2024–2025 CATALOG AND STUDENT HANDBOOK COURSE DESCRIPTIONS 109 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 Structure and Function of the Human Body 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. Prerequisite: None 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 Introduction to Health Information Management 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 Computer Applications and Business Systems Concepts; STA1625 Essential Statistics and Analytics 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 Computer Applications and Business Systems Concepts; HIM2000 Introduction to Health Information Management; HIM2589C Healthcare Statistics and Data Management; STA1625 Essential Statistics and Analytics 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 Introduction to Health Information Management 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 ICD-CM Coding; HIM1257 Ambulatory Coding Pre- or corequisite: HIM1126C ICD-PCS Coding 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. Prerequisite: Program admission HIM3202 Data, Information, and File Structures 60 hours, 4 credits This lab-based course explores database concepts, including database creation, administration, and management as well as data integrity. Focus is on granular data in database design as well as database concepts and tools such as data dictionary, data modeling, data warehousing, and data mining. Students study the functionality of databases in healthcare, the importance of data compliance with government standards, and the usefulness of databases to meet stakeholder’s needs. Prerequisite: Program admission HIM3304 Financial Management of Health Information Services 40 hours, 4 credits This course explores the healthcare finance principles required to manage a health information department, service, or project. Students take part in a departmental operating, personnel, and capital budget process. Opportunities for the health information professional’s role as well as external and internal influences on healthcare financial success are explored. Prerequisite: Program admission HIM3360 Health Data and Policy Management 40 hours, 4 credits This course prepares students for the assessment and oversight of healthcare data and policy management in healthcare settings. Students evaluate various data standards and data management, compare stakeholders within the industry, and assess disaster recovery methods. Students learn how to evaluate health record content requirements, various classification systems, clinical vocabularies, and nomenclatures. Prerequisite: Program admission HIM3412 Project Management 40 hours, 4 credits This course explores the application of general principles of project management and methodologies in healthcare. Focus is on the role of a project manager. Students learn to implement project management techniques and oversee and manage project planning activities and team members to facilitate team outcomes. Prerequisite: Program admission HIM3429 Health Law and Compliance 40 hours, 4 credits This course prepares students to be knowledgeable in federal and state laws and regulations and regulatory agencies requirements impacting healthcare settings. Students have the opportunity to evaluate the components of healthcare compliance programs, monitor adherence, and identify and recommend strategies to mitigate risk. Prerequisite: Program admission HIM3515 Health Information Leadership and Management 40 hours, 4 credits This course prepares students for leadership and management roles within a healthcare organization. Students identify and apply management skills needed to lead health information services in a variety of settings and participate in organization-wide activities. Topics explored include staff development and training, teamwork, presentation skills, change management strategies, performance measurement and improvement tools, and ethical decision-making. Prerequisites: HIM3304 Financial Management of Health Information Services; HIM3810 Human Resource Management in Health Information ALL CONTENT IS SUBJECT TO CHANGE BY ADDENDUM
