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Yakima Valley Community College
Medical Billing and Coding Program
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Program Overview |
| Combining convenient
on-line instruction, laboratory simulations, and supervised
practice, the YVCC Medical Billing and Coding Program prepares
students for a career as a Billing and Coding Specialist.
Instruction includes core courses essential to health care
professionals as well as specialty courses in medical billing and
coding. Simulation of a front office reception/ business area in
the Allied Health Laboratory allow for realistic practice.
Supervised practice in local physician’s offices, hospitals, and
clinics provide actual experiences to prepare students for entry
level positions as a Billing and Coding Specialist.
The Billing and Coding Certificate Program,
totaling 53 credits, may be completed on a full-time basis during
four quarters of study, with part-time options for study also
available. The end-point of the certificate program will be
supervised practice in a community facility. The 93 credit
Associate of Applied Science in Medical Billing and Coding will
add coding content particular to the hospital setting, as well as
education to prepare a student for the supervisory role. |
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| Career Overview |
| Health care in
America has undergone tremendous change in recent years,
especially with regard to reimbursement for medical services.
Currently, reimbursement for health care services is dependent on
the assignment of codes to describe diagnoses, services, and
procedures. Medical coding specialists learn the translation of
written documentation of disease, injuries, and/or procedures
into alphanumeric classifications. In addition to the
application of codes, professional reimbursement specialists must
learn the medical billing process, which includes the application
of the above codes to conform to individual insurance
requirements and electronic application of billing procedures. |
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| Working
Environment |
| Medical Billing and
Coding Specialists work in well-lighted, clean environments.
There is constant interaction with people, either in person or
by telephone. Medical Billing and Coding Specialists most often
work a regular 40-hour week, although part-time, evening, or
weekend work may be available. |
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Personal Characteristics |
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The profession of Medical Billing and Coding
requires the ability to multi-task and use critical thinking
skills. Prospective students should possess personal integrity,
have the ability to pay close attention to detail, and be
conscientious. Good communication and interpersonal skills are
also critical. A patient nature is required to effectively
coordinate between health care providers, patients, and
reimbursement agencies. Physical requirements include the ability
to sit for long periods of time. The nature of the career
requires adequate vision, hearing and manual dexterity.
Additionally, students must be willing to continue their
education throughout their career to keep abreast of new
developments in the field. |
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Employment Opportunities |
| The Bureau of Labor
Statistics (http://stats.bls.gov/oco/ocos103.htm)
includes billing and coding specialists in its classification of
“health information technicians.” Of significance is the
projected growth of this career; it is considered “one of the 20
fastest growing occupations”. Employment opportunities may be
available in hospitals, physician’s offices and clinics, nursing
homes, and home health agencies. |
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| For more
information about the Medical Billing and Coding Program at
Yakima Valley Community College, please contact: |
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Michael Melton
Allied Health Program Assistant
(509) 574-4913
E-Mail: Michael Melton
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