Medical Office Administration

Students gain a working knowledge of reception procedures and office management skills utilized in the medical environment. Knowledge and skills related to scheduling appointments, written and oral communication including telephone techniques, reception duties, and emergency procedures are introduced. Basic psychological concepts that relate to patient care are discussed. Students will learn how computers impact the medical office environment. In addition, administrative terminology, legal, ethical, and safety concepts related to the medical office will be addressed.

Students explore the fundamentals of paper and electronic medical record management, fee determination, billing methodology, and collection processes. Students perform basic bookkeeping, coding, and third-party billing procedures. Financial management of the medical office and various medical insurance plans are discussed along with related terminology and legal regulations.

This course focuses on the various aspects of electronic health records and practice management systems including standards, setup, administration, patient charts, office visits, clinical tools, templates and administrative financial functions. Other topics covered include tests, procedures, and diagnosis codes, and administrative utilities. Students will gain invaluable real-world experience through the use EHR/PM software. Taken as a whole, this course is designed to provide each student with the necessary tools needed to be successful in the rapidly growing field of electronic health records and practice management.

This course builds on the foundational insurance and billing information. Students will learn in-depth concepts regarding health insurance, including the types and sources of health insurance, Medicaid, Medicare, and other carriers. To help understand the billing aspects, students will learn more about the CMS-1500, universal claims form. Legal regulations and ethical issues relating to insurance and claims will be examined.

Building on the prior coding, billing, and collection information, this course introduces students to medical practice finance and practice management. Terminology and concepts related to accounting, banking, financial records, and payroll records will be discussed. Diagnostic and procedural coding procedures are reviewed, and customer service concepts are addressed. Related legal and ethics issues will be examined.