CODING AND REIMBURSEMENT OR HEALTH INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY

Transcription

1 HEALTH INFORMATION PROGRAM CODING AND REIMBURSEMENT OR HEALTH INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY REGISTRATION PACKET AND INFORMATION

2 Introduction: Welcome to the Central Arizona College (CAC) Health Information Management Program. This Student Handbook is designed as a reference guide to enhance your educational experience. As a student of CAC, you are expected to observe all rules and regulations of the college. These institutional policies may be found in the Central Arizona College Catalog. About the Program: Central Arizona College is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission, a commission of the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools and a participant of the Higher Learning Commission's Academic Quality Improvement Program. Additionally the Central Arizona College Health Information Technology (HIT) program received accreditation from the Commission on Accreditation for Health Informatics and Health Information Management (CAHIIM) in November CAHIIM is the educational accreditation agency for degree granting programs in Health Information Management. The accreditation ensures that we have a comprehensive curriculum covering all aspects of health information management. HIT AAS students are eligible to take the national certification examination of the American Health Information Management Association (AHIMA) and upon successful passing will provide them with the credential as a Registered Health Information Technician RHIT. Coding and Reimbursement students are eligible for initial certification by American Medical Biller s Association (AMBA), American Association of Professional Coders (AAPC), or American Health Information Management Association (AHIMA) by qualifying to sit for the national exam for the credential of their choice, including CMBS, CPC, CCA and CCS The Curriculum: The HIM program consists of a one-year certificate of completion in Coding and Reimbursement or a two-year Associate of Applied Science in Health Information Technology. Instate tuition is $82.00/credit hour. The Health Information Technology (HIT) program is a total of 71 credits; including 27 credits in general education, and the remaining credits in the Major Course Requirements. The Coding and Reimbursement Certificate is a total of 34 credits, plus 3 prerequisite credits. The American Health Information Management Association (AHIMA) provides a list of entry level competencies that detail the skills and knowledge necessary for students to become entry level health information technicians. This list consists of Domains, Subdomains and Tasks. The program curriculum incorporates all HIM entry-level competencies and knowledge clusters. Our curriculum completes with a 4 credits Practicum experience within a healthcare facility under the guidance of the facility staff and CAC staff. Our program not only prepares the student for the RHIT certification examination; it also prepares the student for their career by incorporating hands-on experience in the field, professional experiences that will set our students above others applying for entry-level positions. Program Mission: To provide an intellectual and positive learning environment that prepares students with the knowledge and technical skills necessary to produce competent and progressive health information professionals utilizing the American Health Information Management Association (AHIMA) entry-level competencies and feedback from all communities of interest to include internal, regional and national for continual quality improvement. Page 2 of 8

3 Program Goals: Goal 1: Curriculum 1. Create a Dynamic Environment for Learner Success (CAC) 2. Create a curriculum that abides by CAHIIM standards 3. Offer a curriculum that employs and reflects current HIM practice and trends 4. Create an environment that encourages community support 5. Offer high-quality, comprehensive curriculum based upon continuous assessment and quality improvement. 6. Maximize Fiscal and Physical Resources 7. Advance Community Relations and Partnerships Goal 2: Faculty Development 1. Maintain a Culture Supporting Employee Success 2. Attain and Maintain qualified and vested Faculty Goal 3: Students and Graduates 1. Implement CAHIIM standards and outcomes for student achievement and satisfaction of entry level competencies 2. Create a Dynamic Environment for Learner Success Goal 4: Community of Interest 1. Advance the HIM profession in the local area 2. Strengthen Effective Communication throughout the Internal and External College Community Advisement: New degree and certificate-seeking students should apply for admission to the college, take the reading comprehension, writing and math Compass tests, apply for admission to the program and take the HESI A2 exam. Students are encouraged to meet with or contact the HIM program director for advisement prior to or at the time of registration. Health Information staff can assist students with: Acceptance of college transfer credits Moral support and guidance Mentoring for career goal attainment Academic difficulties associated with Health Information concentration courses Instructor/student conflicts Internship, volunteer and employment opportunities Although our curriculum follows AHIMA s required Registered Health Information Technologist (RHIT) exam competencies; with such a broad selection of job opportunities we encourage our students to research their fields of interest and develop the necessary skills, knowledge and networks to initiate a successful career path. As you go through the curriculum please feel free to contact us for any concerns or questions you may have. We look forward to escorting you through your journey into the world of Health Information Management (HIM). Page 3 of 8

