Certified Medical Insurance Specialist: Online Courses & Certification
Online courses and certification training options can prepare you for the in-person exam to become a certified medical insurance specialist. Continue reading to learn more about the training and certification information.
What You Need to Know
The certified medical insurance specialist (CMIS) credential is designed for current or aspiring medical billing specialists who are interested in pursuing careers in medical payment. You must pass an exam in order to qualify for this career. There are online classes available to help you prepare for the exam, but the exam itself must be completed in person.
<table border="1"><tr><td><b>Certification</b></td><td>Certified Medical Insurance Specialist (CMIS) credential available through the Practice Management Institute (PMI)</td></tr>
<tr><td><b>Online</b></td><td>Test preparation programs are available online</td></tr>
<tr><td><b>Courses</b></td><td>Managing third-party provider reimbursement; types of managed care plans; guidelines for working with third-party payers; diagnostic, procedural and documentation coding rules; coding compliance</td></tr>
</table><h3 id="section---WhatIsACertifiedMedicalInsuranceSpecialist">What Is a Certified Medical Insurance Specialist?</h3><p>Certified medical insurance specialists handle medical reimbursement issues, like third-party payers, delinquent collections and claim denials. You can earn the CMIS credential by passing a certification exam offered by the Practice Management Institute (PMI).
</p><h3 id="section---CanITakeTheCertificationExamOnline">Can I Take the Certification Exam Online?</h3><p>You can prepare online, but the CMIS exam must be taken at a specified location under the supervision of a proctor. Exam preparation options can include enrolling in a certification-targeted course or taking individual medical insurance courses. Medical insurance specialists who are already confident about their knowledge and experience can simply register for the exam on the PMI website. You'll be permitted to use the ICD-9-CM, CPT and HCPCS coding manuals and a medical dictionary for certain parts of the exam.
</p><h3 id="section---WhichCoursesAreAvailableOnline">Which Courses Are Available Online?</h3><p>Online courses related to medical insurance may be offered by technical colleges that have partnered with the PMI. Course topics for such programs might include:
</p><ul><li>Coding theory
</li><li>Medical insurance
</li><li>Collections
</li><li>Reimbursements
</li><li>Dental billing
</li><li>Medical terminology
</li><li>Patient satisfaction
</li><li>Privacy training
</li><li>Office management
</li></ul><p>You can earn continuing education credits (CEUs) by completing some courses.
</p><p>A certification-targeted course consists of a 4-day training session that covers insurance billing and coding. You can attend the class in person or choose to study on your own at home. If you attend the in-person session, you'll need to bring the necessary study materials with you to each class, including a medical dictionary and current editions of the coding manuals. A study packet and a CD with class lectures will be supplied to you in the self-study version.
</p><h3 id="section---HowWillMyClassesBePresented">How Will My Classes Be Presented?</h3><p>Depending on the program, you might take courses that have been designed by industry professionals. You'll need a computer with Internet access to participate. Some courses need to be completed within 2-3 months of your start date.
</p><p>Assignments and quizzes are often included in your studies. You may be expected to join online class discussions led by your instructor. In self-guided courses, online or telephone support might be available.</p>