Health Information Management (HIM)

HIM1103 Coding Foundations
50 hours, 4 credits

This course provides students with an overview of the coding classification systems, use of code books, and hands-on experience with electronic encoders, in preparation for success in the ICD-CM, ICD-PCS, and Ambulatory Coding (CPT) courses. Students gain a fundamental understanding of the applications for the various coding classification systems along with billing and reimbursement practices within a variety of settings. Emphasis is placed on developing ethical coding and billing practices with the application of official coding guidelines and standards.

Pre- or corequisites: HSC1531; PHA1500

HIM1125 ICD-CM Coding
40 hours, 4 credits

This course provides in-depth study of the International Classification of Diseases-Clinical Modification (ICD-CM) using sample exercises and health records to develop skill and accuracy in assigning codes in inpatient, outpatient, and physician care settings. Students apply International Classification of Diseases-10-Procedure Coding System (ICD-10-CM) coding guidelines appropriate to the coding situation and learn diagnostic coding of all body systems. Students are introduced to industry-accepted sources for coding guidance. Practice in the use of coding and grouper software introduced in Coding Foundations further develops student skills with these tools. Students explore the use of ICD-10-CM codes in the billing and reimbursement functions with the opportunity to practice claim form completion.

Prerequisite: HIM1103
Pre- or corequisite: HIM2224C

HIM1126C ICD-PCS Coding
40 hours, 4 credits

This course provides an in-depth study of the International Classification of Diseases-10-Procedure Coding System (ICD-10-PCS) using exercises and health records to develop skill and accuracy in assigning codes in the inpatient setting. Students apply ICD-10-PCS coding guidelines supported by health record documentation. Students use encoders and identify appropriate online resources to help determine correct codes. Emphasis is placed on developing ethical coding and billing practices with the application of official guidelines for coding and reporting. Students explore the physician query process and the use of ICD-10-PCS codes in the billing and reimbursement functions with the opportunity to practice claim form completion.

Prerequisite: HIM1103
Pre- or corequisite: HIM2224C

HIM1257 Ambulatory Coding
40 hours, 4 credits

This course provides an in-depth study of the Healthcare Common Procedure Coding System (HCPCS) / Current Procedural Terminology (CPT) Coding System using exercises and health records to develop skill and accuracy in assigning codes for providers and outpatient services. Students apply coding guidelines supported by health record documentation. Students use encoders and identify appropriate online resources to help determine correct codes. Emphasis is placed on developing ethical coding and billing practices with the application of official guidelines for coding and reporting and the opportunity to practice claim form completion for physicians and outpatient services.

Prerequisite: HIM1103
Pre- or corequisite: HIM2224C

HIM1507 Medical Billing and Insurance
40 hours, 3 credits

In this course, students will develop knowledge of different components of medical insurance and billing. They will learn skills associated with claim form preparation, processing and submission in addition to an introduction to medical coding. Topics include medical insurance and billing tasks for healthcare systems, programs, and commercial insurance plans within healthcare environments.

Prerequisites: HSA1022; HSC1531; PHA1500

HIM2000 Introduction to Health Information Management
40 hours, 4 credits

This course introduces students to the field of health information management. Topics include health information roles, various healthcare providers, and the different clinical/organizational settings these professionals work in as well as health information service operational functions. This course explores the fundamental health information management concepts as well as the ability to identify health record content and format in various formats and based on external and internal regulations and accreditation standards. Data quality characteristics and data governance are introduced to students emphasizing the importance of data accuracy and integrity.

HIM2133 Revenue Cycle and Billing
40 hours, 4 credits

This course will prepare the student to understand the components of the revenue cycle and their interconnectivity. Students will be introduced to common third-party payers, insurance terminology, and medical billing. Plan options, payer requirements, and state and federal regulations relating to the revenue cycle will be examined. They will learn skills including claim form preparation and processing, and electronic claim submission and the management of these revenue cycle processes. The focus will be on accuracy of data collected and data processed for proper and timely payment.

Prerequisite: HSC1531

HIM2135 Revenue Cycle Management
40 hours, 4 credits

This course focuses on the revenue life cycle from initial patient contact through final reimbursement and auditing. Students are introduced to the services, job functions, and responsibilities involved in revenue cycle functions and management. Revenue cycle processes, including auditing and financial controls, are evaluated. A variety of reimbursement methodologies and payer plans are examined, and students have an opportunity to assess revenue cycle regulations and guidelines along with internal and external reporting requirements.

Prerequisites: CGS1240; HIM2000

HIM2224C Health Information Pathophysiology and Pharmacology
40 hours, 3 credits

This course focuses on the exploration of human pathophysiology and pharmacology, centering on specific disease processes in the human body, including the cause, diagnosis, and treatment of disease. Topics include drug classifications, drug actions, the most commonly prescribed drugs, and reference materials. This course further develops practice for health information students in identifying key information from the health record related to the diagnosis and treatment of disease in order to support correct coding and quality management of the medical record.

