Business Technology
Medical Office Billing and Coding Specialist
Certificate, 73 credits, 5 quarters
According to the U.S. Department of Labor, the employment outlook for medical coders/billers is projected to grow faster than the average
for all occupations through 2012. Physicians in private practice, as well as health care organizations, will have an increasing need for
qualified medical billing and coding specialists. This five-quarter certificate program will prepare students for billing/coding careers
in medical offices, hospitals, or insurance companies.
Courses emphasize medical terminology, coding, insurance billing, medical bookkeeping, reception, and appointment scheduling. Students may
continue on with further training toward the Medical Office Specialist degree (A.A.S.).
During their last quarter, students complete two, 66-hour internships in medical offices-one emphasizing insurance billing, coding, and
medical bookkeeping and the other stressing front office reception and scheduling. Faculty will assist students in finding internship sites.
Students who successfully complete this program are prepared to:
- correlate knowledge of general anatomy and medical terminology to perform coding and billing tasks;
- code using the CPT and ICD-9-CM coding systems;
- file, rebill, and troubleshoot insurance claims for the medical office to include private, government, PPO, and HMO insurances;
- post accounts receivable;
- perform: (a) word processing, (b) spreadsheet applications, (c) database applications, (d) Internet searches, and (e) billing functions;
- create and maintain patient records, sort and disperse incoming mail;
- apply legal and ethical standards;
- appropriately manage telephone communications and schedule office, surgical, and diagnostic procedures;
- receive patients and visitors; and
- perform CPR and first aid.