Health Information Technology
Overview
The CRC Health Information Technology program is designed to train health information professionals with the knowledge and skills to process, analyze, disseminate and maintain health care information. A career as a health information professional offers a unique opportunity to combine an interest in health information, business, and computer information science.
The Health Information Technology accreditor of Cosumnes River College is the Commission on Accreditation for Health Informatics and Information Management Education (CAHIIM). The college’s accreditation for associate degree in Health Information Technology has been reaffirmed through 2022. All inquiries about the program’s accreditation status should be directed to:
CAHIIM
200 East Randolph Street, Suite 5100
Chicago, IL 60601
(312) 235-3255
info@cahiim.org
CAHIIM Program Directory
Program Maps
-
Dean
Dana Wassmer
-
Department Chair
Cori Burns
-
Career and Academic Community
Health and Human Services
- Phone (916) 691-7390
- Email wassmed@crc.losrios.edu
Associate Degree
A.S. in Health Information Technology
The CRC Health Information Technology A.S. degree program is designed to train health information technology professionals with the knowledge and skills to process, analyze, disseminate and maintain health information. A career as a health information technology professional offers a unique opportunity to combine an interest in health information, business, and computer information science. Employment opportunities are available in long-term care, ambulatory care, and acute care facilities; state and federal health agencies; and private industry.
HIGHLIGHTS
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, employment of medical records and health information technicians is expected to increase by 11 percent from 2018 to 2028, faster than the average for all occupations.
*The HIT A.S. Degree Program is accredited by the Commission on Accreditation for Health Informatics and Information Management Education (CAHIIM) in cooperation with the Council on Accreditation of the American Health Information Management Association
*A Non-paid clinical experience at an affiliated health-related agency is required as part of this Program.
*This is a fully online program
To be eligible for enrollment in the program, the student must meet the following criteria:
-A grade of "C" or better in the following courses; AH 110, AH 120, AH 124, and BIOL 100 or 102.
-Completion of the HIT Application form. See the Program website for more information.
Catalog Date: June 1, 2021
Degree Requirements
| Course Code | Course Title | Units |
|---|---|---|
| HIT 100 | Introduction to Health Information Technology: Part 1 | 3 |
| HIT 102 | Introduction to Health Information Technology: Part 2 | 3 |
| HIT 110 | Medical Legal Aspects of Health Information | 3 |
| HIT 120 | Basic ICD-CM Coding | 3 |
| HIT 122 | Advanced ICD Coding | 3 |
| HIT 123 | Current Procedural Terminology (CPT) Coding | 1 |
| HIT 140 | Computerized Health Information Systems | 3 |
| HIT 150 | Continuous Quality Improvement | 3 |
| CISA 320 | Introduction to Database Management | 1 |
| CISC 310 | Introduction to Computer Information Science | 3 |
| HIT 160 | Supervision for the Allied Health Professional | 3 |
| HIT 170 | Health Information Technology Directed Practice | 1 |
| CISA 321 | Intermediate Database Management | 1 |
| STAT 300 | Introduction to Probability and Statistics | 4 |
| HIT 176 | Health Information Technology Review | 2 |
| Total Units: | 37 |
The Health Information Technology Associate in Science (A.S.) degree may be obtained by completion of the required program, plus general education requirements, plus sufficient electives to meet a 60-unit total. See CRC graduation requirements.
Enrollment Eligibility
To be eligible for enrollment in the program, the student must meet the following criteria:
- Completion of AH 110, AH 120, AH 124, and Biology 100 or 102 with grades of C or better.
- Completion of the HIT Application form. The form is available online on the Health Information Technology website. The application form will be available online from January 27 through June 15. Instructions for how to complete the application are included in the form.
Enrollment Process
Eligible students are selected for the program according to the following steps:
- Only students who meet the pre-enrollment requirements will be considered for the program. Applications must be received by June 15.
- Students will be randomly selected for admission into the program if the number of successful applicants exceeds the seats available.
Student Learning Outcomes
Upon completion of this program, the student will be able to:
- PSLO #1: Competence in HIM data structure, contents, and information governance standards.
- PSLO #2: Competency in the application of information protection: access, use, disclosure, privacy, & security.
- PSLO #3: Competency in the application of informatics, analytics, and data use.
- PSLO #4: Competency in the management of revenue cycle.
- PSLO #5: Comprehend organizational management & leadership in relation to HIM.
Career Information
Employment Opportunities are possible in the Following Settings Ambulatory Care Long-Term Care/Rehabilitation State and Federal Health Agencies Professional Review Organizations Insurance Companies Educational Settings Consulting Firms Mental Health/Chemical Dependency Acute Care Some career options may require experience in addition to two years of college study.
Certificate of Achievement
Health Information Coding Specialist Certificate
The Health Information Coding Specialist Certificate prepares the student to apply medical coding classifications to health care encounters using industry standards through both theory and practical (externship) applications for the purpose of: meeting health care industry needs; preparing students for appropriate certification exams; and providing career ladder opportunities for health care workers.
