find in your coding books. By the time you finish this lesson, you'll understand how the different types of codes come together on the claim form and how they tell the insurance company a complete story about any doctor-patient encounter.

Getting to Know Your CPT Manual

In this lesson, we'll take a detailed tour through the CPT manual where you'll find medical codes for the procedures and treatments doctors and other medical professionals provide their patients. You'll learn all about the CPT symbols, modifiers, and unlisted procedures. By the end of this lesson, you'll be looking up your first codes!

Getting to Know Your ICD-9-CM

Similar to our last lesson, today we'll take a detailed tour through the other coding book we'll use in this course, the ICD-9-CM, which is where you'll find the codes for any disease, illness, condition, or symptom that a patient may have. You'll learn all about the ICD-9-CM's symbols, formatting, and other conventions; and you'll learn where to find E-codes and V-codes. By the end of this lesson, you'll begin to practice coding diagnoses.

Coding the Integumentary System

Today we'll begin a series of lessons that will take us in depth into just one body system at a time so we can discuss specific medical coding situations for each area of the human body. In this lesson, we'll explore the integumentary (skin) system. We'll review the code categories for the most common skin conditions, infections, injuries, and procedures, and then we'll practice coding cases that involve common skin problems.

Coding the Musculoskeletal System

In this lesson, you'll learn all about the musculoskeletal system and study some important musculoskeletal vocabulary. We'll review the code categories for the most common muscle and bone conditions and injuries, and then you'll learn how to code the procedures doctors use to treat common muscle and bone problems.

Coding the Respiratory System

Today we'll review the respiratory system, and you'll learn how to code the most common respiratory conditions and injuries. After that, you'll practice coding the most common respiratory procedures that doctors use on their patients.

Coding the Cardiovascular System

We'll explore the cardiovascular system in today's lesson. You'll learn how to code common heart, vein, and artery conditions and diseases, and then you'll learn how to code the procedures doctors use most often to treat these common diagnoses. And as we always do, we'll follow up our general discussion on cardiovascular diseases and procedures with lots of coding practice.

Coding the Digestive and Endocrine Systems

In this lesson, you'll learn all about the digestive system and the endocrine system. We'll begin by studying some important vocabulary for both systems, and then we'll review the code categories for the most common conditions, diseases, and injuries. After that, we'll explore the procedures doctors perform to fix digestive and endocrine system problems. We'll end up the lesson with some practice coding both systems.

Coding the Male and Female Genitourinary Systems

In the last of our system-specific lessons, today we'll review the male and female genitourinary systems; and learn how to code common conditions, diseases, and procedures for both systems. We'll also spend some time discussing maternity and childbirth and the special medical coding challenges you'll need to consider in those cases

Evaluation and Management (E/M) Codes

Ready to get to know Evaluation and Management codes? Today, you'll learn the three key components of any E/M service, and I'll provide you with some helpful charts you can use to narrow down an E/M code range to a final E/M code. And as you probably guessed, we'll end up the lesson with plenty of E/M coding practice!

Surgical Packages and Modifiers

In our final lesson, you'll find out what's included in a surgical package and what's not. You'll also learn all about modifiers, and find out why medical coders use them to let insurance companies know about special circumstances. Finally, you'll put everything you've learned throughout the course together by coding some practice scenarios that incorporate all of the different types of codes!

There are 12 units of study

Common Root and Musculoskeletal Terms

Welcome to the first lesson of medical terminology! We'll begin the course by exploring root terms, which represent the main meaning of a combined medical term. A combined medical term consists of a root, a prefix, and/or a suffix. As we progress through each lesson of this course, you'll see that we proceed by "body system," and in this first lesson, we'll go over root terms that are associated with the musculoskeletal system, so we'll be talking a lot about the muscles, bones, joints, and tendons of the body in this lesson.

Integumentary and Digestive Terms

In today's lesson, you'll learn a variety of terminology relating to the integumentary and digestive systems. The integumentary system includes the skin, connective tissues, and some loosely associated structures such as nails and teeth. When we discuss the digestive system, you'll learn medical terminology relating to the digestive tract from the mouth, to the pharynx, to the esophagus, and so on, all the way out to the exterior of the body.

