Curriculum: AAS Health Information Systems

Next Term Application Deadline

April 24, 2023

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June 20, 2023

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Curriculum at a Glance

HIS professionals play a crucial role in ensuring the quality, accuracy and security of patient information and medical records. UC’s HIS degree program is offered 100% online and combines elements of healthcare administration, coding, billing, records management, compliance, data analysis and reporting, clinical healthcare, business and information technology. Our curriculum is continuously updated with the latest compliance, quality, accreditation and certification standards.

Our CAHIIM-Accredited program is designed to prepare students to sit for the nationally recognized credential of Registered Health Information Technologist (RHIT) in their last semester. Our graduates are fully-credentialed, highly-knowledgeable and in high demand. After obtaining the RHIT certification, many of our HIS graduates continue their education by pursuing a Bachelor of Science in Health Information Management (HIM) and earning the Registered Health Information Administrator (RHIA) credential – opening up even more opportunities for career growth and professional advancement.

Sample Curriculum

Customized curriculum maps are available to fit busy schedules. Our program accepts students 3 times a year (Spring, Summer and Fall). HIS students will also participate in a Professional Practicum Experience (PPE).

The PPE provides students with professional experience and is an essential component of the HIS program. It is a unique opportunity to learn in a real-world environment – where knowledge and facts gain meaning and professional roles and responsibilities are clearly demonstrated. PPE opportunities are available at professional practice facilities throughout the U.S. HIS Program Director(s) and Faculty will assist students in securing a facility in their geographic area. These on-site and online simulations are designed to reinforce the knowledge, competencies and skills gained in the program.

Healthcare Applications and Computer Skills

Students that have transfer credit for three (3) credit hours of BIT 1013C with a C- or higher will be exempt from the Computer Skills Test. Students that have transfer credit for three (3) credit hours of HCMT 2015 will also be exempt from the Computer Skills Test and from retaking HCMT 2015.

Those that do not have transfer credit will take a Computer Skills Test during their online orientation to assess their knowledge of computer programs. Students that do not score an 80% or above on the Computer Skills Test are strongly encouraged to enroll in BIT 1013C (Introduction to Software Applications). Students that pass BIT 1013C will be more likely to succeed in HCMT 2015. BIT 1013C will give students a more comprehensive overview of computer programs that will be explored in more detail in HCMT 2015.

*HCMT 1005 (Introduction to Health Information Systems), HCMT 1017 (ICD Medical Coding I), and HCMT 2012 (Health Information Ethics) are Quality Matters Certified for meeting high-quality online course standards.