A career as a health information coding specialist offers a unique opportunity to combine an interest in health information, business, and computer information science. Employment opportunities are available in long-term care, ambulatory care, and acute care facilities; state and federal health agencies; and private industry.
The Certificate of Achievement Health Information Coding Specialist Program is not accredited by the Commission on Accreditation for Health Informatics and Information Education (CAHIIM).
HIGHLIGHTS
Employment of medical records and health information technicians is expected to increase by 21 percent from 2010 to 2020, faster than the average for all occupations.
This is an online program.
Enrollment Eligibility:
To be eligible for enrollment in the Health Information Coding Specialist Program, the student must meet the following criteria:
A grade of "C" or better in the following courses; AH 110, AH 120, AH 124, and BIOL 100 or 102.
Completion of a pre-enrollment form. The form is available online on the Health Information Technology website.
Catalog Date: June 1, 2021
Certificate Requirements
| Course Code | Course Title | Units |
|---|---|---|
| HIT 100 | Introduction to Health Information Technology: Part 1 | 3 |
| HIT 102 | Introduction to Health Information Technology: Part 2 | 3 |
| HIT 110 | Medical Legal Aspects of Health Information | 3 |
| HIT 120 | Basic ICD-CM Coding | 3 |
| HIT 122 | Advanced ICD Coding | 3 |
| HIT 123 | Current Procedural Terminology (CPT) Coding | 1 |
| HIT 150 | Continuous Quality Improvement | 3 |
| HIT 170 | Health Information Technology Directed Practice | 1 |
| CISC 310 | Introduction to Computer Information Science | 3 |
| STAT 300 | Introduction to Probability and Statistics | 4 |
| Total Units: | 27 |
Enrollment Eligibility
To be eligible for enrollment in the program, the student must meet the following criteria:
- Completion of AH 110, AH 120, AH 124, and Biology 100 or 102 with grades of C or better.
- Completion of the HIT Application form. The form is available online on the Health Information Technology website. The application form will be available online from January 27 through June 15. Instructions for how to complete the application are included in the form.
Enrollment Process
Eligible students are selected for the program according to the following steps:
- Only students who meet the enrollment eligibility criteria will be considered for the program.
- Students will be randomly selected if there are more successful candidates than there are seats available.
Student Learning Outcomes
Upon completion of this program, the student will be able to:
- PSLO #1: Competence in HIM data structure, contents, and information governance standards.
- PSLO #2: Competency in the application of information protection: access, use, disclosure, privacy, & security.
- PSLO #3: Competency in the application of informatics, analytics, and data use.
- PSLO #4: Competency in the management of Revenue Cycle.
- PSLO #5: Comprehend organizational management & leadership in relation to HIM.
Career Information
Employment Opportunities Are Possible in the Following Settings Ambulatory Care Long-Term Care/Rehabilitation State and Federal Health Agencies Professional Review Organizations Insurance Companies Consulting Firms Mental Health/Chemical Dependency Acute Care Some career options may require experience in addition to at least one year of college study.
Health Information Technology (HIT) Courses
HIT 100 Introduction to Health Information Technology: Part 1
- Units:3
- Hours:54 hours LEC
- Prerequisite:BIOL 100 or BIOL 102; and AH 110, AH 120, and AH 124 with grades of "C" or better
- Enrollment Limitation:Enrollment is limited to those that have met the program prerequisites and have been formally accepted into the program through the application process.
- Advisory:CISA 320, CISA 321, and CISC 310
- Catalog Date:June 1, 2021
This course is an introduction to the field of health information management. It includes an overview of the U.S. healthcare delivery system, health information functions, and responsibilities. The requirements, regulations, and standards for health information are emphasized.
Student Learning Outcomes
Upon completion of this course, the student will be able to:
- SLO #1: COMPETENCE IN HIM DATA STRUCTURE, CONTENTS, AND INFORMATION GOVERNANCE STANDARDS.
- Describe health care organization from the perspective of key stakeholders.
- Analyze data to ensure documentation in the health record supports the diagnosis and reflects the patient’s progress, clinical findings, and discharge status.
- Apply policies, regulations, and standards to the management of information.
- Apply clinical vocabularies and terminologies used in the organization’s health information systems.
- Verify timeliness, completeness, accuracy, and appropriateness of data and data sources for patient care, management, billing reports, registries, and/or databases.
- Cite and apply policies and procedures to ensure organizational compliance with regulations and standards.
- Identify policies and strategies to achieve data integrity.
- Cite and apply policies and procedures to ensure organizational compliance with regulations and standards.
- Define the procedure of reporting compliance findings according to organizational policy.
- Determine compliance of health record content within the health organization.
- Analyze data to ensure documentation in the health record supports the diagnosis and reflects the patient's progress, clinical findings, and discharge status. Collect and maintain health data, such as data elements, data sets, and databases.
- Explain the use of classification systems, clinical vocabularies, & nomenclature.
