Introduces students to healthcare delivery systems and health information functions, purposes and users. Examines health record content and documentation requirements that support organizational, regulatory and accreditation standards. Investigates clinical terminologies, classifications, and code systems. Explores primary and secondary health data sources and users. Identifies data governance and data management practices that ensure the accuracy and integrity of health data. This course is limited to students in the Health Information Technology AAS program.

Introduces health law and the legal health record. Explores concepts of data privacy, confidentiality, and security. Identifies health information technologies used in a variety of healthcare settings and discusses how these technologies are utilized in the management and exchange of health information. Calculates, analyzes and prepares graphical presentations of administrative and clinical statistical data. Prerequisite: HIT 125 with a grade of C or better.

Introduces basic concepts and mechanism of disease. Examines signs, symptoms, and the disease process by body system in conjunction with associated medications used in treatment. Correlates clinical manifestations of disease with health record documentation. Interprets medical record documentation for assignment of diagnostic codes. Prerequisite: BIO 135 and HIT 125 with grades of C or better.

Discusses all phases of the revenue cycle. Considers various types of healthcare insurance including commercial insurance, managed care, and government-sponsored healthcare plans. Explores healthcare reimbursement methodologies. Identifies the elements of a compliance program and examines the associated legal and regulatory requirements. Emphasizes leadership roles and management processes. Prerequisite: HIT 125 with a grade of C or better.

Examines and interprets health record documentation, conventions and guidelines for the Healthcare Common Procedure Coding System (HCPCS). HCPCS Level I (Current Procedural Terminology (CPT) and HCPCS Level Il (National Codes) are utilized to represent procedures provided in the ambulatory care setting and services rendered by providers across all healthcare settings. Emphasis is on the six sections of the CPT Coding Manual. Prerequisite: HIT 125, HIT 165, and HSC 112 with grades of C or better.

Examines and interprets health record documentation, conventions and guidelines for the current International Classification of Diseases (ICD) in use in the United States. ICB codes capture information related to diagnoses documented in all healthcare settings and procedures provided in the inpatient setting. ICD codes are utilized for statistical purposes, quality reporting and reimbursement. Basic and intermediate coding scenarios are analyzed and interpreted in compliance with office guidelines and ethical coding practices. Reimbursement considerations are explored. Prerequisite: HIT 125, HIT 165, and HSC 112 with grades of C or better.

Explores the complex processes involved in reimbursement of healthcare services. Examines voluntary healthcare insurance plans, government-sponsored healthcare programs, managed care plans and prospective payment systems. Outlines the characteristics of value-based purchasing and pay-for-performance systems. Emphasizes the importance of revenue cycle management on the financial viability of healthcare organizations. Prerequisite: HIT 125, HIT 150, and HIT 175 with grades of C or better.

Explores the tools available in the Electronic Health Record (EHR) to improve patient care, increase patient safety, and decrease health disparities. Investigates the use of databases, data repositories, and data warehouses in healthcare. Considers the steps in the system selection and implementation process. Examines the role of decision support systems and other administrative systems that impact health information management. Differentiates between various clinical information systems and identify how each impacts patient care. Investigates models and methods for health information exchange. Discusses the necessity of standards in health information technology and policies, procedures and practices to secure protected health information. Prerequisite: HIT 125, HIT 150, and HIT 175 with grades of C or better.

Utilizes primary and secondary data sources in the application and interpretation of healthcare statistical formulas. Reviews basic research principles and contrasts descriptive, predictive and prescriptive data analytics. Explores measures of healthcare quality and the reporting of facility-wide outcomes for quality management. Utilizes process improvement tools and techniques. Examines continuous monitoring and improvement functions to enhance customer safety and satisfaction, refine the continuum of care, decrease risk exposure and manage the environment of care. NOTE: This course is only offered in the fall. Prerequisite: HIT 125, HIT 150, and HIT 175 with grades of C or better.

Examines complex areas of International Classification of Disease (ICD) and Current Procedural Coding (CPT) utilizing patient records from a wide variety of healthcare settings. Extensive use of encoder software and electronic coding references. Explores coding quality and compliance, regulatory issues and revenue cycles considerations. NOTE: This course is only offered in the spring. Prerequisite: HIT 199 with a grade of C or better.

Provides a Professional Practice Experience (PPE) coordinated by the program and designed to reinforce instruction. Each student completes a minimum of 40 hours at a practice site and/or remotely with external supervision by a health information professional. Software simulation activities may be used to supplement, but not replace, the externally supervised experience(s). Emphasizes the practice of higher-level competencies developed through prior coursework. Includes opportunities to discuss and process the externship experience, to develop workforce readiness, and to prepare and practice for the Registered Health Information Technician (RHIT) exam. NOTE: This course is taken in the final semester of the AAS degree progression and all required HIT coursework must be completed or be enrolled in prior to registering for an externship. There will be no online registration for this course; program coordinator approval is required. A criminal background check and health requirements must be met as well. Corequisite: HIT 299.

Examines the legal and ethical issues involved in protecting the privacy, confidentiality and security of health information. Explores the maintenance, content, documentation and disposition of the legal health record. Analyzes the HIPAA Privacy Rule with regard to individual rights and penalties for non-compliance. Identifies the purpose and scope of the HIPAA Security Rule and outlines penalties for non-compliance. Applies legal requirements for the proper release of information and the mandatory disclosure to public health authorities. Explores issues of risk management, corporate compliance and workplace law. Prerequisite: HIT 125, HIT 150, and HIT 175 with grades of C or better.

Integrates all coursework in the HIT AAS degree program and guides the development of a capstone project. Surveys emerging topics and trends in the industry. Explores supervisory and leadership roles, methods and tools. Deepens cultural awareness and examines the extent to which policies and procedures support diversity in healthcare delivery systems and in the workplace. NOTE: This course is taken in the final semester and all required HIT coursework for the AAS degree must be completed or enrolled in prior to registering for this class. There will be no online registration for this course; program coordinator approval is required. Corequisite: HIT 240.