Course	Title / Description	Credit
BIOL1015	Introduction to Anatomy and Physiology Course: BIOL1015 Credit: 3 Freshmen level course, 3 undergraduate credits. This course discusses the basic anatomy and physiology of the human body, basic current medical information on common clinical disorders encountered in the health field, the nomenclature used in describing anatomy, physiology, and disease of the human body, and the etymology of key terminology. This course is designed for students enrolled in programs of Emergency Medical Professions, Health Information Technology, Medical Assisting, and Human Services and Social Work. (Not for biology majors)	3
BIOL1015L	Introduction to Anatomy and Physiology Lab Course: BIOL1015L Credit: 1 This laboratory course accompanies Introduction toAnatomy and Physiology (BIOL1015). Activities provide a deeper and practical understanding of the basic principles of human anatomy and physiology. Many of the activities utilize laboratory simulation software. Topics include histology, blood analysis, skeletal muscle physiology, nerve impulse physiology, respiratory mechanics, chemical and physical properties of digestion, cardiovascular dynamics and endocrine physiology. This course was designed for students enrolled in Health Information Systems, Medical Assisting, Multi-Skilled Health Technology, and Emergency Medical Technology (not for biology or nursing majors). Co-requisite: BIOL1015.	1
HCMT2000	Foundations of Pharmacology Course: HCMT2000 Credit: 2 This course will introduce students to the names and uses of the major classes of drugs. The purpose of this course is to develop a foundation for health professionals on how drugs work, potential interaction, and risks and benefits of Rx drugs.	2
ENGL1001	English Composition Course: ENGL1001 Credit: 3 English Composition 1001 is a writing-centered course that emphasizes the careful reading, analytical thinking, and persuasive strategies inherent in researching and writing within an academic community. Students learn that rhetorical knowledge is the basis of composing while learning to write with purpose, audience, context, and conventions in mind. Students develop rigorous academic research practices: how to locate and evaluate primary and secondary sources relevant to their line of inquiry and position their own ideas in conversation with public writing. Students also engage in regular self-reflection: articulating what they know, what they can do, and how to apply their knowledge and skills in various contexts.	3
HCMT1001	Medical Terminology for the Health Professions Course: HCMT1001 Credit: 3 This course is designed to introduce the student to medical terminology, including roots, prefixes,and suffixes, with emphasis on spelling, definition and pronunciation. The course consists of the basic rules for interpreting, constructing,and spelling medical terminology. The course includes common terminology, definitions and pronunciations for prefixes, suffixes, general body terms, and body system terminology. Each bodysystem lesson includes terms for anatomy, pathology, pharmacology, radiology, procedures, and tests. Emphasis is upon learning word roots, prefixes and suffixes and how they are combined toform medical words.	3
HCMT1005C	Introduction to Health Information Systems Course: HCMT1005C Credit: 3 This foundational course provides an overview of health information management technology. Emphasis is placed on health information data structure, health record content, governance, access, use, disclosure, privacy, and security of health information. Management and standards for the exchange of health informatics concepts are explored. An examination of health law and compliance along with technologies used in health information are identified.	3
HCMT1018	ICD Medical Coding II Course: HCMT1018 Credit: 3 This course is a continuation of HCMT1017 and the coding of diagnoses of body systems not covered in HCMT1017. This course also provides a comprehensive understanding and application of ICD-PCS (International Classifications of Diseases -Procedure Coding System). Official coding guidelines are used to accurately assign ICD-PCS and ICD-CM codes to procedural and diagnostic statements. Medical documentation is reviewed for accuracy and completeness and assigned ICD codes, both diagnostic and procedural, are evaluated for accuracy.	3
ALH1015C	Human Disease Course: ALH1015C Credit: 2 This course will provide students with an overviewof current medical information on common clinical disorders encountered in health care. Topics include principles of diseases of the various organ systems.	2
STAT1031	Introduction to Statistics Course: STAT1031 Credit: 3 A one-semester comprehensive introduction to statistics suitable for students in biology, nursing, allied health, and applied science. Discussion of data, frequency distributions, graphical and numerical summaries, design of statistical studies, and probability as a basis for statistical inference and prediction. The concepts and practice of statistical inference including confidence intervals, one and two sample t-tests, chi-square tests, regression and analysis of variance, with attention to selecting the procedure(s) appropriate for the question and data structure, and interpreting and using the result. Prerequisite: at least 30 on the ALEKS Math test or 420 on the Math Placement Test (MPT) is recommended.	3
