Faculty Syllabus

• HITT 1301

  AUSTIN COMMUNITY COLLEGE

  Semester: Fall  2021

   August 22 - December 11, 2022

   

  PROGRAM: Health Information Technology- Revenue Cycle Management

  COURSE NUMBER: HITT 1301--Health Data Content and Structure

   COURSE TIME/LOCATION: Online

   FACULTY NAME: Norma Mercado, Ed.D. RHIA,

  OFFICE HOURS/LOCATION:  Room 9210

  Tuesdays 4:00 p.m. – 5:00 p.m.

  Wednesdays 2:00 p.m. – 5:00 p.m.

  Thursdays 4:00 p.m.5:00 p.m.

  Phone: 512-223-5928

  Email: nmercado@austincc.edu

  Website: www.austincc.edu/health/hitt

   

  Arranging conferences/appointments: by appointment 

   

  COURSE DESCRIPTION:

  • Credit Hours: 3

  • Classroom Contact Hours per week: 2

  • Laboratory Contact Hours per week: 1.5

   

  Introduction to systems and processes for collecting, maintaining, and disseminating primary and secondary health related information. Instruction in delivery and organizational structure to include content of the health record, documentation requirements, registries, indices, licensing, regulatory agencies, forms, and screens.

   

  COURSE RATIONALE: Careers in Health Information Technology (HIT) are among the most varied and rapidly expanding in the health care fields. HIT professionals are an integral part of the healthcare team in managing and processing healthcare records and clinical data.

   

  COURSE PREREQUISITES: None

   

  STUDENT LEARNING OUTCOMES, GENERAL EDUCATION COMPETENCIES, & SCANS:

  AHIMA COURSE OBJECTIVES: Upon completion of the course the student will be able to:

   

  1. Distinguish between data and information.

  2. Explain the structure and use of health information such as individual, comparative and aggregate.

  3. Give examples of health information media such as paper, computer, or web-based.

  4. Identify and describe application software.

  5. Distinguish between the content of health records in the acute care inpatient, hospital outpatient/ASC and physician office settings.

  6. Distinguish between primary and secondary data sources.

  7. Give examples of the most common registries and indexes found in hospitals.

  8. Describe data presentation methods: tables, graphs, charts, bar and pie charts, histograms, polygrams.

  9. Define data mining.

  10. Describe the elements of data security systems.

  11. Identify and define terms associated with data integrity.

  12. Define security processes and monitoring.

  13. Define data recovery.

  14. Compare the format and content of various types of outpatient health records.

  15. Locate clinical data reported on the UB-04/CMS-1500 claim forms in health record documentation.

  16. Explain the coding function and discuss the importance of documentation in coding.

  17. Explain the value of implementing ICD-10 and ICD-10-PCS.

  18. Distinguish between the basic concepts and terms associated with the electronic health record (EHR).

  19. Distinguish between a physician’s health record and a patient’s personal health record (PHR).

  20. Explain the importance of adopting a national patient identifier in building the national healthcare information infrastructure, and provide examples of how a patient’s identification can affect data integrity.

  21. Distinguish between licensure and accreditation and identify examples of each.

  22. Understand the history of the healthcare delivery system.

  23. Describe the basic organization in the most common healthcare organizations including the physician office and the acute care hospital.

  24. Identify the various licensing and regulatory agencies in the healthcare industry.

  25. Distinguish the terms: clinical quality assessment, infection control, utilization management, case management and risk management.

  26. Explain the elements of a corporate compliance plan.

  27. Explain the movement in Medicare to connecting quality of care with payment policies (ACO).

  28. Identify coding and reimbursement systems used in the physician office, hospital outpatient/ASC and acute care patient settings.

  29. Describe differences between commercial, managed care and federal insurance plans.

  30. Define, describe and explain the purpose of the case-mix index.

  31. Describe hospital related statistical terms.

  32. Define severity of illness systems.

  33. Summarize the information included in vital statistics.

  34. Describe descriptive and inferential statistics.

  35. Describe the health information management department functions and purpose.

  36. Explain the Code of Ethics for HIM professionals.

  37. Describe the role of the health information management professional in performance improvement, utilization management and risk management functions.

  38. Differentiate the various types of healthcare disciplines and providers in the continuum of care.

  39. Explain the general functions, purposes and benefits of health information technology systems.

  40. Assess the major types of information system applications used in healthcare organizations.

  41. Describe health information systems, including, but not limited to: administrative, patient registration, ADT, EHR, PHR, lab, radiology, pharmacy.

  42. Define quality control functions for EHRs

  43. Compare health information systems in terms of their ability to support the requirements of a healthcare enterprise.

  44. Identify coding and payment components used in the physician office, hospital outpatient/ ASC and acute care inpatient settings.

  COURSE STUDENT LEARNING OUTCOMES:

   

  The curriculum of the Austin Community College Health Information Technology program is designed to meet or exceed the professional course content as published in the AHIMA Model Curriculum that includes the HIM Entry-Level Competencies and Knowledge Clusters. This course addresses the specific Domains, Subdomains, and Competencies identified below:

   

  Domain I: Healthcare Data Management

  Subdomain A: Healthcare Data Structure, Content and Standards

  1. Collect and maintain health data (data elements, data sets and databases).

  2. Conduct analysis to ensure documentation in the health record supports the diagnosis and reflects the patient’s progress, clinical findings and D/C status.