- Apply policies and procedures for the use of clinical data required for reimbursement and prospective payment systems (PPS) in healthcare delivery.
- SLO #2: PROFICIENCY IN THE APPLICATION OF INFORMATION PROTECTION: ACCESS, USE, DISCLOSURE, PRIVACY, AND SECURITY.
- Identify compliance requirements throughout the health information life cycle.
- Define the procedure of reporting compliance findings according to organizational policy.
- Define accuracy and completeness of the patient record as defined by organizational policy and external regulations and standards.
- SLO #3: PROFICIENCY IN THE APPLICATION OF INFORMATICS, ANALYTICS, AND DATA USE.
- Calculate statistics for healthcare operations.
- Compile patient data and perform data quality reviews to validate code assignment and compliance with reporting requirements such as outpatient prospective payment systems.
- SLO #4: PROFICIENCY IN THE MANAGEMENT OF REVENUE CYCLE.
- Describe components of revenue cycle management and clinical documentation
- Apply policies and procedures for the use of clinical data required for reimbursement and prospective payment systems (PPS) in healthcare delivery.
- Summarize regulatory requirements and reimbursement methodologies.
- SLO #5: PROFICIENT IN HEALTH LAW AND COMPLIANCE.
- Identify the impact of policy on healthcare.
- Apply information system policies and procedures required by national health information initiatives on the healthcare delivery system.
- Apply current laws, accreditation, licensure, and certification standards related to health information initiatives from the national, state, local, and facility levels.
- 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.
- SLO #6: COMPREHEND ORGANIZATIONAL MANAGEMENT AND LEADERSHIP IN RELATION TO HIM.
- Identify human resource strategies for organizational best practices.
- Define the roles of various providers and disciplines throughout the continuum of healthcare and respond to their information needs.
- Assess ethical standards of practice.
- Apply ethical standards of practice at all level of data management.
HIT 102 Introduction to Health Information Technology: Part 2
- Units:3
- Hours:54 hours LEC
- Prerequisite:HIT 100 with a grade of "C" or better
- Enrollment Limitation:Enrollment is limited to those that have met the program prerequisites and have been formally accepted into the program through the application process.
- Advisory:CISA 320, CISA 321, and CISC 310
- Catalog Date:June 1, 2021
This course focuses on the concepts of health information management in alternate health care setting including ambulatory care, long-term care, mental health, and rehabilitation. An overview of the regulatory and accrediting bodies governing these settings is provided.
Student Learning Outcomes
Upon completion of this course, the student will be able to:
- SLO # 1: COMPETENCE IN HIM DATA STRUCTURE, CONTENTS, AND INFORMATION GOVERNANCE STANDARDS.
- Describe health care organization from the perspective of key stakeholders.
- Demonstrate an understanding of documentation requirements and practices.
- Apply policies, regulations, and standards to the management of information.
- Identify policies and strategies to achieve data integrity.
- Determine compliance of health record content within the health organization.
- Explain the use of classification systems, clinical vocabularies, and nomenclatures.
- Describe issues in information management, including coding and classification, data and information flow, electronic information systems, and data sets.
- SLO #2: PROFICIENCY IN THE APPLICATION OF INFORMATION PROTECTION: ACCESS, USE, DISCLOSURE, PRIVACY & SECURITY
- Identify compliance requirements throughout the health information life cycle.
- SLO #3: PROFICIENCY IN THE APPLICATION OF INFORMATICS, ANALYTICS AND DATA USE.
- Calculate statistics for healthcare operations.
- SLO #4: PROFICIENCY IN THE MANAGEMENT OF REVENUE CYCLE.
- Describe components of revenue cycle management and clinical documentation.
- Summarize regulatory requirements and reimbursement methodologies.
- Demonstrate an understanding of reimbursement, payment, and other revenue requirements, practices, and issues.
- SLO #5: PROFICIENT IN HEALTH LAW & COMPLIANCE.
- Identify the impact of policy on healthcare.
- Demonstrate an understanding of quality assessment and utilization management activities, risk management and legal concerns.
HIT 110 Medical Legal Aspects of Health Information
- Units:3
- Hours:54 hours LEC
- Prerequisite:None.
- Enrollment Limitation:Enrollment is limited to those that have met the program prerequisites and have been formally accepted into the program through the application process.
- Advisory:CISA 320, CISA 321, and CISC 310
- Catalog Date:June 1, 2021
This course explores the legal aspects surrounding the maintenance, use, disclosure, and protection of health information. Policies and procedures that guide the handling of health information to prevent inappropriate use and improper disclosure will be discussed. Risk management including privacy, security and compliance.
Student Learning Outcomes
Upon completion of this course, the student will be able to:
- SLO #1: COMPETENCE IN HIM DATA STRUCTURE, CONTENTS, AND INFORMATION GOVERNANCE STANDARDS.
- Apply policies, regulations, and standards to the management of information.
- Understand the significance of statutes, administrative laws, and regulatory agencies with regard to the maintenance, use and disclosure of health information.
