HIMAA Education Services

Transcription

1 HIMAA Education Services Course administration Australian residents Health Information Management Association of Australia Limited L

2 CONTENTS INTRODUCTION... 4 CAREER PATHWAY FOR A CLINICAL CODER... 5 COURSE INFORMATION... 6 Education Officers... 6 Course delivery... 6 Course material... 6 Enrolment information... 7 Change of personal details... 7 Recognition of qualifications issued by other RTOs... 7 Timetable for submission of assessments... 8 Timetable selection... 8 Assessment content... 8 Assessment submission... 8 Assessment marking and feedback... 8 Assessment appeals procedure... 8 Assessment appeals procedure... 8 Examination venue and supervisor... 9 NATIONALLY RECOGNISED TRAINING COURSES HLTCC301A Produce coded clinical data HLTCC401A Undertake complex clinical coding HLTCC402A Complete highly complex clinical coding RECOGNITION OF PRIOR LEARNING (RPL) HLTCC301A Produce coded clinical data HLTCC401A Undertake complex clinical coding HLTCC402A Complete highly complex clinical coding OTHER COURSES Comprehensive Medical Terminology Refresher ICD-10-AM, ACHI and ACS clinical coding STUDENT RESPONSIBILITIES Academic conduct Behaviour Course progress... 15

3 POLICIES Fees Monitoring student progress Access and equity Complaints Complaints procedure Privacy FAQs What is a clinical coder? What is casemix and the clinical coder s role? What is ICD-10-AM, ACHI and ACS? What is the AQF? What is the AQTF? What is a Registered Training Organisation? What is Nationally Recognised Training? What is RPL? What is a training package? What is a unit of competency? CONTACT US COURSE FEES OVERVIEW...23 TEXTBOOK SUPPLIERS LIST... 24

4 INTRODUCTION The Health Information Management Association of Australia Limited (HIMAA) is registered with the NSW Vocational Education and Training Accreditation Board (VETAB) as a training organisation (RTO). NTIS Provider Code Education Services is a division of HIMAA and has been delivering distance education training in comprehensive medical terminology and clinical coding for more than fifteen years. RTO status brings some of this training into the Australian Quality Training Framework (AQTF). Three units of competency from the HLT07 Health Training Package are mapped to HIMAA's clinical coding courses and delivered as Nationally Recognised Training (NRT). These courses comply with AQTF Standard requirements. Statements of Attainment issued by HIMAA are recognised by other RTOs and by the health information management profession. Unit of competency HLTCC301A Produce coded clinical data Certificate III in Health Administration HLT32907 HLTCC401A Undertake complex clinical coding Certificate IV in Health Administration HLT43207 HLTCC402A Complete highly complex clinical coding Certificate IV in Health Administration HLT43207 HIMAA clinical coding course Introductory ICD-10-AM, ACHI and ACS 7 th edition Intermediate ICD-10-AM, ACHI and ACS 7 th edition Advanced ICD-10-AM, ACHI and ACS 7 th edition HIMAA also delivers a Comprehensive Medical Terminology course which meets the prerequisite knowledge requirement for the unit of competency HLTCC301A Produce coded clinical data. This course is not included in the AQTF but is recognised nationally within the Health Information profession as the benchmark for comprehensive medical terminology training for clinical coders. HIMAA s distance education courses are designed to prepare students for employment or to improve their skills and knowledge as a clinical coder. A clinical coder converts information from a patient s medical record into alphanumerical codes according to a health classification system. These codes form part of a data collection that is used for research, funding and health care planning. Clinical coders need to have an excellent attention to detail in order to produce high levels of accuracy. They must also be able to work as part of a team, have good communication skills and be interested in health care, diseases and procedures. Useful previous experience for clinical coders includes work in nursing, medicine, biological sciences or other health services or a health-related clerical background such as medical secretary or reception work. page 4 Course administration 16 May 2011 Australian residents

5 CAREER PATHWAY FOR A CLINICAL CODER 1 Learn the skills and knowledge needed to enter the workplace as an entry level clinical coder by enrolling in our Introductory ICD-10-AM, ACHI and ACS clinical coding course. The prerequisite for this course is a comprehensive knowledge of medical terminology. You will require more on-the-job training to improve your skills in interpreting information from the medical record. 2 Improve your skills in coding more complex diseases and procedures by enrolling in our Intermediate ICD-10-AM, ACHI and ACS clinical coding course. It is recommended that you gain approximately twelve months clinical coding work experience before undertaking this course. This course will consolidate the skills you have learned in the workplace or in our Introductory ICD-10-AM, ACHI and ACS clinical coding course and take you to the next level of expertise. 3 Prepare yourself for work in a major teaching hospital or for work as a senior clinical coder or supervisor by enrolling in our Advanced ICD-10-AM, ACHI and ACS clinical coding course (certain conditions apply). This course will expose you to highly complex medical records, diseases and procedures. 4 If you are interested in becoming a clinical coding auditor or you wish to pursue a career as a Health Information Manager contact Curtin University health-sciences or Latrobe University Course administration page 5 Australian residents 16 May 2011

