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Pathways: Basic Coding for Medical Office

This intensive pathway is offered in an online format and provides curriculum that provides knowledge and abilities that prepare students for entry-level positions in a medical office setting. The target wage for employment is between $11.00 - $13.00 an hour. Because the Basic Coding class is non-credit, it is not eligible for federal financial aid. The optional internship for college credit may be eligible.

This Pathway is ideal for students who wish to place a medical emphasis on prior office work experience. Students should expect to spend approximately 20-30 hours each week studying at their computer from home.

NEW PREREQUISITE: Online Medical Terminology is a prerequisite for Basic Coding unless you have a transcripted Medical Terminology course from another accredited college, or a minimum of two years medical clinical experience. Also, details on an additional Anatomy & Physiology course prerequisite is on the way.

To become a Certified Medical Coder, additional training is necessary. Training and certification information can be found at the following links: PCC Medical Coding for the Professional, www.ahima.org and aapc.com.

Next start date for Basic Coding - Online: Winter Term, January 9, 2012.

 

The Basic Coding class is offered through PCC CLIMB for Health Professionals. Career Pathways students will also attend a weekly, 3-hour Career Planning course in addition to the Basic Coding class. In the Career Planning course students learn to hone their job search and internship development skills and receive job search support services until they find employment.

For more information on the PCC Basic Coding class and/or attending as a Career Pathways student , please contact Laurie Chadwick at 971-722-6233.

Students wanting only the PCC Basic Coding class can contact CLIMB for Health Professionals at climbhealth@pcc.edu or 971-722-6627 if they have any additional questions.

Basic Coding - Online:

This class is offered in an online format. To see if your computer is compatible click on this link for details on computer system requirements.

Students will explore both ICD-9-CM and CPT coding for services furnished by physicians, clinics and hospitals. Codes are used for the processing on every bill or request for payment submitted to Medicare and insurance companies. Participants will use basic medical terminology and learn the fundamental knowledge and skills necessary for basic diagnostic and procedure coding.

Optional Internship:

Students wanting hands-on experience can choose the option to develop and participate in an internship through the PCC Occupational Skills Training program.  Developing an internship is much like looking for work and is highly recommended.  Students take the lead role in finding their own employer to provide the work site for an internship.  PCC does not "provide" you with an internship.  The Career Planning class assists students in developing an internship. PCC Occupational Skills Training then works with the employer during the internship period.  PCC does cover the workman's compensation for the student during the internship.

Features:

• Career Pathways students participate in three hours a week of Career Planning in addition to the PCC Basic Coding class. A cohort learning community is developed and an Employment Specialist supports Career Pathways students as they pursue internship development and employment in this field.
• Training is on the State of Oregon Eligible Training Provider list (WIA).
• This training is offered in partnership with PCC Institute for Health Professionals and PCC Occupational Skills Department.
• There is no license or certification with this training.  For more information on testing to become a Certified Coder, visit aapc.com.

Estimated Cost Of Training:
Term 1: $2170.00 (includes books and tuition, including the Career Planning class)
Term 2: $1,310.20 (optional full-time internship)
Total: $3,480.20

Training Cost Sheet

Note: The figures above are based on the 2011/12 PCC fee structure and include parking and a full-time internship. They are approximations and subject to change without notice.

Prerequisites for Career Pathways Students attending the Career Planning class:

• High School Diploma or GED.
• $10 fee for a criminal background check prior to the start of the Pathway.
• COMPASS scores placing into: Reading 90, Writing 90, Math 20.
• Strong office/administrative work history.
• Must demonstrate ability to type 30 words per minute.
• Experience in MS Office Windows/Word.
• Personal computer with internet capability.
• Excel/10-key by touch preferred.

Course of Study

Course Number	Course Name	Credits
	Must meet Medical Terminology and A&P prerequisites prior to starting CEU 940N Basic Coding
TERM ONE
CEU 940N	Basic Medical Coding	non-credit
WFTT23	Career Planning: This course is designed to build a learning community among students pursuing career pathways courses. Students will develop their skills as a student, intern and job seeker. A job search portfolio will be used as an organizational framework for the course.	non-credit
Total Credits		0
TERM TWO (Optional)
OST 100	Internship	8 - 16
Total Credits		8 - 16