Health Information Management Technology, Degree (HI13) Degree
The Health Information Technology degree program is a sequence of courses designed to provide students with the technical knowledge and skills necessary to process, maintain, analyze, and report health information data according to legal accreditation, licensure and certification standards for reimbursement, facility planning, marketing, risk management, utilization management, quality assessment and research; program graduates will develop leadership skills necessary to serve in a functional supervisory role in various components of the health information system.
Program Outcomes: Upon completion of the program, students will master essential skills in managing electronic health records, including collection, storage, and retrieval. They will also develop leadership abilities for healthcare office management, proficiently code and classify diagnoses and procedures, and ensure accuracy in health record analysis. Additionally, they will understand legal and regulatory standards for patient information confidentiality and healthcare data integrity, preparing them for roles in healthcare administration and medical record management.
Careers: Medical Coder, Patient Access, Revenue Cycle Management, Medical Records Specialists
Admission Requirements:
Program Requirements:
- Physical examination, up-to-date immunizations, criminal background check and drug screen required prior to start of clinical rotation.
- Students registering for this program on the Ben Hill-Irwin, Coffee, or Cook campuses will be required to attend the Valdosta Campus to complete some course requirements.
The Health Information Management Technology accreditor of Wiregrass Georgia Technical College is the Commission on Accreditation for Health Informatics and Information Management Education (CAHIIM). The College’s accreditation for Associate degree in Health Information Management Technology has been reaffirmed through 2022. All inquiries about the program’s accreditation status should be directed by mail to CAHIIM, 200 East Randolph Street, Suite 5100, Chicago, IL, 60601; by phone at (312) 235-3255; or by email at info@cahiim.org.
Program Outcomes:
- 75% of Wiregrass Georgia Technical College degree students will graduate from the program. The Fiscal year 22 graduation rate is 82%.
- The retention rate will be 70% for of students enrolled in the Wiregrass Georgia Technical College HIMT degree program. For Fiscal Year 22 The retention rate was 97%.
- 100% of graduates that respond to the HIMT degree yearly survey will acknowledge satisfaction with their educational experience. For August 1, 2021 - July 31, 2022, 100% of graduates taking the survey indicated satisfaction with their educational experience.
| General Core Courses | 15 |
|---|---|
| Area I - Language Arts/Communication (3 Hours) | 3 |
| ENGL 1101Composition and Rhetoric
Weekly Contact Hours: Lecture - 3 Lab 2 - 0 Lab 3 - 0 Pre-requisite(s): Degree Level Reading and Writing Scores Co-requisite(s): None Explores the analysis of literature and articles about issues in the humanities and in society. Students practice various modes of writing, ranging from exposition to argumentation and persuasion. The course includes a review of standard grammatical and stylistic usage in proofreading and editing. An introduction to library resources lays the foundation for research. Topics include writing analysis and practice, revision, and research. Students write a research paper using library resources and using a formatting and documentation style appropriate to the purpose and audience. |
3 |
| Area II - Social/Behavior Science - Complete 3 Hours | 3 |
| Area III - Natural Sciences/Mathematics - Complete 3 Hours | 3 |
| MATH 1111College Algebra
Weekly Contact Hours: Lecture - 3 Lab 2 - 0 Lab 3 - 0 Pre-requisite(s): Degree Level Math Scores Co-requisite(s): None Emphasizes techniques of problem solving using algebraic concepts. Topics include fundamental concepts of algebra, equations and inequalities, functions and graphs, and systems of equations; optional topics include sequences, series, and probability or analytic geometry. |
3 |
| Area IV - Humanities/Fine Arts - Complete 3 Hours | 3 |