6 COURSE INFORMATION Education Officers Education Officers are regularly assessed by Education Services to ensure that their knowledge and skills are current and at industry standard. Education Officers are also encouraged to work within the industry and to sit on committees involved in the direction of health information and clinical coding. Education Officers are also involved in editing medical terminology textbooks, medical dictionaries and implementing changes to clinical coding conventions and practices. Education Services allocates an Education Officer to a group of students based on the number of enrolments per intake and the timetables selected by students. The role of the Education Officer is to lead students through the course and provide advice and guidance on all theory and practical elements. The Education Officer is trained to provide targeted instruction to students according to their needs. Education Officers work closely together to maintain a high standard of training, assessment and feedback which ensures consistency of assessment methods and information given to students. Course delivery HIMAA has over fifteen years' experience in delivering distance education and our Education Officers remain in close contact with you throughout the course. Distance learning is not necessarily more difficult than studying in a classroom, but it is different and requires self-discipline. At the same time it is certainly convenient as you can decide when and where you wish to study. The overall key to success in completing the course can be built around establishing short- and long-term goals. Goals can be achieved by selecting a realistic timetable for the completion of the course planning study time meeting the course objectives reviewing and assessing all course and textbook material completing all assessment material preparing for the examination The key component to successfully completing the course is time management. Course material Only basic computer skills are required for completion of HIMAA courses as all coursework and assessments are distributed in printed format approximately two weeks after enrolments close. If you wish to submit your assessments by you must tick the assessment box on your enrolment form to receive assessments on CD with your course materials. Note If you have special delivery needs or delivery from Sydney to your address takes longer than two weeks please notify the Administration Officer Education Services when submitting your enrolment form page 6 Course administration 16 May 2011 Australian residents

7 Copyright The course materials are your property and you can continue to use them for reference after you have completed the course. If you wish to use the materials for some purpose other than your own studies you must write to the Administration Officer Education Services for approval as the materials are subject to copyright restrictions. These restrictions mean that you are not allowed to make copies of the materials by any means or distribute them without permission from HIMAA. Enrolment information To enrol you are required to submit the relevant enrolment form, the student agreement and the course fees to the Administration Officer Education Services. On receipt of the enrolment application Education Services staff will ensure that you have 1. met any prerequisites required for the course 2. selected the correct course for your needs 3. completed all relevant information on the enrolment form and ticked required boxes 4. signed the student agreement 5. selected the correct course fees 6. enclosed payment or requested a tax invoice When the above requirements are met your enrolment will be processed and a confirmation letter mailed. Education Services reserves the right to decline your request to enrol in a course if your prior knowledge, skill or experience do not meet the prerequisite for your chosen course. Education Services staff will advise you of the training or experience required before exercising this right. Change of personal details To change any of your personal details after your enrolment has been confirmed please complete and submit the Change of Personal Details form which is available on our website - tab Student Forms. Accurate personal information assists delivery of your course materials and other correspondence. Recognition of qualifications issued by other RTOs HIMAA recognises qualifications issued by other RTOs. However, any qualifications submitted will need to be validated before your enrolment will be processed. Steps for validation 1. submit a certified copy of your qualification with your enrolment or contact the Administration Officer Education Services phone or education@himaa.org.au 2. Education Services staff will validate the code and title of the qualification, issue number and recipient by contacting the RTO 3. you will be contacted by Education Services staff and advised of the result if your qualification is validated your enrolment will be accepted if your qualification is not validated you will be advised of your options Course administration page 7 Australian residents 16 May 2011

8 Timetable selection When you apply for enrolment you are required to select and tick a timetable of study on the enrolment form. Your selection should be based on your available study time, assessment submission requirements and the examination dates scheduled by Education Services. The course workbook and assessment content are the same for each timetable. Timetable 1 is always the minimum time allowed to complete the course. Your selected timetable will be confirmed in your enrolment confirmation letter. To change your selected timetable after your enrolment has been confirmed please complete and submit the Request for Timetable transfer form which is available on our website - tab Student Forms. Assessment content Assessments determine whether you are competent and have the specific skills and knowledge to be a clinical coder. It is essential that assessments represent your own work. Third party assistance, whether from a manager or a colleague, is not required when completing the coursework or assessments. Assessments are based on written practical application of the material studied and do not include essay-type questions. Unit 16 for Comprehensive Medical Terminology is an oral assessment. Several methods of submitting this assessment will be outlined in the relevant unit in the course workbook. Note Use of the 3M Codefinder is not permitted for completion of assessments and examinations conducted by HIMAA Assessment submission Submission may be by mail, fax or . If you wish to submit assessments by you are required to tick the appropriate box on the enrolment form. A CD formatted with the answer boxes will be included with your course materials. Assessments will be Microsoft Office Word 2003 and whether you use a PC or Macintosh it is your responsibility to ensure that your assessment is submitted in a format that can be opened and marked by your Education Officer. If you are unsure of your ability to submit assessments as required please contact the Administration Officer Education Services for advice. Assessment marking and feedback Your Education Officer will return your marked assessment with comments and advice regarding any errors. You are encouraged to contact your Education Officer as soon as possible after receiving your marked assessment if any feedback needs clarification. Comprehensive Medical Terminology assessments receive a mark out of 20. Clinical coding course assessments receive a mark out of 100. Assessment appeals procedure If you are not satisfied with the result of an assessment you may appeal against the decision by contacting your Education Officer within seven business days of receiving page 8 Course administration 16 May 2011 Australian residents

