Mar 28, 2024  
2019 - 2020 Cowley College Academic Catalog 
    
2019 - 2020 Cowley College Academic Catalog [ARCHIVED CATALOG]

ALH5244 INTRODUCTION TO HEALTH INFORMATION COURSE PROCEDURE


ALH5244 INTRODUCTION TO HEALTH INFORMATION

3 Credit Hours

Student Level:

This course is open to students on the college level in freshman or sophomore year.

Catalog Description:

ALH5244 Introduction To Health Information (3 hrs)

This course is designed to introduce students to careers in the medical office and an introduction to health information. Students will develop an understanding medical office procedures, prepare medical office documents, understand medical billing and coding practices, and learn skills to prepare for the job search. Stress is placed on confidentiality and on oral and written communication skills.

Course Classification:

Lecture

Prerequisite:

Word processing ability

Controlling Purpose:

This course is designed to introduce the students to the career of a medical office professional. The student will learn the process involved in working in a medical office and an overview of health information. This course ties together the terminology, practical application, and theory of working in a medical office.

Learner Outcomes:

Competencies will be developed in required skills needed to work in a medical office

Unit Outcomes and Clock Hours of Instruction for Core Curriculum:

The following outline defines the minimum core content not including the final examination period.  Instructors may add other material as time allows.         

UNIT 1: KBOR Aligned Competencies

Outcome: The student will be able to demonstrate an understanding of health information, the health record, and ethical practice.

  • Summarize the history and evolution of health information
  • Summarize the history and evolution of health information profession
  • Defend the purpose, uses and functions of the health record
  • Analyze the content and structure of the health record in various settings
  • Analyze the content for completeness of the health record in various settings
  • Assemble the content and structure of the health record in various settings
  • Explore the concept and evolution of the electronic health record (EHR)
  • Compare and contrast the purposes and importance of current healthcare data sets
  • Interpret the health care data sets purpose and the importance in the paper and electronic environment
  • Analyze the major types of information system applications. Follow the standards of ethical practice
  • Distinguish among the typical functions performed by the Health Information Management Department
  • Contrast healthcare delivery systems and services and the factors that influence their development
  • Analyze the major types of information system applications
  • Evaluate compliance to the standards for health record documentation
  • Follow the standards of ethical practice
  • Describe secondary data sources available in healthcare
  • Assist in preparing the organization for accrediting, licensing or certification surveys

UNIT 2: Introduction to Medical Office Professional

Outcome: The student will be able to demonstrate an understanding of the duties involved in working in a healthcare environment.

  • Recognize the titles for various office positions usually filled by medical office professional.
  • Demonstrate an understanding of the typical job duties of a medical office professional.
  • Demonstrate an understanding of the personal qualities of a medical office professional.
  • Identify professional skills and appearance needed by a medical office professional.
  • Understand the importance of an employment portfolio
  • Identify employment information related to the medical office profession
  • Demonstrate an understanding of terminology associated with medical office professional duties
  • Employ appropriate interpersonal skills to the workplace
  • Demonstrate an understanding of medical law, including the types of law and their origins, and legal terminology
  • Identify and explain legal proceedings associated with medical malpractice
  • Know the various medically related laws
  • Demonstrate a thorough understanding of confidentiality and its importance in the medical field
  • Define ethics and differentiate law and ethics
  • Identify ethical behavior of healthcare employees
  • Describe common ethical issues in healthcare and recognize unethical practices
  • Identify the ethical response for the various situations in the medical facility

UNIT 3: Administrative Medical Office Profession

Outcome: The student will be able to demonstrate the skills necessary to interact with patients, using both verbal and nonverbal communication.

  • Identify cultural considerations when interacting with patients
  • Identify appropriate interactions with various types of patients
  • Employ appropriate interpersonal skills in the workplace
  • Develop an understanding of the basics of communication, and identify effective and ineffective communication styles
  • Develop proper telephone communication skills
  • Prepare business letters and memos
  • Develop an ability to recognize and respond to verbal and nonverbal communications
  • Understand terminology associated with medical secretarial and receptionist duties
  • Compose correspondence according to acceptable business format
  • Manage mail
  • Demonstrate the ability to use word processing software
  • Develop skills in using software packages for appointment scheduling
  • Identify and demonstrate knowledge of types of scheduling methods used in offices today
  • Demonstrate the ability to use appointment scheduling systems
  • Demonstrate the ability to perform registration duties and understand the appropriate methods for welcoming patients
  • Use computer for data entry and retrieval

Projects Required:

Student will complete the required programmed lessons and prepare an employment portfolio.

Textbook:

Contact Bookstore for current textbook.

Materials/Equipment Required:

None

Attendance Policy:

Students should adhere to the attendance policy outlined by the instructor in the course syllabus.

Grading Policy:

The grading policy will be outlined by the instructor in the course syllabus.

Maximum class size:

Based on classroom occupancy

Course Time Frame:

The U.S. Department of Education, Higher Learning Commission and the Kansas Board of Regents define credit hour and have specific regulations that the college must follow when developing, teaching and assessing the educational aspects of the college.  A credit hour is an amount of work represented in intended learning outcomes and verified by evidence of student achievement that is an institutionally-established equivalency that reasonably approximates not less than one hour of classroom or direct faculty instruction and a minimum of two hours of out-of-class student work for approximately fifteen weeks for one semester hour of credit or an equivalent amount of work over a different amount of time.  The number of semester hours of credit allowed for each distance education or blended hybrid courses shall be assigned by the college based on the amount of time needed to achieve the same course outcomes in a purely face-to-face format.

Refer to the following policies:

402.00 Academic Code of Conduct

263.00 Student Appeal of Course Grades

403.00 Student Code of Conduct

Disability Services Program: 

Cowley College, in recognition of state and federal laws, will accommodate a student with a documented disability.  If a student has a disability which may impact work in this class and which requires accommodations, contact the Disability Services Coordinator.