2006-07 Catalog Archive (Archived July 31, 2006)

One College Avenue, Williamsport PA 17701 · (570) 326-3761 or (800) 367-9222

Course Descriptions

HIT110
Health Data Content and Structure
This course provides an introduction to health information theory supplemented with hands-on simulation and projects. Topics to be covered include, but not limited to: the content, uses and format of the health record; the methods of storage, retrieval and retention of health information; the preparation and uses of indexes and registers, documentation requirements, and the role of health information in reimbursement, quality improvement, and other important functions. 4 Credits (3 Lecture - 3 Lab) Fall Only.

HIT120
Computers in Health Care
This course will introduce the concepts of computer technology that are related to healthcare and will introduce the tools and techniques for collecting, storing, and retrieving health care data. The students will also be exposed to various healthcare and health information related software applications. 3 Credits (3 Lecture - 0 Lab) Prerequisite(s): CSC110. Spring Only.

HIT210
Healthcare Statistical Data
This course will present basic descriptive and vital statistics and the concepts of data validity and reliability for measures used in healthcare. The course will also cover definitions of healthcare statistical terms, data collection methods, analysis and interpretation of data, calculation of healthcare statistical formulas, and methods of presenting statistical data. 2 Credits (2 Lecture - 0 Lab) Prerequisite(s): MTH112 or MTH150 or MTH113 or MTH151. Fall Only.

HIT220
Healthcare Quality Improvement
This course introduces the principles of quality assessment and improvement and provides a basis for developing skills in collecting and analyzing data. Students will learn about both health care evaluation systems and the role of medical record professionals in quality assessment and improvement, clinical critical pathways and case management, utilization management, risk management and infection control, and medical staff credentialing. 3 Credits (3 Lecture - 0 Lab) Prerequisite(s): HIT110 and HIT120. Fall Only.

HIT225
Introduction to ICD-9-CM Coding
This course introduces the students to various methods and systems for classifying patients along with an emphasis on the International Classification of Diseases and the Current Procedural Terminology classification systems. Students will learn the conventions, principles and guidelines for abstracting coding of diagnoses and procedures for hospital inpatient and outpatient medical records. The students will utilize actual patient records from the program's patient record library in a supervised lab setting. The students will be exposed to an automated encoder and DRG grouper software program. 3 Credits (2.50 Lecture - 1.50 Lab) Prerequisite(s): BIO103 or BIO125. Spring Only.

HIT226
Introduction to CPT Coding
This course introduces the students to the coding of healthcare procedures with an emphasis on the Current Procedural Terminology classification systems. Students will learn the conventions, principles and guidelines for abstracting coding of diagnoses and procedures for hospital outpatient medical records. The students will utilize actual patient records from the program's patient record library in a supervised lab setting. The students will be exposed to an automated encoder and APC grouper software program. 3 Credits (2.50 Lecture - 1.50 Lab) Prerequisite(s): BIO103 or BIO125. Fall Only.

HIT232
Advanced Coding and Reimbursement
This course will provide the student with a detailed exposure to ICD-9-CM and CPT-4 coding with an emphasis on practical application of coding skills to actual patient records. The student will utilize an automated encoder and DRG grouper software program as well as manual coding techniques. (Formerly HIT 231) 3 Credits (2 Lecture - 3 Lab) Prerequisite(s): HIT225 and HIT226. Spring Only.

HIT240
Health Information Internship I
Clinical experience in the maintenance of medical records in a hospital and specialty health care organizations. Areas to be covered include: record content; data collection, storage, retrieval, and retention; release of information; monitoring accreditation and licensing standards; utilizing appropriate classification systems; evaluating and using secondary records; and calculating, analyzing statistics, and preparing statistics for presentation. 3 Credits (0 Lecture - 15 Lab) Prerequisite(s): HIT120. Corequisite(s): HIT210 and HIT220 and HIT230 or HIT210 and HIT220 and HIT226. Fall Only.

HIT241
Health Information Internship II
This course provides clinical experience in the management and supervision of a health information department and all of its functions. Emphasis is placed on coding, DRG assignment and reimbursement, external reviews by the PRO and accreditation/licensing agencies, coding, and the role of the medical record professional in quality assessment, utilization review and risk management. Students will also complete a management project during this internship experience. 3 Credits (0 Lecture - 15 Lab) Prerequisite(s): HIT240. Corequisite(s): HIT250. Spring Only.

HIT250
Health Information Management
This is a capstone course in the Health Information Technology program. The topics covered include health information department operations, current issues in health information and in healthcare delivery; the American Health Information Management Association's (AHIMA) professional practice standards; Code of Ethics for the health information professional; and a review of health records competencies to help prepare students for the national accreditation exam. 3 Credits (3 Lecture - 0 Lab) Corequisite(s): HIT241. Spring Only.

HIT255
Certification Exam Prep
This course will provide students the opportunity to prepare for the certification exam as set forth by the Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Program's Standards and Guidelines for an Accredited Educational Program for the Health Information Technician and the entry-level competencies identified by the American Health Information Management Association. 1 Credit (1 Lecture - 0 Lab) Prerequisite(s): HIT240. Spring Only.