~ Associate in Applied
Science Degree ~
Accredited by the Commission on Accreditation
for Health Informatics and Information Management Education (CAHIIM)
Accreditation Services c/o AHIMA
233 N. Michigan Ave, 21st Floor, Chicago, IL 60601-5800
www.cahiim.org
Visit the
Health Information Technology Website
DESCRIPTION
Health Information Technology combines the expanding arena of
health care with the cutting edge of technology. As a health
information management professional, you are the expert on
patient data that physicians, nurses, and other allied health
providers rely on to perform their jobs. Registered Health
Information Technicians (RHIT) ensure the quality of medical
records by verifying their completeness, accuracy, and proper
entry into computer systems. They may also use computer
applications to assemble and analyze patient data for the
purpose of improving patient care or controlling costs. RHITs
often specialize in coding diagnoses and procedures in patient
records for reimbursement and research.
PROGRAM MISSION
The mission of the Health Information Technology (HIT) program
at KVCC is to provide the necessary educational opportunities to
prepare students for certification and practice as Registered
Health Information Technicians (RHIT). Health Information
Technology is an evolving profession in the health care
environment. The HIT program takes the responsibility to educate
and develop a skilled work force to support the needs of the
health care industry. The HIT professional is a specialist in
administering information systems, managing medical records, and
coding information for reimbursement and research. With the
combined efforts of clinical affiliations, the HIT program
offers an opportunity for students to develop the necessary
skills, knowledge, and attitudes to attain an AAS degree and
eligibility for the RHIT credential.
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
Applicants to certain programs should be aware that a criminal
background check may be required while they are enrolled in the
program, or as a condition of employment in the field; certain
internship and/or practicum sites, such as health care
facilities, may limit or deny clinical privileges to those who
have a prior or current criminal record; and certain licensing
boards may refuse to issue a license to practice based upon
prior or current criminal offense(s). To learn more about
whether the program or profession in which you are interested
has such requirements or limitations, please see the Department
Chair.
EDUCATIONAL OUTCOMES
Upon successful completion of
the Health Information Technology program, the graduate is
expected to:
- Comply with the professional code of ethics of AHIMA and
maintain effective professional conduct at all times.
- Be prepared for certification for the RHIT credential.
- Demonstrate the entry level skills as outlined in the
Domains, Subdomains, and Tasks of AHIMA.
- Demonstrate clear and effective communication skills,
critical thinking, and problem solving within their scope of
practice.
| CAREER OPPORTUNITIES |
| Hospital |
Home Health Care Agencies |
Law Firms |
| Clinics |
Mental Health Facilities |
Physicians' Offices |
| Nursing Homes |
Health Maintenance Organizations |
Software Companies |
| Consulting Firms |
Private Insurance Companies |
CRITERIA FOR GRADUATION
Students must complete 68 credits in the
Health Information Technology program and achieve a minimum
grade of "C" in all courses. Students must attain a final GPA of
2.0 or higher. Graduates are eligible to sit for the Registered
Health Information Technician (RHIT) credentialing examination
administered by the American Health Information Management
Association.
~ Medical Coding Certificate
~
DESCRIPTION
This certificate has been designed for individuals currently
working in the health care field who need to upgrade their
coding skills for advancement or certification. ICD-9-CM and CPT
coding concepts and guidelines are taught, including computer
applications, legal and ethical issues related to coding, and
data management skills. All applicants must supply a letter from
their employer supporting the need for these courses or a letter
describing how this certificate will assist them in their
current job. All applications must be approved by the Program
Director of the Health Information Technology program. The
program is also fully integrated into the Associate of Applied
Science degree in Health Information Technology for those
students who wish to continue their studies.
EDUCATIONAL OUTCOMES
Upon successful completion of the Medical
Coding certificate the graduate is expected to:
- Demonstrate entry level skills in coding
with ICD-9-CM and CPT.
- Describe the relationship between coding
and reimbursement in health care.
- Demonstrate professional behaviors in the
work place including patient confidentiality and professional
ethics.
- Demonstrate clear and effective
communication skills, critical thinking, and problem solving
within their scope of practice.
- Participate in activities that foster
professional growth and continued competence.
CAREER OPPORTUNITIES
This is a high-demand occupation for which
recruitment bonuses are often offered. Medical Coding remains
one of the fastest growing professions in today’s allied health
fields. The work performed by these professionals requires
attention to detail, organization, patient confidentiality, and
good communication skills. Employment opportunities are
available in hospitals, physicians’ offices, outpatient
facilities, and other facilities such as home health and long
term care.
CRITERIA FOR GRADUATION
Students must complete 34 credits in the
Medical Coding Certificate Program, achieve a minimum grade of
"C" in all courses, and attain a final GPA of 2.0 or higher.
Pre-requisite: Biology Lab.
|
FIRST SEMESTER |
HEALTH
INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY - ASSOCIATE OF APPLIED SCIENCE DEGREE
|
CREDIT HOURS |
| BIO213 |
Anatomy and Physiology I |
4 |
| CPT117 |
Software Applications I |
3 |
| ENG101 |
College Composition |
3 |
| HIT101 |
Intro. to Health Information
Technology |
3 |
| MAS121 |
Medical Terminology |
3 |
|
SECOND SEMESTER |
|
CREDIT HOURS |
| BIO214 |
Anatomy and Physiology II |
4 |
| CPT121 |
Software Applications II |
3 |
| HIT132 |
Legal, Ethical, and Regulatory Issues |
3 |
| HIT136 |
Introduction to Coding and
Classification |
3 |
| MAT113 |
Elements of Mathematics |
3 |
|
THIRD SEMESTER |
|
CREDIT HOURS |
|
BIO216 |
Pathophysiology & Principles of
Pharmacology for the Health Professional |
3 |
|
BUS115 |
Principles of
Management |
3 |
|
COM104 |
Introduction to Communication |
3 |
|
HIT142 |
Directed
Practice I |
2 |
|
HIT201 |
ICD-9-CM Coding and Classification
Systems |
4 |
|
HIT211 |
Health Data
Collection |
3 |
|
FOURTH SEMESTER |
|
CREDIT HOURS |
|
HIT212 |
Quality
Improvement |
3 |
| HIT222 |
CPT-4 Coding |
4 |
|
HIT243 |
Directed
Practice II |
2 |
| HIT245 |
Seminar in Health Information
Technology |
3 |
|
PSY101 |
Introduction to
Psychology |
3 |
| ______ |
Humanities Elective |
3 |
| |
TOTAL CREDITS |
68 |
|
FIRST SEMESTER |
MEDICAL CODING -
CERTIFICATE |
CREDIT HOURS |
| BIO213 |
Anatomy and Physiology I |
4 |
| MAS121 |
Medical Terminology |
3 |
|
SECOND SEMESTER |
|
CREDIT HOURS |
| BIO214 |
Anatomy and Physiology II |
4 |
| CPT117 |
Software Applications I |
3 |
| HIT136 |
Introduction to Coding and
Classification |
3 |
|
THIRD SEMESTER |
|
CREDIT HOURS |
| BIO216 |
Pathophysiology & Principles of
Pharmacology for the Health Professional |
3 |
| HIT201 |
ICD-9-CM Coding and Classification
Systems |
4 |
| MAT113 |
Elements of Mathematics |
3 |
|
FOURTH SEMESTER |
|
CREDIT HOURS |
| COM104 |
Introduction to Communication |
3 |
| HIT222 |
CPT-4 Coding |
4 |
| |
TOTAL CREDITS |
34 |
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