  Subdomain B: Healthcare Information Requirements and Standards

  1. Monitor and apply organization-wide health record documentation guidelines.

   

  Domain II: Health Statistics, Biomedical Research and Quality Management

  Subdomain A: Healthcare Statistics and Research

  1. Collect, maintain, and report data for clinical indices/databases/registries to

  meet specific organization needs such as medical research and disease registries.

  1. Collect, organize, and present data for quality management, utilization

  management, risk management, and other related studies.

  1. Comprehend basic descriptive, institutional, and healthcare vital

  statistics.

  
   

  Subdomain B: Quality Management and Performance Improvement

  1. Abstract and report data for facility-wide quality management and performance improvement programs. 

  2. Analyze clinical data to identify trends that demonstrate quality, safety and effectiveness of healthcare.

  Domain III: Health Services Organization and Delivery

  Subdomain A: Healthcare Delivery Systems

  1. Apply current laws, accreditation, licensure and certifications standards related to health information initiatives from the national, state, local and facility levels. 

  2. Differentiate the roles of various providers and disciplines throughout the continuum of healthcare and respond to their information needs.

  Subdomain B:  Healthcare Privacy,  Confidentiality, Legal, and Ethical Issues

  5.  Apply and promote ethical standards of practice.

  
   

  Domain IV: Information Technology and Systems

  Subdomain A: Information and Communication Technologies

  1. Use technology, including hardware and software, to ensure data collection, storage, analysis, and reporting of information.

  2. Use common software applications such as spreadsheets, databases, word

  processing, graphics, presentation, e-mail, and so on in the execution of  work processes.

  3. Use specialized software in the completion of HIM processes such as record tracking, release of information, coding, grouping, registries, billing, quality improvement, and imaging.

  4. Apply policies and procedures to the use of networks, including intranet and Internet applications, to facilitate the electronic health record (EHR), personal health record (PHR), public health, and other administrative applications.

  5. Participate in the planning, design, selection, implementation, integration, testing, evaluation, and support for EHRs. 

  Subdomain B:  Data, Information, and File Structures

  1. Apply knowledge of database architecture and design (such as data dictionary)

  to meet departmental needs.

  Subdomain C:  Data Storage and Retrieval

  1. Use appropriate electronic or imaging technology for data/record storage.

  2. Query and generate reports to facilitate information retrieval using appropriate

  software.

  3. Apply retention and destruction policies for health information.

  Subdomain D:  Data Security 

  1. Apply confidentiality and security measures to protect electronic health information.

  2. Protect data integrity and validity using software or hardware technology.

  3. Apply departmental and organizational data and information system security policies.

  4. Use and summarize data compiled from audit trails and data quality monitoring programs.

  Domain VI

  Subdomain A:  Human Resources

  1.  Apply the fundamentals of team leadership.

  2. Participate in and work in teams and committees.

   

  DISCIPLINE/PROGRAM STUDENT LEARNING OUTCOMES:

   

  Upon completion of the Program, the student will be able to:

   

  1. Use common software packages (spreadsheets, word processing, presentation, and graphics) and those software packages specific to Health Information Technology

  2. Gather, interpret, analyze and monitor data used for quality management and performance improvement programs that relate to Health Information Technology

  3. Analyze and validate coding and coding data accuracy and compliance with federal and coding guidelines

  4. Compute, interpret and analyze healthcare statistics

  5. Apply and interpret the concepts of the Electronic Health Record (EHR)

  6. Apply policies and procedures to comply with reimbursement and reporting requirements that align themselves with major insurance programs, federal healthcare legislation, national diagnoses and procedure coding systems and the process for completion and submission of claims.

  7. Upon completion of the Associate of Applied Science Degree in Health Information Technology, the student will be able to:

   

  1. Appropriately manage and use health data.

  2. Collect report and interpret database information and compute related healthcare statistics.

  3. Apply and participate in the implementation of laws and policies and procedures within healthcare delivery systems as they relate to payment systems, healthcare provider information needs, patient privacy and disclosure and ethical standards of practice.

  4. Utilize technology, including specialized hardware and software applications to ensure accurate data collection, record tracking, and analysis, reporting and will be able to apply and contribute to the application of electronic health records and to the maintenance and design of patient information retrieval systems, while maintaining confidentiality and security of information. 

  Apply the fundamentals of team and financial resource management, including budgeting, teamwork, education, communication and interpersonal skills in order to contribute to work plans, policies and procedures, resource management and others in performance as a member of a team.

   

  SCANS Competencies

   

  In 1110, the U.S. Department of Labor established the Secretary’s Commission on Achieving Necessary Skills (SCANS) to examine the demands of the workplace and whether our nation’s students are capable of meeting those demands. The Commission determined that today’s jobs generally require competencies in the following areas: 

   

  1. Resources: Identifies, organizes, plans and allocates resources 

  2. Interpersonal: Works with others 

  3. Information: Acquires and uses information 

  4. Systems: Understands complex interrelationships 

  5. Technology: Works with a variety of technologies 

   

  The Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board requires that all degree plans in institutions of higher education incorporate these competencies and identify to the student how these competencies are achieved in course objectives.