| General Education Core Elective - Complete 3 Hours | 3 |
| Occupational Courses | 37 |
|---|---|
| BIOL 2113Anatomy and Physiology I
Weekly Contact Hours: Lecture - 3 Lab 2 - 0 Lab 3 - 0 Pre-requisite(s): Program Admission Co-requisite(s): BIOL 2113L, ENGL 1101 Introduces the anatomy and physiology of the human body. Emphasis is placed on the development of a systemic perspective of anatomical structures and physiological processes. Topics include body organization, cell structure and functions, tissue classifications, integumentary system, skeletal system, muscular system, and nervous and sensory systems. |
3 |
| BIOL 2113LAnatomy and Physiology I Lab
Weekly Contact Hours: Lecture - 0 Lab 2 - 0 Lab - 3 Pre-requisite(s): Program Admission Co-requisite(s): BIOL 2113, ENGL 1101 Selected laboratory exercises paralleling the topics in BIOL 2113. The laboratory exercises for this course include body organization, cell structure and functions, tissue classifications, integumentary system, skeletal system, muscular system, and nervous sensory systems. |
1 |
| BIOL 2114Anatomy and Physiology II
Weekly Contact Hours: Lecture - 3 Lab 2 - 0 Lab 3 - 0 Pre-requisite(s): BIOL 2113, BIOL 2113L w/ a “C” or better Co-requisite(s): BIOL 2114L Continues the study of the anatomy and physiology of the human body. Topics include the endocrine system, cardiovascular system, blood and lymphatic system, immune system, respiratory system, digestive system, urinary system,and reproductive system. |
3 |
| BIOL 2114LAnatomy and Physiology II Lab
Weekly Contact Hours: Lecture - 0 Lab 2 - 0 Lab 3 - 3 Pre-requisite(s): BIOL 2113, BIOL 2113L w/ a “C” or better Co-requisite(s): BIOL 2114 Selected laboratory exercises paralleling the topics in BIOL 2114. The laboratory exercises for this course include the endocrine system, cardiovascular system, blood and lymphatic system, immune system, respiratory system, digestive system, urinary system, and reproductive system. |
1 |
| ALHS 1090Medical Terminology for Allied Health Sciences
Weekly Contact Hours: Lecture - 2 Lab 2 - 0 Lab 3 - 0 Pre-requisite(s): None Co-requisite(s): None Introduces the elements of medical terminology. Emphasis is placed on building familiarity with medical words through knowledge of roots, prefixes, and suffixes. Topics include: origins (roots, prefixes, and suffixes), word building, abbreviations and symbols, and terminology related to the human anatomy. |
2 |
| HIMT 1100Introduction to Health Information Technology
Weekly Contact Hours: Lecture - 2 Lab 2 - 2 Lab 3 - 0 Pre-requisite(s): Program Admission Co-requisite(s): None This course focuses on orienting the student to health information management. Topics include introducing students to the structure of healthcare in the United States and its providers, and the structure and function of the American Health Information Management Association (AHIMA). |
3 |
| HIMT 1151Computer Applications in Healthcare
Weekly Contact Hours: Lecture - 1 Lab 2 - 6 Lab 3 - 0 Pre-requisite(s): None Co-requisite(s): None Designed to provide students with computer and software skills used in medical offices. Topics include hardware and software components of computers for medical record applications; database software and information management; specialized information management systems in healthcare; methods of controlling confidentiality and patient rights; accuracy and security of health information data in computer systems as well as future directions of information technology in healthcare. |
4 |
| HIMT 1200Legal Aspects of Healthcare
Weekly Contact Hours: Lecture - 2 Lab 2 - 2 Lab 3 - 0 Pre-requisite(s): Program Admission Co-requisite(s): None This course focuses on the study of legal principles applicable to health information, patient care and health records. Topics include: working of the American Legal System, courts and legal procedures, principles of liability, patient record requirements, access to health information, confidentiality and informed consent, the judicial process of health information, specialized patient records, risk management and quality assurance, HIV information, and the electronic health record. |
3 |
| HIMT 1250Health Record Content and Structure
