SAN JUAN COLLEGE. Health Information Technology. Student Handbook

Transcription

1 SAN JUAN COLLEGE Health Information Technology Student Handbook Effective Fall

2 TABLE OF CONTENTS Welcome 3 Introduction 4 Faculty and Staff 4 Program Contact Information 5 Program Accreditation Status 5 Description of the Programs 6 HIT Program Admission Requirements 7 Application Procedure 7 Program Policies and Procedures 8 Synopsis of Curriculum (HIT) 11 Synopsis of Curriculum (MCB) 13 Professional Practice Experience 14 Domains, Subdomains, and Tasks 15 Health Information Technology Programs Technical and Professional Skills and Standards 19 AHIMA Code of Ethics 21 Frequently Asked Questions 23 General Information 26 Appendix I Computer Skills Necessary to be Effective in Online Learning 27 Appendix II Sample Program Plan 28 Acknowledgement and Consent Form 29 Page 2

3 WELCOME Dear new HIT Student: Congratulations on your acceptance into the HIT Program at San Juan College. You should be proud of your accomplishments. You have satisfied all of the prerequisites and are entering the professional phase of your education. You are on your way to an exciting career as a HIT professional. This Student Handbook and the San Juan College Academic Catalog contain policies and procedures pertinent to the HIT Programs and the college. This handbook is meant to supplement the policies of San Juan College and has been developed in accordance with CAHIIM accreditation standards. Updates will be made as needed. You are responsible to adhere to these policies and any updates. Keep this handbook readily available for your reference. On behalf of the faculty and staff in the HIT department, it is with great pleasure that I welcome you to the HIT Program at San Juan College. Please let us know if there is anything that we can do to help make this a successful experience for you. Sincerely, Deb Honstad, MA, RHIA San Juan College Program Director 3

4 INTRODUCTION This handbook has been prepared to supplement the information in the San Juan College Academic Catalog. Its purpose is to educate you about the HIT Program and its policies and procedures. This handbook will give you an understanding of what is expected of all students in the Health Information Technology Programs. FACULTY AND STAFF Deb Honstad, MA, RHIA, Program Director, Assistant Professor Phone (505) MA in Organizational Management, Concordia University Saint Paul, 2007 BA in Health Information Management, College of St. Scholastica, 2001 Sandra Johnson, BAAS, RHIT, CPC-A, Assistant Professor Phone (505) BAAS in Applied Arts and Sciences, Eastern New Mexico University, 2006 AAS in Health Information Technology, San Juan College, 2002 Certificate in Medical Transcription, San Juan College, 2001 Ron Winston, Instructor Phone (505) Tina Bruce, RHIA, CCA, Instructor Phone (505) BS is Health Information Management, Louisiana Tech University, 2009 Charletta Samson, Administrative Assistant Phone (505)

5 PROGRAM CONTACT INFORMATION Location East Classroom Complex, Room 1100 Phone (505) Fax (505) Homepage PROGRAM ACCREDITATION STATUS The HIT Program is accredited by the Commission on Accreditation for Health Informatics and Information Management (CAHIIM) in collaboration with the American Health Information Management Association (AHIMA). Upon graduation, students are eligible to take the national certification exam; candidates who successfully pass this exam earn the professional credential of Registered Health Information Technician (RHIT). 5

6 DESCRIPTION OF THE PROGRAMS The San Juan College HIT Department offers programs designed to meet the increasing demands for well educated and professionally trained Health Information Technicians in health care agencies such as managed care organizations, ambulatory clinics, hospitals, physician and dental practices, long term care facilities, cancer centers, State Health Departments, and other organizations concerned with health information such as large insurance agencies, regional health information organizations, and regulatory agencies. The HIT Programs are selective majors. Specific requirements must be met in order to declare a HIT or MCB major. For additional information contact the Health Information Technology Department. A limited number of students will be admitted each semester. Acceptance to the college is granted to most applicants and does not constitute nor guarantee admission to the HIT Programs. Taking prerequisite courses for the HIT Programs does not guarantee admission to the programs; enrollment is limited. All courses are offered online. Students must have access to a computer and the Internet (DSL or cable recommended). Once admitted to the program, all coursework for the AAS degree program must be completed within 3 years; all coursework for the certificate program must be completed within 2 years. Students must earn a C or higher in all courses. Courses may be repeated once, for a total of two attempts. A minimum GPA of 2.75 must be maintained throughout the student s time in the program. Failure to meet these requirements will result in the student being dropped from the Program. 6