   

  HITT 1301 COMPETENCE	EXAMPLE OF LEVEL
  Resources	Identifies resources used in course and allocates time for studying.
  Interpersonal	Shares experiences and knowledge with classmates, works as a member of a team for any assigned activities.
  Information	Identifies coding and classification system for records. Identifies electronic health record.
  Systems	Identifies systems to use such as encoder, quadramed or AS400.
  Technology	Discusses electronic health record with classmates and instructor.
  Basic Skills	Reads assigned pages.
  Thinking Skills	Identifies and prepares for tests, quizzes and research activities.
  Personal Qualities	Works as a team member for any assigned activities. Asserts self and networks with classmates and virtual lab to obtain information on current topics.

   

  REQUIRED TEXTS/MATERIALS/SOFTWARE:

  Health Information Management Technology An Applied Approach; 6th Edition, Author: Nanette B. Sayles, EdD, RHIA, CHPS, CCS, CPHIMS, FAHIMA

  

   

  INSTRUCTIONAL METHODOLOGY: Classroom and Online – Blackboard/Hybrid

   

  DISTANCE EDUCATION: Students will use the Blackboard learning management system for assignment instructions, submitting assignments, and collaboration.

   

  Students are responsible for applying time management and study skills required to be a successful online student. 

   

  These may include more or different skills than are necessary in a face to face course. Students new to distance education should review the ACC Distance Education General Information available at https://online.austincc.edu/faq/

   

  TECHNOLOGY SUPPORT SERVICES :

  In response to COVID-19-related campus closures, Austin Community College now provides free, secure drive-up WiFi to students and employees in the parking lots of all campus locations. WiFi can be accessed seven days a week, 7 am to 11 pm. Additional details are available at https://www.austincc.edu/coronavirus/drive-up-wifi.

   

  Students who submit the Student Technology Access Form and indicate they need help accessing their online learning environment to successfully complete their courses are eligible to check out an ACC iPad for use during the semester. You must be registered for a credit course, Adult Education, or Continuing Education course.

  
  
   

  GRADING SYSTEM: The Health Information Technology courses use the following scale for determination of final grades:

  A = 90-100%

  B = 80-89%

  C = 70-79%

  D = 60-69%

  F = 59% and below

   

  A grade of 70% or above is required for passing any subject area.

   

  METHOD OF EVALUATION FOR THIS COURSE:

  • 50% of your grade will be based on assignments, real world cases and questions.

  • 25% on Exams

  • 25% on Final Exam

  All grades will be posted on Blackboard.

   

  COURSE POLICIES:

  Late Assignment Policy: Please refer to the Assignment Guidelines posted on Blackboard under Course Information for detailed directions for completing assignments and formatting. Assignments must be turned in by the due date listed on the Course Schedule. Late assignments will be subject to a 10-point penalty if submitted after the posted due date and then a reduction of 10-points per day thereafter. Assignments will not be accepted if submitted 4 or more days after the posted due date (including weekends). 

   

  Exam Policy: All exams are taken in the ACC testing centers and there is a window of 5 days to take an exam. If a student misses one exam for a documented medical or family emergency, a comprehensive makeup exam can be taken in the last week of the semester. If any other exams are missed or if an exam is missed for any other reason, a grade of “0” will be given. If a student misses more than one exam, a zero will be given for the second missed exam. EXAMS MUST BE TAKEN NO LATER THAN THE DEADLINE DATE ON THE COURSE SCHEDULE. 

   

  ATTENDANCE/PARTICIPATION:

  Regular and timely class participation in discussions and completion of work is expected of all students. If attendance or compliance with other course policies is unsatisfactory, the instructor may withdraw students from the class.

   

  In situations where classes are cancelled because of weather, pandemic, or other emergencies the student is responsible for communicating with their professor during the closure and completing any assignments or other activities designated by their professor.

   

  Withdrawal Policy

  It is the responsibility of each student to ensure that his or her name is removed from the roll should he or she decides to withdraw from the class. The instructor does, however, reserve the right to drop a student should he or she feel it is necessary. If a student decides to withdraw, he or she should also verify that the withdrawal is submitted before the Final Withdrawal Date. The student is also strongly encouraged to retain their copy of the withdrawal form for their records. 

   

  The student is required to turn in their program student ID and any equipment or items that belong to the department. Failure to do so may compromise their standing at ACC.

   

  Students who enroll for the third or subsequent time in a course taken since Fall, 2002, may be charged a higher tuition rate, for that course.

   

  State law permits students to withdraw from no more than six courses during their entire undergraduate career at Texas public colleges or universities. With certain exceptions, all course withdrawals automatically count towards this limit. Details regarding this policy can be found in the ACC college catalog.

   

  Incompletes

  An instructor may award a grade of “I” (Incomplete) if a student was unable to complete all of the objectives for the passing grade in a course. An incomplete grade cannot be carried beyond the established date in the following semester. The completion date is determined by the instructor but may not be later than the final deadline for withdrawal in the subsequent semester. 

   

  Requests for incompletes must be submitted by the following dates:

  • Deadline for Fall Semester: Second Friday in November

  • Deadline for Spring Semester: Friday following Spring Break

  • Deadline for Summer Semester: Friday following the 4th of July

   

  In all cases an incomplete cannot be requested unless 1/2 of the required coursework has been completed. For HITT 1301, you must have completed the following: 

  Exam #1, Exam #2, Exam #3 and assignments up to the Exam #3 date.