HCMT2020	Health Information Administration Practices Course: HCMT2020 Credit: 3 This course will present an overview of management theory and principles related to health information technology in the acute and non-acute care environments. Management theory and principles to strategic planning, accreditation, licensure, and institutional issues will be examined. Focus on integrated approach to diverse healthcare projects encountered in a variety of settings as well as software is utilized to simulate project management, planning and development.	3
HCMT1017	ICD Medical Coding I Course: HCMT1017 Credit: 3 This course provides a comprehensive understanding and application of ICD-CM (International Classifications of Diseases - Clinical Modification). Official coding guidelines are used to accurately assign ICD-CM codes to diagnosis statements. Concepts related to accurate medical coding such as but not limited to sequencing, required medical documentation and provider queries. Medical documentation is reviewed for accuracy and completeness and assigned ICD-CM codes are evaluated for accuracy. Classification systems and registries are discussed and compared. Medical coder certifications are discussed as well as career opportunities and coding policies and procedures.	3
HCMT1019C	ICD Medical Coding III Course: HCMT1019C Credit: 3 This course is a continuation of HCMT1018, and the coding of anatomical structures and body systems not covered in HCMT1018. The coding of basic diagnostic/procedural statements, case studies and redacted patient medical records will be performed.	3
HCMT2025C	Advanced Coding Applications Course: HCMT2025C Credit: 3 Advanced medical coding will be completed using ICD and CPT coding principles, conventions, and updates as they apply to accurate coding of complex medical/surgical cases with emphasis on case studies. This course will include the use of computerized encoders and groupers. Utilization review processes and objectives will be discussed and the use and application of clinical indicators and clinical documentation integrity concepts to improve the integrity of coded data will be demonstrated. Coding and documentation audits will be conducted, and coding education will be developed. A discussion and monitoring of Discharged Not Final Billed (DNFB) Reports will be conducted.	3
HCMT2030C	Health Information Systems Professional Practicum Course: HCMT2030C Credit: 3 This course is the final course of the Health Information Systems Technology Associate Degree curriculum and contains an onsite practicum requirement along with the requirement to sit for the RHIT (Registered Health Information Technician) national certification exam. In this course, students review the AHIMA domains and competencies along with their previous coursework to prepare for and take the RHIT Exam. Students complete a capstone project during their practicum hours with a facility that uses health care data. Students will also complete activities to help them secure a position in the health information management field.	3
ENGL2089	Intermediate Composition Course: ENGL2089 Credit: 3 Intermediate Composition is a writing-centered course that builds on what students learn in first-year composition and focuses students’ attention on theoretical underpinning of how meaning is made, understood, and communicated within and across various discourse communities and genres. The course emphasizes critical reading and writing, advanced research and analysis skills, and rhetorical sensitivity to differences in academic, professional, and public composing. This course challenges students to engage in substantive projects drawing on primary research and source analysis methods and asks students to document, communicate, and reflect on their research.	3
HCMT1010C	CPT Medical Coding Course: HCMT1010C Credit: 3 A course that provides a comprehensive understanding of CPT (Current Procedural Terminology). This course focuses on the coding rules for the CPT coding systems and then applying the rules to code patient services.	3
HCMT2015C	Healthcare Applications Course: HCMT2015C Credit: 3 This course covers health information systems and their design, implementation, and application. Topics include spreadsheets, databases, electronic health records, data integrity, data modeling, and warehousing to meet departmental needs. Data dictionaries, data sets and the exchange of health information will also be covered.	3
HCMT2012	Health Information Ethics Course: HCMT2012 Credit: 3 An overview course that focuses on the study of healthcare codes of ethics, patient’s bill of rights, medical malpractice cases, and legal and ethical issues for medical offices. The course will examine the concepts of privacy, security, confidentiality, healthcare legislation, and regulations relating to the maintenance and use of health information.	3
HCMT2005	Healthcare Data Analysis Course: HCMT2005 Credit: 3 This course covers the principles and techniques of collecting, analyzing, and interpreting quantitative data in a healthcare setting. Data analysis to support healthcare decision making, improved patient care, and regulatory compliance is a focus. Topics include healthcare statistical vocabulary, graphical displays, measurement, Z scores, confidence intervals, and hypothesis testing.	3
HCMT2002	Healthcare Reimbursement Course: HCMT2002 Credit: 2 This course covers reimbursement methodologies used in all healthcare settings as they relate to national billing, health insurance, reimbursement, compliance, and reporting requirements.	2
HCMT2004	Revenue Cycle Management Course: HCMT2004 Credit: 2 This course provides a comprehensive understanding and application of revenue cycle management. Topics covered include revenue cycle basics, cost analysis and payer contracts, patient access, documentation and charge capture, record completion and coding, claims management, and an overview of how charges become revenue.	2