Patient Intake Specialist

The Patient Intake Specialist program is a one-semester program that prepares students to begin a career in health care in the administrative medical field. The curriculum prepares students with entry-level skills to seek employment in hospitals, treatment centers, clinics, doctors’ offices, and other health-related fields to work as (administrative medical assistants or patient representatives). This certificate program will expose students to a process that strengthens their skills in administrative medical, medical insurance & reimbursement, initial patient processing, and assist patients in obtaining services and making health care decisions. Successfully completed courses in this certificate can be applied toward the requirements for the Medical Assisting program.

A Certificate of Achievement is awarded upon completion of all required courses with a grade of C or better.

Student Selection and Fees

 Admission Requirements:

1. Graduation from an accredited high school or equivalent with a 2.0 grade point average.

2. Grade point average (GPA) of 2.0 for all college work.

3. Two sets of high school and college transcripts.

4. Completed application for admission to the program during the fall and spring semesters.

5. Current CPR/Basic Life Support (BLS) card (requirement for MA 122A: Clinical Medical Office Procedures I), which must be maintained while in the program. CPR training can be obtained from the American Heart Association or Health Care Provider course. This requirement can be satisfied by taking HLSC 100 course here at PCC.

6. After acceptance into the program, submit a completed health data form evidencing good health including required immunizations/chest x-ray or Mantoux test and Ishihara Color Vision Test.

7. Recommended Preparation: Patient Intake Specialist students must have the ability to read, write, and speak English to communicate quickly, safely, and effectively in a health care setting. Additional languages are beneficial and desired.

Applications are accepted on a year-round basis.

Enrollment is determined by the applicant pool and the selection process is by lottery while adhering to all Federal and State Laws.

Fees:

• Uniforms- A set of scrubs uniforms and lab coat: approx.$200
• Equipment and supplies, textbooks: approx. $700
• A current CPR/Basic Life Support card for Health Professionals provided by the American Heart Association must be maintained while in the program: contact organization for cost of training.  Approximately $95. Students may also satisfy this requirement by enrolling in course HLTN 1000 at no cost.
• 12 units (refer to school website for current fees unit cost, health, parking, etc.)

Fall enrollment (one-semester program)-acceptance of 20 students

Spring enrollment acceptance of 20 students

Projected annual completers- 40 students

The Patient Intake Specialist program is a one-semester program that prepares students to begin a career in health care in the administrative medical field. The curriculum prepares students with entry-level skills to seek employment in hospitals, treatment centers, clinics, doctors’ offices, and other health-related fields. This certificate program will expose students to a process that strengthens their skills in administrative medical, medical insurance & reimbursement, initial patient processing, and assist patients in obtaining services. Successfully completed courses in this certificate can be applied toward the requirements for the Certificate of Achievement in Medical Assisting.

What students will learn

• Detailed overview across multiple areas as an administrative medical assistant, electronic health records, and medical terminology
• Master the fundamentals of medical terminology and ethical best practices
• Understand the basics of working with medical documents, medical billing, and coding processes
• Learn best financial practices for a medical center
• Practice patient advocate skills to assist patients in obtaining services, understanding policies, and making health care decisions
• Understand how to best read and interpret health records
• Learn to manage patient visits, arrange follow-up care, and issue prescriptions
• Keep track of vital information such as patient allergies and medications
• Wide range of medical office management skills
• Identify the professional traits that an administrative medical assistant must possess
• Discuss the various administrative job duties and titles of an administrative medical assistant

How students will benefit

• Know how to effectively communicate with prospective patients and fellow professionals in the medical industry
• Understand how to create positive, efficient experiences for patients to make them more comfortable
• Establish the appropriate Electronic Health Record for your practice
• Jump-start your career as a health information clerk, medical records coordinator, electronic medical records technician, or electronic medical records specialist
• Professionalism represents the types of behavior that demonstrate your moral, ethical, and respectful attributes when interacting with patients and coworkers
• The medical assistant has a critical role in the ambulatory care setting, performing administrative tasks under the direction of the provider

The General Goals of the Patient Intake Specialist program:

1. Preparation as a competent entry-level administrative medical assistant in the cognitive (knowledge), psychomotor (skills), and affective (behavior) learning domains.