   

  COURSE OUTLINE/CALENDAR  

  Please note that schedule changes may occur during the semester. Any changes will be announced in class and posted as a Blackboard Announcement (or other resource faculty is using to communicate).

  
   

  HEALTH & SAFETY PROTOCOLS

  1. Self-screen for COVID-19 symptoms using the ACC Health Screening App. There are three secure ways to use the app — 1) download it on your phone (recommended), 2) download the web link, or 3) you may use an iPad that is available at the door. It is easy to download and use. Answer a series of quick questions and the app will give you results. Save the results to show at the door upon entry. Get the app here at: https://www.austincc.edu/coronavirus/acc-health-screening-app 

  2. ACC ID badges or Student ID cards will be required for all employees and students upon entry. Employees and students must display their I.D. at all times. 

  3. Temperature checks will be conducted with a no-touch thermometer. If you have a fever 100 degrees Fahrenheit or greater, you will not be admitted to the building. 

  4. ACC Health Screen App results will be requested at the door. If you are unable to download the app, an iPad will be provided at the door so that you may answer a series of questions to determine if you have COVID-19 symptoms which include:

  Cough 

  Shortness of breath or difficulty breathing 

  Chills 

  Repeated shaking with chills 

  Muscle pain 

  Headache 

  Sore throat 

  Loss of taste or smell 

  Diarrhea 

  Fever 

  Have you come into contact with anyone who tested positive for COVID-19 with 14 days? 

  If you do not pass the pre-screening, you will receive specific information on healthcare procedures and instructions for what you need to know to be able to return to campus. 

   

  5. Facial coverings/masks are required for anyone entering an ACC building. You must wear a facial covering/mask at all times. In private spaces such as an individual office, your facial covering may be removed if you are alone. These guidelines are consistent with guidance from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, which makes clear that facial coverings and social distancing are among the most effective measures for limiting the spread of COVID-19. 

  TIP—Students should arrive to campus early to ensure enough time to get through the screening line. 

   

  On-Campus Protocols 

  • Wash and sanitize your hands prior to entering a classroom, office, or facility. Hand sanitizing stations, disinfecting wipes, soap, and water are readily available. 

  • Continue to practice good hygiene by washing your hands frequently for 20 seconds. 

  • Practice social distancing with all individuals by maintaining at least six feet of separation. 

  • Follow floor stickers that are placed throughout the campus to help guide social distancing in high traffic areas. 

  • A maximum of two people at a time will be allowed in elevators. 

  • Facial coverings/masks must remain on at all times. A facial covering may only be removed as allowed by the course safety plan (i.e., when alone in private spaces such as an individual office). 

  • For the safety of all who are on-campus, water fountains will be turned off, vending machines will have limited services, all food services will be suspended, and common area furniture will be removed. Please plan accordingly. 

   

  Classroom Protocols 

  • Schedules are staggered and courses have been divided into smaller sections to minimize contact with individuals. 

  • Seating for standard classrooms is limited to nine students and one instructor unless the classroom is deemed large enough to handle more by the Safety & Operations Office. 

  • Faculty will assign seats to students to keep them at a safe distance from one another. It's imperative that students follow seat assignments in order to track any contamination or the possible spread of COVID-19. 

  • Plexiguards are installed on faculty desks if there is not at least nine-feet between the desk and the first row of students. 

  • Once inside the classroom, facial coverings must continue to be worn. 

  • ACC encourages students to wipe down their desks before class begins. Supplies will be provided in each classroom. 

  Deep Cleaning Protocols 

  • ACC's Campus Operations Quality Control staff will regularly and frequently disinfect any and all high touch surfaces such as door knobs, tables, chairs, and restrooms. 

  • Staff will disinfect classrooms as soon as classes are over. 

  • Students and employees will be reminded to disinfect personal electronics on a regular basis. 

  • Hand sanitizer will be available in or near every classroom. 

  • Sufficient disinfecting supplies are available to maintain hygienic standards throughout the day. 

  • These disinfectant procedures will occur after each class and at the end of every day. 

   

  Illness & Travel Protocols 

  • If you feel sick, feverish, or unwell, please do not come to campus or office. 

  • You will need to get tested for COVID-19 and report the results (positive or negative) to ACC's COVID-19 Liaison (see below). 

  • If you become ill in the classroom or inside an ACC facility, you will be asked to go into an isolation room to take the state's online self-assessment. 

  • Isolation rooms are available on each campus and center with resources and information to help you learn about the next steps and where to go for a COVID-19 test. 

  • All areas used by anyone who is sick or tests positive for COVID-19 will be immediately closed, waiting for the appropriate period of time before it is thoroughly deep cleaned, disinfected, and deemed safe to reopen. 

  • If you have been in contact with someone who tested positive for COVID-19 within the last 14 days, you must self-report. ACC's Self-Report form is available online. 

  • ACC has identified a primary COVID-19 Liaison responsible for communicating and coordinating with local health departments. Our liaison is Michael Garcia, Executive Director of Regulatory Affairs, sem-helpdesk@austincc.edu. 