- SLO #2: APPLICATION OF INFORMATION PROTECTION: ACCESS, USE, DISCLOSURE, PRIVACY & SECURITY.
- Apply privacy strategies to health information.
- Apply security strategies to health information.
- Discuss the HIPAA Privacy Rule with regard to health information use and disclosure, including requirements implemented by the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act.
- SLO #3: PROFICIENT IN HEALTH LAW & COMPLIANCE.
- Apply legal processes impacting health information.
- Demonstrate compliance with external forces.
- Identify the components of risk management related to HIM.
- Identify the impact of policy on healthcare.
- Describe types of medical identity theft and understand actions required by the Red Flags Rule.
- SLO #4: COMPREHEND ORGANIZATIONAL MANAGEMENT AND LEADERSHIP IN RELATION TO HIM.
- Assess ethical standards of practice.
- Identify ethical principles and professional values that can guide health information management professionals who must confront and respond to ethical problems.
HIT 120 Basic ICD-CM Coding
- Units:3
- Hours:54 hours LEC
- Prerequisite:None.
- Enrollment Limitation:Enrollment is limited to those that have met the program prerequisites and have been formally accepted into the program through the application process.
- Catalog Date:June 1, 2021
This course provides instruction in the basic principles of coding diseases and procedures using the current versions of the International Classification of Diseases, Clinical Modification (CM), and Procedural Coding System (PCS). Code format, conventions, sequencing, and coding guidelines will be emphasized.
Student Learning Outcomes
Upon completion of this course, the student will be able to:
- SLO # 1: COMPETENCE IN HIM DATA STRUCTURE, CONTENTS, AND INFORMATION GOVERNANCE STANDARDS.
- Apply policies, regulations, and standards to the management of information.
- Explain the use of classification systems, clinical vocabularies, and nomenclatures.
- SLO #2: COMPETENCY IN THE MANAGEMENT OF REVENUE CYCLE.
- Recognize assignment of diagnostic and procedural codes and groupings in accordance with official guidelines.
- Apply diagnosis codes and procedure codes using ICD-CM/PCS.
- Use and maintain applications and processes to support other clinical classification and nomenclature systems.
- Resolve discrepancies between coded data and supporting documentation.
- Understand policies and procedures for the use of clinical data required in reimbursement and prospective payment systems (PPS) in healthcare delivery.
- Use established guidelines to comply with reimbursement and reporting requirements such as the National Correct Coding Initiative.
- Comprehend the processes for compilation of patient data and the performance of data quality reviews to validate code assignment and compliance with reporting requirements such as outpatient prospective payment systems.
- Understand clinical vocabularies and terminologies used in the organization’s health information systems.
- Adhere to current regulations and established guidelines in code assignment.
- Ensure accuracy of diagnostic/procedural groupings such as Diagnosis related groups (DRG), Ambulatory payment classification (APC), and so on.
HIT 122 Advanced ICD Coding
- Units:3
- Hours:54 hours LEC
- Prerequisite:HIT 120 with a grade of "C" or better
- Enrollment Limitation:Enrollment is limited to those that have met the program prerequisites and have been formally accepted into the program through the application process.
- Catalog Date:June 1, 2021
This course provides instruction in advanced coding principles using the current versions of the International Classification of Diseases, Clinical Modification (CM), and Procedural Coding System (PCS). The class will focus on learning and applying higher level coding skills. In addition, the Prospective Payment System (PPS) and Diagnosis Related Groups (DRGs) will be introduced. Computerized encoders and groupers may be emphasized.
Student Learning Outcomes
Upon completion of this course, the student will be able to:
- SLO # 1: COMPETENCE IN HIM DATA STRUCTURE, CONTENTS, AND INFORMATION GOVERNANCE STANDARDS.
- Apply policies, regulations, and standards to the management of information
- Explain the use of classification systems, clinical vocabularies, and nomenclatures.
- Contribute to the definitions for and apply clinical vocabularies and terminologies used in the organization’s health information systems.
- Use and maintain electronic applications and work processes to support clinical classification and coding.E
- Adhere to current regulations and established guidelines in code assignment.
- Use and maintain applications and processes to support other clinical classification and nomenclature systems (such as ICD-10-CM, Systemized Nomenclature of Medicine Clinical Terminology (SNOMED), and so on.
- Resolve discrepancies between coded data and supporting documentation.
- SLO #2: COMPETENCY IN THE MANAGEMENT OF REVENUE CYCLE.
- Apply policies and procedures for the use of clinical data required in reimbursement and prospective payment systems (PPS) in healthcare delivery.
- Apply diagnosis codes using ICD-CM/PCS codes.
- Use and maintain applications and processes to support other clinical classification and nomenclature systems (such as ICD-10-CM, Systemized Nomenclature of Medicine Clinical Terminology (SNOMED), and so on.
- Apply policies and procedures for the use of clinical data required in reimbursement and prospective payment systems (PPS) in healthcare delivery.
- Support accurate billing through coding, chargemaster, claims management, and bill reconciliation processes.
