AHEA 140 - Medical Office Procedures

4 Credits: (4 lecture)

Course Description
This course is designed to prepare the student for the administrative competencies required for entry-level front office employment in an ambulatory healthcare setting. Topics include clerical, operational, and bookkeeping functions; establishing and maintaining the medical record; performing routine medical office administrative procedures; and utilizing computer software to maintain office systems.

Prerequisite AHEA 280.

A. Demonstrate professional communication skills that are appropriate for the ambulatory care setting. 

B. Perform clerical functions including scheduling and managing patient appointments, admissions, and procedures. 

C. Utilize computer software to maintain office systems. 

D. Organize and file medical records 

E. Employ bookkeeping procedures applicable to the ambulatory care setting. 

F. Orient patients to medical practice policies and procedures. 

G. Manage the medical office including performing inventories of supplies and equipment as well as maintenance of the physical plant. 

H. Demonstrate the application of basic software in the discipline.

Content
Through integration of classroom lectures, reading assignments, group discussions, and individual presentations, the following content will be presented:

A. Professional communication techniques

B. Administrative and clerical functions in the ambulatory care setting

C. Bookkeeping procedures

D. Management of the ambulatory healthcare environment

E. Operational functions in the medical setting

Student Evaluation
Objectives A-H will be met by a minimum of four examinations, quizzes, and student assignments.

Bibliography
Keir, Lucille, Barbara Wise, and Connie Krebs. Medical Assisting: Administrative and Clinical Competencies. 7th ed. Toronto: Delmar, 2006.

Lindh, Wilburta, Marilyn Pooler, Carol Tamparo, and Barbara Dahl. Comprehensive Medical Assisting: Administrative and Clinical Competencies. 3rd ed. Albany: Delmar, 2006.

Ramutkowski, Barbara, Kathryn Booth, Donna Jeanne Pugh, Sharion Thomson, and Leesa Whicker. Administrative Procedures for Medical Assisting. 2nd ed. New York: McGraw-Hill, 2005.

Young, Alexandra and Deborah Proctor. Kinn’s The Medical Assistant: An Applied Learning Approach. 10th ed. St. Louis: Elsevier Science, 2007.