   

  A training video is available here at: https://www.austincc.edu/coronavirus/health-and-safety-protocols 

   

  COLLEGE POLICIES

  Campus Operations 

  To limit the spread of COVID-19, ACC campuses remain closed to all but faculty, essential staff, and students who are enrolled in certain Career and Technical Education courses. Face-to-face classes and services are limited.

  
   

  Statement on Academic Integrity 

  Austin Community College values academic integrity in the educational process. Acts of academic dishonesty/misconduct undermine the learning process, present a disadvantage to students who earn credit honestly, and subvert the academic mission of the institution. The potential consequences of fraudulent credentials raise additional concerns for individuals and communities beyond campus who rely on institutions of higher learning to certify students' academic achievements, and expect to benefit from the claimed knowledge and skills of their graduates. Students must follow all instructions given by faculty or designated college representatives when taking examinations, placement assessments, tests, quizzes, and evaluations. Actions constituting scholastic dishonesty include, but are not limited to, plagiarism, cheating, fabrication, collusion, falsifying documents, or the inappropriate use of the college’s information technology resources. Further information is available at https://www.austincc.edu/about-acc/academic-integrity-and-disciplinary-process.

   

  The complaints and grades dispute process can also be found at the above site and is located in your Health Information Technology Program handbook at 

   http://www.austincc.edu/health/hitt/resources.php

   

  STUDENT RIGHTS & RESPONSIBILITIES

  Students at ACC have the same rights and protections under the Constitution of the United States. These rights include freedom of speech, peaceful assembly, petition and association. As members of the community, students have the right to express their own views, but must also take responsibility for according the same rights to others and not interfere or disrupt the learning environment. Students are entitled to fair treatment, are expected to act consistently with the values of the college, and obey local, state and federal laws. www.austincc.edu/srr  

   

  As a student of Austin Community College you are expected to abide by the Student Standards of Conduct. https://www.austincc.edu/students/students-rights-and-responsibilities/student-standards-of-conduct 

   

  Senate Bill 212 and Title IX Reporting Requirements 

  Under Senate Bill 212 (SB 212), the faculty and all College employees are required to report any information concerning incidents of sexual harassment, sexual assault, dating violence, and stalking committed by or against an ACC student or employee. Federal Title IX law and College policy also require reporting incidents of sex- and gender-based discrimination and sexual misconduct. This means faculty and non-clinical counseling staff cannot keep confidential information about any such incidents that you share with them. 

   

  If you would like to talk with someone confidentiality, please contact the District Clinical Counseling Team who can connect you with a clinical counselor on any ACC campus: (512) 223-2616, or to schedule online: https://www.austincc.edu/students/counseling. 

  While students are not required to report, they are encouraged to contact the Compliance Office for resources and options: Charlene Buckley, District Title IX Officer, (512) 223-7964; compliance@austincc.edu. 

  If a student makes a report to a faculty member, the faculty member will contact the District Title IX Officer for follow-up.

   

  Student Complaints 

  A defined process applies to complaints about an instructor or other college employee. You are encouraged to discuss concerns and complaints with college personnel and should expect a timely and appropriate response. When possible, students should first address their concerns through informal conferences with those immediately involved; formal due process is available when informal resolution cannot be achieved. 

   

  Student complaints may include (but are not limited to) issues regarding classroom instruction, college services and offices on the basis of actual or perceived race, color, national origin, religion, age, gender, gender identity, sexual orientation, political affiliation, or disability. 

   

  Further information about the complaints process, including the form used to submit complaints, is available at: http://www.austincc.edu/students/students-rights-and-responsibilities/student-complaint-procedures.

   

  Statement on Privacy 

  The Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA) protects confidentiality of students’ educational records. Grades cannot be provided by faculty over the phone, by e-mail, or to a fellow student.

   

  Class grades will be posted in Blackboard.

   

  Recording Policy 

  To ensure compliance with the Family Education Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA), student recording of class lectures or other activities is generally prohibited without the explicit written permission of the instructor and notification of other students enrolled in the class section. Exceptions are made for approved accommodations under the Americans with Disabilities Act. 

   

  Recording of lectures and other class activities may be made by faculty to facilitate instruction, especially for classes taught remotely through BlackBoard Collaborate or another platform. Participation in such activities implies consent for the student to be recorded during the instructional activity. Such recordings are intended for educational and academic purposes only.

   

  Safety Statement 

  Health and safety are of paramount importance in classrooms, laboratories, and field activities. Students are expected to learn and comply with ACC environmental, health and safety procedures and agree to follow ACC safety policies. Emergency Procedures posters and Campus Safety Plans are posted in each classroom and should be reviewed at the beginning of each semester. All incidents (injuries/illness/fire/property damage/near miss) should be immediately reported to the course instructor. Additional information about safety procedures and how to sign up to be notified in case of an emergency can be found at http://www.austincc.edu/emergency 

   

  Everyone is expected to conduct themselves professionally with respect and courtesy to all. Anyone who thoughtlessly or intentionally jeopardizes the health or safety of another individual may be immediately dismissed from the day’s activity and will be referred to the Dean of Student Services for disciplinary action.

   

  In the event of disruption of normal classroom activities due to an emergency situation or a continuing illness outbreak, the format for this course may be modified to enable completion of the course. In that event, students will be provided an addendum to the class syllabus that will supersede the original version.

