Health Information Management

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Health Information Management (152)

PROGRAM OF STUDY
FIRST YEAR FALL

  Course #  Course Title Credit Prerequisite Courses (if applicable)
AST 193

 Studies in Excel for Healthcare Professionals

Covers new content not covered in existing courses in the discipline. Allows instructor to explore content and instructional methods to assess the course’s viability as a permanent offering. 

3  
ENG 111

College Composition I

Introduces and prepares students to the critical processes and fundamentals of writing in academic and professional contexts. Teaches the use of print and digital technologies to promote inquiry. Requires the production of a variety of academic texts, totaling at least 4500 words (15 pages typed) of polished writing. This course requires proficiency in using word processing and learning management software. This is a Passport and UCGS transfer course.

 

3 Readiness for ENG 111. 
HIT 130

Introduction to Computer Systems for Health Information Technology

Introduces students to computers in health care. Provides a basic overview of computer architecture, common software applications and their use in health care, electronic data management, adoption of the electronic health record (EHR), and privacy and security. 

3  
HIM 113

Medical Terminology & Disease Processes I

Includes the study of prefixes, suffixes, stem words, and technical terms; puts emphasis on the causes and treatment of selected disease processes. Part I of II. 

3 EDE10 and Program/Plan 152, 285, 221-286-01 or 298-02.
NAS 171

Human Anatomy & Physiology I

Presents the human organ systems and their functions as they relate to allied health science. Part I of II. This course applies to career/technical education (CTE) programs. BIO 141/142 and BIO 231/232 serve both transfer and CTE programs.

4 Must be Admitted to Plan 181, 152 or 285.
SDV 100

College Success Skills

Assists students in transition to colleges. Provides overviews of college policies, procedures, curricular offerings. Encourages contacts with other students and staff. Assists students toward college success through information regarding effective study habits, career and academic planning, and other college resources available to students. May include English and Math placement testing. Strongly recommended for beginning students. Required for graduation. 

1  
FIRST YEAR SPRING
HIM 119

Information Literacy

Presents the information literacy core competencies focusing on the use of information technology skills. Skills and knowledge will be developed in database searching, computer applications, information security and privacy, and intellectual property issues. This course applies to career/technical education (CTE) programs. ITE 152 serves both transfer and CTE programs.

3  
HIM 114

Terminology & Disease Processes II

Continues the study of prefixes, suffixes, stem words, and technical term; puts emphasis on the causes and treatment of selected disease processes. Part II of II. 

3 EDE 10
HIM 150

Health Records Management

Presents documentation format and content of the medical record relevant to the coding function. Introduces application of standard techniques for filing, maintenance, and acquisition of health information. Examines the processes of collecting, computing, analyzing, interpreting, and presenting data related to health care services. Includes legal and regulatory guidelines for the control and use of health information data.

3  
HIM 265

Facility Based Coding

Students will learn to accurately assign CPT, ICD-9 Level 1, 2 and 3, in addition to HCPCS codes for inpatient, outpatient facility, and ambulatory surgical centers according to guidelines and rules set forth by the cooperating parties. Students will apply the theory and regulations concerning prospective payment systems (in and out of the facility setting) APC and DRG assignment.

3  
HIM 253

Health Records Coding

Examines the development of coding classification systems. Introduces ICD-9-CM coding classification system, its format and conventions. Stresses basic coding steps and guidelines according to body systems. Provides actual coding exercises in relation to each system covered.

4  

ELIGIBLE FOR CAREER READINESS CERTIFICATIONS WHILE ENROLLED IN SDV 106

SECOND YEAR FALL
HIM 149

Introduction to Medical Practice Management

Introduces principles of administrative practice management. Examines patient scheduling, records management, financial systems and other systems/procedures. Focuses on the development of organizations and decision making skills utilized by the practice manager. 

2  
HIM 151

Reimbursement Issues in Medical Practice Management

Introduces major reimbursement systems in the United States. Focuses on prospective payment systems, managed care, and documentation necessary for appropriate reimbursement. Emphasizes management of practice to avoid fraud. 