9 the assessment result. The Education Officer will organise a review of the assessment and will advise you of the findings of the review within seven business days of the appeal If the matter is not resolved satisfactorily the Training Manager will be notified and will provide you with a written statement of outcome within a further seven business days If the appeal is still unresolved you will be advised of external organisations that may be able to give you advice Examination venue and supervisor Students of HIMAA distance education courses are not required to attend an examination venue away from where they live. However it is the student s responsibility to find an appropriate supervisor and venue for examinations. Appropriate supervisors for the examination may include a supervisor or manager at the student s workplace (does not have to be in the health industry) teacher health information manager or medical record administrator person from management level in the student s organisation university lecturer, teacher, medical practitioner, minister of religion, Justice of the Peace policeperson An examination supervisor must not be a relative or be a current student in, or a recent graduate of, the course being examined The examination venue should be a quiet room without interruptions or disturbance for the time needed to complete the examination include a desk or large table The examination room may be located in the organisation where the student works the organisation where the nominated examination supervisor works educational, health, church or police premises The examination room must not be located in the student s home or the home of the examination supervisor Costs associated with the conduct of the examination HIMAA will pay the examination supervisor a fee of $20 (Australian) per examination hour. Any other costs associated with the conduct of the examination such as venue charges and travel costs are the student s responsibility. Course administration page 9 Australian residents 16 May 2011

10 NATIONALLY RECOGNISED TRAINING COURSES HLTCC LTCC A Produce coded clinical data is an elective unit of competency in Certificate III in Health Administration from the HLT07 Health Training Package. This unit of competency describes the skills and knowledge required to accurately extract the correct clinical data from simple medical records. The HIMAA Introductory ICD-10-AM, ACHI and ACS 7 th edition clinical coding course meets the requirements for this unit of competency and has been designed for students who have no prior coding knowledge or who have limited coding experience. It begins with the basics of disease and procedure classification and coding from medical record information. After successfully completing this course students will have the skills and concepts to code from medical records generated by an episode of care such as day surgery, planned surgery or simple medical problems. Total course hours 170 Intake dates 12 March 12 July Required skills and knowledge A comprehensive knowledge of medical terminology Course completion Students who demonstrate competency in this unit will receive a Statement of Attainment. HLTCC401A Undertake complex clinical coding is an elective unit of competency in Certificate IV in Health Administration from the HLT07 Health Training Package. This unit of competency describes the skills and knowledge required to undertake coding of moderately complex discharge summaries, medical reports and medical records, including the selection of the primary diagnosis and sequencing of other diagnoses for coding. The HIMAA Intermediate ICD-10-AM, ACHI and ACS 7 th edition clinical coding course meets the requirements for this unit of competency. Total course hours 70 Intake dates 12 May 12 August Pre/co-requisite units HLTCC301A Produce coded clinical data (Statement of Attainment) within fifteen months of the intake date for Intermediate ICD-10-AM, ACHI and ACS Course completion Students who demonstrate competency in this unit will receive a Statement of Attainment. page 10 Course administration 16 May 2011 Australian residents

