Health Information Technology

Medical Coding and Billing

The Associate in Applied Science in Health Information Technology is designed to prepare candidates in the professional knowledge and skills which will qualify them for employment in a healthcare facility. Graduates of the AAS in Health Information Technology should demonstrate a/an:

Proficiency in skills such as medical terminology, communication, and professionalism
Working knowledge of the national diagnosis and procedural coding systems (ICD and CPT-HCPC coding)
Comprehension of the Major Diagnostic Categories (MCDs)
Ability to analyze the Uniform Billing (UB-92) claim form
Competence to define and assign HCPCS level 11 codes
Working knowledge to abstract and code from medical record case studies
Knowledge of the treatment of diseases, including pharmacological, complementary and alternative therapies
Knowledge of Medical Practice Settings and Specialties, as well as the differences in Traditional and Managed Care.

Knowledge and understanding of the legal and ethical responsibilities of working in a Medical facility, including HIPAA mandates, the rules for maintaining privacy of medical records and protection of health information, and the types of consents and disclosures that are required.

Doctor conversing with assistant behind counter.

Research published on January 2004 by the Kentucky Department for Employment Services Research and Statistics Branch entitled: Northern Kentucky Area Occupational Outlook to 2010 provides employment projections for the Northern Kentucky/Beckfield College region.

Health Information Technology (Occupation Code 29-2071) is identified in the 'Top 45 Fast-Growing Northern KY Area Occupations' with an expected increase in employment of 69.6% (reference page 7 of the Occupational Outlook report). Page 18 of the report identifies the education/training required for this position is an Associate Degree.

With a high industry demand for appropriately trained personnel, the Associate of Applied Science in Health Information Technology aims to provide graduates with the best-suited health information management skills.

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Course Listing

CAP 111 Keyboarding and Word Processing I

This course introduces the student to word processing concepts and terminology. Topics and hands-on activities include performing such applications as creating, formatting and editing documents and tables, merging documents and working with templates. A brief introduction to the keyboard and proper typing techniques will be covered, including an emphasis on speed- building and efficiency.

CAP 112 KEYBOARDING AND WORD PROCESSING II

This course instructs students in more advanced keyboarding and word processing concepts and skills. Topics and hands-on activities include tables and templates, form letters, merging, macros, on-screen forms, art work, and importing/exporting. The student will also further develop keyboarding skills to increase speed.

Prerequisite:
CAP 111

HIT 135 Healthcare Delivery Systems

This course provides the student with an understanding in the development of a healthcare system, the balance between business and technology, the balance between business and technological advances, quality, cost and access of care, which is affected by all aspects of healthcare deliver.

HIT 220 Pathophysiology of Human Diseases I

The course is designed to provide the student with a foundation for basic disease concepts including neoplasms, inflammation and infection. The etiology, treatment, pharmacology and prognosis of diseases associated with the body systems are studied.

Prerequisites:
BIO 145 and MOA 111

HIT 225 Pathophysiology of Human Diseases II

This course is a continuation of the Pathophysiology of Human Disease 1. Emphasis on basic disease concepts including neoplasms, inflammation and infection are further examined. The etiology, treatment, pharmacology and prognosis of diseases associated with the body systems are studied.

Prerequisite:
HIT 220

HIT 230 Diagnosis Coding

This course is designed to provide the student the principles and guidelines of the International Classification Disease Coding (ICD) manual. The sequencing of diagnoses for ambulatory facilities and the principles for the application of codes for the inpatient setting are incorporated.

Prerequisites:
MOA 120 or HIT 225

HIT 240 Procedural Coding

This course is designed to provide the student the principles and basic rules of the Current Procedural Terminology (CPT) and the Healthcare Common Procedural Coding Systems (HCPCS) coding manuals. Some topics included in this course are guidelines, general coding and modifiers. Evaluation and Management Codes, Anesthesia and Surgery Radiologic Procedures and Pathology and Laboratory CPT Codes as applied from physician and facility perspectives are studied. Compliance and ethical coding issues are stressed.

Prerequisites:
MOA 120 or HIT 225

HIT 260 Hospital Coding and Reimbursement

This course offers administrative duties in a medical office including traditional and managed care settings. Managed care topics include managed care contracts, implications of managed care contracts on financial aspects of practices, referrals and collection techniques. Legal issues will be addressed on legal considerations with Administrative, Contract, and Tort Laws; Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA); Informed consent; legal concepts in Civil Litigation Process; Identify Code of Ethics, ethical guidelines for physicians; and Bioethical Dilemmas such as HIV, AIDS and Genetic Engineering.

