Health Services

To prepare the students to communicate and interact effectively with consumers and members of the health care delivery team.

• Students will communicate and interact effectively with instructors and peers through on-line interactions.
• Students will communicate and interact effectively with consumers and health care delivery team at health related agency.
• Students will demonstrate the ability to respect differences that may be a result of cultural heritage.

To prepare competent entry-level health information technicians (RHIT) in the cognitive (knowledge), psychomotor (skills) and affective (behavior) learning domains.

• Students will demonstrate an understanding of appropriate legal and ethical behaviors.
• Students will demonstrate an understanding of knowledge of HIPAA regulations.
• Student will demonstrate appropriate judgment to ensure confidentiality and security of health information.

To prepare students to pass a national credentialing examination.

• Graduates of the program will successfully pass a national credentialing examination.
• Graduates will demonstrate a pass rate for first time examinees, which meets or exceeds the National pass-rate.

To prepare graduates to successfully transfer to a four-year institution in a related field of study or to secure employment in the HIM field

• Graduates of the program transfer with full junior level status to a four-year institution in a related field of study.
• Graduates will be employed in the HIM field within 6 months of graduation.
• Graduates are satisfied with the preparation provided by the program.
• Employers of the graduates express satisfaction with the preparation provided by the program.

To prepare students to calculate, display, and interpret statistical information related to the health care field.

• Students will demonstrate the ability to display and interpret health information data.
• Students will demonstrate an understanding of the use of formulas that are used in health care statistics.

To prepare students to demonstrate information literacy.

• Students will use traditional and contemporary information technology.
• Students will identify, access, and appropriately use authoritative sources of information.

This course develops the skills necessary to improve success in college. It covers general College procedures, time management and study skills, and specific student responsibilities. Collaborative projects are included. Corequisites: This course must be taken in the student’s first fifteen hours of study.

This course focuses on self-expressive, informative, and argumentative/persuasive writing. Emphasis is placed on the composition of clear, correct, and effective prose required in a variety of professions and occupations. Prerequisites: The required developmental reading (DS050 Developmental Reading, DS051 Essential Reading & Study Skills, or DS080 Study Reading), or SL115 ESL4: Advanced Reading, and/or writing courses (EN099 Introduction to College English or SL116 ESL4: Advanced Composition) or permission of the instructor or designee.

This course introduces the health information technology arena, covering the profession including its functions and origins. It includes technical functions such as abstracting, discharge analysis, microfilming, storage, and retention of health information. The responsibilities of other healthcare providers, including the medical staff, are reviewed. (Fall semester)

• A grade of "C" or better is required for successful completion of course.

This course concentrates on spelling, pronunciation, and the meaning of medical word components, common terms used in selected body systems, and medical abbreviations. (Spring semester)

• A grade of "C" or better is required for successful completion of course.

This course covers the structure and function of the human organism and the regulatory processes that operate within a living system. It introduces general anatomical, physiological, and chemical organization, and includes the integumentary (skin), skeletal, muscular, and nervous systems. Laboratories involve vertebrate dissection, the use of prosected human cadavers and human skeletal materials, microscope work, non-invasive human experimentation, and possibly animal experimentation. Prerequisite: One year of high school chemistry or equivalent preparation, or Life Science Department Head permission. Students enrolled in Health Services Department programs are recommended to complete this course before beginning their specialized program coursework.

This course provides knowledge of relevant computer skills and a solid foundation in the terminology and concepts of computer technology. Experience is provided with a variety of microcomputer software applications, including word processing, electronic spreadsheets, graphics, file management, and integrated software. Concepts and terms focus on preparing for a technologically oriented society and using the computer as a tool for productivity, research, and communication.

This course is a required professional practice experience (PPE) for Health Information Technology students in which they use their knowledge and practice their skills. It focuses on the technical functions in the Health Information Department of an acutecare health facility. Prerequisite:MR101 Health Information Introductory Concepts. (Intersession only)

• A grade of "C" or better is required for successful completion of course.