2  
HIM 249

Supervision & Management Practices 

Introduces supervision and management principles with emphasis on the application of these principles in the health information setting.

3  
HIM 254

Advanced Coding & Reimbursement

Focuses on the applications and evaluation of advanced coding skills through practical exercises using actual healthcare data; while examining the components of DRGs, APCs and APGs and other prospective payment in the healthcare environment. Utilizes current coding standards in identifying payment methodologies, revenue cycle management and reimbursement.

4 HIM 253
  ELIGIBLE FOR AMERICAN PROFESSIONAL CODING CERTIFICATION (AAPC) CERTIFIED PROFESSIONAL CODER (CPC)
 
HIM 251

Clinical Practice I

Prepares the Health Information Technology Student to perform all functions commonly allocated to health record services. Gives practice in various settings under the supervision of a clinical practice supervisor. Part I of II.

 

3  
    Humanities Elective 3  
SECOND YEAR SPRING
HIM 226

Legal Aspects of Health Record Documentation

Presents the legal requirements associated with health record documentation. Emphasizes the policies and procedures concerning the protection of the confidentiality of patient’s health records. 

2  
HIM 229

Performance Improvement in Healthcare

Focuses on concepts of facility wide performance improvement, resource management and risk management. Applies tools for data collection and analysis. 

2  
HIM 233

Electronic Health Records Management

Studies new trends in management and processing of health information with emphasis on the electronic health record (EHR). Covers the definition, benefits, standards, functionality, confidentiality and security, and impact of the EHR in the healthcare environment. Explores implementation of the EHR including infrastructure required, project management techniques, information technology systems, workflow processes and redesign in various health care settings. Discusses legal issues created by implementation of the EHR.

3 HIT 130 or HIM 130
HIM 260

Pharmacology for Health Information Technology 

Emphasizes general pharmacology for Health Information professionals; covers general principles of drug actions/reactions, major drug classes, specific agents within each class, and routine mathematical calculation needed to determine desired dosages.

3  
ELIGIBLE FOR AMERICAN HEALTH INFORMATION MANAGEMENT ASSOCIATION (AHIMA) CERTIFIED CODING
ASSOCIATE (CCA) 
HIM 290

Coordinated Internship

The Coordinated Internship is designed to provide the HIM student with an opportunity to experience a supervised internship in Health Information Management with selected Health Information Management related functions coordinated by the student, Program Director and the internship host for a minimum of 40 hour. The 40 hour internship meets the CAHIIM requirement for Professional Practice Experience for Internship. The purpose of the internship is to provide a real world HIM experience for the student not currently working in the HIM field. Should the student work in HIM, the internship cannot be completed in your current job role. Accommodations must be provided in another job function(s). For example, if you are currently working in Patient Registration, your internship must be an area such as cancer registry or release of information or a combination of roles and/or functions. The HIM 290 Coordinated Internship also consist RHIT Domain I-VI Case Studies and RHIT Test Prep. In addition, there are 3 modules of resume building, cover letter and interviewing exercises to assist the student in obtaining an entry level position in Health Information Management.

2  
MTH 155

Statistical Reasoning

Presents elementary statistical methods and concepts including visual data presentation, descriptive statistics, probability, estimation, hypothesis testing, correlation and linear regression. Emphasis is placed on the development of statistical thinking, simulation, and the use of statistical software. This is a Passport and UCGS transfer course. 

3 See Table M for placement information
   

Social Science Elective

   
Total Program Credits 68  

Notes and Additional Curriculum Options

Course substitutions may be available. Please see an advisor for more information.
 

For Further Information, Contact:

Nora Blankenbecler, HIM Program Director

nblankenbecler@mecc.edu

276-523-9054

Jane Jones,  Dean of Business & Information Technology

jones@mecc.edu 276-523-9057

 

 

The Health Information Management accreditor of Mountain Empire Community College is the Commission on Accreditation for Health Informatics and Information Management Education (CAHIIM). The College’s accreditation for the Associate of Applied Science degree in Health Information Management has been reaffirmed through 2027.