7 HIT/MCB PROGRAM ADMISSION REQUIREMENTS Eligibility: All prerequisite courses completed. Must earn a C or higher. Achieved a minimum college cumulative GPA of Taken the Accuplacer exam (if applicable) and registered as a SJC student. Submitted a completed HIT or MCB Program application. A new application is required if reapplying. It is expected that students applying to the HIT Programs have solid computer skills. Examples of the types of skills required to successfully complete the online programs can be found in Appendix I. If you feel that you do not have the necessary skills, please contact the HIT Program office to discuss ways to gain the skills needed to work effectively in the online environment. Application Deadlines: July 1 November 1 April 1 To be considered for Fall admission To be considered for Spring admission To be considered for Summer admission The online application must be completed and submitted prior to these deadlines. The application can be found at Application Procedure: Complete the online program application. Declare HIT or MCB as your major (SJC Admissions and Records). Students who are admitted to the Program will be contacted by the HIT Office. Students must meet in person or via telephone or with a program advisor to develop a Program Plan. The program advisor will also assist students with registration for classes. Students who are not admitted to the Program will be sent a letter from the HIT Office. Students may reapply the following semester; however, in order to be reconsidered for admission a new application must be submitted. It is recommended that you speak to the HIT Program Director prior to reapplying. 7

8 PROGRAM POLICIES AND PROCEDURES Maximum Time to Complete the Programs Students must complete the HIT degree program within 3 academic years (Coding certificate program within 2 academic years). This policy is in place to ensure that students graduate from the Programs with current knowledge and skills and are able to successfully pass the RHIT or CCA credential exam and enter the professional field. You must work closely with your advisor to ensure that you are on track to complete the program within these time limits. Sample Program Plans can be found in Appendix II of this handbook. Grading Scale A B C D 67 and below F Grade Requirements All students in the Health Information Technology Programs must pass classes with a C (76%) or better. Courses may be repeated once, for a total of two attempts. A minimum GPA of 2.75 must be maintained throughout the student s time in the Program. Late Work Late work is subject to a reduction in credit. Late work policies will vary by course and instructor. Policies will be clearly stated in course materials (i.e. syllabus). Contact your instructor for more information on the policy in affect for your course. Sample policy: If work is submitted late, the following method will be used for grading: A 10% grade penalty will be assessed for work up to twenty-four hours late; an additional 10% will be assessed for each additional day the work is late up to one week (7 days). No work will be 8

9 accepted after one week. Late discussion posts will not receive credit. Your instructor may decide in the case of a legitimately extenuating circumstance to waive the late penalty; if not, the penalty must be enforced as described. In no circumstances may work be submitted after the last day of the semester unless an incomplete grade has been requested and granted beforehand. AHIMA Membership (HIT students) A fee will be assessed in conjunction with HITP 120 which pays for the student s membership in the American Health Information Management Association. This fee is nonrefundable. All students in HITP 120 will sign up for student membership. Students will work with the HITP 120 instructor, as appropriate, and the HIT Program office to sign up for student membership. It is the student s responsibility to maintain (renew) this membership for the duration of his or her time in the program. Please send a copy of your membership card to the HIT Program office each year for your file. Current AHIMA membership is required for all students. RHIT Certification Exam (HIT students) A fee will be assessed in conjunction with HITP 270 which pays for the student s application fee for the RHIT exam. This fee is nonrefundable. Students will work with the HITP 270 instructor and the HIT Program office to apply for the RHIT certification exam. Dress Code Students are considered professional people representing the College and the health information management profession. When the class or an individual student is visiting a health care facility as a representative of the Health Information Technology Program, he/she must dress appropriately. Appropriate attire for field trips, clinical visits and professional practice experiences is as follows: Visible body piercing is limited to two earrings per ear. All other body piercing will not be visible, including tongue piercing. Hats will not be allowed on educational outings or in the clinical setting. 9

