STUDENT
HANDBOOK
2016
Health Information Technology
Glenna Young, BS, RHIA, CCS
Program Coordinator/Instructor
Wade Lowry, BS, RHIT
Clinical Coordinator/ Instructor
2016 - 2017
0
Health Information Technology (HIT)
This handbook can be amended at any time. Students will be notified of changes immediately and will sign
statements acknowledging the changes.
I. Introduction:
This handbook is designed to provide information and serve as a resource for questions and situations you
may encounter as a student in the HIT program. The information provided in this handbook is meant to
supplement that provided in the Idaho State University (ISU) Student Handbook found at:
http://www2.isu.edu/studenta/pdf/IdahoStateUniversityStudentHandbook_2015_Aug_10.pdf
Please note that program polices outlined in this section of the handbook are also applicable to the
Intermediate Medical Coding Certificate as it falls under the auspice of the HIT program.
II. Department Administration:
The Health Occupations (HO) Department falls under the control of the College of Technology (COT) at
ISU. The program is approved by the State Board of Education.
Dean, College of Technology:
R. Scott Rasmussen, M.Ed.
Health Occupations Department Chair
Paul P. Peterson, Ph.D.
208-282-4169
[email protected]
Program Coordinator/Instructor
Glenna Young, BS, RHIA, CCS
208-282-4524
[email protected]
Program Clinical Coordinator
Wade E. Lowry, BS, RHIT
208-282-3738
[email protected]
All students are directly responsible to the instructors. Details regarding program procedures will be
covered during orientation at the beginning of the program or when need arises. Problems of any nature
should be first brought to the attention of the instructors and program coordinator. They will seek
assistance for student problems. If a student feels a need for a conference with someone other than an
instructor or the program coordinator, a meeting may be arranged with a counselor from the COT Student
Services at 208-282-2622.
III. Program Accreditation:
The Health Information Technology Program is accredited by the Commission on Accreditation for Health
Informatics and Information Management Education. (CAHIIM)
“CAHIIM is an independent accrediting organization whose Mission is to serve the public interest by
establishing and enforcing quality Accreditation Standards for Health Informatics and Health Information
Management (HIM) educational programs.” Further information on CAHIIM may be found at
http://www.cahiim.org.
Students completing an AAS in Health Information Technology, through a program accredited by
CAHIIM, are eligible to site for the Registered Health Information Technician (RHIT) credential offered
through the American Health Information Management Association. (AHIMA) For information on
examination process please visit www.ahima.org.
Please note that the Intermediate Coding Certificate is not accredited by CAHIIM; however, the certificate
does prepare the student to sit for the Certified Coding Specialist (CCS) credential offered through the
AHIMA.
III. Program Policies:
A. Attendance Policy:
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Employers are very interested in a student’s attendance and study habits because they reflect how he/she
will perform on the job.
Students are expected to attend every class on time. Positive attendance accounting will be maintained by
each instructor. Excessive absences jeopardize your ability to do well in the class and may be a major
contributing factor in your lack of success. For specific attendance rules and policies, please see your class
syllabus.
B. Cheating/Plagiarism:
“The core principles of integrity create a foundation for success in all of life’s endeavors. Integrity in
academic settings is a fundamental component of success and growth in the classroom. It prepares students
for personal and professional challenges as well as providing a blueprint for future fulfillment and success.”
(The International Center for Academic Integrity, About Integrity)
The ISU Student Handbook States, “Academic integrity is expected of all individuals in academia.
Behavior beyond reproach must be the norm. Academic dishonesty in any form is unacceptable.
Academic dishonesty includes, but is not limited to cheating and plagiarism.”
Any student who cheats, cheats themselves. Cheating may consist of plagiarism, copying from another
student’s work, copying from notes, etc. Students caught cheating will be dismissed from the class, given a
grade of F, and may be dismissed from the program. Decisions to dismiss a student from their program of
study are subject to due process protections as outlined in the ISU Student Handbook.
C. General Grading Policy:
Students are required to maintain a minimum grade of C, or a 73%, in all coursework. A course may be
repeated only once. Failure to maintain a C, or 73%, on the second attempt will result in immediate
dismissal from the program.
For specific class grading policies, check your class syllabus which should be available from each
instructor at the beginning of each class. All courses are graded using a plus and minus system.