11 HLTCC402A Complete highly complex clinical coding is an elective unit of competency in Certificate IV in Health Administration from the HLT07 Health Training Package. This unit of competency describes the skills and knowledge required to complete coding of highly complex medical records with an advanced understanding of coding conventions, standards and practices in an extensive casemix. The HIMAA Advanced ICD-10-AM, ACHI and ACS 7 th edition clinical coding course meets the requirements for this unit of competency. This course will be of value to coders who already have significant experience in clinical coding and who wish to gain exposure to a broad casemix at an advanced level. Total course hours 250 Intake dates 12 May 12 August Prerequisite A pass in the HIMAA Challenge Examination for Advanced ICD-10-AM, ACHI and ACS Course completion Students who demonstrate competency in this unit will receive a Statement of Attainment. RECOGNITION OF PRIOR LEARNING (RPL) HIMAA supports the process of Recognised Prior Learning for students who have undertaken appropriate studies or work experience and who can provide evidence of competency. HLTCC301A Produce coded clinical data Required skills and knowledge Comprehensive knowledge of medical terminology and body systems which can be demonstrated by a pass in the HIMAA Challenge Examination in Medical Terminology or a pass in the HIMAA Comprehensive Medical Terminology course (refer page 14) within twelve months of the intake date for HLTCC301A Produce coded clinical data Challenge Examination In Medical Terminology A suitable candidate for the HIMAA Challenge Examination in Medical Terminology would be a registered nurse, an overseas medical practitioner or a graduate of a medical science degree who has a comprehensive medical terminology background A minimum mark of 80% for the Challenge Examination in Medical Terminology is required within twelve months of the intake date to be eligible to enrol in HLTCC301A Produce coded clinical data. Sample questions and answers To assist you in deciding whether or not you should sit the Challenge Examination in Medical Terminology or complete the HIMAA Comprehensive Medical Terminology Course administration page 11 Australian residents 16 May 2011

12 course sample questions with answers and how to assess your results are available from the Administration Officer Education Services. Examination dates There are two dates scheduled for the Challenge Examination in Medical Terminology and candidates must sit on one of these dates 3 MAY Applications close 26 March enrolment July intake HLTCC301A Produce coded clinical data 30 NOVEMBER Applications close 16 October enrolment March intake HLTCC301A Produce coded clinical data HLTCC401A Undertake complex clinical coding RPL for this unit can be demonstrated by a pass in the HIMAA Challenge Examination for Intermediate ICD-10-AM, ACHI and ACS clinical coding within fifteen months of the intake date for HLTCC401A Undertake complex clinical coding. Candidates for the HIMAA Challenge Examination for Intermediate ICD-10-AM, ACHI and ACS clinical coding should have a minimum of twelve months coding experience in an Australian or New Zealand hospital with medical records generated by an episode of care such as day surgery, planned surgery or simple medical problems. A minimum mark of 80% for the Challenge Examination for Intermediate ICD-10-AM, ACHI and ACS is required within fifteen months of the intake date to be eligible to enrol in HLTCC401A Undertake complex clinical coding. The challenge examination is a supervised two hour written examination and consists of three parts Part 1 Multiple choice (10 questions) Part 2 Case studies (8 case studies) Part 3 Discharge summaries (3 summaries) A practice paper will be forwarded after processing of the application form and payment. Examination dates There are two dates scheduled for the Challenge Examination for Intermediate ICD-10- AM, ACHI and ACS and candidates must sit on one of these dates 17 March Applications accepted after 24 January and before 3 February enrolment 12 May intake HLTCC401A Undertake complex clinical coding 17 June Applications accepted after 5 April and before 6 May enrolment 12 August intake HLTCC401A Undertake complex clinical coding page 12 Course administration 16 May 2011 Australian residents

13 Note Use of the 3M codefinder or similar software or program is not permitted for completion of the challenge examination paper HLTCC402A Complete highly complex clinical coding To ensure students applying for enrolment in this unit of competency have the required prior level of knowledge ALL students are required to sit a supervised challenge examination. Suitable candidates for the Challenge Examination for Advanced ICD- 10-AM, ACHI and ACS will have a Statement of Attainment for HLTCC401A Undertake complex clinical coding plus have a minimum of twelve months additional coding experience with a varied casemix in a hospital environment or have a minimum of four year's ICD-10-AM, ACHI and ACS coding experience in an Australian or New Zealand hospital environment with a varied casemix A minimum mark of 80% for the Challenge Examination in Advanced ICD-10-AM, ACHI and ACS is required within fifteen months of the intake date to be eligible to enrol in HLTCC402A Complete highly complex clinical coding. The challenge examination is a supervised two hour written paper and consists of three parts Part 1 Multiple choice (20 questions) Part 2 Case studies (5 case studies) Part 3 Discharge summaries (5 summaries) A practice paper will be forwarded after processing of the application form and payment Examination dates There are two dates scheduled for the Challenge Examination for Advanced ICD-10- AM, ACHI and ACS and candidates must sit on one of these dates Examination dates There are two dates scheduled for the Challenge Examination for Intermediate ICD-10- AM, ACHI and ACS and candidates must sit on one of these dates 17 March Applications accepted after 24 January and before 3 February enrolment 12 May intake HLTCC402A Complete highly complex clinical coding 17 June Applications accepted after 5 April and before 6 May enrolment 12 August intake HLTCC402A Complete highly complex clinical coding Note Use of the 3M codefinder or similar software or program is not permitted for completion of the challenge examination paper Course administration page 13 Australian residents 16 May 2011