10 Students will contain mouth and body odor by using antiperspirant and mouthwash/gum and attending to daily personal hygiene. Distracting hairdos such as Mohawks, hair dyed unnatural colors, etc. are not considered appropriate professional demeanor for the student enrolled in the San Juan College HIT Program. Clothing must not be torn, tattered, display pictures or words related to vulgarities or controlled substances, or show the stomach/low back area or wear low cut pants or high cut shorts that reveal the buttocks area. All body art must be covered on educational outings and in the clinical setting. Students are required to wear appropriate undergarments on educational outings and in the clinical setting. Sleeveless shirts or tank tops should not be worn unless covered with another shirt. Denim garments of any type should not be worn. Casual or dress shoes should be worn. Sport shoes or sneakers are not permitted. Students not following the HIT Program policy will be at risk for dismissal from the program. 10

11 SYNOPSIS OF CURRICULUM (HIT) Prerequisites COMM 111 Interpersonal Communication 3 ENGL 111 Freshman Composition OR 3 (ENGL 118 Technical Composition 3) ENGL 218 Advanced Technical Composition 3 HITP 110 Medical Terminology 3 HITP 116 Computerized Business Applications 3 MATH 114 Math for Health Care Careers OR 3 (MATH 115 Intermediate Algebra and Applications 4) PSYC 120 Introduction to Psychology 3 Total 21-(22) Core Curriculum HITP 112 Human Body Structure and Functions 3 HITP 120 Introduction to Health Information Technology 3 HITP 130 Pathophysiology: HITP 3 HITP 140 Computers in Health Care 3 HITP 150 Legal & Ethical Issues in HIT 3 HITP 160 Pharmacology & Laboratory Procedures 3 HITP 170 Physician Coding (CPT-4) 3 HITP 185 Computerized Medical Office 3 HITP 200 Coding Classification Systems I 3 HITP 210 Coding Classification Systems II 3 11

12 HITP 230 Reimbursement Methodologies 3 HITP 240 Health Data Analysis 4 HITP 255 Electronic Health Records 3 HITP 262 Professional Practice Experience Coding (30 hours) 1 HITP 264 Professional Practice Experience HIT (60 Hours) 2 HITP 270 HIT Seminar 1 HITP 286 Effective Health Care Supervisor 3 Total 48 Total Credits

13 SYNOPSIS OF CURRICULUM (MCB) Prerequisites HITP 110 Medical Terminology 3 HITP 116 Computerized Business Applications 3 Total 6 Core Curriculum HITP 112 Human Body Structure and Functions 3 HITP 125 Intro to Medical Practice Management 3 HITP 130 Pathophysiology: HITP 3 HITP 140 Computers in Health Care 3 HITP 160 Pharmacology & Laboratory Procedures 3 HITP 170 Physician Coding (CPT-4) 3 HITP 185 Computerized Medical Office 3 HITP 200 Coding Classification Systems I 3 HITP 210 Coding Classification Systems II 3 HITP 230 Reimbursement Methodologies 3 HITP 262 Professional Practice Experience Coding (30 hours) 1 HITP 286 Effective Health Care Supervisor 3 Total 33 Total Credits 39 13

14 PROFESSIONAL PRACTICE EXPERIENCE It is critical for HIT students to have sufficient learning experiences to meet the competencies required for the curriculum. Professional practice or lab activities are incorporated throughout the curriculum to take classroom theory to the next level of application. They are designed for students to gain experiences in applying knowledge to technical procedures in the health information management profession. A combination of approaches are utilized to meet the Domains, Subdomains, and Tasks for the RHIT off-campus activities, library research activities, technology based activities, and simulated HIM activities which incorporate the use of health records. The curriculum includes a professional practice experience which is one of the final courses a student takes in the program. This experience provides the student an opportunity to participate in activities designed to reinforce the classroom and laboratory learning experiences. The professional practice experience enables the student to develop an understanding of health information management procedures, apply principles of supervision and health information science, observe employee relationships, and interact with professionals in the health care environment. 14