- Use established guidelines to comply with reimbursement and reporting requirements such as the National Correct Coding Initiative.
- Compile patient data and perform data quality reviews to validate code assignment and compliance with reporting requirements such as outpatient prospective payment systems.
- Verify timeliness, completeness, accuracy, and appropriateness of data and data sources for patient care, management, billing reports, registries, and databases.
- Recognize assignment of diagnostic and procedural codes and groupings in accordance with official guidelines.
- SLO #3: COMPREHEND ORGANIZATIONAL MANAGEMENT AND LEADERSHIP IN RELATION TO HIM
- Assess ethical standards of practice.
HIT 123 Current Procedural Terminology (CPT) Coding
- Units:1
- Hours:18 hours LEC
- Prerequisite:None.
- Enrollment Limitation:Enrollment is limited to those that have met the program prerequisites and have been formally accepted into the program through the application process.
- Catalog Date:June 1, 2021
The principles and mechanics of coding for services and procedures using the Current Procedural Terminology (CPT) coding system are taught in this course. The utilization of the Healthcare Common Procedure Coding System (HCPCS) codes is introduced.
Student Learning Outcomes
Upon completion of this course, the student will be able to:
- SLO #1: COMPETENCE IN HIM DATA STRUCTURE, CONTENTS, AND INFORMATION GOVERNANCE STANDARDS.
- Apply policies, regulations, and standards to the management of information.
- Explain the use of classification systems, clinical vocabularies, and nomenclatures
- Use and maintain electronic applications and work processes to support clinical classification and coding.
- SLO #2: COMPETENCY IN THE MANAGEMENT OF REVENUE CYCLE.
- Recognize assignment of diagnostic and procedural codes and groupings in accordance with official guidelines.
- Apply procedure codes using CPT/HCPCS.
- Use established guidelines to comply with reimbursement and reporting requirements such as the National Correct Coding Initiative.
- Validate coding accuracy using clinical information found in the health record.
- Resolve discrepancies between coded data and supporting documentation.
- SLO #3: EXAMINATION OF ORGANIZATIONAL MANAGEMENT & LEADERSHIP.
- Assess ethical standards of practice.
- Use established guidelines to comply with reimbursement and reporting requirements such as the National Correct Coding Initiative.
HIT 130 Health Statistics
- Units:2
- Hours:27 hours LEC; 27 hours LAB
- Prerequisite:HIT 100 with a grade of "C" or better
- Catalog Date:June 1, 2021
This course will introduce the principles of health care statistics including the process of abstracting data from medical records, the preparation of administrative and medical reports, the use of statistics in medical research, the applications of automated systems, and the interpretation of reports and the registration of vital statistics. Automated abstracting and vital statistics systems, as well as the use of spreadsheet packages for data display will be introduced.
Student Learning Outcomes
Upon completion of this course, the student will be able to:
- SLO #1: DEMONSTRATE AN UNDERSTANDING OF HEALTH STATISTICS, BIOMEDICAL RESEARCH, AND QUALITY MANAGEMENT
- Abstract and maintain data for clinical indices/databases/registries
- Collect, organize, and present data for quality management, utilization management, risk management, and other related studies.
- Compute and interpret healthcare statistics.
- Apply Institutional Review Board (IRB) processes and policies.
- Use specialized databases to meet specific organization needs such as medical research and disease registries.
HIT 140 Computerized Health Information Systems
- Units:3
- Hours:54 hours LEC
- Prerequisite:CISC 310 with a grade of "C" or better
- Enrollment Limitation:Enrollment is limited to those that have met the program prerequisites and have been formally accepted into the program through the application process.
- Catalog Date:June 1, 2021
This course explores the electronic health record (EHR) and healthcare information systems. The concepts of project management, data infrastructure, interoperability, system implementation, and optimization are reviewed. Emphasis is also placed on database management in the manipulation and use of health information.
Student Learning Outcomes
Upon completion of this course, the student will be able to:
- SLO #1: COMPETENCE IN HIM DATA STRUCTURE, CONTENTS, AND INFORMATION GOVERNANCE STANDARDS.
- Describe health care organization from the perspective of key stakeholders.
- Apply policies, regulations, and standards to the management of information.
- Identify policies and strategies to achieve data integrity.
- Conduct analysis to ensure documentation in the health record supports the diagnosis and reflects the patient’s progress, clinical findings, and discharge status.
- Explain the use of classification systems, clinical vocabularies, & nomenclatures.
- Use and maintain applications and processes to support other clinical classification and nomenclature systems (such as ICD-10-CM, SNOMED, and so on).
- SLO #2: COMPETENCY IN THE APPLICATION OF INFORMATICS, ANALYTICS AND DATA USE.
- Apply health informatics concepts to the management of health information
- Monitor and apply organization-wide health record documentation guidelines.
- Utilize technologies for HIM.
- Report healthcare data through graphical representations.
- Describe the concepts of managing data.
- Summarize standards for the exchange of health information.
- Manage data within database system.
- Identify standards for exchange of health information.
