HEALTH INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY

PREPARE FOR A CAREER IN MEDICAL BILLING AND CODING

Interested in a career in the high-demand medical billing and coding industry? The online Health Information Technology associate degree from Western Career College is designed to prepare students for employment as medical billers in medical and dental offices, clinics, hospitals and independent billing companies.

Instruction will consist of theory and practice to meet the competencies identified as necessary for entry-level employment. Students will learn to prepare various health claims forms required by the insurance industry using medical billing software. Students will acquire a working knowledge of human anatomy and medical terminology, an understanding of the coding associated with this knowledge and the skills and knowledge required to adhere to the legal, ethical and regulatory standards of medical records management.

Contact an Admissions Representative now for additional program and course details.

STUDENT LEARNING OUTCOMES

Upon completion of the Health Information Technology Program, graduates will be able to:

• Demonstrate the skills and knowledge necessary to conduct medical coding, medical insurance billing and claims processing within the health care setting.
• Perform clerical functions, communicate with other professionals, patients, and visitors in the health care setting.
• Demonstrate critical thinking, information management, personal and professional development, communication skills and respect and responsibility.

This fully online associate degree program provides the flexibility to complete your degree in just 20 months while working full time!

Course Outline

Code	Course Title	Request Information Now! Interested in the Health Information Technology Program? Fill out this form to have a College Admissions Representative contact you to answer any questions you may have and determine if Western Career College is right for you. First Name:* Last Name:* Address:* City:* State:* Select State... Alabama Alaska Arizona Arkansas California Colorado Connecticut Delaware District of Columbia Florida Georgia Hawaii Idaho Illinois Indiana Iowa Kansas Kentucky Louisiana Maine Maryland Massachusetts Michigan Minnesota Mississippi Missouri Montana Nebraska Nevada New Hampshire New Jersey New Mexico New York North Carolina North Dakota Ohio Oklahoma Oregon Pennsylvania Rhode Island South Carolina South Dakota Tennessee Texas Utah Vermont Virginia Washington West Virginia Wisconsin Wyoming Zip:* Email Address:* Home Phone:* Work Phone: Cell Phone:* When did/will you receive your high school diploma or GED?*    Month... January February March April May June July August September October November December   Year... 2010 2009 2008 2007 2006 2005 2004 2003 2002 2001 2000 1999 1998 1997 1996 1995 1994 1993 1992 1991 1990 1989 1988 1987 1986 1985 1984 1983 1982 1981 1980 1979 1978 1977 1976 1975 1974 1973 1972 1971 1970 1969 1968 1967 1966 1965 1964 1963 1962 1961 1960 *Denotes Required Information
CL100	Computer Literacy CL100   Computer Literacy 3 credit hours This course will examine the various applications and basic computer functions. Students will learn the basic elements of computer operations involving word processing, Excel spreadsheet, Powerpoint presentations, and research using internet search engines. Close this
PSYC1	General Psychology PSYC1   General Psychology 3 credit hours This course will present concepts ideas and models that are fundamental to the discipline of psychology. In addition, it will introduce students to the basic elements of the scientific method and use of data driven decision-making. Students will learn basic skills that are essential to forming and examining questions, collecting relevant data and using this information to reach conclusions. The essential foundations that drive human behavior will assist the student as they prepare for a deeper understanding in both their personal and professional lives. Close this
ENGL1	English Writing and Composition ENGL1   English Writing and Composition 3 credit hours A course in expository writing that includes argument or persuasion, techniques of research, and a substantial reading component. Students will be required to write a number of essays, short research papers, and topic reports during the course of the class. The course requires a minimum writing requirement of 5,000 words in a number of essays, short papers and other writing assignments. Close this
MATH1	Principles of Mathematics MATH1   Principles of Mathematics 3 credit hours An introduction to mathematics emphasizing the deductive process; concepts of contemporary mathematics and algebraic equations. Close this
MATH10	College Algebra MATH10   College Algebra 3 credit hours This course is an introduction to algebra covering operations using signed numbers, operations on polynomials, algebraic expressions, factoring, exponents, rational and radical expressions, linear and quadratic equations and inequities, graphs, and an introduction to systems of equations. Close this
HSM120	Medical Terminology HSM120   Medical Terminology 4 credit hours This course introduces elements of medical terminology such as the foundations of terms used to describe the human body and its conditions, terminology for medical procedures; and the names of commonly prescribed medications. Spelling, pronunciation, and meaning of terms used in a professional health care setting are covered, as is recognition of common abbreviations. Close this
SOC2	Intro to Sociology SOC2   Intro to Sociology 3 credit hours This course is designed to explore the complexities of intercultural relationships in this pluralistic society. Students are given opportunities to share cultural experiences, as well as differences and commonalities. Students explore issues of self-identity, values clarification, cultural differences, and socialization practices. Close this
HSM210	Medical Law and Bioethics HSM210   Medical Law and Bioethics 3 credit hours This course is designed to prepare health care professionals by providing a background in the essential elements of health care law including patient rights, patent confidentiality, malpractice, professional liability and other tort laws. In addition, key bioethical concepts such as codes of conduct, ethics in clinical research, and end of life issues will be covered using a case study approach. Close this