   

  Campus Carry 

  The Austin Community College District concealed handgun policy ensures compliance with Section 411.2031 of the Texas Government Code (also known as the Campus Carry Law), while maintaining ACC’s commitment to provide a safe environment for its students, faculty, staff, and visitors. Beginning August 1, 2017, individuals who are licensed to carry (LTC) may do so on campus premises except in locations and at activities prohibited by state or federal law, or the college’s concealed handgun policy. 

   

  It is the responsibility of license holders to conceal their handguns at all times. Persons who see a handgun on campus are asked to contact the ACC Police Department by dialing 512-223-7999. Please refer to the concealed handgun policy online at http://austincc.edu/campuscarry

   

  Discrimination Prohibited

  The College seeks to maintain an educational environment free from any form of discrimination or harassment including but not limited to discrimination or harassment on the basis of race, color, national origin, religion, age, sex, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity, or disability. 

   

  Faculty at the College are required to report concerns regarding sexual misconduct (including all forms of sexual harassment and sex and gender-based discrimination) to the Manager of Title IX/Title VI/ADA Compliance. Licensed clinical counselors are available across the District and serve as confidential resources for students. 

   

  Additional information about Title VI, Title IX, and ADA compliance can be found in the ACC Compliance Resource Guide available at: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1o55xINAWNvTYgI-fs-JbDyuaMFDNvAjz/view 

   

  Use of ACC Email

  All College e-mail communication to students will be sent solely to the student’s ACCmail account, with the expectation that such communications will be read in a timely fashion. ACC will send important information and will notify students of any college- related emergencies using this account. Students should only expect to receive email communication from their instructor using this account. Likewise, students should use their ACCmail account when communicating with instructors and staff. Information about ACC email accounts, including instructions for accessing it, are available at: http://www.austincc.edu/help/accmail/questions-and-answers 

   

  Use of the Testing Center 

  All testing is currently online. While campuses are closed, exams for courses will be online tests that students can take from home. For more information about online testing at ACC, visit the Online Testing resource page: https://www.austincc.edu/academic-and-career-programs/acconline/testing. 

  
   

  STUDENT SUPPORT SERVICES 

  The success of our students is paramount, and ACC offers a variety of support services to help, as well as providing numerous opportunities for community engagement and personal growth. 

   

  Student Support 

  ACC strives to provide exemplary support to its students and offers a broad variety of opportunities and services. Information on these campus services and resources is available at http://www.austincc.edu/students. A comprehensive array of student support services is available online at: https://www.austincc.edu/coronavirus/remote-student-support.

   

  Student Accessibility Services 

  Students with documented disabilities who need academic or other accommodations must request them through the office Student Accessibility Services (SAS). SAS offices are located at each major campus. Students are encouraged to request accommodations when they register for courses or at least three weeks before the start of the semester; otherwise, the provision of accommodations may be delayed. Students who have received approval for accommodations from SAS for this course must provide the instructor with the document titled “Notice of Approved Accommodations” from SAS before accommodations will be provided. Accommodations will not be provided retroactively. Arrangements by the instructor for academic accommodations can only be made after he or she receives the “Notice of Approved Accommodations” from the student. 

   

  Additional information about Student Accessibility Services is available at https://www.austincc.edu/offices/student-accessibility-services-and-assistive-technology

   

  Academic Support 

  ACC offers academic support services on all of its campuses. These services, which include online tutoring, academic coaching, and supplemental instruction, are free to enrolled ACC students. Tutors are available in a variety of subjects ranging from accounting to pharmacology. Students may receive these services on both a drop-in and referral basis. 

  An online tutor request can be made here: https://de.austincc.edu/bbsupport/online-tutoring-request/ 

  Additional tutoring information can be found here: austincc.edu/onlinetutoring

   

  Library Services

  ACC Library Services is operating online while campuses are closed during the current pandemic. Libraries continue to support ACC courses and programs and provide students with research and assignment assistance from expert faculty librarians. ACC students have full rights and privileges to access Library Services online 24/7 via the ACC Library website, and students must use their ACCeID logins to access all online materials, including ebooks, articles from library databases, and streaming videos. ACC Libraries provide the “Ask a Librarian” service, which allows students to reach a librarian 24/7 through online chat or complete an online form for in-depth questions. Faculty librarians are available via email and virtually to meet with you by appointment seven days a week. Students can also contact the Library for questions about their library account, registration holds, and technology/device distribution options. 

