Health information coders play a critical role in accurately identifying procedures and diagnoses to ensure accurate billing and reimbursement. Students are trained to:

• Understand anatomy, medical terminology, and disease processes necessary to determine correct codes and sequences

• Analyze health records and to accurately abstract and code procedures and diagnoses utilizing legal and regulatory standards

• Communicate with physicians, healthcare facilities, insurance companies, and patients to ensure accurate and timely reimbursement

Graduates are adequately prepared for many roles, such as working in a front office with patients or behind the scenes with insurance companies and healthcare facilities. Upon graduation, students are encouraged and eligible to sit for AHIMA Certified Coding Associate (CCA) and Certified Coding Specialist (CCS) or AAPC Certified Professional Coder (CPC) certification exams to increase their employment opportunities.

The University of Montana catalog details degree specific credits and course requirements.

Medical administrative assistants are critical to a healthcare facility. They are the first person a patient talks to or meets when they come in for care. This program offers students a career in this fascinating and high-demand medical field. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, positions in these medical areas are expected to increase over 20 percent in the next several years.

In the first year of this program students will receive the Medical Reception certificate. Upon completion, students will continue to develop skills to:

• Effectively and confidentially communicate with patients, maintain patient records, schedule appointments, and transcribe letters and patient chart notes

• Post charges and payments and submit insurance claims using current coding procedures

• Create and update the office procedures manual, assist in improving work flow and office efficiencies, and supervise and communicate with office personnel

Graduates are prepared for employment in clinics, hospitals, private practices, insurance companies, and work-at-home opportunities. Students successfully completing the program are awarded the Associate of Applied Science degree. Students may enter either Autumn or Spring semester.

The University of Montana catalog details degree specific credits and course requirements.