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Medical coders analyze the doctor's documentation using specific guidelines to determine the correct codes for billing the doctor's services. Insurance billers apply health care laws to create and submit the claims for the doctor's work. Insurance billers will work with the insurance companies and patients to track the claims through the payment of services rendered. Medical Billers and Coders work with physicians, medical offices, and assist patients with understanding their medical claim or bill.
Clackamas Community College provides a 37-credit Medical Billing and Coding Program. The goal of the program is to prepare students for the Certified Professional Biller (CPB) and Certified Professional Coder (CPC) national certification exams through the American Academy of Professional Coders (AAPC).
Medical Billing and Coding CC
You will be taught some exciting new skills in this program. Among these new skills, you will learn how to:
- Translate doctors' notes into useful medical code
- Navigate through various insurance rules and regulations to reduce accounts receivable days
- Understand the nuances of various types of insurance carriers along with their claim requirements
Job Outlook
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Employment Opportunities
Medical Coder
Medical coders are excellent critical thinkers who possess a strong focus and are detail oriented. They are able to meet production and accuracy standards while working independently or as a team.
- Potential salary for Medical Coders in Oregon $49,000-$51,000 annually
Medical Biller
Medical billers demonstrate initiative while maintaining effective verbal and written communication skills with patients, teammates, and providers. They are able to develop and meet goals and objectives for themselves while analyzing and interpreting data. Medical billers will also need to understand the revenue process and possess some basic accounting skills.
- Potential salary for Medical Biller in Oregon is $42,000-$43,000 annually
PROGRAM CODE: CC.MEDBILLCODE
Looking for a career in healthcare but don't want to give injections or draw blood? Work with physicians and help patients in the front office with the Medical Billing and Coding certificate from Clackamas Community College.
Medical Coders analyze the doctor's documentation using specific guidelines to determine the correct codes for billing the doctor's services. The insurance biller will apply healthcare laws to create and submit the claims for the doctor's work. The insurance biller will work with the insurance companies and patients to track the claims through payment of services rendered.
The work of the coder and insurance biller can produce prompt and proper payments to your doctor and lower their costs by applying current health insurance regulations and practices to healthcare billing, coding and reimbursement. After completing this program, students will be exposed to the knowledge to prepare them to sit for the national certification exams through the AAPC Certified Professional Biller (CPB) and Certified Professional Coder (CPC).
PROGRAM OUTCOMES
Upon successful completion of this program, students should be able to:
- perform medical insurance billing, including producing claims and making changes to claims;
- apply coding and billing guidelines and laws;
- analyze insurance reimbursement forms to ensure insurance companies have paid accurately;
- post payments/adjustments to patient accounts;
- explain provider chart notes and code patient visits accurately for billing;
- communicate with providers and patients about billing and coding;
- describe healthcare laws that pertain to medical billing and coding;
- maintain confidentiality and security of patient data.
CAREERS
Upon successful completion of this program, students should be able to work confidently in medical billing and/or coding.
The Medical Billing and Coding (MBC) program uses a cohort model of delivering quality instruction and support. This means students start the program together, learn together and graduate together. The MBC program is a full-time academic program starting in winter with students completing their certificate the end of summer term (total of 37 credits).
Most courses are offered online and virtually, with instructor led sessions in the evenings to accommodate various schedules. The Medical Billing and Coding program uses the most up-to-date curriculum sponsored by the American Association of Professional Coders (AAPC).
Students who successfully complete the Medical Billing and Coding program with Clackamas Community College are eligible to take two national certification exams through the AAPC: Certified Professional Biller (CPB) and Certified Professional Coder (CPC). There is an extra charge for these examinations paid directly to the AAPC. AAPC Membership is required.
Don’t let cost become a barrier! Clackamas Community College offers numerous scholarships and grants.
The estimated cost of the 37-credit program includes tuition, books, and additional fees associated with obtaining a national credential through the AAPC.
Tuition and fees (three terms, 37 credits) | $4,800-$5,500 |
Textbooks and software (one-time purchase, Winter term) | $700-800 |
Additional items | |
AAPC Practice exams (Spring term) | $100 |
AAPC Membership (Summer term) | $140 |
Estimated total program cost | $5,740-$6,540 |
Optional Items:
- Medical dictionary
- Anatomy coloring book
- Flash cards (medical terminology and/or anatomy and physiology)
Upon successful completion of the Medical Billing and Coding program, students will be eligible to sit for two different national certification exams: Certified Professional Biller (CPB) and Certified Professional Coder (CPC).
The cost of these exams is not included in the program cost:
Certifications
- AAPC National Certification Exams (summer term)
Costs
- $475 (per exam)
- Note: if you take both the coding and billing exams, the cost is $950
- Note: if you take both the coding and billing exams, the cost is $950
- Each exam fee includes one free re-take
- Visit AAPC.com for more details. Online option may be available at lower cost.
It is recommended to meet with a Health Sciences Advisor prior to applying to the program. Our advisors will help answer pre-requisite program requirements.
Tracy Pantano-Rumsey, Academic Advisor
tracy.pantanorumsey@clackamas.edu, 503-594-6131
Phil Reid, Academic Advisor
philr@clackamas.edu, 503-594-0623
Academic requirements
Medical Billing and Coding Requirements
The Medical Billing and Coding (MBC) program requires students complete the following academic pre-requisite requirements. Students may take one pre-requisite course concurrently with their first term winter MBC courses.
Prerequisites:
- MA-110 Medical Terminology
- WR-121Z Composition I
- BI-120 Intro to Human Anatomy and Physiology
Medical Billing and Coding Application Process
Medical Coding and Billing Application 4
Complete the online application form: Medical Billing and Coding Application.
Students who successfully gain admission to the program will receive an email invitation to participate in the mandatory orientation via Zoom.

CONTACT OUR HEALTH SCIENCES DEPARTMENT
7738 SE Harmony Road
Milwaukie, OR 97222