Behavioral health coding presents challenges that are distinct from those encountered in other medical specialties. Coders must have ability to interpret clinical documentation and must be capable of following complex CPT guidelines. They are expected to be aware of the coding and billing requirements for psychiatrists, psychologists, psychiatric-nurse-practitioners, clinical nurse specialists, physician assistants, clinical social workers, and other licensed mental health professionals.

This course is designed for professional coders who wish to be certified in behavioral health coding. This training covers the fundamentals of mental and behavioral health diagnoses and treatments. Learner will go-through ICD-10-CM, CPT, evaluation and management (E/M) coding, and behavioral health and substance abuse guidelines. All requirements of clinical documentation coding are also discussed. Prior completion of a professional coding course or one of its equivalents stands as a recommendation.

This course covers ICD-10-CM coding for mental, behavioral, and neuro-developmental disorders, E/M coding and its application to behavioral health services and with CPT coding and guidelines. ICD-10-CM documentation requirements, E/M services, incident-to, shared visits, and teaching physician and Case studies deconstruct real-world documentation to provide in-depth instruction and practical application of behavioral health coding skills. Lectures are interactive and will cover behavioral health therapies, diagnoses, and documentation specifics.

Course Objectives:

Coding for Behavioral Health Diagnoses — Understand ICD-10-CM conventions, general guidelines, and chapter-specific coding guidelines for Chapter 5, Mental, Behavioral, and Neuro-developmental disorders (F01-F99), as well as diagnoses for related mental health conditions encountered in this specialty.

Coding for Evaluation and Management — Understanding the E/M guidelines and subsection notes is critical for accurate code selection, especially in behavioral health. This course covers coding in a variety of settings, with a focus on E/M in the behavioral health specialty. The goal is to provide the necessary insight to develop proficiency and correct technique, resulting in the ability to select levels of E/M services accurately.

Behavioral Health CPT Coding — CPT codes are used to report behavioral health services such as psychiatric diagnostic services, psychotherapy, psychological testing, and biofeedback. This course focuses on the documentation requirements as well as the CPT® guidelines for reporting these services. Codes that can be reported as telemedicine services are also included.

Final Assessment:

• Final assessment consisting of 35 multiple-choice questions
• Coding cases from real-world, redacted records
• Must be completed within 75 minutes
• 70% passing score required
• Two exam attempts included with course

Mode of Training

• Online
• Classroom