LAKE COUNTY, Calif. – Under the careful tutelage of Connie Pagulayan, AA, 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. 

Pagulayan 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 Lake County Office of Education is appreciative of Pagulayan and so many of the community guest speakers who are donating their time and talent to assist this class towards their efforts of achieving national certification. 

The expertise of these citizens lends an added value to the rich educational program created for adult learners by the Lake County Office of Education Career & College Readiness Department.