Program Description:
Health Information Specialists ensure the quality of health records by verifying their completeness, accuracy and proper entry into computer systems. They use computer applications to assemble and analyze patient data for the purpose of improving care or controlling costs. They often specialize in coding diagnoses and procedures from patient records for reimbursement and research.
These skills are integrated so that the health information technician can assume different roles in a variety of health-care settings as a member of the health-care team.
Methods of instruction include lecture and instruction in the classroom and laboratories. Learning experiences include discussions, seminars, field trips, guest lecturers, videotapes, papers and projects. Practice in simulated laboratories and health-care facilities performing computerized and technical functions also are included.
Evaluation of student learning is based directly on objectives shared with the student at the beginning of each course. Methods of evaluation are based on specified criteria and include objective and essay unit exams, final examinations, situational performance tests, observation and reporting by professional practice supervisors, individual conferences, and pre-established criteria for papers and projects.
The graduate of this program is eligible to write the National Certification Exam of the American Health Information Management Association. Upon successful completion of the exam, the graduate is credentialed as a Registered Health Information Technician and may use the initials RHIT after her /his name. The essential knowledge and skills that should be possessed by an entry-level health information technician were determined by the American Health Information Management Association.
Practical application of HIS theory takes place in the Health Information Laboratory, which is set up to simulate the professional environment. Computerized systems are emphasized in practice exercises. Students work with actual medical records to acquire skills in handling medical information. Faculty assistance is available in the lab to assist students with practice labs and course work.
Two- or three-year options are available for completion of the HIS program. HIS courses are offered in the late afternoon and evenings. The three-year option requires students to register as Extended Program students and take the majority of their liberal arts and sciences courses in the first year. The second and third years would consist of professional program courses and remaining liberal arts and sciences courses.
ACCREDITATION
This program is accredited by the Commission for the Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs, in cooperation with the Council on Accreditation of the American Health Information Management Association.
Graduates of this program are granted the Associate of Applied Science (A.A.S.) degree.
Major Requirements:
HIMP105 Medical Terminology
HIMP115 Information Technology
HIMP125 Health Record as Information Tool
HIMP135 Health Document Content and Structure
HIMP145 Pharmacology and Clinical Lab
HIMP155 CPT Coding
HIMP165 Reimbursement Systems
HIMP185 ICD Coding
HIMP205 Health-Care Statistics and Quality Assurance
HIMP212 Alternative Health Care - Impact on Health Records
HIMP215 Professional Practice Application
HIMP225 Advanced Coding
HIMP235 Organization and Supervision
HIMP265 Capstone: Topics and Professional Practice Application of Health Record Management
HIMP Course Listings
Required supporting courses:
BIOL240 Anatomy & Physiology I
BIOL242 Human Disease
PHIL200 Ethical Problems in Health Care
Additional liberal arts and science and CIL requirements:
ART elective 2 cr.
CIL 100 Transcultural Communication:Interpersonal and Group Skills
CIL 110 Health Care Teams
ECOL200 Human Ecology
ENGL110 Composition I
ENGL Lit elec. 2 cr.
PSYC100 General Psychology
SSCS100 Diversity, Democracy and Social Participation
SSCS elective 2 cr.
THEO elective 2 cr.
Elective 2 cr.
NOTE: This curriculum is very tightly prescribed. Before registering for any given semester, students should consult with the program curriculum guide attached to the program class schedule and available through the Registrar's Office.
Failure to follow the curriculum guide may result in class schedule conflicts. It also might result in the need to enroll in additional credits or a delay in graduation.
Curriculum Guide
Minor Requirements: