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Pathways: Medical Coding/Insurance Billing

This one or two term intensive training is offered in an online format and provides curriculum that includes skills, 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 first term is a non-credit training, it is not eligible for federal financial aid. The optional second term internship for college credit may be eligible.

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

This training 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. Students will receive a program award stating they completed the training.

The next training will start Winter term, January 4, 2010. Please see schedule here.

Career Pathways applicants may need to attend an Information Sessions to be considered for the training. Call 503-788-6233 for information.

Winter Information Sessions TBD

The first term of this training is offered in a hybrid format, combining some classroom sessions with online instruction. To see if your computer is compatable click on this link for details on computer system requirements.

Learn more: Download a printable flyer.

Topics covered in Term One:

Medical Terminology 1 & 2 This portion assists students in understanding the health care system. It includes laboratory, surgical and imaging terms and explores basic medical word structure and terms that relate to the body. Many body systems are studied, including:digestion, urinary, reproductive, nervous, cardiovascular, respiratory, musculoskeletal, integumentary, sensory and endocrine.
Basic Coding Classification This portion 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 medical terminology and learn the fundamental knowledge and skills necessary for basic diagnostic and procedure coding.
Insurance Billing & Reimbursement Increase the chances of getting medical claims paid, decrease denials and expand medical claims submission knowledge. Covers current insurance regulations, basic discussion of medical procedures and coding requirements on how they affect reimbursement. HCFA 1450 and 1500 claim forms completion familiarity will be discussed.

Term two:

Is an option for students wanting hands-on experience by developing an internship through the PCC Occupational Skills Training program and is highly recommended.  Students work with the Professional Skills staff during the first term to develop an internship location.  This process is much like looking for work.  Students take the lead role in finding their own employer to provide a work site for an internship.  PCC does not "provide" you with an internship.  PCC will guide you in developing an internship, then work with the employer during the internship period.  PCC does cover the workmans compensation for the student during the internship.

• Features:

• Career Pathways students participate in three hours a week of Career Planning where a cohort learning community is developed and an Employment Specialist supports students as they pursue 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 Professional Skills Department.
• There is no license with this training.  For more information on testing to become a Certified Coder, visit www.ahima.org.

Estimated Cost Of Training:
Term 1: $2,252.50 (includes books, tuition and parking pass)
Term 2: $1,230.20 (optional full-time internship)
Total: $3,482.70

 

Note: The figures above are based on the 2009/10 PCC fee structure and include parking and a full-time internship. They are approximations and subject to change without notice.

Prerequisites

• High School Diploma or GED
• Strong office/administrative work history
• Able to type 35 words per minute
• Experience in MS Office Windows/Word/Excel/10-key by touch
• COMPASS scores placing into: Reading 90, Writing 90, Math 20
• Personal computer with internet capability

Course of Study

Course Number	Course Name	Credits
Term One - CEU940N	Basic Coding and Insurance Billing	non-credit
WFTT23 (For students wanting the Coding/Billing training only, please call 503-731-6673)	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 (Term 1)		0 - non-credit
Term Two (Optional)	Internship	6 - 16
Total Credits (Optional)		6 - 16