Medical Office Specialist Program
Oceanside Campus

In this module, the student will get an orientation to the medical office environment. The student will study professional behaviors and communications for the health care environment. Federal and state regulatory guidelines, including HIPAA, are also discussed. Students will learn basic skills needed for rooming patients, including interview techniques, vital signs, and infection control. The student will practice asepsis techniques, vital signs, and interviewing patients in the laboratory setting. The student will also work with electronic health record and MS Word. There are no prerequisites.

In this module, the student will learn the components of the medical record and important legal documents required from patients. Electronic medical records, along with medical office computerization, computer security, and system maintenance will be discussed. Students will learn about the paper medical record, filing systems, and maintaining paper records. The student will study the anatomy, physiology, pathology, and related medical terminology of the muscular and skeletal system. The student will practice filing methods, completing medical office required documents, electronic medical record scenarios, and MS Word and computer skills in the laboratory setting. There are no prerequisites.

In this module, the student will get an orientation to the medical office receptionist position. The student will learn reception procedures, including telephone etiquette, methods to handle incoming calls, appointment scheduling, mail processing, and document creation. The student will study the anatomy, physiology, pathology, and related medical terminology of the senses and the circulatory and respiratory systems. The student will practice creating and maintaining appointment schedules, handling phone calls, processing mail, composing letters and documents and computer skills in the laboratory setting. The student will utilize MS Word and electronic health record during this course. In addition, computer skills and principles of Skills for Workplace Success will be reviewed. There are no prerequisites.

In this module, the student will get an orientation to the dental reception procedures. The student will study dental basics, including dental anatomy, number systems, charting methods, and dental procedures. The student will learn dental specific activities, including telephone and scheduling management, patient and staff communication, computerized and paper record systems, inventory management, financial arrangements, and insurance processing. The student will practice dental receptionist duties and utilize dental practice management software. There are no prerequisites.

In this module, the student will learn the basics of medical insurance typically seen in the medical office. Types and sources of insurance, claim submission methods, federal legislation that impacts insurance and reimbursement procedures are discussed. Students learn concepts related to traditional fee-for-service plans, managed care procedures, Medicaid and Medicare regulations, military carriers, workers? compensation, and disability insurance. In the laboratory setting, the student will practice preparing claim submissions for various coverage. The student will practice using MS Excel and electronic health record. There are no prerequisites.

In this module, the student will learn diagnostic and procedural coding, along with reimbursement systems and managing practice finances. The student will study bookkeeping procedures, banking activities and petty cash fund procedures. The billing process, account aging, and collection activities are discussed along with applicable federal legislation. The student will study the anatomy, physiology, pathology, and related medical terminology of the endocrine, integumentary, and nervous systems. The student will practice procedural and diagnostic coding, bookkeeping, and banking activities, collection procedures, and computer skills in the laboratory setting. The student will also work with electronic health record and MS Excel. There are no prerequisites.

In this module, the student will learn the duties of an office manager and how to assist with emergencies in the medical office. CPR, first aid, OSHA safety precautions, emergency preparedness, and guidelines for providing emergency care are discussed. The student will learn how to maintain the office, provide routine maintenance to office equipment, perform inventory, and methods to monitor environmental safety. The student will study the anatomy, physiology, pathology, and related medical terminology of the digestive, urinary, and reproductive systems. The student will practice CPR and first aid procedures, emergency preparedness activities, and office management duties in the laboratory setting. The student will also work with electronic health record and MS Excel. There are no prerequisites.

Externship is the final module following successful completion of classroom training and is designed to provide a realistic workplace environment in which the student will refine technological, procedural, decision-making, and interpersonal skills. On the job externships are completed in approved facilities that provide students with the opportunity to apply the knowledge and skills acquired during the training program. Externs work under the directed supervision of school personnel and are evaluated on skill performance, subject knowledge, professionalism, and participation/attendance. All absences during the externship must be made up. In this module, the student will apply the knowledge and skills learned in the prior modules to real life experiences. The externship includes an experience in an ambulatory health care setting, focusing on duties of the administrative medical assistant with an emphasis on office duties, insurance processing, and billing procedures. The student will also learn employment seeking skills, including resume building, interviewing skills, and professional dress. This externship is a nonpaid experience. Satisfactory completion of practicum is required for graduation. Prerequisite: Successful completion of modules MOS 110-170.