  • Library Website: http://library.austincc.edu

  • Library Information & Services during COVID-19: https://researchguides.austincc.edu/LSinfoCOVID19 

  •Ask a Librarian 24/7 chat and form: https://library.austincc.edu/help/ask.php 

  •Library Hours of Operation by Location: https://library.austincc.edu/loc/ 

  •Email: library@austincc.edu 

   

  Student Organizations

  ACC has over seventy student organizations, offering a variety of cultural, academic, vocational, and social opportunities. They provide a chance to meet with other students who have the same interests, engage in service-learning, participatein intramural sports, gain valuable field experience related to career goals, and much else. Student Life coordinates many of these activities, and additional information is available at http://sites.austincc.edu/sl/ 

  Personal Support

  Resources to support students are available at every campus. To learn more, ask your professor or visit the campus Support Center. All resources and services are free and confidential. Some examples include, among others:

  •Food resources including community pantries and bank drives can be found here: https://www.centraltexasfoodbank.org/food-assistance/get-food-now 

  •Assistancewith childcare or utility bills is available at any campus Support Center: http://www.austincc.edu/students/support-center 

  •The Student Emergency Fund can help with unexpected expenses that may cause you to withdraw from one or more classes: http://www.austincc.edu/SEF 

  •Help with budgeting for college and family life is available through the Student Money Management Office: http://sites.austincc.edu/money/. A full listing of services for student parents is available at: https://www.austincc.edu/students/child-care 

  •The CARES Act Student Aid will help eligible students pay expenses related to COVID-19: https://www.austincc.edu/coronavirus/cares-act-student-aid 

   

  Mental health counseling services are available throughout the ACC Student Services District to address personal and or mental health concerns: http://www.austincc.edu/students/counseling 

   

  If you are struggling with a mental health or personal crisis, call one of the following numbers to connect with resources for help. However if you are afraid that you might hurt yourself or someone else, call 911 immediately. 

   

  Free Crisis Hotline Numbers: 

  • Austin / Travis County 24 hour Crisis & Suicide hotline: 512-472-HELP (4357) 

  • The Williamson County 24 hour Crisis hotline: 1-800-841-1255 

  • Bastrop County Family Crisis Center hotline: 1-888-311-7755 

  • Hays County 24 Hour Crisis Hotline: 1-877-466-0660 

  • National Suicide Prevention Lifeline: 1-800-273-TALK (8255) 

  • Crisis Text Line: Text “home” to 741741 o Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) National Helpline: 1-800-662-HELP (4357) 

  • National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) Helpline:1-800-950-NAMI (6264) 

  
   

  Illness

  Any ACC student  with symptoms or exposure to the COVID-19 virus should inform their professor(s) or supervisor and complete the college’s self reporting form: 

  https://cm.maxient.com/reportingform.php?AustinCC&layout_id=124 

  
  
  
  
  
  
  
   

  Student And Instructional Services

  ACC strives to provide exemplary support to its students and offers a broad variety of opportunities and services. Information on these services and support systems is available at: http://www.austincc.edu/s4/

   

  Links to many student services and other information can be found at: http://www.austincc.edu/current/

   

  ACC Learning Labs provide free tutoring services to all ACC students currently enrolled in the course to be tutored. The tutor schedule for each Learning Lab may be found at:  http://www.autincc.edu/tutor/students/tutoring.php

   

  For help setting up your ACCeID, ACC Gmail, or ACC Blackboard, see a Learning Lab Technician at any ACC Learning Lab.

   

• Course 

REQUIRED TEXTS/MATERIALS/SOFTWARE:

Health Information Management Technology An Applied Approach; 6th Edition, Author: Nanette B. Sayles, EdD, RHIA, CHPS, CCS, CPHIMS, FAHIMA

INSTRUCTIONAL METHODOLOGY: Classroom and Online – Blackboard/Hybrid

Domain I: Healthcare Data Management

Subdomain A: Healthcare Data Structure, Content and Standards

1. Collect and maintain health data (data elements, data sets and databases).

2. Conduct analysis to ensure documentation in the health record supports the diagnosis and reflects the patient’s progress, clinical findings and D/C status.

Subdomain B: Healthcare Information Requirements and Standards

1. Monitor and apply organization-wide health record documentation guidelines.

Domain II: Health Statistics, Biomedical Research and Quality Management

Subdomain A: Healthcare Statistics and Research

1. Collect, maintain, and report data for clinical indices/databases/registries to

meet specific organization needs such as medical research and disease registries.

1. Collect, organize, and present data for quality management, utilization

management, risk management, and other related studies.

1. Comprehend basic descriptive, institutional, and healthcare vital

statistics.

Subdomain B: Quality Management and Performance Improvement

1. Abstract and report data for facility-wide quality management and performance improvement programs. 

2. Analyze clinical data to identify trends that demonstrate quality, safety and effectiveness of healthcare.

Domain III: Health Services Organization and Delivery

Subdomain A: Healthcare Delivery Systems

1. Apply current laws, accreditation, licensure and certifications standards related to health information initiatives from the national, state, local and facility levels. 

2. Differentiate the roles of various providers and disciplines throughout the continuum of healthcare and respond to their information needs.

Subdomain B:  Healthcare Privacy,  Confidentiality, Legal, and Ethical Issues

5.  Apply and promote ethical standards of practice.

Domain IV: Information Technology and Systems

Subdomain A: Information and Communication Technologies

1. Use technology, including hardware and software, to ensure data collection, storage, analysis, and reporting of information.

2. Use common software applications such as spreadsheets, databases, word

processing, graphics, presentation, e-mail, and so on in the execution of  work processes.

3. Use specialized software in the completion of HIM processes such as record tracking, release of information, coding, grouping, registries, billing, quality improvement, and imaging.

4. Apply policies and procedures to the use of networks, including intranet and Internet applications, to facilitate the electronic health record (EHR), personal health record (PHR), public health, and other administrative applications.

5. Participate in the planning, design, selection, implementation, integration, testing, evaluation, and support for EHRs. 