15 DOMAINS, SUBDOMAINS, AND TASKS The domains, subdomains, and tasks for the RHIT were developed by AHIMA and represent entry-level competencies for graduates of an HIT program. The curriculum is designed to prepare students to meet these competencies. Domains, Subdomains, and Tasks for the Registered Health Information Technician 2006 and Beyond I. Domain: Health Data Management A. Subdomain: Health Data Structure, Content and Standards 1. Collect and maintain health data (such as 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 discharge status. 3. Apply policies and procedures to ensure the accuracy of health data. 4. Contribute to the definitions for and apply clinical vocabularies and terminologies used in the organization s health information systems. 5. Verify timeliness, completeness, accuracy, and appropriateness of data and data sources for patient care, management, billing reports, registries, and/or databases. B. Subdomain: Healthcare Information Requirements and Standards 1. Monitor and apply organization-wide health record documentation guidelines. 2. Apply policies and procedures to ensure organizational compliance with regulations and standards. 3. Report compliance findings according to organizational policy. 4. Maintain the accuracy and completeness of the patient record as defined by organizational policy and external regulations and standards. 5. Assist in preparing the organization for accreditation, licensing, and/or certification surveys C. Subdomain: Clinical Classification Systems 1. Use and maintain electronic applications and work processes to support clinical classification and coding. 2. Apply diagnosis/procedure codes using ICD-9-CM. 3. Apply procedure codes using CPT/HCPCS. 4. Ensure accuracy of diagnostic/procedural groupings such as DRG, APC, and so on. 5. Adhere to current regulations and established guidelines in code assignment. 15

16 6. Validate coding accuracy using clinical information found in the health record. 7. Use and maintain applications and processes to support other clinical classification and nomenclature systems (such as ICD-10-CM, SNOMED, and so on). 8. Resolve discrepancies between coded data and supporting documentation. D. Subdomain: Reimbursement Methodologies 1. Apply policies and procedures for the use of clinical data required in reimbursement and prospective payment systems (PPS) in healthcare delivery. 2. Support accurate billing through coding, chargemaster, claims management, and bill reconciliation processes. 3. Use established guidelines to comply with reimbursement and reporting requirements such as the National Correct Coding Initiative. 4. Compile patient data and perform data quality reviews to validate code assignment and compliance with reporting requirements such as outpatient prospective payment systems. II. Domain: Health Statistics, Biomedical Research, and Quality Management A. Subdomain: Healthcare Statistics and Research 1. Abstract and maintain data for clinical indices/databases/registries. 2. Collect, organize, and present data for quality management, utilization management, risk management, and other related studies. 3. Compute and interpret healthcare statistics. 4. Apply Institutional Review Board (IRB) processes and policies. 5. Use specialized databases to meet specific organization needs such as medical research and disease registries. B. Subdomain: 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. III. Domain: Health Services Organization and Delivery A. Subdomain: Healthcare Delivery Systems 1. Apply information system policies and procedures required by national health information initiatives on the healthcare delivery system. 2. Apply current laws, accreditation, licensure, and certification standards related to health information initiatives from the national, state, local, and facility levels. 16

17 3. Apply policies and procedures to comply with the changing regulations among various payment systems for healthcare services such as Medicare, Medicaid, managed care, and so forth. 3. Differentiate the roles of various providers and disciplines throughout the continuum of healthcare and respond to their information needs. B. Subdomain: Healthcare Privacy, Confidentiality, Legal, and Ethical Issues 1. Participate in the implementation of legal and regulatory requirements related to the health information infrastructure. 2. Apply policies and procedures for access and disclosure of personal health information. 3. Release patient-specific data to authorized users. 4. Maintain user access logs/systems to track access to and disclosure of identifiable patient data. 5. Conduct privacy and confidentiality training programs. 6. Investigate and recommend solutions to privacy issues/problems. 7. Apply and promote ethical standards of practice. IV. Domain: Information Technology and Systems A. Subdomain: 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, , 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. B. Subdomain: Data, Information, and File Structures 1. Apply knowledge of data base architecture and design (such as data dictionary, data modeling, data warehousing) to meet departmental needs. C. Subdomain: Data Storage and Retrieval 1. Use appropriate electronic or imaging technology for data/record storage. 2. Query and generate reports to facilitate information retrieval. 3. Design and generate reports using appropriate software. 4. Maintain archival and retrieval systems for patient information stored in multiple formats. 17

18 5. Coordinate, use, and maintain systems for document imaging and storage. D. Subdomain: 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 trail and data quality monitoring programs. 5. Contribute to the design and implementation of risk management, contingency planning, and data recovery procedures. E. Subdomain: Healthcare Information Systems 1. Participate in the planning, design, selection, implementation, integration, testing, evaluation, and support for organization-wide information systems. 2. Use the principles of ergonomics and human factors in work process design. V. Domain: Organizational Resources A. Subdomain: Human Resources 1. Apply the fundamentals of team leadership. 2. Organize and contribute to work teams and committees. 3. Conduct new staff orientation and training programs. 4. Conduct continuing education programs. 5. Monitor staffing levels and productivity standards for health information functions, and provide feedback to management and staff regarding performance. 6. Communicate benchmark staff performance data. 7. Prioritize job functions and activities. 8. Use quality improvement tools and techniques to monitor, report and improve processes. B. Subdomain: Financial and Physical Resources 1. Make recommendations for items to include in budgets and contracts. 2. Monitor and order supplies needed for work processes. 3. Monitor coding and revenue cycle processes. 4. Recommend cost-saving and efficient means of achieving work processes and goals. 5. Contribute to work plans, policies, procedures, and resource requisitions in relation to job functions. 18