- Maintain the accuracy and completeness of the patient record as defined by organizational policy and external regulations and standards.
- Maintain the accuracy and completeness of the patient record as defined by organizational policy and external regulations and standards.
- SLO #3: DEMONSTRATE AN UNDERSTANDING OF HEALTHCARE DATA MANAGEMENT, CLINICAL CLASSIFICATION SYSTEMS.
- Differentiate the roles of various providers and disciplines throughout the continuum of healthcare and respond to their information needs.
- SLO #3: COMPETENCY IN THE MANAGEMENT OF REVENUE CYCLE.
- Use and maintain applications and processes to support other clinical classification and nomenclature systems (such as ICD-10-CM, SNOMED, and so on).
- Recognize assignment of diagnostic and procedural codes and groupings in accordance with official guidelines.
- SLO #4: PROFICIENT IN HEALTH LAW & COMPLIANCE.
- Demonstrate compliance with external forces.
- Identify the components of risk management related to HIM.
- Identify the impact of policy on healthcare.
- SLO #5: COMPREHEND ORGANIZATIONAL MANAGEMENT & LEADERSHIP IN RELATION TO HIM.
- Utilize data-driven performance improvement techniques for decision making.
- Describe consumer engagement activities.
- Monitor and apply organization-wide health record documentation guidelines.
- Apply policies and procedures to ensure organizational compliance with regulations and standards.
- Report compliance findings according to organizational policy.
HIT 150 Continuous Quality Improvement
- Units:3
- Hours:54 hours LEC
- Prerequisite:HIT 100 with a grade of "C" or better
- Enrollment Limitation:Enrollment is limited to those that have met the program prerequisites and have been formally accepted into the program through the application process.
- Catalog Date:June 1, 2021
This course provides an overview of continuous quality improvement as it relates to healthcare. The roles and responsibilities of individuals involved in medical staff peer review, utilization review and risk management will be reviewed. The concept of an organized medical staff will be discussed, as well as the role of the medical staff office.
Student Learning Outcomes
Upon completion of this course, the student will be able to:
- SLO # 1: COMPETENCE IN HIM DATA STRUCTURE, CONTENTS, AND INFORMATION GOVERNANCE STANDARDS.
- Apply policies, regulations, and standards to the management of information.
- Identify policies and strategies to achieve data integrity.
- Determine compliance of health record content within the health organization.
- Explain the use of classification systems, clinical vocabularies, & nomenclatures.
- Describe components of data dictionaries & data sets.
- SLO #2: COMPETENCY IN THE APPLICATION OF INFORMATICS, ANALYTICS AND DATA USE.
- Calculate statistics for healthcare operations.
- Report healthcare data through graphical representations.
- Describe research methodologies used in healthcare.
- Abstract and report data for facility-wide quality management and performance improvement programs.
- Analyze clinical data to identify trends that demonstrate quality, safety, and effectiveness of healthcare.
- SLO #3: COMPREHEND ORGANIZATIONAL MANAGEMENT & LEADERSHIP IN RELATION TO HIM.
- Demonstrate fundamental leadership skills.
- Identify the impact of organizational change.
- Identify human resource strategies for organizational best practices.
- Utilize data-driven performance improvement techniques for decision making.
- Apply the fundamentals of organizing and contributing to work teams and committees.
- Apply the fundamentals of conducting continuing education programs.
- Use quality improvement tools and techniques to monitor reports and improve processes.
HIT 155 Healthcare Reimbursement
- Units:2
- Hours:36 hours LEC
- Prerequisite:HIT 100, 102, and 120 with grades of "C" or better
- Enrollment Limitation:Enrollment is limited to those that have met the program prerequisites and have been formally accepted into the program through the application process.
- Catalog Date:June 1, 2021
This course integrates information about all US healthcare payment systems. The topics covered include reimbursement methodologies, clinical coding and compliance, voluntary and government sponsored insurance plans, revenue cycle management and value-based purchasing. Medicare and Medicaid prospective payment systems are also addressed in acute, post-acute, ambulatory, hospice and long term care settings.
Student Learning Outcomes
Upon completion of this course, the student will be able to:
- SLO #1: Competence in HIM data structure, contents, an information governance standards
- Apply policies, regulations, and standards to the management of information.
- SLO #2: Competency in the management of revenue cycle
- Validate assignment of diagnostic and procedural codes and groups in accordance with official guidelines.
- Describe components of revenue cycle management and clinical document improvement.
- Summarize regulatory requirements and reimbursement methodologies.
- Determine diagnosis and procedure codes according to official guidelines.
- Evaluate revenue cycle processes.
- Evaluate compliance with regulatory requirements and reimbursement methodologies.
HIT 160 Supervision for the Allied Health Professional
- Units:3
- Hours:54 hours LEC
- Prerequisite:HIT 100 and 140 with grades of "C" or better
- Enrollment Limitation:Enrollment is limited to those that have met the program prerequisites and have been formally accepted into the program through the application process.
