CLEARLAKE >> Under the careful tutelage of Mrs. Connie Pagulayan, business office manger of Rocky Point Center, 16 medical assistant students undertook the challenge of understanding the financial aspects of the ambulatory care setting. Sept. 13 proved memorable for the wary but open minded class.
For eight intense hours Pagulayan presented the basics and more in the complicated world of billing and medical insurance in the health care arena. She emphasized the importance of accuracy, timeliness and understanding the procedures required. She reiterated the necessity to be able to explain the forms, reports and requirements to the patients involved in the process. Her message was clear: be precise, be honest, be sensible and be sensitive.
The topic of managing money in a clinic or physician office is just one of approximately 50 areas of study the future medical assistants are undertaking as they prepare for the national certification exam next spring. They agreed this subject presented a particularly difficult test of their abilities since finance in health care can defy even the experts.
The rich educational program was created for adult learners by the Lake County Office of Education Career and College Readiness Department.
Diedra Lagle is a medical assistant teacher.