19 HEALTH INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY PROGRAMS TECHNICAL AND PROFESSIONAL SKILLS AND STANDARDS The goal of San Juan College's Health Information Technology (HIT) Programs is to prepare students for the practice of the professions in Health Information Technology and Medical Coding/Reimbursement. HIT professionals must be able to do the following essential functions either with or without reasonable accommodation. If you believe you would need accommodations to do these essential functions as a student, please consult with SJC s Services for Students with Disabilities. 1. Verbal communication: This includes speaking and listening using the English language and medical terminology. The individual must be able to communicate clearly with instructors, fellow students, physicians, staff, patients, attorneys, third party payers, government officials, and others. The individual must be able to listen and speak clearly over the telephone. 2. Written communication - reading and interpretation: This includes extensive reading ability using English and medical terminology when reviewing medical records and reference books (medical dictionaries, coding books, etc.) needed to perform jobs/duties. While going to school, the individual must be able to read and interpret textbooks, online materials, handouts, etc. 3. Written communication - writing: This includes using English and medical terminology for college assignments and job-related documents. Examples of writing required on the job include telephone messages, memos, letters, professional messages, business proposals, job descriptions, policies, procedures, quality improvement reports, etc. 4. Visual needs: This includes the ability to read names and numbers on medical records, distinguish colors for color coded file systems, read voluminous medical records in paper or computer format, read code books and other reference materials, read information in a variety of computer programs and databases, read handwritten or electronic documents. Also, the ability to prepare office layouts, design forms, and computer screens. 5. Motor function: This includes the ability to type at a minimum of words per minute. Some HIT positions require the ability to sort medical record forms, assemble records in correct order, and file records in open shelf files. This may include overhead reaching and stooping/bending/kneeling to the lowest shelves at near floor level and the ability to lift to waist height and carry 20 pounds of paper records for a distance of 50 feet in an office. 6. Computer skills: This includes the ability to work with a wide variety of computer software programs following written instructions, reading and inputting/responding to information displayed. This includes PC word processing, spreadsheet, presentation, database and flow-charting software, as well as specialized health information programs 19

20 (e.g., electronic health records, encoders, chart tracking systems, etc.). Jobs may include up to eight hours per day of computer work. 7. Mathematical ability: This includes the ability to calculate mathematical information such as hospital statistics, productivity information, quality improvement studies, budgets, equipment and supply needs/costs, medical bills, etc. The individual must also have the ability to apply appropriate algebraic formulas when preparing computerized spreadsheets. 8. Walking, sitting and standing abilities: This includes the ability to walk or move (50 feet minimum) from one job station to another in an office environment, and ability to sit for long periods (two hours in succession) in an office job. Typical jobs are eight hours with a meal break and two short rest breaks during the shift. Many HIT positions require the ability to stand for average periods of time (one hour). 9. Intellectual or conceptual abilities: This includes the ability to synthesize information from a variety of sources and apply it in making decisions related to either the class/lab assignment or performing work assigned on the job. Examples include the ability to take information learned in class theory and apply it in a lab or practice setting, or taking information learned in a previous class and applying it to a later class. Another example is the ability to read and interpret information in a patient's medical record, remember information learned regarding coding principles, check references when needed, and then to code that patient's record independently with accuracy and speed. 10. Behavioral/Social abilities: This includes responding effectively in situations of stress while placing the needs of others first, and demonstrating emotional stability and flexibility. Examples of this type of behavior include demonstrating willingness to alter plans or change approaches to the learning or work environment, express concern for the well-being of others during times of stress, maintain composure when stressful events occur and continue to function with accuracy. This person must have the ability to perform the assigned work according to the quality and timeliness standards required by the facility. The HIT student and professional must be able to work independently when required. These individuals must also be able to function effectively as part of a team (consult, negotiate, share). HIT students and professionals must show respect to self, peers, instructors, fellow employees, physicians, patients, other professionals, and supervisors. HIT students and professionals must show dependability in attendance and completing work according to deadlines. 11. Confidentiality, honesty and ethics: The HIT student and professional must be able to protect the confidentiality and security of health records, as well as facility/practitioner business information. These individuals must be able to comply with all laws, regulations and standards regarding the practice of health information management. HIT students must demonstrate honesty and ethics in the learning environment including not cheating on exams or assignments and not plagiarizing on assignments. HIT professionals must demonstrate honesty and ethics as defined by the employer and the professional association. 20

