Health Information Technology, AAS [HIT-AAS, 67 Total Credits]

LIMITED ENTRY PROGRAM

This is a limited-entry program. Some of these courses are program prerequisites and MUST be completed before a student is considered eligible for entry into the Program. Students MUST attend a Health Programs orientation and meet with a Health Programs advisor for additional advisement.

DESCRIPTION

The Health Information Technology program is an Associate of Applied Science. The HIT program combines academic courses on campus with professional practice experiences at clinical affiliate sites. Health information is used in every aspect of health care planning and delivery. A patient’s health record contains vitally important information that must be analyzed, coded, stored, and protected. The health record serves as a means of communication among all members of the health care team. The documentation comes from a variety of healthcare settings. Such documentation assists in ensuring continuity of care and protects the financial and legal interests of the patient, health care facility, and responsible practitioners caring for the patient.

Upon successful completion of the program, graduates are eligible to apply to the national registry exam for certification as a Registered Health Information Technician (RHIT). The program is limited entry so students must attend a Health Sciences Orientation and meet with a program advisor. 

The program is fully accredited by the Commission on Accreditation for Health Informatics and Information Management Education (CAHIIM) which is located at 233 N. Michigan Ave., 21st Floor, Chicago, IL 60601-5800, (312) 233-1100.

STUDENT LEARNING OUTCOMES

1. Conduct physician queries and evaluate diagnostic/procedural medical codes and groupings for all medical records according to current guidelines and regulations.

2. Interpret healthcare law and appropriate HIM principles, procedures, and infrastructure to ensure adherence to proper maintenance and privacy, security, and confidentiality policies.

3. Manage data for decision support, common research methodologies (IRB), and the processes used in selection and implementation of networks, specialized EHR software, and HIM technology solutions.

4. Evaluate data and policies and procedures for revenue cycle management processes, including payment methodologies and systems, utilization review, and case management.

5. Determine compliance with regards to regulatory policies and procedures, coding guidelines, abuse and fraud, and clinical documentation improvement.

6. Integrate strategic and organizational processes, including financial, legal, ethical, quality, cultural, and others in an HIM setting.