14 OTHER COURSES Comprehensive Medical Terminology Medical terminology is the language used to communicate facts and ideas specific to medicine and healthcare. These words and symbols relate to body systems, anatomical structures, medical diagnoses and procedures. This course is designed for students who have no prior medical terminology knowledge or who have limited experience with medical terminology designed for students who require a comprehensive knowledge and understanding of the medical language used by health care professionals particularly useful for medical typists, clinical coders and many other health industry workers well recognised within the Health Information profession as the best foundation for training as a clinical coder one option for meeting the required skills and knowledge for HLTCC301A Produce coded clinical data (Introductory ICD-10-AM, ACHI and ACS clinical coding course) Total course hours 240 Intake dates 12 March 12 July 12 August 12 September Prerequisite There is no prerequisite for this course Course completion Successful students receive the HIMAA Certificate of Achievement Refresher ICD-10-AM, ACHI and ACS clinical coding This course has been designed for Australian students who have previous workplace experience in ICD-10-AM, ACHI and ACS clinical coding and would like to re-enter the workplace as a clinical coder. This course will provide the necessary skills and knowledge in the coding conventions and standards for the current edition of ICD-10- AM, ACHI and ACS being used in the workplace. Successful completion of the Refresher ICD-10-AM, ACHI and ACS clinical coding course combined with your previous workplace experience will enable you to confidently re-enter the clinical coding workforce. Total course hours 85 Intake dates 12 January 12 June Prerequisite To ensure that those applying for enrolment have the required level of knowledge and experience required Education Services will only accept enrolments from those who have completed a clinical coding course or HIM degree and have substantial prior experience in clinical coding in ICD-10-AM, ACHI and ACS Course completion Successful students receive the HIMAA Certificate of Achievement page 14 Course administration 16 May 2011 Australian residents

15 STUDENT RESPONSIBILITIES Academic conduct Students are not to receive assistance from a third party whether a manager or a colleague when completing the coursework or the assessments. Students are to contact their Education Officer for assistance. Students will not use the words or ideas of others and present them as their own. This is plagiarism which is unethical and is not tolerated by HIMAA. Plagiarism is unethical because it is a form of theft a qualification should be evidence of a student s skill and knowledge and should be their own work Students will not use another student s assessment or knowledge to complete assessments submitted as their own work as this is cheating and is not tolerated by Education Services. If a student is found to be submitting another person s work as their own the student s enrolment will be cancelled immediately without any refund and future enrolments will not be accepted in any courses or workshops conducted by Education Services. If the person assisting the student with the assessment is a past or current student and it is proven that the cheating took place with their knowledge then a current student s enrolment will be cancelled. Future enrolments from the assisting student will not be accepted in any courses or workshops conducted by Education Services. Examples of plagiarism Cutting and pasting information from the internet Copying text without permission Another student completes your assessment or gives you the answers Behaviour When communicating with Education Services staff students are required to behave appropriately. Inappropriate behaviour includes, but is not limited to, oral or written abuse, coarse language, threats and slander. Course progress Student progress will be monitored throughout each intake The Education Officer will contact students who have not commenced, or continued to submit, assessments. Contact will be made by letter, phone or . Students will be required to start, or to continue to submit assessments, according to their current timetable or be offered a transfer to another timetable within the same intake if unable to submit according to their current timetable If a student is unable to transfer to another timetable in the same intake they may Course administration page 15 Australian residents 16 May 2011

16 apply to defer until the next intake if they have not commenced the course and pay a fee. Students may have only one deferment or apply for a course extension to the next scheduled examination date after the intake finishes if they have commenced submitting assessments and pay a fee. Students may have only one extension If a student is unable to defer or extend their course then their enrolment is cancelled. Enrolments cancelled within two months of the course commencement date may be eligible for a refund of 50% of the course fees paid. (refer page 16) Any student who is transferred to another timetable will not be able to return to their previous timetable Students who do not comply with the arrangements made with Education Services will be sent a letter advising possible cancellation of their course If a student fails to respond to contact by Education Services or fails to meet the course requirements the student s enrolment in the course will be cancelled POLICIES Fees All course fees are in Australian dollars Fees for Introductory, Intermediate and Advanced ICD-10-AM, ACHI and ACS clinical coding courses for Australian residents are GST free Fees include postage costs for overseas residents All fees must be paid on enrolment No course materials will be distributed until payment of fees as arranged Self-funded students who have difficulty paying course fees on enrolment should contact the Administration Officer Education Services Protection of fees HIMAA holds all course fees in a separate bank account until course completion If HIMAA cancels the course and a student cannot be transferred to a similar course with HIMAA or another training provider HIMAA will refund the portion of fees applicable to the balance of the course less an administration fee of $ If a student has difficulty competently completing the course requirements and HIMAA considers that coding is not a suitable occupation for that student HIMAA reserves the right to cancel the enrolment and to refund the portion of fees applicable to the balance of the course less an administration fee of $ Refund of fees page 16 Course administration 16 May 2011 Australian residents

