UT Southwestern Medical Center has debuted a new Practice Management Institute (PMI) certification track for medical office professionals at the Dallas campus.
PMI, a provider of practice management training and credentialing for physician practice staff, will provide advanced training and certification for the positions of certified medical coder (CMC), certified medical insurance specialist (CMIS) and certified medical office manager (CMOM). The first class for coding professionals begins January 14 at the medical center. Plans to expand the program to other campuses across Texas are in the works.
“We firmly believe that through these billing, coding and compliance education programs that we will improve the overall patient satisfaction and revenue cycle processes,” said Doug Arrington, director of revenue cycle development for the UT System and head of the health division's billing compliance office at UT Southwestern Medical Center at Dallas.
The U.S. Department of Labor anticipates 18 percent to 26 percent growth over the next 10 years for medical office professionals, with a median hourly rate of $14. The certification classes are expected to target the training needs of healthcare professionals who want to remain competitive in a volatile job market.
“During tough economic times, healthcare tends to fare better than other industries. Expanding PMI certification offerings through the University of Texas Health System will give more people access to training that will improve their employability,” said Douglas O’Dell, president and CEO of PMI.
Medical office coding, billing and office management professionals who want to recession-proof their skills are encouraged to seek out targeted training.
“The mission of UT Southwestern is to educate the next generation of leaders in patient care and improve healthcare in the community,” said Michael Moore, director of business development at PMI.