PMI Extends Training Reach Via Webinar-Based Certification Classes For Medical Office Professionals

Online, September 21, 2011 (Newswire.com) - Practice Management Institute (PMI) today announced a new, webinar training format that allows medical office professionals to prepare for one of four certification exams without ever stepping into a classroom. This new learning option improves the availability and accessibility of certification classes. Four certification options are available: Certified Medical Coder (CMC), Certified Medical Insurance Specialist (CMIS), Certified Medical Office Manager (CMOM), and PMI's newest certification, the Certified Medical Compliance Officer (CMCO).

PMI's webinar-based training is a live instructor-led format, accessible over a telephone and Internet connection. Participants can follow along with the same course materials as presented in the live classroom format, taught in leading hospitals, medical societies and colleges across the U.S.

PMI's newest certification program, the Certified Medical Compliance Officer (CMCO), will be the first of the new webinar certification programs kicking off October 17. The CMCO is the first complete compliance management curriculum and certification exam designed for medical office professionals. Candidates will receive thorough instruction on the roles, responsibilities and tactical skills needed to handle compliance operations in a medical office. Participants will expand their compliance knowledge to get ahead in today's health care climate. The CMCO certification from PMI is designed for small to mid-size practice professionals, physician practices, home health agencies, hospices, community mental health center, DME and third party billing companies. It is a complete resource for those serious about expanding their compliance aptitude.

"People learn best in a live environment," said Douglas W. O'Dell, Practice Management Institute President and CEO. "Attending training via webinar preserves the interactivity found in a classroom environment while eliminating the need for travel or take extended time out of the office. Now, thousands of medical office professionals from all over the country will have access to live certification training."

Each certification program is divided into 10 or 12 live, interactive lectures via 90-minute webinars. The webinar classes are scheduled about a week a part. Participants follow along in their respective certification book and receive homework assignments, class review and opportunities to ask questions. The certification exam is proctored live in hundreds of locations across the country and can be scheduled with a local PMI Exam Proctor when the participant is ready.

Webinars are recorded and can be accessed offline by those unable to participate in the live session. The certification class schedules are posted on PMI's Web site: pmiMD.com/programs/a-certaudio.asp.

"I am glad to hear that Practice Management Institute has modified their Certification programs to be presented via a Webinar format," said Doug Arrington, Director, Office Billing Compliance at the University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center. "From the Certified Medical Coder program I was able to learn how to use the CPT and ICD-9-CM codes to code for provider professional services. I look forward to telling individuals here at UT Southwestern Medical Center and other University of Texas Institutions that they will be able to get these certifications on line."

In today's complex practice environment, certified professionals are increasingly important. PMI provides four certifications that address specific training needs of coders, billers, office managers and compliance officers.