17 If a student cancels their enrolment before the course materials have been distributed HIMAA will refund the enrolment fee paid less an administration fee of $ If a student cancels their enrolment after the course materials have been distributed but within two months of the course commencement date and no more than two assessments have been submitted HIMAA will refund 50% of the enrolment fee paid Requests for refunds must be in writing to the Administration Officer Education Services. All course materials distributed by Education Services must be returned before any refund is issued. Monitoring student progress A. Student progress will be monitored throughout each intake. The Education Officer will contact students who have not commenced, or continued to submit, assessments. Contact will be made by letter, phone or . Students will be required to start, or to continue to submit assessments according to their current timetable or offered a transfer to another timetable within the same intake if unable to submit according to their current timetable. If a student is unable to transfer to another timetable in the same intake they may apply to defer until the next intake if they have not commenced the course and pay a fee. Students may have only one deferment. or apply for a course extension to the next scheduled examination date after the intake finishes if they have commenced submitting assessments and pay a fee. Students may have only one extension If a student is unable to defer or extend their course the enrolment is cancelled. Students who cancel their enrolment within two months of the course commencement date may be eligible for a refund of 50% of the course fees paid. B. Any student who is transferred to another timetable will not be able to return to their previous timetable. C. Students who do not comply with the arrangements made with Education Services will be sent a letter advising possible cancellation of their enrolment. D. If a student fails to respond to contact by Education Services or fails to meet the course requirements the student s enrolment in the course will be cancelled. Course administration page 17 Australian residents 16 May 2011

18 Access and equity HIMAA distance education courses are designed for individuals from all social backgrounds. Our access and equity policy is reflected in our course selection procedures and assessment practices. These practices ensure equality of opportunity regardless of age, gender, social or educational background. HIMAA s administration policies and procedures, course design and delivery observe the principles of equal opportunity by avoiding both direct and indirect discrimination against any potential student. Our courses are offered to both men and women from different nationalities and religions. HIMAA provides a learning environment that is free from discrimination and harassment and ensures that students are treated with respect and in a fair and considerate manner while studying with us. Students are also required to behave in an appropriate manner when communicating with HIMAA staff. Complaints HIMAA is committed to providing a learning environment in which customer complaints are responded to in a constructive and timely manner. The timeframes will include acknowledging all genuine complaints within ten business days of receipt. The policy and procedures ensure that each complaint is recorded in writing privacy is maintained outcomes are recorded in writing Complaints procedure In the event that you have a complaint concerning any matter in relation to your training, Education Services administration or staff you may contact the Adminstration Officer Education Services by phone fax education@himaa.org.au mail Locked Bag 2045 North Ryde NSW 1670 (Australia) Complaints will be registered and forwarded for action by the Training Manager Education Services or the Compliance Officer If you have not received a written decision regarding the complaint within fourteen business days of registering the complaint you may contact the Compliance Officer and request information regarding external organisations which may assist you in resolving your complaint page 18 Course administration 16 May 2011 Australian residents

19 Privacy HIMAA collects personal information for the purposes of general administration, identification, communication, state and national reporting, program monitoring and evaluation. We collect, manage, use and disclose personal information strictly in accordance with privacy legislation. Student information will be held securely and disposed of securely as required by law. HIMAA reports statistical data without personal identifiers to state and national regulatory bodies as required by the AQTF Standards. In accordance with AQTF Standards personal information required to validate a qualification will be given to an RTO when requested. Students have the right to access their personal information, subject to some exceptions allowed by law. In some instances you may be asked to make your request for personal information in writing. HIMAA reserves the right to charge a fee for supplying copies of qualifications and assessment information. If an employer pays a student s course fees and requests general information regarding a student's progress HIMAA reserves the right to give such information. This information includes, but is not limited to, assessment submission rates according to timetable selection and general information as to whether or not a student has achieved competency in the assessed sections of the course work. Assessment and examination results will not be given to an employer without a student's prior permission. FAQs What is a clinical coder? Clinical coders convert information from a patient s medical record into alphanumerical codes according to a health classification system. The health classification system used in Australia is the International Classification of Diseases 10th Revision Australian Modification (ICD-10-AM), the Australian Classification of Health Interventions (ACHI) and the Australian Coding Standards (ACS).These codes form part of a data collection that is used for research, funding and health care planning. The use of a classification system makes it easier to store, retrieve and analyse data. Clinical coders need to have an excellent attention to detail in order to produce high levels of accuracy. They must also be able to work as part of a team, have good communication skills and be interested in health care, diseases and procedures. Useful previous experience for clinical coders includes work in nursing, medicine, biological sciences or other health services or a health-related clerical background such as medical secretary or reception work. Course administration page 19 Australian residents 16 May 2011