D. Release Form:
A student must sign a release form if he/she would like to authorize the instructors in the program to release
information to prospective employers regarding grades, attendance, or other pertinent information for
gaining employment.
E. Student Organizations:
A number of student organizations are available through ISU and the COT. At this time a specific HIT
student organization is not active due largely to the online aspects of the program.
F. Supervised Professional Practice I and II
Over the course of your involvement with the HIT program you will be required to engage in two
supervised professional practice experiences. These experiences are designed to provide you with real
world hands-on training under the direction of practicing professionals.
Supervised Professional Practice I, HIT 0201, takes place in the second semester of instruction and is
conducted for a period of 8 hours a week for eight weeks. This course may also be conducted as a wholly
virtual experience. Supervised Professional Practice II, HIT 0207, takes place at the end of the final
semester of instructions. The student will work a minimum of 24 hours per week, for 8 weeks, in a
professional setting.
While every effort will be made to place the student within commuting distance of his/her home. Local
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practice sites are very limited. As a result of the limited number of sites in the local area, the student must
plan to be away from home for this experience. You practice site will be determined by the HIT clinical
coordinator in consultation with the program coordinator.
Over the last few years federal, state, and accrediting body requirements have led to the necessity of each
student undergoing a criminal background check prior to being assigned to a clinical site. There is
currently a $50 charge associated with these checks. The check will be conducted by an organization
contracted with ISU for this purpose. Background checks conducted by an organization, other than the one
contracted by ISU, are not accepted. The student should be aware that their name will be check against the
Idaho sexual offender database. A positive finding on a background check will be referred to the HO
Department Chair and may prevent the student from engaging in clinical practice. Further information on
the background check will be provided prior to the beginning of the clinical experience.
Student engaged in clinical practice are required to provide proof of valid health insurance.
In addition to the background check and proof of health insurance, students are required to undergo the
following immunizations, or provide proof if immunity for the for the following:
1. Tb Skin Testing (PPD) - Must be current within 1 year of clinical start date.
2. MMR Series -series of 2 immunizations. Must show proof that immunizations have been received since
1965, or receive immunizations, or provide a titer showing immunity drawn within 1 year of the clinical
start date.
3. Hepatitis B Series - series of three immunizations. The first two must be completed prior to the clinical
start date. Must have been received within 20 years of clinical start date, or a titer showing immunity drawn
within 1 year of the clinical start date must be provided if not receiving the immunization.
4. Tdap - Must show proof of immunization within 10 years of the clinical start date.
5. Influenza - Required yearly depending on the availability of vaccine at onset of clinical.
6. Varicella - Must show proof of immunization, or proof that disease was contracted, or provide a titer
showing immunity drawn within 1 year of the clinical start date,
Please note that the cost of the background check and immunizations is the sole responsibility of the
student. For more information on the immunizations themselves, and their associated cost, please contact
your family physician or local District Health Department.
Please note that all information gathered during the background check, insurance check, and immunization
process will be shared with the clinical site of assignment.
The above requirements are also in place for HIT 0240, Medical Coding Practicum.
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Health Information Technology
Job Description, Course Descriptions, Course Sequencing, Program Goals
I. Job Description:
Health information management (HIM) is the practice of acquiring, analyzing, and protecting digital and
traditional medical information vital to providing quality patient care. HIM professionals are highly trained in the
latest information management technology applications and understand the workflow in any healthcare provider
organization from large hospital systems to the private physician practice.
Health information professionals work in a variety of different settings and job titles. They often serve in bridge
roles, connecting clinical, operational, and administrative functions. These professionals affect the quality of patient
information and patient care at every touch point in the healthcare delivery cycle. Having skilled HIM professionals
on staff ensures an organization has the right information on hand when and where it is needed while maintaining
the highest standards of data integrity, confidentiality, and security.
Health Information Technology – Registered Health Information Technician, (RHIT): RHIT’s perform a
variety of technical health information functions and are vital to the daily operations management of health
information and electronic health records.
Professionals holding the RHIT credential are health information technicians who:
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Acquire, analyze, and protect digital and traditional medical information vital to providing quality patient
care.
Highly trained in the latest information management technology applications to include medical
informatics and understand the workflow in any healthcare provider organization from large hospital
systems to the private physician practice.