Cardiovascular and Respiratory Terms

In this lesson, we'll go over terminology related to the cardiovascular and respiratory systems. The cardiovascular system includes the heart, arteries, veins, and blood, while the respiratory system includes the lungs and assorted chest structures.

Urinary and Reproductive Terms

Today's topic areas are the urinary and reproductive systems. When we go over the urinary system, you'll learn terminology related to the kidneys, bladder, urine, and even some chemistry terms. When we go over the reproductive system, you'll learn root terms that refer to both male and female anatomical structures.

Neurosensory Terms and Root-Term Review

In this lesson, we'll finish up our discussion about root terms. You'll learn root terms that are associated with the neurosensory system, including nerves, the eyes, ears, brain, and spinal cord. Then we'll begin doing something a little different—at the end of the lesson, we'll do a little review session to help you remember all of the root terms that you've learned up to this point.

Prefixes and Suffixes A through H

In today's lesson, you'll learn about prefixes and suffixes that are common in medicine and start with the letters A through H. Starting today, we won't be going through the word associations that we did in previous lessons. By now, you'll find that you can recognize many of these terms as they're used in our normal, everyday language.

Prefixes and Suffixes I through O

In this lesson, we'll continue to progress through the prefixes and suffixes commonly used in medical terminology. Our objective for today is to identify the common medical prefixes and suffixes that begin with the letters I through O.

Prefixes and Suffixes P through Z

Today, we'll complete our tour through the alphabetical listings of the most common prefixes and suffixes used in medical terminology by focusing on prefixes and suffixes that begin with the letters P through Z. You'll find that there are many more terms that medical professionals use less often, and you'll even discover that sometimes a root that you already know is used as a prefix or suffix.

Color Prefixes and Suffixes and Abbreviated Titles

In previous lessons, you learned about common prefixes and suffixes. In today's lesson, we'll study specific prefixes and suffixes that pertain to color. Color is used quite a bit in the medical field because it helps everyone to describe various signs and symptoms. In this lesson, we'll also go over medical abbreviations that are specific to the various occupations and titles of the medical industry. Your assignment in this lesson will change a little as your research becomes a bit more challenging.

Common Abbreviations A through R

The medical community uses an abundance of abbreviations. Some medical facilities don't allow them, but you should still learn the meanings of the most common abbreviations so you'll know them when you see them. For this lesson, we'll study the abbreviations that start with the letters A through R. Your assignment for this lesson will be a bit different—you're going to find words in a medical note that you can replace with the abbreviations that you learned in the lesson.

Common Abbreviations S through W and Specialized Abbreviations

In this lesson, we'll finish our study of medical abbreviations as we explore the abbreviations that begin with letters S through Z. We'll also go over specific abbreviations that refer to hospital areas, laboratory tests, chemistries, and medical symbols. In today's assignment, it's up to you to find the abbreviations that correctly relate to each sentence in a medical note.

Directional Terms and Word Combinations

Here in our final lesson, it's time to put everything you've learned together. We'll look at our roots, prefixes, and suffixes, and see how they create combined medical terms from body system to body system. You'll also learn some directional terms that are commonly used in medicine. You'll find that your assignment for this lesson provides you the opportunity to decipher a complete medical note.

There are 12 units of study

Becoming a Medical Writer

In our first lesson, you'll learn what medical writing is all about. We'll discuss what medical writers do and what it takes to be a medical writer. We'll also examine the many types of writing medical writers produce, as well as the tools of the trade—the equipment that medical writers need to have. By the end of this first lesson, you'll have a solid grasp of the field and the items you should have with you as you begin your medical writing career!

Which Path to Choose: Freelancer or Employee?

Today we'll examine the two main career paths you can take as a medical writer: freelancer and employee. We'll start by examining general factors that you need to consider. Then, we'll examine the benefits and drawbacks of being a freelancer and an employee. After you complete this lesson, you'll have a good understanding of both of these routes, enabling you to determine which one will better serve your needs and objectives.