- Catalog Date:June 1, 2021
This course studies basic management theory and leadership principles and applies them to the healthcare setting. The principles of leadership, motivation, ethics, and decision-making are explored. The role of the health information manager in training and the budgeting process will be introduced.
Student Learning Outcomes
Upon completion of this course, the student will be able to:
- SLO #1: COMPREHEND ORGANIZATIONAL MANAGEMENT & LEADERSHIP IN RELATION TO HIM.
- Demonstrate fundamental leadership skills.
- Identify the impact of organizational change.
- Identify human resource strategies for organizational best practices.
- Utilize data-driven performance improvement techniques for decision making.
- Utilize financial management processes.
- Examine behaviors that embrace cultural diversity.
- Assess ethical standards of practice.
- Identify the processes of workforce training for healthcare organizations.
- Recognize requirements for conducting continuing education programs.
- Recognize requirements for monitoring staffing levels and productivity standards for health information functions, and provide feedback to management and staff regarding performance.
- Communicate benchmark staff performance data.
- Prioritize job functions and activities.
- Use quality improvement tools and techniques to monitor, report and improve processes.
- SLO # 2: COMPETENCY IN THE APPLICATION OF INFORMATION PROTECTION: ACCESS, USE, DISCLOSURE, PRIVACY & SECURITY.
- Apply policies and procedures to ensure the accuracy of health data.
- SLO #3: COMPETENCY IN THE APPLICATION OF INFORMATICS, ANALYTICS AND DATA USE.
- Calculate statistics for healthcare operations.
- Verify timeliness, completeness, accuracy, and appropriateness of data and data sources for patient care, management, billing reports, registries, and/or databases.
- Recognize requirements for conducting privacy and confidentiality training programs.
- Investigate and recommend solutions to privacy issues/problems.
- Communicate benchmark staff performance data.
- Prioritize job functions and activities.
- Use quality improvement tools and techniques to monitor, report and improve processes.
- SLO # 5: DEMONSTRATE AN UNDERSTANDING OF FINANCIAL AND PHYSICAL RESOURCES.
- Make recommendations for items to include in budgets and contracts.
- Define the process for monitoring and ordering supplies needed for work processes.
- Describe the process for monitoring coding and revenue cycle processes.
- Recognize the process for recommending cost-saving and efficient means of achieving work processes and goals.
- Recognize the process required for contributing to work plans, policies, procedures, and resource requisitions in relation to job functions.
HIT 170 Health Information Technology Directed Practice
- Units:1
- Hours:54 hours LAB
- Prerequisite:HIT 102, 110, 122, 123, and 150 with grades of "C" or better
- Enrollment Limitation:Enrollment is limited to those that have met the program prerequisites and have been formally accepted into the program through the application process.
- Catalog Date:June 1, 2021
This course provides practical work experience in community health-related institutions. The clinical experience is performed under professional supervision and will perform delineated functions which allow application of studied HIT knowledge in a professional setting. This will include hands on experience and technical experience. Directed Practice is conducted as a non-paid laboratory experience.
Student Learning Outcomes
Upon completion of this course, the student will be able to:
- SLO #1: Demonstrate competence in HIM data structure, contents, and information governance standards
- Apply policies, regulations, and standards to the management of information
- Determine compliance of health record content within the health organization
- SLO #2: Demonstrate proficiency in the application of information protection: access, use, disclosure, privacy and security
- Apply privacy strategies to health information
- Apply security strategies to health information
- SLO #3: Demonstrate proficiency in the application of informatics, analytics, and data use
- Utilize technologies for health information management
- Calculate statistics for healthcare operations
- Manage data within a database system
- SLO #4: Demonstrate competence in the management of Revenue Cycle
- Determine diagnosis and procedure codes according to official guidelines
- Evaluate revenue cycle processes
- Evaluate compliance with regulatory requirements and reimbursement methodologies
- SLO #5: Demonstrate proficiency in health law and compliance
- Apply legal processes impacting health
- Demonstrate compliance with external forces
- SLO #6: Comprehend organizational management & leadership in relation to HIM
- Utilize data-driven performance improvement techniques for decision making
- Utilize financial management processes
- Examine behaviors that embrace cultural diversity
- Assess ethical standards of practice
- Identify processes of workforce training for healthcare organizations
HIT 172 Directed Practice: Health Information Coding Specialist
- Units:2
- Hours:27 hours LEC; 27 hours LAB
- Prerequisite:HIT 122 and 123 with grades of "C" or better
- Catalog Date:June 1, 2021
HIT 172 provides the student with practical work experience in community health-related institutions. The clinical experience is performed under professional supervision. Students perform coding and abstracting and other delineated functions and will complete handbook questions about various health information management topics. Students shall have the status of learner and shall not be considered agency employees, nor shall they replace agency staff. Directed Practice is conducted as a non-paid laboratory experience. Students must have a TB clearance and any other immunization required by the clinical facility. A drug screen and background check may be required. Students must have an established Agency Agreement with a sponsoring site prior to the beginning of the first day of class. Contact the Career and Technology Main Office for information about the Agency Agreement.