2. Apply ethical behaviors, including honesty and integrity in performance of medical assisting practice.

3. Demonstrate respect for patient rights including individual diversity, incorporating awareness of one’s own biases in areas including gender, race, religion, age, and economic status.

4. Promote patient privacy in various clinical settings in adherences to the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act of 1996 (HIPAA).

5. Practice safe patient care always, while utilizing personal safety precautions as defined by governing agencies.

6. Recognize and respond to emergent situations promptly and appropriately.

7. Use medical terminology, pronouncing medical terms correctly, to effectively communicate and document information, patient history, data, and observations.

Specific entry-level goals:

Students should be competent in:

1. Scheduling appointments

2. Screening telephone calls

3. Performing computer skills

4. Performing filing

5. Practicing confidentiality

6. Interviewing patients (history and symptoms)

7. Performing vital signs

8. Insurance reimbursement and insurance forms

Skills and Ability Requirements

To be successful in the program and become employable as a Patient Intake Specialist (administrative medical assistant / patient representative), students need to learn technical skills and professional aptitudes. In addition, students need to have basic computer proficiency. As a qualified applicant, you are expected to be able to perform math computations and data entry. Please see computer specifications at https://pasadena.edu/academics/divisions/health-sciences/medical-assisting/faq.php

Technical standards for students in the Medical Assisting Program

PHYSICAL STANDARDS 

Expected Level of Performance Frequency

LIFT: patients, equipment – up to 100 lbs.

CARRY: equipment, objects – up to 25 lbs.

KNEEL: to perform CPR; assist patients who fall; to retrieve items from a storage cabinet

STOOP/BEND/TWIST: to position the examination table, perform transfers

BALANCE: safely maintain while Assistant patients in ambulation and transfer

CROUCH: to locate and plug in equipment

REACH: to adjust equipment; to guard patient; to reach supplies

HANDLE: equipment such as syringes, BP cuffs

DEXTERITY: manipulate and fine-tune knobs, dials, blood pressure cuffs tools, equipment, instruments, scales, phlebotomy, injection instruments, prepare and use equipment while maintaining sterile technique and keyboard.

PUSH/PULL: wheelchairs, stretchers, patients

WALK: a distance of at least 2 miles during a normal workday

WEAR: personal protective equipment (PPE) as needed and gloves for extended periods of time

TACTILE STANDARDS PALPATE: pulses, muscle contractions, bony landmarks, swelling, skin texture

DIFFERENTIATE: between temperature and pressure variations

VISUAL STANDARDS READ: accurately; numbers, letters, cursive writing in fine and other print in varying light levels in English

DETECT: changes in skin color, patient’s facial expressions, swelling, atrophy, forms of non-verbal communication (gestures)

OBSERVE: patient and environmental to assess the patient’s condition or needs from 20 feet

SEE: BP manometer, small print on vials, syringes, dials, and gauges.

SPEAK: in English language in clear, concise manner, to communicate with patients, families, health care providers, community

RESPOND: to patient with communication disorders (aphasia, hearing loss)

COMPREHEND: oral and written language, including health care terminology in order to communicate with patients, families, health care providers, and community

WRITE: in English, clearly, legibly, for charting and computer input

AUDITORY STANDARDS HEAR: blood pressure sounds through a stethoscope, breath sounds, patient distress sounds, machine timer bells and alarms; verbal directions from supervisor from 20 feet; verbal requests from patients, physicians, etc.

 Student Learning Outcomes

• Demonstrate ambulatory care administrative functions related to electronic health records, computer technology, telephone techniques, and scheduling appointments.
• Discuss patient-care services that involve registration, insurance verification, pre-authorization, preparation of claim forms, and reimbursement.
• Evaluate the requirements for health insurance plans, government, managed care, and private insurance companies.
• Perform patient screening and assessment, including demographic and clinical information.
• Relate word elements with basic anatomy, physiology, ad disease processes of the human body.

Students will be assessed on their ability to

• Demonstrate technical skills, safety and infection control procedures as outlined by the CDC and OSHA guidelines for Medical Assistants.
• Development of aptitudes of professionalism, empathy, work ethic and a commitment for continued education and training
• Exhibit communication and conflict resolution strategies in a culturally diverse community.