20 What is casemix and the clinical coder s role? Casemix is a general term which describes any system which aggregates information about patients and associated procedures into groups based on the type and mix of the patients treated. The role of the clinical coder is to correctly identify and translate the narrative descriptions of diseases, injuries and procedures contained in medical records into alphanumeric codes. These codes are used for several purposes including the provision of information for health service planning. In Australia clinical coders use the coding classification system ICD-10-AM, ACHI and ACS to group inpatient separations into clinically homogeneous groups that are expected to consume similar amounts of resources. These groups are known as AR-DRGs. (Australian Refined Diagnosis Related Group). A hospital s casemix is ascertained from inpatient stay data collected by the clinical coder from the patient record and manually coded into electronic systems. As well as demographic information the data collected on each episode of care includes detailed information on the diagnoses and procedures relevant to the patient during the inpatient treatment. Each AR-DRG is allocated a cost weight which includes inputs for clinician attendance, pharmacy, radiology, allied health and other hospital costs and an average length of stay. The outputs of each hospital are then used in conjunction with fixed components such as clinical education and research grants and adjusted for population changes to calculate the level of funding. What is ICD-10-AM, ACHI and ACS? The International Classification of Diseases (ICD) is published by the World Health Organisation (WHO) for worldwide use in translating the narrative descriptions of diseases, injuries and procedures contained in medical records into alphanumeric codes. In Australia the classification system is ICD-10-AM, ACHI and ACS (International Classification of Diseases 10 th revision Australian Modification Australian Classification of Health Interventions and Australian Coding Standards). The National Classification and Casemix Centre (NCCC) is the Australian body which prepares, updates and publishes new editions of the five coding volumes in book and electronic format. What is the AQF? The Australian Qualifications Framework (AQF) is the policy framework that defines all qualifications recognised nationally in post-compulsory education and training in Australia. The AQF comprises titles and guidelines that define each qualification, as well as the principles and protocols covering cross-sectoral qualification links and the issuing of qualifications and Statements of Attainment. What is the AQTF? The Australian Quality Training Framework (AQTF) is the set of nationally agreed quality assurance arrangements for training and assessment services delivered by training organisations. It assures the quality and consistency of training outcomes. page 20 Course administration 16 May 2011 Australian residents

21 The AQTF comprises AQTF Essential Conditions and Standards for Initial Registration AQTF Essential Conditions and Strandards for Continuing Registration (including Quality Indicators) AQTF 2007 Standrds for State and Territory Registering Bodies AQTF 2007 Excellence Criteria What is a Registered Training Organisation? An RTO is an organisation registered in accordance with the AQTF Standards for Registered Training Organisations to provide specific vocational education and training and/or assessment services. RTOs may include TAFE institutes, private providers, community providers, schools, higher education institutions, industry organisations and enterprises. RTOs issue Australian Qualification Framework qualifications and Statements of Attainment. The details and scope of registration of all registered training organisations are listed on the National Training Information Service. website What is Nationally Recognised Training? The Introductory, Intermediate and Advanced ICD-10-AM, ACHI and ACS 7 th edition clinical coding courses delivered by HIMAA are mapped to three clinical coding units of competency in the HLT07 Health Training Package. These courses meet the standard requirements for providing training under the Australian Quality Training Framework (AQTF) and are Nationally Recognised Training (NRT) courses. Statements of Attainment issued by HIMAA for the Introductory, Intermediate and Advanced ICD-10- AM, ACHI and ACS 7 th edition clinical coding courses are nationally recognised by other RTOs as well as by the health information management profession. How do I benefit? When you complete an NRT course with HIMAA you will receive national recognition of any qualifications gained will know that your training is being delivered by an organisation which meets national standards will enhance your career prospects because the qualifications are based on identified industry needs will gain access to recognition of prior learning (RPL). Also known as recognition of current competence (RCC) will have opportunities for articulation into further training which may include higher education What is RPL? Recognition of Prior Learning is a process that recognises a student's current skills and experience regardless of where and when the learning occurred. To ensure potential students have the required skills and knowledge to successfully complete a unit of competency mapped to the HIMAA ICD-10-AM, ACHI and ACS clinical coding courses students are required to sit a challenge examination or complete a pre/corequisite unit. Course administration page 21 Australian residents 16 May 2011