HIT 265 Advanced Coding For Reimbursement

This course is designed to provide advanced coding for facilities, inpatient and outpatient hospital, as well as physician coding. The medical record is used as the source document for abstracting codes. A variety of cases from across the major specialties are presented. A grade of C (70%) is the minimum passing grade in this course

Prerequisite:
HIT 260

HIT 270 Healthcare Supervision and Management

This course is designed to incorporate the principals and practices necessary for efficient health care management and supervision. Leadership, management, team building, work design strategic planning, and other topics relative to health care organizations are presented.

Prerequisite:
MOA 150 and ACC 140

HIT 290 Health Information Trends and Issues

This course is designed to focus on the student as a member of the heath care profession, exploring the transition from school to the world of work within the framework of current professional issues and trends.

Prerequisite:
NONE

HIT 299 Health Information Externship

Students are placed in an appropriate healthcare organization in order to provide them the opportunity to apply the skills and knowledge acquired in their collegiate coursework. Students must complete at least 180 clock hours of practical experience.

Prerequisite:
Departmental approval

MOA 150 Administrative Practices and Procedures

The study of administrative duties in a medical office environment including traditional and managed care settings. Topics to be covered in the course include oral communication, records maintenance, financial practices, office management and information processing. Managed care topics include the implications of managed care contracts on financial aspects of practices, referrals and collection techniques.

Prerequisite:
MOA 120, MOA 140, ENG 111, BUS110

MOA 111 Medical Terminology

Medical terminology prepares the student to create medical forms, reports, letters, and to communicate with medical personnel by the study of the basic structure of medical terminology through prefixes, suffixes, word roots, and combining forms. The course includes pronunciation, spelling, and definitions of medical terms. The student is introduced to medical abbreviations.

MOA 120 Introduction To Medical Insurance

This course is an introduction to the health insurance industry, major insurance programs, and federal health legislation, medical coding, medical billing and. Topics to be covered in this course will include: responsibilities of the health professional, legal issues, health insurance basics, procedural and diagnostic coding, insurance claim processing, and medical billing.

Prerequisite:
MOA 111

MOA 130 Computer Applicatons For Health Professionals

The student is introduced to various office applications. Special emphasis is placed on integrated applications designed for medical account management. Scheduling, billing, insurance claims submission, letters, memos and reports are some of the areas addressed in this course.

Prerequisite:
MOA 120 or MED 190

MOA 140 Legal And Ethical Aspects Of Health Information

This course addresses the legal and ethical principles governing health information. The information is organized into three main areas: legal system and procedures; confidentiality issues; fraud and abuse. The course presents a comprehensive study of the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA).

General Courses

BIO 145 Anatomy & Physiology

The structure and function of body systems and organs are studied to develop an overall knowledge of human anatomy and physiology. The structure and function of cells, tissues, organs, and systems are covered. Among the systems studied are the skeletal, muscular, nervous, sensory, circulatory, immune, respiratory, digestive, urinary, reproductive, and endocrine.

COM 105 Speech Communication

This course is designed to develop an understanding of the oral communication process. The focus is on improving oral communication skills, idea and message development, and the effective presentation of ideas.

ENG 111 Composition I

Composition I is a course in expository writing, emphasizing those methods which are most frequently used in analysis, evaluation, and argument. Though the course assumes competence in grammar, usage, and mechanics, appropriate review in these skills will be provided as the need arises.

Prerequisite:
ENG 090 or placement

ENG 112 Composition II

This course is a continuation of ENG 111 and is designed to teach students to compose effective argumentative essays, including a researched essay. Emphasis is placed on selection and restriction of topics, thesis statements, organization, development, coherence, clarity, and style. Adherence to the conventions of grammar, usage, and mechanics is required.

Prerequisite:
ENG 111

PSY 101 Principles of Psychology

This course is an introduction to fundamental concepts in psychology. Topics include theoretical bases, perception, learning, motivation, personality, and the relationship of biology to psychological illness and treatment.

SOC 105 Interpersonal Communication

This course introduces the practices and principles of interpersonal communication. Emphasis is placed on the communication process, perception, listening, self-disclosure, speech apprehension, ethics, nonverbal communication, conflict, power, and dysfunctional communication relationships.