Frequently Asked Questions

WHAT IS MEDICAL TRANSCRIPTION?
Medical Transcription is dictation of patient information into different types of transcription equipment. For example, one method is through the use of microcassette recorders; others include wav files, telephone systems, and C-Phones. As a Medical Transcriptionist, you are responsible for receiving a tape of information and typing that information into a word processing program, such as Microsoft Word or Word Perfect. This information must be transcribed word-for-word, using the format that the doctor uses (SOAP notes, discharge summaries, etc.). For medical transcription jobs, basic computer knowledge is a must, as are basic typing skills and a knowledge of commonly-used word processing programs. Most doctors or medical transcription companies ask for a minimum of 60 wpm. Also, many companies now use the Internet, which gives you work at home opportunities without having to drop off and pick up tapes. Medical Transcriptionists are in high demand. Most jobs provide excellent pay and great benefits, with the opportunity to have an extremely flexible schedule and work environment. You can choose to work at home or in an office, providing services to professionals such as medical providers, hospitals, insurance agencies, law offices, physical therapy practices. Additional information about medical transcription jobs, both work at home opportunities and onsite jobs, are provided in our final lecture session.

WHAT IS MEDICAL BILLING/CODING?
As a Medical Biller/Coder you are responsible for reviewing the documentation the physicians have provided and assigning the correct diagnosis and procedure codes, entering the necessary information into the patient’s account and submitting the claims to the Insurance Companies. You are then responsible for tracking and receiving payment from the Insurance Companies and billing the patient when necessary. You will also be responsible for reviewing any denials and researching to make sure that the claim was submitted correctly the first time. If any necessary changes can be made you are responsible for making the changes and following up with the insurance companies. Basic computer knowledge is a must. Many offices use the Internet and are willing to provide you with their billing programs to install on your home computer allowing you to work from home. Medical Billers and Coders are in high demand. Most offices and hospitals find it very difficult to find Medical Billers and Coders and when they do, are willing to provide great pay and benefits. If you choose to work in the office or hospital, flexible schedules are also possible and they tend to be very accommodating. As well as working in physician’s offices and hospitals, you can choose to work for Medical Billing Companies, Ambulance Services and Nursing Homes. If you complete the course with a satisfactory grade, you will receive a Certificate of Completion from both Medical Billing & Coding as well as a certificate from Medical Terminology, Letter of Recommendation, a list of companies in the field with addresses and phone numbers, and we would be happy to provide a personal reference for you. Should you decide to take Course #2, you will be prepared to sit for your CPC exam which provides you a national certificate, good for 2 years, and a title of CPC. Our instructors are professionals in the industry and can offer you the benefit of their knowledge and experience. Correspondence courses also available with audio lectures, and optional net meetings with the instructor.

WHAT IS PERSONAL SUPPORT SPECIALIST?
Personal Support Specialists are in high demand in a fast growing field due to the increase in needs for an aging population. For individuals needing a little extra assistance, hiring a personal care attendant could mean the difference between remaining in familiar surroundings and moving to an assisted living facility. Personal Support Specialists make it possible for their clients to remain in their homes when they might otherwise be forced to enter care facilities. Most Personal Care Attendants work with elderly or disabled people who need more extensive care than family or friends can provide. Some aides help discharged hospital patients who have relatively short-term needs. In home health care agencies, a registered nurse, physical therapist, or social worker usually assigns specific duties and supervises Personal Support Specialists. Attendants keep records of services performed and the patients' condition and progress. They report changes in patients' conditions to a supervisor or case manager. People working in the related occupation "personal/home care aide" focus on the household duties of clients;Personal Support Specialists concentrate on health-related care. Personal/home care aides may also advise families with problems involving such things as nutrition, cleanliness, and household utilities. Personal care attendants may change bed linens, prepare meals, and help with bathing, dressing, and grooming. They may also check pulse, temperature, and respiration; help with simple prescribed exercises; and help patients move about their homes. Occasionally, they change nonsterile dressings, give massages and alcohol rubs, or assist with braces and artificial limbs. Experienced Personal Support Specialists also may assist with medical equipment, such as ventilators, which help patients breathe.

WHAT IS PHARMACY TECHNICIAN?
As a Pharmacy Technician, you will be helping the Licensed Pharmacist with all the necessary day-to-day services that the Pharmacy provides. Everything from preparing medications to answering phones, receiving and verifying prescriptions, counting tablets, taking requests for refilling of medications, and much more. You are an assistant to the pharmacist. Talk about job security!! This is a growing field with high demand and great salaries. You can work for places such as: Pharmacies at Hospitals and independent Pharmacies like Rite Aid and Wal-Mart and Walgreens. There are so many possibilities. Excellent communication skills and customer service are essential in this field. You must have the ability to learn and retain procedural processes and apply them quickly and accurately. Most places do require flexibility of hours some might ask for: nights, weekends, or holidays depending on where you work and for whom you work.