Health Sciences Department | 3 CC - Certificate of Completion | 6 months

You will be taught some exciting new skills in this program. Among these new skills, you will learn how to:

• Translate doctors' notes into useful medical code
• Navigate through various insurance rules and regulations to reduce accounts receivable days
• Understand the nuances of various types of insurance carriers along with their claim requirements

Job Outlook

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Employment Opportunities

Medical Coder

Medical coders are excellent critical thinkers who possess a strong focus and are detail oriented. They are able to meet production and accuracy standards while working independently or as a team.

• Potential salary for Medical Coders in Oregon $49,000-$51,000 annually

Medical Biller

Medical billers demonstrate initiative while maintaining effective verbal and written communication skills with patients, teammates, and providers. They are able to develop and meet goals and objectives for themselves while analyzing and interpreting data. Medical billers will also need to understand the revenue process and possess some basic accounting skills.

• Potential salary for Medical Biller in Oregon is $42,000-$43,000 annually

PROGRAM CODE: CC.MEDBILLCODE

Looking for a career in healthcare but don't want to give injections or draw blood? Work with physicians and help patients in the front office with the Medical Billing and Coding certificate from Clackamas Community College.

Medical Coders analyze the doctor's documentation using specific guidelines to determine the correct codes for billing the doctor's services. The insurance biller will apply healthcare laws to create and submit the claims for the doctor's work. The insurance biller will work with the insurance companies and patients to track the claims through payment of services rendered.

The work of the coder and insurance biller can produce prompt and proper payments to your doctor and lower their costs by applying current health insurance regulations and practices to healthcare billing, coding and reimbursement. After completing this program, students will be exposed to the knowledge to prepare them to sit for the national certification exams through the AAPC Certified Professional Biller (CPB) and Certified Professional Coder (CPC).

PROGRAM OUTCOMES

Upon successful completion of this program, students should be able to:

• perform medical insurance billing, including producing claims and making changes to claims;
• apply coding and billing guidelines and laws;
• analyze insurance reimbursement forms to ensure insurance companies have paid accurately;
• post payments/adjustments to patient accounts;
• explain provider chart notes and code patient visits accurately for billing;
• communicate with providers and patients about billing and coding;
• describe healthcare laws that pertain to medical billing and coding;
• maintain confidentiality and security of patient data.

CAREERS

Upon successful completion of this program, students should be able to work confidently in medical billing and/or coding.

The Medical Billing and Coding (MBC) program uses a cohort model of delivering quality instruction and support. This means students start the program together, learn together and graduate together. The MBC program is a full-time academic program starting in winter with students completing their certificate the end of summer term (total of 37 credits).

Most courses are offered online and virtually, with instructor led sessions in the evenings to accommodate various schedules. The Medical Billing and Coding program uses the most up-to-date curriculum sponsored by the American Association of Professional Coders (AAPC).

Students who successfully complete the Medical Billing and Coding program with Clackamas Community College are eligible to take two national certification exams through the AAPC: Certified Professional Biller (CPB) and Certified Professional Coder (CPC). There is an extra charge for these examinations paid directly to the AAPC. AAPC Membership is required.

Don’t let cost become a barrier! Clackamas Community College offers numerous scholarships and grants.

• Scholarships
• Grants
• Financial Aid

The estimated cost of the 37-credit program includes tuition, books, and additional fees associated with obtaining a national credential through the AAPC.

Optional Items:

• Medical dictionary
• Anatomy coloring book
• Flash cards (medical terminology and/or anatomy and physiology)

Upon successful completion of the Medical Billing and Coding program, students will be eligible to sit for two different national certification exams: Certified Professional Biller (CPB) and Certified Professional Coder (CPC).

The cost of these exams is not included in the program cost:

Certifications

• One AAPC National Certification Exam (summer term)

Costs

• $325 (per exam)
• Each exam fee includes one free re-take
• Visit AAPC.com for more details. Online option may be available at lower cost.

It is recommended to meet with a Health Sciences Advisor prior to applying to the program. Our advisors will help answer pre-requisite program requirements.

Tracy Pantano-Rumsey, Academic Advisor
tracy.pantanorumsey@clackamas.edu, 503-594-6131

Phil Reid, Academic Advisor
philr@clackamas.edu, 503-594-0623

The Medical Billing and Coding (MBC) program requires students complete the following academic pre-requisite requirements. Students may take one pre-requisite course concurrently with their first term winter MBC courses. 

Prerequisites:

• MA-110 Medical Terminology
• WR-121Z Composition I
  
• BI-120 Intro to Human Anatomy and Physiology