Average Reviews:
(More customer reviews)First let me say, I spent 8 months in vocational school, scored a 90% on my certification exam, and now teach medical insurance billing for a living. My school requires that I use Fordney's textbook, so I use it. But I heavily supplement it with McGraw-Hill's "Medical Insurance" textbook, which is one of the best textbooks I have ever read.
Fordney's textbook contains some major errors, has no Introductory chapter, has a lousy glossary, and makes an already difficult subject even more confusing. I understand this subject pretty well, but I'm confused after reading her textbook!
Here are some examples of what I mean: (1) Fordney says there are 17 different types of medical insurance. In reality, most of these can be put into one of four categories: individual, group, managed care, and government programs. Some of Fordney's "categories" aren't even insurance programs! (2) Fordney says an "emancipated minor" can be a college student. Now, an emancipated minor is someone who is under 18 years old, and can make decisions about their own medical care _and_pay_their_own_way_. Most college students are over 18, and rely on their parents for funding, at least the first few years. A 17-year-old college student who pays her or his own way is the rare exception, not the rule. (3) Fordney says people have to sign-up for Medicare benefits, and that the time of year for signing-up is important. In reality, most people are automatically enrolled in Medicare Part A within 3 months of their 65th birthday. People who are totally disabled before their 65th birthday have to enroll, but this is usually handled by their physician or attorney for the disability case. People who have worked less than 10 years, or have not had Social Security benefits drawn from their paychecks, may have to enroll. And some nonresident aliens may have to enroll. But again, these are the rare exceptions, not the rule. Basically, Fordney gets the sign-up rules for Medicare Part B confused with Medicare Part A, and makes no distinction between Parts A and B, when in practicality they are Totally Different. Most notably, enrollment in Medicare Part A is automatic, paid for by the Social Security Act, and only covers hospital and some home care (e.g. Hospice). Medicare Part B is by choice only, has to be paid for individually every month, and covers office visits, some preventive care, and basically what most individual health insurance policies cover. (4) Fordney thinks there is a Medicare Part C. The trouble is, neither of the two major Medicare websites (http://www.cms.hhs.gov, and http://www.medicare.gov) know about it! Okay, it doesn't actually exist: Fordney made it up. Technically there is a Medicare Part D, the new prescription drug benefit introduced in late 2004, and that goes into effect in Jan. 2006. But both Medicare websites include this under Medicare Part B.
I'm embarrassed that Marilyn Fordney and I have the same credential...
Click Here to see more reviews about: Medical Insurance Billing and Coding: An Essentials Worktext
This completely new essentials text features all the must-know information inside the comprehensive book, Insurance Handbook for the Medical Office in an accessible, focused format! It covers key aspects of submitting, tracing, appealing, and transmitting claims for today's full range of health plans. Important topics such as diagnostic coding, procedural coding, office and insurance collection strategies, and Medicare are presented and laid out in full color. Like the larger book, this text also features a chapter on documentation in a medical office, as well as Example boxes, full-color artwork, and an entire chapter on how to complete the HCFA-1500 form using color-coded payer icons. These icons help students identify each health insurance payer along with the relevant information that the payer requires in each box of the claim form.
Click here for more information about Medical Insurance Billing and Coding: An Essentials Worktext
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