21 AHIMA CODE OF ETHICS Preamble: The ethical obligations of the health information management (HIM) professional include the protection of patient privacy and confidential information; disclosure of information; development, use, and maintenance of health information systems and health records; and the quality of information. Both handwritten and computerized medical records contain many sacred stories stories that must be protected on behalf of the individual and the aggregate community of persons served in the healthcare system. Healthcare consumers are increasingly concerned about the loss of privacy and the inability to control the dissemination of their protected information. Core health information issues include what information should be collected; how the information should be handled, who should have access to the information, and under what conditions the information should be disclosed. Ethical obligations are central to the professional's responsibility, regardless of the employment site or the method of collection, storage, and security of health information. Sensitive information (genetic, adoption, drug, alcohol, sexual, and behavioral information) requires special attention to prevent misuse. Entrepreneurial roles require expertise in the protection of the information in the world of business and interactions with consumers. CODE OF ETHICS 2004 Ethical Principles: The following ethical principles are based on the core values of the American Health Information Management Association and apply to all health information management professionals. Health information management professionals: I. Advocate, uphold and defend the individual s right to privacy and the doctrine of confidentiality in the use and disclosure of information. II. Put service and the health and welfare of persons before self-interest and conduct themselves in the practice of the profession so as to bring honor to themselves, their peers, and to the health information management profession. III. Preserve, protect, and secure personal health information in any form or medium and hold in the highest regard the contents of the records and other information of a confidential nature, taking into account the applicable statutes and regulations. IV. Refuse to participate in or conceal unethical practices or procedures. V. Advance health information management knowledge and practice through continuing education, research, publications, and presentations. 21

22 VI. Recruit and mentor students, peers and colleagues to develop and strengthen professional workforce. VII. Represent the profession accurately to the public. VIII. Perform honorably health information management association responsibilities, either appointed or elected, and preserve the confidentiality of any privileged information made known in any official capacity. IX. State truthfully and accurately their credentials, professional education, and experiences. X. Facilitate interdisciplinary collaboration in situations supporting health information practice. XI. Respect the inherent dignity and worth of every person. 22

23 FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS Do you work closely with another online college to obtain the bachelors degree after completing the AAS HIT program? No, but we refer our students to Weber State in Ogden, UT or University of Cincinnati, Cincinnati, OH, or you can obtain a list of other accredited colleges and Universities from Do you have a proficiency exam for some of the classes that I can take to test out of some of the courses? Yes, you can do credit by exam, but only up to five courses or 15 credits. Are campus visits required? No, our program is completely online. NOTE: Final exams must be proctored and completed at an approved testing center. What incentives does your school provide for out-of-state students in regards to tuition? SJC s out-of-state tuition is $ per credit hour which is less expensive than most schools in-state tuition. (Subject to change) Is there someone to help me with the financial aspect of attending school? Check the Financial Aid web page on the then click Future Student and/ or look for Financial Aid. The professional association AHIMA has FORE (Foundation of Research and Education) scholarships, grants and loans. Check with your employer about tuition assistance. If an internship is required, can I use my current employer? Sometimes this may be possible (subject to Program Director and/or instructor approval). If your current employer is willing to release you to other departments and does not expect any compensation from San Juan College this option may be considered. We can sign an agreement, but will need several months for the schools attorney to review it and obtain signatures. What type of internship if any is required? Our professional practice courses are tailored to the individual students needs. Much of these experiences can be completed online. However, some time must be spent on site in a health care facility. 23