Laying a Good Foundation for Your Writing

There are a few core things you'll need to get a handle on before you start any medical writing project: knowing your audience, understanding your topic, and creating your outline. You can't expect to succeed without first tackling these elements, so we'll go into good detail in this lesson! After you complete this lesson, you'll be equipped to lay a solid foundation for your writing, regardless who you're targeting and what you're writing about.

Grammar Essentials for Medical Writers

The focus of this lesson is on grammar, which is essential for making your writing polished and coherent. We'll start by looking at key sentence-level issues, including sentence structure and use of punctuation. Then we'll move on to building easy-to-follow paragraphs and transitions, as well as a few rules specific to medical writing!

Learning Key Medical and Statistical Terms

In today's lesson, we'll focus on language you'll often come across in medical literature. We'll start by looking at abbreviations, including when and how to use them. Then we'll look at how to spot medical jargon. Finally, we'll review some key statistical terms so that you can better understand how to process the information you're writing about. After you complete this lesson, you'll have a better understanding of the language that dominates the medical arena and how to use it!

Accessorizing and Polishing Your Work

In this lesson, we'll focus on how to add visual elements to your writing and enhance its readability. We'll start by looking at the accessories you can create: figures, tables, and sidebars. We'll review what these accessories are, when to use them, and considerations to keep in mind when creating them. Then we'll turn our attention to proofreading your work, focusing on strategies you can use to catch errors and improve flow. After you complete this lesson, you'll understand how to add the finishing touches to your work that'll really help it shine!

Understanding Key Ethical Principles in Medical Writing

This lesson is all about ethics! We'll talk about the ethical issues that surround medical writing and the responsibilities that come with authorship. We'll start by looking at scientific misconduct and how it can affect your writing. Then we'll turn our attention to plagiarism and how to avoid it. And finally, we'll review ghostwriting and other situations that can cause ethical dilemmas, as well as steps you can take to secure the integrity of your work. After you complete this lesson, you'll have a good understanding of the ethical terrain that underlies medical writing.

Understanding Key Ethical Principles in Medical Writing

Today we'll examine the markets that need medical writers. We'll start by looking at the pharmaceutical industry, which directly and indirectly employs medical writers. Then, we'll examine medical communications companies, another major employer of medical writers. Finally, we'll review some of the smaller markets, like hospitals, managed care organizations, and professional medical associations. After you complete this lesson, you'll have a good understanding of these markets and where to aim in your job search!

Breaking Into the Medical Writing Freelance Arena

In today's lesson, we'll examine the medical writing freelance arena. First, we'll review how you can build a portfolio, which can be an important tool for helping you secure work. Next, we'll examine where to look for freelance work and steps you can take to increase your odds of finding work. Finally, we'll review the business side of being a freelancer, including how to develop a business plan and which business structures you can consider. After you complete this lesson, you'll have a better understanding of the freelance environment and how you can be successful in it.

Finding Permanent Employment as a Medical Writer

How can you find permanent employment as a medical writer? That's what we'll discuss today. First, we'll review how to put together an effective resume and maximize your job search. Then, we'll examine strategies that can enhance your chances of getting an interview, such as constructing a thoughtful cover letter. And finally, we'll look at some ways to really shine during your interview. By the time you finish this lesson, you'll have the knowledge you need to stand out from the crowd, from resume prescreening through the interview process!

Taking Charge of Your Career

Now it's time to think about how you can advance your medical writing career. We'll review credentials you might pursue to make you more enticing to employers or clients, and we'll look at strategies for building a good reputation. Also, every writer's career reaches a standstill at some point—even if you're not there yet, it'll help to be prepared when that happens. We'll close out this lesson by discussing some ways to get career momentum going when you find you've peaked!

The Future of Medical Writing

How is technology shaping medical writing and the way we look for and find medical information? That's what this lesson is all about. First, we'll review how writing for the Web is different from print and what you need to know to write effectively for online viewing. Then, we'll look at social media and how companies are using them to promote content and brands, and we'll discuss how you can use these platforms to promote your own work. And finally, we'll examine how technology continues to shape the writing world and some technology solutions that can make your life as a medical writer a bit easier!