Vital to the daily operations management of health information and electronic health records.
Ensure the quality of medical records by verifying their completeness, accuracy, and proper entry into
computer systems.
Use computer applications to assemble and analyze patient data for the purpose of improving patient care
or controlling costs for various administrative, accreditation/licensing, and health statistics.
Specialize in coding diagnoses and procedures in patient records for reimbursement and research.
Specialize in Privacy and Security.
Specialize in Clinical Documentation Improvement
Specialize in Health Data Analysis
Specialize in Healthcare Technology
An additional role for RHITs is cancer registrars - compiling and maintaining data on cancer patients.
With experience, the RHIT credential holds solid potential for advancement to management positions, especially
when combined with a bachelor's degree.
Although most RHITs work in hospitals, they are also found in other healthcare settings including office-based
physician practices, nursing homes, home health agencies, mental health facilities, and public health agencies. In
fact, RHITs may be employed in any organization that uses patient data or health information, such as
pharmaceutical companies, law and insurance firms, and health product vendors.
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II. HIT Specific Course Descriptions:
HIT 0201 Supervised Professional Practice I: 2 semester hours.
Directed clinical practice in various health information sites under the preceptorship of a practicing professional for
8 hours per week for eight weeks. F, S
HIT 0202 Health Information I: 4 semester hours.
Introduction to the roles and responsibilities of the health information field. Study of the origin, use, content, format,
record retention, numbering and filing systems of health information records. Study of computer applications found
in health information. Accreditation and licensing standards along with state and federal laws pertaining to health
information. F, S
HIT 0203 Health Statistics and Quality Improvement: 3 semester hours.
The collection, calculation and presentation of routine health data in conjunction with the assessment, monitoring,
evaluation and improvement of health care. PREREQ: MATH 1123, HIT 0201, and HIT 0202. F, S
HIT 0204 Health Information II: 4 semester hours.
Theory, practice and skills in managing health information and personnel. F, S
HIT 0205 ICD 10 CM Coding: 3 semester hours.
Principles and application of diagnosis coding for statistical and reimbursement purposes utilizing International
Classification of Disease-Clinically Modified. PREREQ: HO 0106, BIOL 1101, BIOL 1101L; and HO 0111 or
BIOL 3301 and BIOL 3302. F, S
HIT 0206 ICD 10 PCS Coding: 3 semester hours.
Principles and application of procedural coding for statistical and reimbursement purposes utilizing International
Classification of Disease Procedure Classification System. PREREQ: HO 0106, BIOL 1101, BIOL 1101L; and
HO 0111 or BIOL 3301 and BIOL 3302. F, S
HIT 0207 Supervised Professional Practice II: 4 semester hours.
Directed clinical practice in a health information department under the preceptorship of a practicing professional for
24 hours per week for eight weeks. COREQ: HIT 0203, HIT 0204, and HIT 0213. PREREQ: HIT 0201, HIT 0202,
HIT 0205, HIT 0206 and HIT 0209. F, S
HIT 0209 CPT Coding: 3 semester hours.
Principles and application of coding for statistical and reimbursement purposes utilizing Physicians' Current
Procedural Terminology in conjunction with documentation standards. PREREQ: HO 0106, BIOL 1101,
BIOL 1101L; and HO 0111 or BIOL 3301 and BIOL 3302. F, S
HIT 0213 Advanced Coding and Reimbursement: 4 semester hours.
Practical application of ICD and CPT coding utilizing software and actual patient records. Application of coded data
in payment and reimbursement systems, including the basic instructions for filing various types of health care claims
and accounts receivable. Students will use medical software to perform competency-based simulations. PREREQ:
HIT 0205, HIT 0206, and HIT 0209. F, S
HIT 0214 Coding Practicum: 4 semester hours.
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Directed clinical coding practice in a clinical coding environment under the preceptorship of a practicing
professional. PREREQ: HIT 0205, HIT 0206, HIT 0213. F, S
HIT 0215 Introduction to Reimbursement: 2 semester hours.
Introduction to processing health insurance claims through medical insurance, payer requirements, state and federal
regulations, abstracting of source documents, accurate completion of claims, and coding of diagnoses and
procedures/services. Utilizes national diagnosis and procedure coding systems and claims processing software.