Competence in Major Course Objectives

All applicants must demonstrate competence in all major course objectives which include, but are not limited to, the following:

• Utilize appropriate oral and written communications.
• Establish and maintain appropriate relationships with patients, families, and other health care professionals conducive to providing quality care.
• Demonstrate ability to perform clinical skills such as taking patients vital signs and general office administrative procedures.
• Demonstrate personal and professional qualifies such as appropriate initiative, good judgment, flexibility, self-confidence, resourcefulness, and tact.
• Demonstrate ethical and professional abilities.
• Demonstrate organizational skills including time management, record keeping, and ability to work as a member of a professional health care team.
• Demonstrate ability to adapt rapidly and appropriately to new clinical settings and environments.
• Ability to handle the stresses of an intensive academic and clinical training program.
• Ability to apply universal precautions when indicated.

The Patient Intake Specialist program is a one-semester program that prepares students to begin a career in health care in the administrative medical field. The curriculum prepares students with entry-level skills to seek employment in hospitals, treatment centers, clinics, doctors’ offices, and other health-related fields to work as (administrative medical assistants or patient representatives). This certificate program will expose students to a process that strengthens their skills in administrative medical, medical insurance & reimbursement, initial patient processing, and assist patients in obtaining services and making health care decisions. Successfully completed courses in this certificate can be applied toward the requirements for the Medical Assisting program.

A Certificate of Achievement is awarded upon completion of all required courses with a grade of C or better.

Student Selection and Fees

 Admission Requirements:

1. Graduation from an accredited high school or equivalent with a 2.0 grade point average.

2. Grade point average (GPA) of 2.0 for all college work.

3. Two sets of high school and college transcripts.

4. Completed application for admission to the program during the fall and spring semesters.

5. Current CPR/Basic Life Support (BLS) card (requirement for MA 122A: Clinical Medical Office Procedures I), which must be maintained while in the program. CPR training can be obtained from the American Heart Association or Health Care Provider course. This requirement can be satisfied by taking HLSC 100 course here at PCC.

6. After acceptance into the program, submit a completed health data form evidencing good health including required immunizations/chest x-ray or Mantoux test and Ishihara Color Vision Test.

7. Recommended Preparation: Patient Intake Specialist students must have the ability to read, write, and speak English to communicate quickly, safely, and effectively in a health care setting. Additional languages are beneficial and desired.

Applications are accepted on a year-round basis.

Enrollment is determined by the applicant pool and the selection process is by lottery while adhering to all Federal and State Laws.

Fees:

• Uniforms- A set of scrubs uniforms and lab coat: approx.$200
• Equipment and supplies, textbooks: approx. $700
• A current CPR/Basic Life Support card for Health Professionals provided by the American Heart Association must be maintained while in the program: contact organization for cost of training.  Approximately $95. Students may also satisfy this requirement by enrolling in course HLTN 1000 at no cost.
• 12 units (refer to school website for current fees unit cost, health, parking, etc.)

Certificate of Achievement: Patient Intake Specialist

1 Semester

Total: 12 units

Do any active inventory records need to be made inactive or changed in connection with the approval of the proposed program?  If yes, please specify.  No

• Does the program replace any existing program(s) on the college’s inventory?  Provide relevant details if this program is related to the termination or scaling down of another program(s). No
• What related programs are offered by the college?  Entry-level Medical Assistant

Similar Programs at Other Colleges in Service Area

Glendale Community College – Administrative Medical Assistant Certificate Program. This degree or certificate is designed to prepare students for employment as a medical assistant in a physician’s office or clinic. Upon completion of this program students will be able to schedule appointments, perform medical office duties, handle financial matters including medical insurance collection, manage electronic health records and other ancillary medical records, and to complete the insurance and reimbursement process. https://www.glendale.edu/academics/degree-certificate-programs/certificate-programs/medical-administrative-assistant

Long Beach City College – An Administrative Medical Assistant assists the physician in caring for the patient in the medical office or clinic. The range of administrative duties include answering phones, scheduling in and out of office appointments, verifying insurance, greeting patients, insurance billing (CPT and ICD-10 coding), insurance authorizations, vital signs, and processing payments.

https://programmap.lbcc.edu/academics/interest-clusters/40e8babd-d8af-4a5e-91ee-2b5b24544be8/programs/ba506e29-f69f-2b06-8526-e47755b7260d

