Behavioral Health Coding Course
Behavioral health coding presents challenges unique to other medical specialties. Coders must be able to interpret clinical documentation and observe complex CPT® guidelines. Additionally, they must understand clinician-related coding and billing requirements for psychiatrists, psychologists, psychiatric nurse practitioners, clinical nurse specialists, physician assistants, clinical social workers, and other licensed mental health professionals.
The Behavioral Health Coding Course walks students through foundational material on mental and behavioral health diagnoses and treatments. Students will learn ICD-10-CM, CPT®, evaluation and management (E/M) coding, and guidelines specific to behavioral health and substance abuse. Requirements for clinical documentation as it pertains to coding are also discussed.
Education and experience requirements
Completion of a professional coding course or 1 year of ProFee coding experience is recommended.
Continuing education units (CEUs)
Approval for 10 CEUs upon successful course completion (one-time use only).
Course syllabus
Required books
AAPC’s Behavioral Health (PDF; included with course)
AMA CPT Professional Edition (current year)
ICD-10-CM code book (current year), any publisher
Course format
This is an online self-paced instruction course. You get the flexibility to complete the course on your own time, at your own pace with on-demand training. Get the help you need from the certified coaching team at any point in your training via email.
Certificate of completion
Certificate issued upon completion with a 70% passing score.
Who should take this course?
The Behavioral Health Coding Course is an online certificate course designed for coders interested in the behavioral health specialty.
Course objectives
Review the major topics of ICD-10-CM coding for behavioral health
Provide instruction on evaluation and management (E/M) coding
Apply E/M coding to behavioral health services
Review proper CPT® coding for behavioral health services
Identify documentation requirements and CPT® guidelines affecting behavioral health
Provide exposure to behavioral health coding through case studies