PREREQ: HIT 0202. F, S
HIT 0220 Informatics Technology I: 3 semester hours.
Introduction to information systems and their importance in the health care industry. Emphasis on information
technology, information system characteristics and use. The study of processes supported in health informatics and
information to include the electronic health record and the management of information and information systems in
the inpatient and outpatient health care settings. F, S
HIT 0224 Informatics Technology II: 3 semester hours.
Data analysis and decision support for health informatics. Database concepts, project management, network
concepts, system analysis and design. Content of health records, health informatics and information standards as per
regulatory agencies and accreditation. PREREQ: HIT 0220. F, S
Please note that the Intermediate Medical Coding Certificate shares many of the same courses offered through the
HIT program. Unique to the Certificate is HIT 0240:
HIT 0240 Medical Coding Practicum: 4 semester hours
Directed clinical coding and reimbursement practice under the preceptorship of a practicing professional for 40
hours a week for four weeks; also includes the successful completion of HIT/HIM projects as assigned.
PREREQ: HO 0106, HO 0107, HO 0208, HO 0209,HO 0111, HIT 0202, HIT 0205, HIT 0206, HIT 0209, HIT 0215
PRE-OR-COREQ: HIT 0213. F, S
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III. HIT Course Sequencing:
Introduction – This sheet provides a look at the typical course sequencing for a new student with fall semester
entry into the program. In the past it was possible to substitute some courses from the ISU Healthcare
Administration program, Health Education program, and Public Health program for specific HIT and HO courses.
In the spring of 2016 a gap analysis of courses needed to complete the AAS, based on curriculum maps provided by
the Commission on Accreditation for Health Informatics and Information Management (CAHIIM), was conducted.
As a result of this analysis it has been determined that only a very narrow set of courses, outside the HIT curriculum,
meet the very specific requirements for entry-level competencies and outcomes as described by CAHIIM. As a
result of this analysis courses outside of the HIT sequencing will no longer be considered as equivalent to HIT
courses unless noted.
Course work previously completed though another CAHIIM accredited institution will be considered for credit on a
case-by-case basis. Course work completed at an institution with which the ISU HIT program has an articulation
agreement will be honored. Any questions regarding equivalent courses, not addressed in this document, should be
directed to the HIT Program Coordinator or their designated representative.
ENTRY: FALL
TOTAL LENGTH: 2 YEARS
TOTAL CREDITS: 66
FALL SEMESTER
COURSE PREFIX AND NUMBER
HIT 0202
HIT 0220
HO 0106*
BIOL 1101/1101L**
ENGL 1101
COURSE TITLE
Health Information I
Informatics Technology I
Medical Terminology
Biology I and Lab
English Composition
CREDITS
4
3
2
4
3
Total
16
*HE 2210, Medical Terminology and Communication, is considered equivalent to HO 0106.
**BIOL 1100 may be considered.
SPRING SEMESTER
COURSE PREFIX AND
NUMBER
COMM 1101
HIT 0201
HIT 0215
HO 0107*
HO 0111
MATH 1123 | MATH 1153
Total
COURSE TITLE
Principles of Speech
Practicum I
Intro to Reimbursement
Medical Law and Ethics
Anatomy and Physiology
Math in Modern Society --OR-- Introduction to Statistics
CREDITS
3
2
2
3
4
3
17
*HCA 4475, Health Law and Bioethics, is considered equivalent to HO 0107.
FALL SEMESTER
COURSE PREFIX AND NUMBER
HIT 0205
HIT 0206
HIT 0209
COURSE TITLE
ICD-10-CM Coding
ICD-10-PCS Coding
CPT-4 Coding
CREDITS
3
3
3
7
HO 0208
HO 0209
PSYC 1101
Total
SPRING SEMESTER
COURSE PREFIX AND NUMBER
HIT 0203
HIT 0204
HIT 0207
HIT 0213
HIT 0224
Total
Intro to Pathobiology
Principles of Drugs and Uses
Introduction to General Psychology
COURSE TITLE
Health Care Statistics/QI
Health Information II
Practicum II
Advanced Coding/Reimbursement
Informatics Technology II
3
3
3
18
CREDITS
3
4
4
4
3
18
Many courses require prerequisites. Please see the online catalog for details.
