Program Description
Graduates of the Patient Account Specialist TCC will be prepared to compile, process, and maintain medical records of hospital and clinic patients in a manner consistent with medical, administrative, ethical, legal, and regulatory requirements of the health care system. They will be able to process, maintain, compile, and report patient information for health requirements and standards in a manner consistent with the healthcare industry's numerical coding system. In addition, they will be able to audit incoming patient records for accuracy and completeness for revenue recognition and collection as well as be prepared to manage patient accounts by performing tasks related to patient care and third party reimbursement.
Career Information
Occupation
Patient Account Specialists, Medical Secretaries, and Administrative Assistants
Career Projections
The number of jobs in this field is expected to increase by 22.3% nationally and 26.5% in the State of Georgia over the next several years. Estimated salaries in this field start at $35,000 a year.
Labor market data was compiled using Economic Modeling Specialists, international and is updated annually.
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Admission Requirements
General College Admissions Requirements
HIMT Admissions Requirements
• Must be 16 years of age
• Completion of high school diploma or GED and submission of official transcript required to apply.
• Achievement of minimum program admission scores in Reading, English, and Math.
• Required minimum scores for program admission on Placement Exam.
• Transfer of previous post-secondary credits will be determined by the Office of Enrollment Services and HIMT Program Advisor.
Student Performance/Graduation Requirements: Students must maintain a 2.0 grade point average and complete all required courses to graduate.
Blood and Airborne Pathogens
Students enrolled in Category I and II programs at Atlanta Technical College will be performing tasks in which there is a normal occurrence for exposure to blood, other potentially infectious body materials, and airborne pathogens.
These tasks will be performed in the classroom, laboratory, and clinical activities for each occupational training program/course. Students will be required to present documentation of Hepatitis B and Tuberculosis immunizations as a result of potential occupational exposure. Students should contact their program directors for more information. Policies and procedures regarding blood and airborne pathogens may be reviewed at https://tcsg.edu/tcsgpolicy/tcsg_policy_manual.pdf.
Program Contact Information
Aletta Spence, MHA, RHIA, CCS
Health Information Management Technology
Program Director
404.225.4465
aspence@atlantatech.edu
Program Length and Cost
Minimum Program Length in Semester Terms: 2 terms
Program Credit Hours: 19
Estimated Program Cost: $4.034
Required Courses
General Education Course (3 Credits)
Occupational Courses (16 Credits)
| FYES 1001 | First Year Experience Seminar | 3 |
| ALHS 1011 | Structure and Function of the Human Body | 5 |
| ALHS 1090 | Medical Terminology for Allied Health Sciences | 2 |
| BUSN 1015 | Introduction to Healthcare Reimbursement | 3 |
| HIMT 1100 | Introduction to Health Information Technology | 3 |
Total Credit Hours: 19
Program Outcomes
1. Graduates will be able to answer patient insurance questions or refers them to the appropriate person/department.
2. Graduates will be able to verify eligibility, demographics, and patient charts for pertinent information.
3. Graduates will be able to review/audit insurance denials from government and third party payers for reimbursement.
4. Graduates will be able to review all CPT and ICD-10-CM coding, to ensure all possible revenue was recorded for accuracy on a daily basis.