4 Code of Ethics The code of ethics, adopted by the members of the American Health Information Management Association, defines the standards of behavior which promote ethical conduct. As Health Information Management students, you are bound by this Code of Ethics. Course Sequence and Prerequisite Courses In general, students can determine the level of a course by its number. Courses numbered 100 to 199 are usually first-year courses; courses numbered are usually second-year courses. Because courses with lower numbers may be prerequisites for courses with higher numbers, students should complete lower numbers first. All prerequisite courses must be completed with a grade of C or higher to make the student eligible for the next course. HIM Student Comprehensive Exam Prior to graduation and as part of the practicum, HIM students will be required to complete a comprehensive-mock exam.. This exam will cover all professional courses and is designed to prepare students to take the Registration Exam that is administered by the American Health Information Management Association. Evaluations The student will complete evaluations of effectiveness on instructors, courses, clinical instructors, and clinical education settings as a component of the program s assessment plan. Results are summarized by the Program Director and forwarded to the appropriate parties. Survey results are discussed with various communities of interest within the college and at the clinical education settings. Results are also relayed and discussed during the Advisory Meeting and Faculty meetings. Dress Code As a Central Arizona Student enrolled in the Health Information Technology program you are held at a high standard. You will be representing the Health Information Technology program in your community, building professional networks as well as meeting possible employers. Students are expected to look neat and dress and groom in a manner acceptable and appropriate to the professional environment when attending any academic related activity. Always keep in mind that you are the face of your own success. Page 4 of 8

5 Health Information Technology Contact Information Health Information Program Management: HIT Program Director: Sandra Brightwell, Office (480) HIT Instructional Specialist Evelyn Thomas, Office (480) Health Careers Department: Division Dean: Julian Easter (480) HIT Program Adjunct Faculty: Sandra Brightwell Pam Hess Mara McAuley Evelyn Thomas Rendon Admission Requirements The Health Information Management program is open to any student interested in Health information. Students interested in the program need to submit the following: 1. Application to the College (to be obtained from Admission Office) Compass testing (Reading, Writing and Math) for admission to the college and Health Careers HESI A2 testing for admission to the program required. 2. All students must complete a Health Information Technology application form (attached). The application must be returned to the HIM Program Staff as part of formal acceptance into the HIM Program along with test scores and unofficial transcripts. Please complete and submit the Application to: sandra.brightwell@centralaz.edu Page 5 of 8

6 APPLICATION FOR ADMISSION (Please Circle One) CODING AND REIMBURSEMENT OR HEALTH INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY PERSONAL Please Print or Type #880 (CAC School ID #) ** PLEASE SUBMIT A COPY OF YOUR TRANSCRIPTS WITH YOUR APPLICATION Name: (Last) (First) (Middle) Address: (Street) (City, State) (Zip Code) Telephone Numbers: (Home) (Work) (Cell) Address (CAC STUDENT ONLY): EDUCATION High School Name and Location of School Dates Attended From Mo/Yr To Mo/Yr Degree Awarded College Page 6 of 8

7 Other EMPLOYMENT HISTORY Name and Address of Employer Position From Mo/Yr To Mo/Yr Reason for Leaving Please use this space to explain your interest. Include specialty, full or part-time attendance and start date. Please Enter Your Program Enrollment Date: / Please Check One: Full Time Student (12 or More Credits) or Part Time Student (6 or Less Credits) PLEASE READ CAREFULLY AND SIGN BELOW I certify that the information on this application is complete and accurate to the best of my knowledge. I understand that withholding information or giving false information may make me ineligible for admission and enrollment. I release from all liability or damages those persons, agencies, or organizations who may furnish information in connection with my application for admission. If accepted, I agree to read and abide by all school policies and procedures. Signature: Date: Page 7 of 8

8 Health Information Technology Students First Year Students: 1. How did you hear about this program? 2. What interest you about this profession? 3. Is there a specific field/function of HIM you would like to concentrate in? 2 nd Year Students: Please turn in a career goal statement. One page minimum double spaced. Include: What HIM Career path or HIM function have you identified as an area of interests Why it/they interests you Your strengths, skills or experience that compliments your choice Areas of weakness What you know about the career choice HIMA Student Membership Student membership in professional associations is HIGHLY encouraged. Students may apply for student status in both the American Health Information Management Association and the Arizona Health Information Management Association. Membership is free for the Arizona Health Information Management Association (AzHIMA). There is a $45.00 fee for the American Health Information Management Association (AHIMA). Connections that students make at meetings and clinical sites may lead to jobs while the student is in school or after graduation. Students may enroll by filling out the form online or printing it. The form may be found at: Page 8 of 8