Subdomain B:  Data, Information, and File Structures

1. Apply knowledge of database architecture and design (such as data dictionary)

to meet departmental needs.

Subdomain C:  Data Storage and Retrieval

1. Use appropriate electronic or imaging technology for data/record storage.

2. Query and generate reports to facilitate information retrieval using appropriate

software.

3. Apply retention and destruction policies for health information.

Subdomain D:  Data Security 

1. Apply confidentiality and security measures to protect electronic health information.

2. Protect data integrity and validity using software or hardware technology.

3. Apply departmental and organizational data and information system security policies.

4. Use and summarize data compiled from audit trails and data quality monitoring programs.

Domain VI

Subdomain A:  Human Resources

1.  Apply the fundamentals of team leadership.

2. Participate in and work in teams and committees.

DISCIPLINE/PROGRAM STUDENT LEARNING OUTCOMES:

Upon completion of the Program, the student will be able to:

1. Use common software packages (spreadsheets, word processing, presentation, and graphics) and those software packages specific to Health Information Technology

2. Gather, interpret, analyze and monitor data used for quality management and performance improvement programs that relate to Health Information Technology

3. Analyze and validate coding and coding data accuracy and compliance with federal and coding guidelines

4. Compute, interpret and analyze healthcare statistics

5. Apply and interpret the concepts of the Electronic Health Record (EHR)

6. Apply policies and procedures to comply with reimbursement and reporting requirements that align themselves with major insurance programs, federal healthcare legislation, national diagnoses and procedure coding systems and the process for completion and submission of claims.

7. Upon completion of the Associate of Applied Science Degree in Health Information Technology, the student will be able to:

1. Appropriately manage and use health data.

2. Collect report and interpret database information and compute related healthcare statistics.

3. Apply and participate in the implementation of laws and policies and procedures within healthcare delivery systems as they relate to payment systems, healthcare provider information needs, patient privacy and disclosure and ethical standards of practice.

4. Utilize technology, including specialized hardware and software applications to ensure accurate data collection, record tracking, and analysis, reporting and will be able to apply and contribute to the application of electronic health records and to the maintenance and design of patient information retrieval systems, while maintaining confidentiality and security of information. 

Apply the fundamentals of team and financial resource management, including budgeting, teamwork, education, communication and interpersonal skills in order to contribute to work plans, policies and procedures, resource management and others in performance as a member of a team.

S

1. Distinguish between data and information.

2. Explain the structure and use of health information such as individual, comparative and aggregate.

3. Give examples of health information media such as paper, computer, or web-based.

4. Identify and describe application software.

5. Distinguish between the content of health records in the acute care inpatient, hospital outpatient/ASC and physician office settings.

6. Distinguish between primary and secondary data sources.

7. Give examples of the most common registries and indexes found in hospitals.

8. Describe data presentation methods: tables, graphs, charts, bar and pie charts, histograms, polygrams.

9. Define data mining.

10. Describe the elements of data security systems.

11. Identify and define terms associated with data integrity.

12. Define security processes and monitoring.

13. Define data recovery.

14. Compare the format and content of various types of outpatient health records.

15. Locate clinical data reported on the UB-04/CMS-1500 claim forms in health record documentation.

16. Explain the coding function and discuss the importance of documentation in coding.

17. Explain the value of implementing ICD-10 and ICD-10-PCS.

18. Distinguish between the basic concepts and terms associated with the electronic health record (EHR).

19. Distinguish between a physician’s health record and a patient’s personal health record (PHR).

20. Explain the importance of adopting a national patient identifier in building the national healthcare information infrastructure, and provide examples of how a patient’s identification can affect data integrity.

21. Distinguish between licensure and accreditation and identify examples of each.

22. Understand the history of the healthcare delivery system.

23. Describe the basic organization in the most common healthcare organizations including the physician office and the acute care hospital.

24. Identify the various licensing and regulatory agencies in the healthcare industry.

25. Distinguish the terms: clinical quality assessment, infection control, utilization management, case management and risk management.

26. Explain the elements of a corporate compliance plan.

27. Explain the movement in Medicare to connecting quality of care with payment policies (ACO).

28. Identify coding and reimbursement systems used in the physician office, hospital outpatient/ASC and acute care patient settings.

29. Describe differences between commercial, managed care and federal insurance plans.

30. Define, describe and explain the purpose of the case-mix index.

31. Describe hospital related statistical terms.

32. Define severity of illness systems.

33. Summarize the information included in vital statistics.

34. Describe descriptive and inferential statistics.

35. Describe the health information management department functions and purpose.

36. Explain the Code of Ethics for HIM professionals.

37. Describe the role of the health information management professional in performance improvement, utilization management and risk management functions.

38. Differentiate the various types of healthcare disciplines and providers in the continuum of care.

39. Explain the general functions, purposes and benefits of health information technology systems.

40. Assess the major types of information system applications used in healthcare organizations.

41. Describe health information systems, including, but not limited to: administrative, patient registration, ADT, EHR, PHR, lab, radiology, pharmacy.

42. Define quality control functions for EHRs

43. Compare health information systems in terms of their ability to support the requirements of a healthcare enterprise.

44. Identify coding and payment components used in the physician office, hospital outpatient/ ASC and acute care inpatient settings.