Notes for Semester 1: Students wishing to pursue a Bachelor's Degree must take BIOL 0101 or BIOL 0100 to satisfy
Objective 5.
Notes for Semester 2: Students wishing to pursue a Bachelor's Degree will need to take the following courses in lieu
of HO 0111: BIOL 0301 and BIOL 0302 with labs. Students are encouraged to take MATH 1123 to satisfy
Objective 3.
Notes for Semester 3: Students wising to pursue a Bachelor's Degree will need to take the following courses in lieu
of HO 0208: BIOL 3305
Note for Semester 4: HIT 207 is conducted in the final eight weeks of the semester. Students must have completed
all coursework from the first 3 semesters before they will be enrolled in any 4th semester courses. All courses,
listed in the sequencing schedule above, must be completed with a C (73%) or better.
Students may be required to complete pre-requisite courses for English and Math. Transfer courses may be
considered to meet course requirements.
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Medical Coding Course Sequencing:
ENTRY: SPRING
TOTAL LENGTH: 1.5 YEARS
TOTAL CREDITS: 38
SPRING SEMESTER
COURSE
PREFIX
COURSE TITLE
AND NUMBER
HO 0106*
Medical Terminology
HO 0107**
Medical Law and Ethics
HO 0111***
Introduction to A & P
HO 0209
Principles of Drugs and Their Use
HIT 0215
Introduction to Reimbursement
Total
CREDITS
2
3
4
3
2
14
*HE 2210, Medical Terminology and Communication, is considered equivalent to HO 0106.
**HCA 4475, Health Law and Bioethics, is considered equivalent to HO 0107.
***BIOL 3301 and Lab, and BIOL 3302 and Lab, may be used to satisfy this course requirement.
FALL SEMESTER
COURSE PREFIX
AND NUMBER
HO 0208*
HIT 0205
HIT 0206
HIT 0209
Total
COURSE TITLE
CREDITS
Intro to Pathobiology
ICD-10-CM Coding
ICD-10-PCS Coding
CPT-4 Coding
3
3
3
3
12
*BIOL 3305 may be used to satisfy this course requirement
SPRING SEMESTER
COURSE PREFIX AND
NUMBER
HIT 0202
HIT 0213
HIT 0240
Total
COURSE TITLE
CREDITS
Health Information I
Advanced Coding & Reimbursement
Professional Coding Practicum
4
4
4
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Many courses require prerequisites. Please see the online catalog for details.
All courses, listed in the sequencing schedule above, must be completed with a C (73%) or better.
Students may be required to complete pre-requisite courses for English and Math. Transfer courses may be
considered to meet course requirements
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IV. HIT Program Goals:
PROGRAM GOALS:
1. The program will meet employer needs in Idaho for health information personnel.
a.
The program will maintain accreditation
b.
The program will respond to employer concerns and requests
c.
The program advisory committee will meet twice yearly
2.
The program will prepare students with the entry level competencies necessary to become an RHIT.
a.
The curriculum will adhere to the Domains, Tasks and Subtasks as set forth by CAHIIM
b.
Upon graduation, the students will pass the certification exam demonstrating comprehension
and application of entry level competencies
c.
Upon graduation, the students will assume the role of a professional in the Health Information
field
3.
The program will provide the opportunities for all students to successfully complete the curriculum
a.
Adult Success will prepare lower level students for entry into the program and will flag learning
disabilities
b.
The Program Coordinator in cooperation with Adult Success will maintain a list of qualified tutors
for all HO and HIT courses
c.
The program faculty will designate posted office hours each semester
4.
The program will increase or maintain enrollment and retention of students
a.
Enroll a minimum of 20 students in the program each year
b.
75% of the first year students will return to complete the program
c.
The program faculty will participate in recruitment activities a minimum of twice annually
5.
The program will provide the latest technology, resources and reference material to enhance learning
a.
Maintain a current list of reference materials
b.
Maintain current subscriptions to pertinent health care journals
c.
The program utilizes health record application software
d.
Electronic patient health records will be used for practical learning
6.
The program will provide students with scholarship and financial aid assistance
a.
Current scholarship information and applications are provided to students
b.
IdHIMA, AHIMA Foundation Scholarship applications will be provided to students annually
7.