24 Do you help with post degree placement service? The AHIMA website is invaluable. From time to time we hear of nationwide positions that are available and these are posted on our program s website. What software is used for online classes? At the present time we are using ANGEL as our learning management system. Students are required to have Microsoft Office Professional 2007 or 2010 (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and Access). Certain courses will use medical office management and EHR software (provided with the textbook). In addition, we use AHIMA s Virtual Lab system in some courses. Will someone be able to assist me with which classes need to be taken and in what order? Your HIT advisor will create a Program Plan for you. You will need to contact the HIT advisor no less than three or four weeks prior to the beginning of the semester registration deadline. Advising periods are posted on the SJC Academic Calendar. Is there a minimum/maximum # of classes per semester? Students must complete the HIT degree program within 3 academic years (Coding certificate within 2 academic years). This policy is in place to ensure that students graduate from the programs with current knowledge and skills and are able to successfully pass the RHIT/CCA credential exam and enter the professional field. You must work closely with your advisor to ensure that you are on track to complete the program within these time limits. Sample Program Plans can be found in Appendix II of this handbook. How long does each online course last? San Juan College is on a semester system. A semester lasts weeks depending on holidays. Summer sessions are slightly shorter and may range from 4 to 12 week terms. Will most if not all of my course preparation/studies/admissions/financial arrangements be able to be done remotely if I am an out of state resident? All of the HITP courses and required General Education courses are offered online. If you need a developmental course those can be taken at an accredited community college near you. How is tuition payable (per class, per semester, for the entire AAS degree, etc.)? Tuition is $ (out-of-state) per credit hour effective for the academic year; for example if you take a typical three credit course with a four credit course the tuition is 7x$ = $ There is more information about financial aid 24

25 online. If this is your first semester it is a good idea to contact the Business office so there will not be any surprises. Is there a graduation ceremony offered to distance students? Graduation is held in Farmington in May each year. Distance learners are welcome to participate. You can of course finish your degree and not attend graduation. All students must submit an Application for Graduation in order to receive their diploma. Submitting this application does not require participation in the on-site graduation ceremony. If the Application for Graduation is not submitted, students will not receive their diploma or be considered a graduate of San Juan College. You will receive your official transcript within 3-6 weeks after the semester has ended. 25

26 GENERAL INFORMATION Please refer to the San Juan College Academic Catalog regarding San Juan Colleges policies in the following areas: Academic Honesty Academic Renewal Admission to the College Appeal of Academic Renewal Academic Standing Americans with Disabilities Act Attendance Choice of Catalog Complaints Credit Hour Load Enrollment Status Degree/Certification Programs Financial Aid Grades Graduation Honors Official San Juan College Records Reactivation of Student Status Registration Information Residency Status for Tuition Purposes Repeat of a Course for Grade Substitution Sexual Harassment Policy Student Conduct Student Records Policy: Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act Student Services Transcripts Credits Earned at SJC Transfer of Credits to San Juan College Tuition and Fees Deadlines 26

27 APPENDIX I COMPUTER SKILLS NECESSARY TO BE EFFECTIVE IN ONLINE LEARNING It is expected that students in the HIT Programs have the necessary skills to be effective in the online learning environment: Proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite Send and receive s Attach a file to an Download files from an Perform an Internet search Create folders and folder data structures Move/copy files from one folder to another Zip/unzip files 27

28 APPENDIX II SAMPLE PROGRAM PLAN The following are sample Program Plans for the Health Information Technology and Medical Insurance Coder/Biller Programs. Health Information Technology Fall Semester I HITP112 HITP120 HITP130 Fall Semester II HITP185 HITP200 HITP230 HITP286 Spring Semester I HITP140 HITP150 HITP160 HITP170 Spring Semester II HITP210 HITP240 HITP255 Summer I None Summer II HITP262 HITP264 HITP272 Medical Insurance Coder/Biller Certificate Program Fall Semester I HITP112 HITP125 HITP130 Fall Semester II HITP185 HITP200 HITP230 Spring Semester I HITP140 HITP160 HITP170 Spring Semester II HITP210 HITP262 HITP272 Curriculum requirements are subject to change. For up-to-date information, please contact the HIT Program Office at

29 ACKNOWLEDGEMENT AND CONSENT FORM By signing this form I acknowledge that I have received the San Juan College Health Information Technology Student Handbook. I have read and I understand the contents of this handbook, and agree to abide by the information stated within. I also acknowledge that I have reviewed the San Juan College Academic Catalog and agree to abide by the information stated within. Printed Name Signature Date Please return this form via , fax, or mail to the HIT Department: samsonc@sanjuancollege.edu Fax: (505) Mailing Address: Charletta Samson SJC HIT Program 4601 College Boulevard Farmington NM