Course Descriptions

Health Information Technologies Course Descriptions

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(Enter Datatel Course Numbers with the dash. i.e. ENGL-100; use commas to separate multiple Course Numbers)

MEDC-100 - MEDICAL DATA ENTRY  3 credits
This course will introduce the students to the selection of proper medical forms as well as the assembling of accurate and complete medical records. The organization and entry of electronic medical data is crucial to developing a valid medical record as well as other health information management tasks required for the delivery of health care in today's world. Practice will be provided utilizing computerized medical software.
MEDC-103 - CODING FOR THE HEALTH SCIENCES  1 credit
This course will explain the relationship between the International Classification of Diseases (ICD), the Current Procedural Terminology (CPT) and reimbursement policies. Emphasis will be placed on determining the correct documentation that will support the required codes. Practice will be provided utilizing computerized medical software.
MEDC-110 - INTRODUCTION TO CODING AND HEALTH INSURANCE  3 credits
This is an introductory course on the basics of ICD-9-CM, CPT, and HCPCS coding systems. It will include health insurance terminology as well as an explanation of various third party payers and their impact on the health care delivery system. This course will also explore managed care and Medicare plans and their effects on medical care, medical costs, and reimbursement. The students will also learn the basic financial and bookkeeping applications used in the medical environment. PREREQUISITE: MAST-101.
MEDC-120 - INTRODUCTION TO DIAGNOSTIC CODING  4 credits
This course is a comprehensive study of ICD-9-CM. It will involve an in-depth study of coding diseases for all the major body systems. A systematic study of hospital inpatient and ambulatory care coding will also be covered. Specificity and correct coding procedures and techniques will be stressed. This course will overview ICD-10, the new coding system to be implemented in the future. A grade of C or better is required. PREREQUISITE: MAST-101
MEDC-121 - INTRODUCTION TO PROCEDURAL CODING  4 credits
This course is a comprehensive study of CPT and HCPCS. Coding for evaluation and management, anesthesia, surgery, pathology, and laboratory, radiology and medicine will be emphasized. This course will also explore coding for emergency rooms, hospitals, physicians' offices, and outpatient facilities. The HCPCS coding book will be utilized for coding DME, medical, Medicare, and Medicaid supplies. PREREQUISITE: MAST-101
MEDC-125 - HEALTH OFFICE BASICS  3 credits
This course will provide the student with an introduction and overview of types of medical providers, day to day operations, customer service and privacy regulations that they will encounter in a health care setting. The student will have a general understanding of ethical issues and the law as they apply to operations and patient care in a health setting. Interpersonal skills in a health care setting will also be explored.
MEDC-130 - MEDICAL RECORDS  3 credits
An introduction to the medical record to assist the student to develop a thorough understanding of the content of medical records in order to be able to locate information to support or provide specificity. Offered Fall Semester
MEDC-201 - MEDICAL CODING 2  5 credits
A study of DRG; RB-RVS; ASC payment methodologies in ICD-9-CM and CPT coding and the Peer Review Organization's impact on coding. Advanced coding procedures are treated as well as the current Health Care Finance Administration changes in regard to the payment methodologies. PREREQUISITE: MEDC-102, MEDC-101; PREREQUISITE or CONCURRENT: MAST-320 or MAST-301
MEDC-210 - REIMBURSEMENT PROCEDURES FOR HEALTH CARE SYSTEMS  3 credits
This course is designed to emphasize the effective use of health care data in reimbursement and payment systems appropriate to all health care settings and managed care. The students will use computerized medical management software to accurately process the HCFA-1500 claim form and other commercial claim forms. The use of coded data and modifiers to verify the claim will be stressed. PREREQUISITES: MEDC-120, MEDC-130. Offered Spring Semester
MEDC-218 - HEALTH INSURANCE AND REIMBURSEMENT MANAGEMENT  3 credits
This course is designed to develop knowledge of various health insurance policies and plans. The student will become efficient in health insurance terminology and concepts. HMOs, PPOs, as well as government, state, and private insurance will be compared and contrasted. The course will also cover worker's compensation, disability, Champus, and Champva. Insurance forms and documentation for health claims reimbursement and billing will be utilized. Reimbursement calculations for DRG, capitation, fee for service, risk accounts, Medicare, and private insurance will be examined. PREREQUISITES: MEDC-120, MEDC-121
MEDC-220 - TECHNICAL APPLICATIONS OF BILLING AND REIMBURSEMENT MANAGEMENT  2 credits
Students will use their coding, health insurance, and reimbursement knowledge didactically to utilize computer applications for billing and reimbursement. This course will utilize both an educational billing computer program and programs utilized in a healthcare billing department. PREREQUISITE: Keyboarding at 25 wpm
MEDC-230 - ELECTRONIC HEALTH RECORD  2 credits
This course will provide the student with an understanding of the impact an Electronic Health Records system has on patient care and workflow processes in a health care setting. The course will focus on providing the student with the foundational knowledge of EHR systems, a practical perspective on how an EHR system effects the health care setting and hands-on experience using an EHR product.
MEDC-301 - CO-OP FOR HEALTH INFORMATION TECHNOLOGIES  3 credits
This co-op will give the student work experience in the Health Information Technologies program. The student may gain experience as a medical coder, medical biller, or a patient account representative. PREREQUISITES: MEDC-305, MEDC-401.
MEDC-305 - ADVANCED CODING  3 credits
This course is a continuation of ICD-9-CM, CPT, and HCPCS. Students will be introduced to advanced coding procedures, involving the coding of diseases and procedures from medical records. Three hours lecture. PREREQUISITES: MEDC-120, MEDC-121.
MEDC-350 - CODING FOR HEALTH CARE PROFESSIONALS  3 credits
This course will be an overview of medical coding and the relationship of coding to billing and reimbursement. The importance of correct documentation of all diagnoses and procedures will be emphasized. The relationship between the ICD (International Classification of Diseases) and the CPT (Physician's Current Procedural Terminology) will be explored. The responsibilities of HCFA (the Health Care Financing Administration) responsible for Medicare and Medicaid as well as HCPCS (the HCFA Common Procedures Coding Systems) and other third party payors that determine reimbursement will be defined.
MEDC-401 - HEALTH INFORMATION MANAGEMENT  3 credits
This course will introduce the health information technology student to health care delivery systems, health information management, the patient record in acute, outpatient and alternate care settings, numbering and filing systems, record storage and circulation, indexes, registers, health data collection, legal aspects and reimbursement. PREREQUISITE: MEDC-218, MEDC-220, and MEDC-305
MEDC-405 - CERTIFICATION EXAM PREPARATION FOR HEALTH INFORMATION TECHNOLOGIES  2 credits
This course will prepare the Health Information Technology student to take the Certified Coding Assistant (CCA) examination administered by the AHIMA. This examination is required by many employers for entry-level coding positions. The student will be introduced to the test-taking experience, the construction of the text, the content of the test, and the test time constraints. PREREQUISITE: MEDC-218, MEDC-220, MEDC-305 and MEDC-401