Prerequisite: PHA1500

HIM2410 Health Information Law and Ethics
40 hours, 4 credits

This course provides students a foundation in the United States legal system and healthcare laws, regulations, processes, and ethical considerations impacting health information. Topics include healthcare laws and regulations surrounding patient privacy and confidentiality, protected health information, release of information, fraud and abuse, and the legal health record. This course develops the student’s ability to identify and respond to potential ethical dilemmas in health information management.

HIM2515 Management and Leadership in Health Information
40 hours, 4 credits

This course prepares students for the management of health information services and entry-level supervisory functions. Students are introduced to fundamental management and leadership principles and skills with application to health information departments and services. Topics covered include ethical standards of practice, human resource strategies, financial management processes, and the function of teams.

Prerequisite: HIM2000

HIM2589C Healthcare Statistics and Data Management
40 hours, 3 credits

This course introduces students to the study of the calculation of statistics for healthcare operations and the analysis and graphical presentation of data using statistical and data presentation and report generating tools. Students articulate health record documentation and reporting related to regulatory requirements, the basic concepts of managing data, and the principles of research used in healthcare. This course provides a foundation for students to continue to engage in applying health informatics concepts in the management of health information, including managing data within a database system, analyzing trends, and reporting data graphically to meet the needs of healthcare stakeholders.

Prerequisites: CGS1240; STA1625

HIM2624C Data Analytics and Informatics in Healthcare
40 hours, 3 credits

This course builds upon the foundation learned in the previous course on healthcare statistics and data analytics by providing more in-depth opportunities to manage data within a database and assess methodologies related to health information management to meet stakeholder needs, considering national standards for reporting and exchange of information. Topics focus on the evaluation of data to identify trends, formatting health data using various visual displays and presentation tools, and applying data governance principles to collect and manage data using database management tools. Students have the opportunity to explore the role of emerging technologies in healthcare and patient engagement.

Prerequisites: CGS1240; HIM2000; HIM2589C; STA1625

HIM2655C Healthcare Technologies
50 hours, 4 credits

This course focuses on the components of an electronic health record (EHR) and the elements of electronic health record planning, implementation, and ongoing use and management. Students are introduced to data dictionaries and the use of databases and reporting healthcare information. The history of EHRs, applicable EHR regulations and standards, and common challenges faced with EHR systems, including interoperability and security, are explored. Students are introduced to and have an opportunity to perform activities utilizing health information technology applications in capturing, utilizing, and securing health information, including patient engagement tools.

Prerequisite: HIM2000

HIM2944 Medical Billing and Coding Practicum
60 hours, 2 credits

This course provides practical application of previously acquired knowledge and skills through clinical case scenarios and sample medical records. Students demonstrate competence in determining the principal diagnosis and sequencing of multiple diagnoses and procedures for data collection and reimbursement. This course allows students to demonstrate skills in coding inpatient and outpatient records using coding books and encoder applications. Assessments include the application of official coding guidelines to ensure compliance with reporting and billing requirements, participation in clinical documentation improvements activities, preparation of physician queries, and assessment of final bill accuracy. Students explore the format and requirements related to external coding credentialing exams for the purpose of improving confidence and readiness if they choose to pursue a coding related credential.

Prerequisites: HIM1125; HIM1257
Pre- or corequisite: HIM1126C

HIM2945 Health Information Technician Professional Practice Experience
90 hours, 3 credits

This course allows students to gain professional practice experience in a health information technician role through a combination of 40 hours of externally supervised professional practice experience activities, including a project with a healthcare-related site and virtual and simulated experiences within the course. The experiences are designed to provide students the opportunity to have a variety of experiences and utilize healthcare-related technology in various health information services and healthcare work settings.

Prerequisites: Must have passed all other HIT associate courses; Must be completed in student’s final quarter

HIM2966 Health Information Technician Associate Capstone
30 hours, 3 credits

This course provides the opportunity for students to demonstrate mastery of the Health Information Technician programmatic student learning outcomes and competencies obtained throughout the program. Through a case study project, students demonstrate their ability to integrate theory, practical experience, and transferable skills learned throughout the program in real life-based assessment activities. Students have the opportunity for review in preparation for the AHIMA® RHIT® exam.

Prerequisites: Must have passed all other HIT associate courses; Must be completed in student’s final quarter

HIM3001 Information and Communication Technologies
40 hours, 4 credits

This course prepares students to evaluate technologies available to manage health information and communication, including hardware and software to ensure data collection, storage, analysis, and reporting of information. Students explore the systems development life cycle, take part in clinical informatics, identify standards for the health information exchange, and evaluate policies and strategies for use with healthcare technology.