The program will promote professionalism and leadership
a.
Faculty will provide AHIMA membership applications to the students
b.
A formal introduction to IdHIMA Board of Directors will occur once a year
c.
If active the student organization will provide officer positions
d.
When active the student organization will participate one community service project annually
e.
When active student organization will sponsor National HIM week activities
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ATTACHMENT A
COLLEGE OF TECHNOLOGY
HANDBOOK SIGNATURE FORM AND PHOTOGRAPHY CONSENT RELEASE
ISU College of Technology
921 S 8th Avenue, Stop 8380
Pocatello, Idaho 83209-8380
HANDBOOK SIGNATURE FORM:
I acknowledge that I have received, read, and understand this student handbook.
_____________________________________________________________________________________________
PRINTED NAME AND DATE
_____________________________________________________________________________________________
SIGNATURE AND BENGAL ID NUMBER
_____________________________________________________________________________________________
INSTRUCTOR SIGNATURE
CONSENT FOR PHOTOGRAPH RELEASE:
I understand that my photograph may be used for educational purposes. I also understand that these photographs
may be used in classroom discussions, reproduced to facilitate written and digital formats (including online), and/or
be used in marketing promotional materials (brochures, pamphlets, flyers, etc).
If there are limitations, please check one of the following:
_____ Photographs must be altered to ensure facial identity is hidden.
_____ Do NOT use my photo for promotional or educational use.
_____________________________________________________________________________________________
PRINTED NAME AND DATE
_____________________________________________________________________________________________
SIGNATURE AND BENGAL ID NUMBER
_____________________________________________________________________________________________
INSTRUCTOR SIGNATURE
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ATTACHMENT B
ISU COLELGE OF TECHNOLOGY
COMPUTER USAGE POLICY
ISU College of Technology
921 S 8th Avenue, Stop 8380
Pocatello, Idaho 83209-8380
COMPUTER USAGE POLICY
Person(s) using any of the ISU computing resources for personal gain, violation of security/privacy or who
otherwise compromise the integrity of the hardware and/or software shall be prosecuted to the full extent of the law.
Legitimate use of a computer or computer network does not extend to whatever you are capable of doing with it.
Although some rules are built into the system itself, these restrictions cannot limit completely what you can do and
can see. In any event, you are responsible for your actions whether or not rules are built in, and whether or not you
can circumvent them.
Inappropriate use of the computer is considered computer misuse. The supervisor of each lab will determine what is
deemed “inappropriate use” for their particular lab. For specific computer lab policies, see individual lab instructors.
Inappropriate use may result in denial of computer lab access at the College of Technology.
The misuse of this computing account, or use of an account belonging to another, may result in the loss of your
computer privileges. Where computing is required to complete course work this may effectively require transfer to a
non-computer related program and/or hinder your pursuit of a degree. Examples of misuse are: sharing your
personal account with another individual, using unauthorized passwords, use for financial gain or business purposes,
sending offensive electronic mail or Internet correspondence, chain letter, or other such correspondence,
unauthorized transfer of computer programs or data, attempts to circumvent established procedures, computer
security breach or attempts to break security
.
I have read the entire student computing contract. I acknowledge and agree to use the ISU computing resources
solely for University instructional, administrative, or research activities in accordance with above policy. I further
acknowledge that any abuse of the above privilege may result in loss of computing privileges whether or not such
privileges are necessary for continued enrollment in my present course of study.
_____________________________________________________________________________________________
PRINTED NAME AND DATE
_____________________________________________________________________________________________
SIGNATURE AND BENGAL ID NUMBER
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Attachment C
Health Occupations Department
Consent for Release of Information
I hereby consent and give my permission to the faculty and staff of Idaho State University College of Technology
(CTech) Health Occupations Department to provide information, both oral and written, to prospective employers,
both public and private; such information shall include but shall not be limited to records, grades, performance
evaluations, observations, and any other information which might be pertinent to a prospective employer seeking to
verify and evaluate my qualifications for a position. I understand that I have the right to revoke this Consent for
Release of Information at any time, but that I must do in writing ant that any such revocation will become effective
only upon actual delivery to the Health Occupations Chair.
____________________________________________
Signature
____________________________________________
Print Name
___________________________________________
Bengal Card Number
____________________________________________
Date
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