Student Learning Outcomes
Upon completion of this course, the student will be able to:
- SLO # 1: DEMONSTRATE AN UNDERSTANDING OF HEALTH DATA MANAGEMENT AND CLINICAL CLASSIFICATION SYSTEMS.
- Use and maintain electronic applications and work processes to support clinical classification and coding.
- Apply diagnosis codes using ICD-CM/PCS.
- Apply procedure codes using Current Procedural Terminology (CPT)/Health Care Procedural Coding System (HCPCS).
- Ensure accuracy of diagnostic/procedural groupings such as Diagnosis Related Groups (DRG), Ambulatory Payment Classifications (APC) etc.
- Adhere to current regulations and established guidelines in code assignment.
- Validate coding accuracy using clinical information found in the health record.
- Use and maintain applications and processes to support other clinical classification and nomenclature systems (such as ICD-10-CM, SNOMED, and so on.)
- Resolve discrepancies between coded data and supporting documentation.
HIT 176 Health Information Technology Review
- Units:2
- Hours:36 hours LEC
- Prerequisite:HIT 170 with a grade of "C" or better
- Enrollment Limitation:Enrollment is limited to those that have met the program prerequisites and have been formally accepted into the program through the application process.
- Catalog Date:June 1, 2021
This review course is designed to refresh skills on all coursework taken in the HIT program and to prepare the student to sit for the National RHIT exam. Focus is on test-taking and studying techniques which will be achieved through mock test questions, discussion boards and other resources to prepare for the national exam.
Student Learning Outcomes
Upon completion of this course, the student will be able to:
- SLO #1: Demonstrate competence in HIM data structure, contents, and information governance standards.
- Apply policies, regulations, and standards to the management of information.
- SLO #2: Demonstrate competency in the application of information protection: access, use, disclosure, privacy, & security
- Apply privacy and security strategies to health information.
- SLO #3: Demonstrate competency in the application of informatics, analytics, and data use.
- Utilize technologies for health information management.
- SLO #4: Demonstrate competency in the management of revenue cycle.
- Describe components of revenue cycle management & clinical documentation.
- SLO #5: Demonstrate proficiency in health law & compliance.
- Identify the impact of policy on healthcare.
- SLO #6: Comprehend organizational management & leadership in relation to HIM.
- Utilize data-driven performance improvement techniques for decision making.
HIT 295 Independent Studies in Health Information Technology
- Units:1 - 3
- Hours:54 - 162 hours LAB
- Prerequisite:None.
- Catalog Date:June 1, 2021
An independent studies project involves an individual student or small group of students in study, research, or activities beyond the scope of regularly offered courses. See the current catalog section of "Special Studies" for full details of Independent Studies.
Student Learning Outcomes
Upon completion of this course, the student will be able to:
- SLO #1: Actively engage in intellectual inquiry beyond that required in order to pass a course of study (College Wide Learning Outcome – Area 4).
- Discuss and outline a proposal of study (that can be accomplished within one semester term) with a supervising instructor qualified within the discipline.
- Design an independent study (to be completed individually or by collaboration of a small group) to foster special knowledge, skills, and experience that are not available in any one regularly scheduled course.
- Use information resources to gather discipline-specific information.
- SLO #2: Utilize modes of analysis and critical thinking to apply theoretical perspectives and/or concepts in the major discipline of study to significant problems and/or educational activities (College Wide Learning Outcome – Area 3).
- Analyze and apply the knowledge, skills and experience that are involved in the independent study to theoretical perspectives and/or concepts in the major discipline of study.
- Explain the importance of the major discipline of study in the broader picture of society.
- SLO #3: Communicate a complex understanding of content matter of the major discipline of study (College Wide Outcome – Area 3).
- Demonstrate competence in the skills essential to mastery of the major discipline of study that are necessary to accomplish the independent study.
- SLO #4: Identify personal goals and pursue these goals effectively (College Wide Outcome – Area 4).
- Utilize skills from the “academic tool kit” including time management, study skills, etc., to accomplish the independent study within one semester term.
HIT 299 Experimental Offering in Health Information Technology
- Units:0.5 - 4
- Prerequisite:None.
- Catalog Date:June 1, 2021
This is the experimental courses description.
Kristen Borth
Program Director, HIT Professor
- Office: CRC Main, WINN, 215R
- Email: borthk@crc.losrios.edu
- Phone: (916) 691-7452
M. Victoria Hernandez
Adjunct Health Information Technology Professor
- Office: CRC Main, WINN, 111
- Email: hernanm@crc.losrios.edu
- Phone: (916) 691-7200
Sharon Stith
Health Information Technology Professor
- Office: CRC Main
- Email: stiths@crc.losrios.edu
- Phone: (916) 691-7046
Learn More
Apply to the HIT program and learn more about accreditation, certification, and more.
Career Education
This major is part of CRC's Career Education (CE) Program. Request assistance from Career Education by dropping us a line!