This course introduces indexing conditions and procedures using the Current Procedural Terminology. It covers how to code from actual medical records and introduces the current prospective payment system(s). Prerequisites:MR101 Health Information Introductory Concepts (Health Information Technology majors only),MR103 Medical Terminology. (Spring semester)

• A grade of "C" or better is required for successful completion of course.

This course introduces indexing diseases and operations using the International Classification of Disease. It covers how to code from actual medical records and introduces DRGs and the Prospective Payment System. Prerequisites:MR101 Health Information Introductory Concepts,MR103 Medical Terminology, BI106 Human Anatomy & Physiology 1. (Health Information Technology majors only) (Spring semester)

• A grade of "C" or better is required for successful completion of course.

This course covers the pharmacological, pathophysiological, therapeutic, and diagnostic aspects of medicine. It includes the concepts and medical word components for body systems and disorders encountered in healthcare.Discussions include pharmacological agents and the diagnostics test(s) used for disease processes, the selection of a particular pharmacological intervention, how its effectiveness is monitored using diagnostic interventions, and the value of laboratory tests. Prerequisite:MR103 Medical Terminology. (Spring semester)

• A grade of "C" or better is required for successful completion of course.

This course, which is a continuation of BI106 Human Anatomy & Physiology 1, involves the study of structure, function, and regulation in the human organism. Topics include blood, peripheral nerves, the cardiovascular system, lymphatics, the respiratory system, the excretory system, the endocrine system, the reproductive systems, the digestive system, and metabolism. Laboratories involve vertebrate dissection, the use of prosected human cadavers and human skeletal materials, microscope work, non-invasive human experimentation, and possibly animal experimentation. Prerequisite: BI106 Human Anatomy & Physiology 1, or Life Science Department Head permission. Students enrolled in Health Services Department programs are recommended to complete this course before beginning their specialized program coursework. Students with transfer credit for BI106 Anatomy and Physiology 1 must complete a three-hour orientation to the use of prosected human cadavers before participating in the BI107 Human Anatomy and Physiology 2 laboratory. Transfer students must meet with the Life Science Department Head thirty days before beginning this course.

This course examines the physiological consequences of various disease states. Diseases are treated as threats to homeostasis. The effects of pathology on normal bodily processes are discussed at various organizational levels, including biochemical, cellular, histological, and organ systems. This course is designed for allied health students. Prerequisites: BI106 Human Anatomy and Physiology 1 or Department Head. Corequisite: BI107 Human Anatomy & Physiology 2.

This course is a continuation of MR210 Professional Practice Experience 1. It focuses on Coding and Data Entry in the Health Information Department of an acute-care health facility. Prerequisites: MR104CPT Procedural Coding,MR105 International Classification Systems, and MR210 Professional Practice Experience 1.

• A grade of "C" or better is required for successful completion of course.

This course encourages a deeper understanding of human nature and the human condition through the study of ideas and values expressed in imaginative literature and a full-length book of nonfiction. Emphasis is placed on the use and development of critical thinking and language skills. Library-oriented research is required. Prerequisites: EN101 English 1: Composition.

This course covers non-acute care settings such as mental health facilities, home care, ambulatory care, and long-term care. Emphasis is placed on the documentation requirements, differences in reimbursement systems, utilization management, and quality management. Prerequisites:MR101 Health Information Introductory Concepts, MR104 CPT Procedural Coding, and MR105 International Classification Systems. (Fall semester)

• A grade of "C" or better is required for successful completion of course.

This course introduces computer applications in the health care field with emphasis on Health Information systems in acute care facilities. Prerequisites: MR101 Health Information Introductory Concepts,MR104 CPT Procedural Coding,MR105 International Classification Systems (Health InformationTechnology majors only), IS101 Computer Applications & Concepts 1. Corequisites: MR200 Allied Health and MR204 Quality Review in Health Care (Health InformationTechnology majors only). (Fall semester)

This course covers quality improvement and the evaluation of quality medical care including the quality review, utilization management, and risk management components. It includes basic hospital and vital statistics, and their applications. Prerequisites: MR101 Health Information Introductory Concepts. (Fall Semester only)

This course introduces the many and varied facets of psychology. Emphasis is on interactions of individuals in their cultural, social, and economic environments as determined by their cognitive, behavioral, and emotional experiences and training.