Santa Monica College - This program combines the Administrative Medical Assistant program with training in electronic health records and medical terminology to give you a competitive edge in the healthcare field. You will learn the professional traits and responsibilities to become a vital part of the healthcare team.

https://careertraining.smc.edu/training-programs/medical-administrative-assistant-certification/

West Los Angeles – The Certificate of Achievement in Medical Assisting - Administrative prepares students to pursue a career in administrative medical assisting. Students will learn to provide administrative support to medical offices in a variety of healthcare settings. The program will prepare competent entry-level medical assistants in the cognitive, psychomotor, and affective learning domains.

ammap.wlac.edu/academics/interest-clusters/f8bfbc8c-3cde-4a4d-abda-46d95492d017/programs/ce3be995-d3c7-60da-5137-c1ea79b0f26c

Saddleback College – The Administrative Medical Assistant program prepares the student for employment as an administrative (front office) medical assistant in a medical office, clinic, or outpatient center. This certificate program is designed to help meet industry demand, offering education and training on soft skills, appointment scheduling, reception duties, managing patient medical records, insurance authorizations, reimbursement and coding for the medical office or clinic.

https://www.saddleback.edu/programs-degrees/school-health-and-wellness-programs-and-degrees/administrative-medical-assistant

Santiago Canyon – Offers Clinical Medical Assistant training which includes administrative course completion.

This course will train students to become a critical healthcare team member. Clinical medical assistants combine clinical and procedural knowledge, working across the domain of healthcare facilities to aid in patient care and in-office procedures. They are tasked with working directly with patients and supporting the work of doctors and other healthcare professionals. This 100% online course will prepare you to work as a certified clinical medical assistant (CCMA), designated by the National Health Career Association (NHA).
https://www.sccollege.edu/campus/communityeducation/SitePages/Clinical-Medical-Assistant.aspx

Glendale Community College – Administrative Medical Assistant Certificate Program. This degree or certificate is designed to prepare students for employment as a medical assistant in a physician’s office or clinic. Upon completion of this program students will be able to schedule appointments, perform medical office duties, handle financial matters including medical insurance collection, manage electronic health records and other ancillary medical records, and to complete the insurance and reimbursement process. https://www.glendale.edu/academics/degree-certificate-programs/certificate-programs/medical-administrative-assistant

Long Beach City College – An Administrative Medical Assistant assists the physician in caring for the patient in the medical office or clinic. The range of administrative duties include answering phones, scheduling in and out of office appointments, verifying insurance, greeting patients, insurance billing (CPT and ICD-10 coding), insurance authorizations, vital signs, and processing payments.

https://programmap.lbcc.edu/academics/interest-clusters/40e8babd-d8af-4a5e-91ee-2b5b24544be8/programs/ba506e29-f69f-2b06-8526-e47755b7260d

Santa Monica College - This program combines the Administrative Medical Assistant program with training in electronic health records and medical terminology to give you a competitive edge in the healthcare field. You will learn the professional traits and responsibilities to become a vital part of the healthcare team.

https://careertraining.smc.edu/training-programs/medical-administrative-assistant-certification/

West Los Angeles – The Certificate of Achievement in Medical Assisting - Administrative prepares students to pursue a career in administrative medical assisting. Students will learn to provide administrative support to medical offices in a variety of healthcare settings. The program will prepare competent entry-level medical assistants in the cognitive, psychomotor, and affective learning domains.

ammap.wlac.edu/academics/interest-clusters/f8bfbc8c-3cde-4a4d-abda-46d95492d017/programs/ce3be995-d3c7-60da-5137-c1ea79b0f26c

Saddleback College – The Administrative Medical Assistant program prepares the student for employment as an administrative (front office) medical assistant in a medical office, clinic, or outpatient center. This certificate program is designed to help meet industry demand, offering education and training on soft skills, appointment scheduling, reception duties, managing patient medical records, insurance authorizations, reimbursement and coding for the medical office or clinic.

https://www.saddleback.edu/programs-degrees/school-health-and-wellness-programs-and-degrees/administrative-medical-assistant

Santiago Canyon – Offers Clinical Medical Assistant training which includes administrative course completion.

Projected annual completers- 40 students

N/A