For those looking for a career in health care but don’t want to give injections or draw blood, Clackamas Community College has a new medical billing and coding program that teaches how to work with physicians and assist patients in the front office.
Medical coders analyze doctor documentation using specific guidelines to determine the correct codes for billing doctor services. These professionals are excellent critical thinkers who possess a strong focus and are detail orientated. They are able to meet production and accuracy standards while working independently or as a team.
Medical billers apply health care laws to create and submit claims for doctors’ work. They work with insurance companies and patients to track the claims through the payment of services rendered. Medical billers demonstrate initiative while maintaining effective verbal and written communication skills with patients, teammates and providers.
“Students who complete our medical billing and coding program will leave qualified to work in the industry, earning between $42,000 and $51,000 annually,” CCC Health Sciences Director Jarett Gilbert said. “In less than a year, we can prepare you for a profession in the health care industry.”
The college’s medical billing and coding program consists of three terms of study, including insurance billing, medical coding and other core classes to strengthen skills for these careers. This certificate can be completed in under one year. The new program’s goal is to prepare students for the Certified Professional Biller (CPB) and Certified Professional Coder (CPC) national certification exams through the American Academy of Professional Coders.
The program will start winter term and classes start Jan. 6. Applications for the program are due by 5 p.m. Dec. 2. For more information or to apply, visit www.clackamas.edu/medical-billing. For questions, contact Cindy Garner at 503-594-0672 or cindy.garner@clackamas.edu.