The Associate of Applied Science in Medical Business and Clinical Specialist program provides graduates the knowledge and hands-on skills to perform competently in a variety of entry-level medical positions. Students receive training in front office records management, medical insurance billing and coding, patient records, and clinical skills relating to direct patient care. Students will learn the proper procedures to answer telephones, greet patients, update/file patient medical records, complete insurance forms/referrals forms, handle correspondence, schedule appointments, arrange for hospital admissions and laboratory services, handle medical prescriptions, coordinate meetings with medical representatives and handle billing and bookkeeping.

Clinical training includes: taking medical histories and recording vital signs, explaining treatment procedures to patients, preparing patients for examination, and assisting the physician during the examination. Students will collect and prepare laboratory specimens or perform basic laboratory tests on the premises. They will learn how to dispose of contaminated supplies and sterilize medical instruments. They will understand how to instruct patients about medications and special diets. They will learn how to prepare and administer medications as directed by a physician, authorize drug refills as directed, telephone prescriptions to a pharmacy, draw blood, prepare patients for x-rays, take electrocardiograms, remove sutures, and change dressings. Students will also learn how to arrange examining room instruments and equipment, inventory, purchase and maintain supplies and equipment.

Billing and coding training includes: current billing procedures, implementing procedures and diagnostic codes, basic bookkeeping, and the legal aspects surrounding the medical office. Students will use their basic knowledge of computer/medical software as well as interpret insurance rules and regulations. They will access information via the Internet, understand billing methods and the billing cycle to generate insurance claims accurately as well as have a clear understanding of administrative operations, the importance of obtaining/locating proper patient information and how information must be documented. We will focus on the financial components necessary to submit a clean claim and be reimbursed within a reasonable amount of time. We will have our students up-to-date on the various insurance types/coverage and insurance terminology. Students will study the billing process in both manual and electronic form.

Upon completion of the program requirements, graduates will be awarded an Associate of Applied Science in Medical Business and Clinical Specialist. This program normally takes 80 weeks to complete.

*Bohecker College - Cincinnati is a branch campus of Medix School in Towson, Maryland.