This course gives an understanding of and a feeling for the society in which we live. The concepts and theories discussed relate to humanity, its culture and society, and to those forces that contribute to the smooth operation of this society as well as those forces that contribute to conflict and social problems. Topics include culture, socialization, stratification, population, and patterns of social organization.

This course introduces probability and statistics. Topics include graphs, tables, frequency distributions, measures of central tendency and dispersion, normal distribution, correlation and regression, probability, and inferential statistics. This course is available in two formats: lecture only, or lecture plus laboratory using technology. Prerequisite: An appropriate placement test result or MA045 Basic Math Skills or MA050 Introductory Mathematics.

This course covers management and supervisory topics such as motivation, planning, actuating, controlling, organizing, span of control, unity of command, and inter and intradepartmental relationships. Prerequisites:MR200 Allied Health and MR204 Quality Review in Health Care (Health Information Technology majors only). Corequisites:MR203 Information Systems in Health Care (Health Information Technology majors only) (Spring semester )

• A grade of "C" or better is required for successful completion of course.

This course introduces the legal aspects of health information, with emphasis placed on civil law and how healthcare settings are affected by law and by non-governmental rulemaking bodies. Topics include a review of the history of common law, the primary sources of law, tort law, the court system, corporate liability, medical staff issues, consent to treatment, confidentiality, reporting obligations, and patient rights. It discusses the principles guiding the control, security, and usage of health information. (Spring semester)

• A grade of "C" or better is required for successful completion of course.

This course combines the knowledge and experience gained through MR210 Professional Practice Experience 1 and MR211 Professional Practice Experience 2, applying them to non-acute care settings. It introduces different management styles, record keeping systems, reimbursement methods, documentation requirements, and performance improvement/corporate compliance activities. Prerequisite:MR211 Professional Practice Experience 2. (Spring semester)

• A grade of "C" or better is required for successful completion of course.

Students employ existing coding skills to enhance their clinical and coding knowledge using the current versions of CPT Procedural Coding and HCPCS. Students review and code clinical scenarios related to various body systems. Prerequisites: MR104 CPT Procedural Coding, MR105 International Classification Systems, AH110 Professional Practice Experience 1 MC. Corequisites: MR215 Advanced ICD-9-CM Coding and AH111 Professional Practice Experience 2 MC. (Spring semester only)

• A grade of "C" or better is required for successful completion of course.

Students employ existing coding skills to enhance their clinical and coding knowledge using the International Classification of Disease, 9th Revision. Students review and code medical scenarios related to various body systems. Prerequisites: MR105 International Classification Systems and MR104 CPT Procedural Coding. Corequisites: MR214 Advanced CPT Procedural Coding and AH111 Professional Practice Experience 2 MC. (Spring semester only)

• A grade of "C" or better is required for successful completion of course.

The course introduces medical insurance billing, and credit and collection procedures. It provides an understanding of the insurance options and the laws governing the payors/insurers.Topics include preparing and reviewing claims forms, the significance of coding, electronic and computerized billing, and fraud and abuse. Prerequisites:HC100 Introduction to Health Care,MR103 Medical Terminology, IS101 Computer Applications & Concepts 1, BI103 Human Life Science 1. Corequisites:MR104 CPT Procedural Coding,MR105 International Classification Systems. (Spring semester)

This course enhances knowledge of database concepts with a focus on designing and structuring databases to meet the objectives of management.Database management systems are used, along with query capabilities and report generation. Prerequisite: IS101 Computer Applications & Concepts 1 or IS102 Computer Applications & Concepts 2.

This course assists in making intelligent health-conscious decisions through topics such as wellness, aging, sexuality, drugs and alcohol, and communicable diseases. It introduces activities and skills for leading healthy lifestyles including fitness assessment, weight management, and exercise.