22 What is a training package? A training package is a set of nationally endorsed, integrated set of competency standards, assessment guidelines and AQF qualifications for a specific industry, industry sector or enterprise. What is a unit of competency? A unit of competency is the specification of knowledge and skill, and the application of that knowledge and skill, to the standard of performance expected in the workplace. A unit of competency is the smallest unit that can be assessed and recognised. Competency standards define the skills and knowledge to operate effectively in employment and how they need to be applied. Each unit of competency consists of several components employability skills are non-technical skills and competencies which play a significant part in contributing to an individual s effective and successful participation in the workplace elements within a unit of competency describe the skill outcomes that contribute to a unit or what skills are required to perform the work activity performance criteria specify the required level of performance or what level of skill is needed required skills and knowledge describe the essential skills and knowledge required to effectively perform in the workplace range statement relates to the unit of competency as a whole providing the range of contexts and conditions to which the performance criteria apply. It allows for different work environments and situations that will affect performance evidence guide within a unit of competency describes the underpinning knowledge and skills that must be demonstrated to prove competence Reference Back2Basics CONTACT US Administration Officer Education Services phone (8.00am-4.00pm Mon-Fri) fax education@himaa.org.au postal address Locked Bag 2045 North Ryde NSW 1670 street address (for courier purposes) Level 1 51 Wicks Road North Ryde NSW 2113 Australia website page 22 Course administration 16 May 2011 Australian residents

23 COMPREHENSIVE MEDICAL TERMINOLOGY Australian residents Overseas (Australian dollars) Full $1, Full $1, (incls GST) Member HIMAA/CCSA $1, (incls GST) Member HIMAA/CCSA $1, INTRODUCTORY ICD-10-AM, ACHI and ACS CLINICAL CODING Australian residents Overseas (Australian dollars) Full $2, Full $2, (GST free) Member HIMAA/CCSA $1, (GST free) Member HIMAA/CCSA $2, x part payment (includes admin fee) Member HIMAA/CCSA $1, (GST free) $ (GST free) Not applicable Not applicable INTERMEDIATE ICD-10-AM, ACHI and ACS CLINICAL CODING Australian residents Overseas (Australian dollars) Full $1, Full $1, (GST free) Member HIMAA/CCSA $ (GST free) Member HIMAA/CCSA $1, ADVANCED ICD AM, ACHI and ACS CLINICAL CODING Australian residents Overseas (Australian dollars) Full $2, Full $2, (GST free) Member HIMAA/CCSA $2, (GST free) Member HIMAA/CCSA $2, x part payment (includes admin fee) Member HIMAA/CCSA $1, (GST free) $1, (GST free) Not applicable Not applicable REFRESHER COURSE ICD-10-AM, ACHI and ACS CLINICAL CODING Australian residents only Full $1, (incls GST) Member HIMAA/CCSA $1, (incls GST) CHALLENGE EXAMINATIONS Australian residents Overseas (Australian dollars) Full $ Full $ (incls GST) Member $ Member $ HIMAA/CCSA (incls GST) HIMAA/CCSA STUDENT APPLICATION FOR (all fees include GST for Australian residents) Deferment of course to the next intake Extension of course to the next scheduled examination $ plus any difference in course fees paid and course fee for new intake $ Resit examination $ Certificate for challenge examination Replacement Certificate of Achievement or Statement of Attainment (new original) Replacement Certificate of Achievement or Statement of Attainment (photocopy) $58.00 Australian residents $67.00 Overseas residents $58.00 Australian residents $67.00 Overseas residents No charge Course administration page 23 Australian residents 16 May 2011

24 COMPREHENSIVE MEDICAL TERMINOLOGY TEXTBOOK SUPPLIERS LIST TEXTBOOK The Language of Medicine, Nicol, J & Walker, S (eds) 2007, Elsevier Australia Davi-Ellen Chabner (Australian and New Zealand edition) ISBN MEDICAL DICTIONARY Mosby s Dictionary of Medicine, Nursing & Health Professions (Australian and New Zealand 2 nd edition) ISBN It is recommended that you order as soon as possible as delivery may take three to four weeks. NSW (and other state Co-op bookshops) The Co-op Bookshop bay@coop_bookshop.com.au phone fax VICTORIA RMIT Bookshop Melbourne enquiry@rmitbookshop.com.au phone free call within Australia or fax within Australia or La Trobe University enquiries@bookshop.latrobe.edu.au phone fax SOUTH AUSTRALIA Unibooks University of South Australia Adelaide campus (medical bookshop) phone fax Ramsay Medical Books 98 Wright Street Adelaide sales@ramsaybook.com.au phone or fax HIMAA students receive a 10% discount QUEENSLAND ALLMEDIC Book supplies Level 1/56 Old Cleveland Road Stones Corner PO Box 480 Stones Corner Q karen@allmedic.com.au phone fax HIMAA students receive a discount NEW ZEALAND Medical Books (New Zealand) Limited Auckland 8 Park Avenue, Grafton custserv.ak@medical-books.co.nz phone free call or fax Wellington 173 Riddiford Street, Newtown custserv.wl@medical-books.co.nz phone free call or fax Australian residents only The cost for each book is $90.00 if purchased through Elsevier customerserviceau@elsevier.com page 24 Course administration 16 May 2011 Australian residents