SCI105	Basic Anatomy and Physiology SCI105   Basic Anatomy and Physiology 3 credit hours Human anatomy and physiology comprises the study of the structure and function of the body's major systems and how they are regulated in a normal state of being. Initially general biological principles of homeostasis at the cellular level will be followed by an examination of the various body systems. An interactive software program will be used in the laboratory to enhance student understanding of anatomical landmarks and organ structures Close this
HSM220	Health Care Delivery Systems HSM220   Health Care Delivery Systems 4 credit hours In this course, students will participate in a comprehensive overview of the basic structures and operations of the US health care system. Following a brief historical overview, the current status of health care organizations, national health care policies and health care needs of the US population will be covered. Students will examine the current administration's plan for health care reform. Close this
SCI205	Pathophysiology SCI205   Pathophysiology 3 credit hours In this course students examine various disease states and the resulting physiological response. Upon completion of the course, students will have an understanding of pathophysiological changes manifesting each body system as well as the primary and secondary effects of the disease. Close this
HIT130	Introduction to Health Information Systems HIT130   Introduction to Health Information Systems 4 credit hours As the first course in the HIT major this course is an introduction to the fundamentals of health information systems and their applications in the healthcare environment. The roles and responsibilities of medical records professionals in a variety of inpatient and outpatient facilities will be explored. The key attributes of effective information collection, storage, dissemination and retrieval of health information will applied in an online simulation experience. Close this
HIT160	Medical Billing and Coding HIT160   Medical Billing and Coding 3 credit hours In this course students will learn to correctly select apply codes from the International Disease Coding Manual (ICD-9-CM) in medical billing and coding for inpatient and ambulatory practice. The ICD-9-CM is a taxonomy used to systematically code diseases for all the major body systems. Students will apply knowledge of the coding structure to preparing billing documents for federal, state and private insurance companies. The course will include an online coding and billing simulation experience. Close this
HIT170	Procedural and Surgical Coding HIT170   Procedural and Surgical Coding 2 credit hours This course prepares students to code reimbursement documents for diagnostic services and treatments provided to patients in inpatient, and outpatient settings. Using ICD-9-CM codes, Current Procedural Terminology Codes and Health Care Common Procedure Coding systems, students will apply their knowledge in an online simulation experience. Close this
HIT200	Electronic Medical Record Systems HIT200   Electronic Medical Record Systems 4 credit hours This course is designed to introduce the student to the basics of medical records management in an electronic environment. This course provides the student with experience in EMR and the student will learn about key record management practices. The course will cover the medical billing process, including the flow of information from pre-registering patients to billing and collection. The role of information technology in health care will be examined. Various types of electronic management systems will be explored along with their impact on the healthcare system. Close this
MGT200	Techniques in Supervision MGT200   Techniques in Supervision 3 credit hours This course provides an overview of the foundations of supervision and how to get things done within an organization through the supervision of other people. The functions of planning, organizing, staffing, motivating and managing are presented. Close this
HIT250	Quality and Advanced Medical Records HIT250   Quality and Advanced Medical Records 4 credit hours Students will study advanced concepts in the field of medical records such as quality improvement, utilization review, health facility licensure and accreditation standards, Relationships between HITs and medical staff and interdisciplinary professionals will be explored. Close this
HIT220	Applications in Health Information Systems HIT220   Applications in Health Information Systems 3 credit hours Health information system professionals now play an active role in physician offices, long term care facilities, rehabilitation facilities home health agencies, hospices and other community-based programs . This course will consider the health information needs and record keeping systems used in these settings. Students will complete a 40 hour practicum experience in a community health care agency. Close this
HIT270	Medical Record Operating Systems HIT270   Medical Record Operating Systems 3 credit hours Students will address health information functions such as content and record format and forms control. Students will learn about record storage and retention and document imaging and archiving. In addition the use of patient registries and indexes will be studied. Fundamentals of database management and networks of health information will be considered. This course will include a simulated experience with medical record systems. Close this
MGT201	Human Relations in Business MGT201   Human Relations in Business 3 credit hours This course provides an analysis of motivation, leadership, communications, and other human factors. Topics include customer relations and care. Also covered are the cultural differences that may create conflict and affect morale individually and within organizations. Close this
HIT280	Career Development Seminar HIT280   Career Development Seminar 2 credit hours Career planning strategies and resources are explored to prepare students for a successful job search and to maximize their potential for advancement and long term professional growth. Students perform self-assessment and goal setting activities and apply research and evaluation skills to execute job search and career advancement strategies. Each student assembles a professional portfolio highlighting achievements, goals and concrete plans Close this
HIT290	HIT Capstone Project and Practicum HIT290   HIT Capstone Project and Practicum 4 credit hours The final course in the degree plan will consist of an 80 clock hour supervised practicum in an approved health care facility. This experience will provide the student with an opportunity to apply skills learned in previous courses such as coding, billing, record retrieval and record release. Students will share their individual experiences in the online class room and prepare reports and presentations to summarize their work. Close this