Weekly Contact Hours: Lecture - 1 Lab 2 - 2 Lab 3 - 0 Pre-requisite(s): None Co-requisite(s): None This course provides a study of content, storage, retrieval, control, retention, and maintenance of health information. Topics include: health data structure, content and standards, healthcare information requirements and standards. |
2 |
| HIMT 1360Introduction to Pathopharmacotherapy
Weekly Contact Hours: Lecture - 3 Lab 2 - 0 Lab 3 - 0 Pre-requisite(s): ALHS 1090 or BUSN 2300 Co-requisite(s): None Introduces drug therapy with emphasis on safety, classification of drugs, their action, side effects, and/or adverse reactions. Also introduces the basic concept used in the administration of drugs. Topics include: introduction to pharmacology, sources and forms of drugs, drug classification, and drug effects on the body systems. |
3 |
| HIMT 2150Healthcare Statistics
Weekly Contact Hours: Lecture - 1 Lab 2 - 4 Lab 3 - 0 Pre-requisite(s): MATH 1100 or MATH 1101 or MATH 1111 or MATH 1103 Co-requisite(s): HIMT 2200 This course analyzes the study of methods and formulas used in computing and preparing statistical reports for health care services and vital records. It also focuses on the study of methods and techniques used in presenting statistical data. |
3 |
| HIMT 2200Performance Improvement
Weekly Contact Hours: Lecture - 2 Lab 2 - 2 Lab 3 - 0 Pre-requisite(s): None Co-requisite(s): None This course introduces the students to the peer review and the role health information plays in evaluating patient care. The course investigates the components of performance improvement programs in health care facilities, including quality assessment, utilization management, risk management, and critical clinical pathways. State and local standards are included as well as review of the federal governments role in health care and accreditation requirements of various agencies. |
3 |
| HIMT 2300Healthcare Management
Weekly Contact Hours: Lecture - 2 Lab 2 - 2 Lab 3 - 0 Pre-requisite(s): None Co-requisite(s): None This course will engage in the functions of a manager, planning, organizing, decision making, staffing, leading or directing, communication and motivating. Further study will include principles of authority/ responsibility, delegation and effective communication, organization charts, job descriptions, policies and procedures, employee motivation, discipline and performance evaluation. |
3 |
| HIMT 2460Health Information Technology Practicum
Weekly Contact Hours: Lecture - 0 Lab 2 - 0 Lab 3 - 9 Pre-requisite(s): HIMT 1200, HIMT 1250 Co-requisite(s): HIMT 2400 This course will allow students to perform advanced functions of a health information management (HIM) department. Students will work in realistic work environments in either a traditional, non-traditional, or lab setting. Activities will include application of all HIT coursework. The student will also learn professional skills to prepare them for employment in the HIM career field. |
3 |
| Specialization - (13 Hours) | 13 |
|---|---|
| 8RC3 - Revenue Cycle | 12 |
| HIMT 1400Coding and Classification - ICD Basic
Weekly Contact Hours: Lecture - 2 Lab 2 - 4 Lab 3 - 0 Pre-requisite(s): (BIOL 2113/2113L and BIOL 2214/2114L: or ALHS 1011) and (ALHS 1090 or BUSN 2300) and HIMT 1350 Co-requisite(s): MAST 1120 Pre/Co Requisites Beginning Fall 2021 Pre-requisite(s): (BIOL 2113/2113L and BIOL 2214/2114L: or ALHS 1011) and (ALHS 1090 or BUSN 2300), HIMT 1100, and HIMT 1360 Co-requisite(s): None This course provides the student an introduction to Medical Coding + Classification of diseases, injuries, encounters, and procedures using standard applications of Medical Coding Guidelines to support reimbursement of healthcare services. |
4 |
| HIMT 1410Coding and Classification -ICD Advanced
Weekly Contact Hours: Lecture - 2 Lab 2 - 2 Lab 3 - 0 Pre-requisite(s): HIMT 1400 Co-requisite(s): None This course is a continuation of HIMT 1400 (Coding and Classification Basic). This course provides the student with case studies for in-depth review of inpatient and outpatient record formats as found in current healthcare settings. Advanced coding skills and use of industry applications to apply coding and billing standards will be the focus to develop auditing and compliance strategies in the work setting. |
3 |
| HIMT 2400Coding and Classification - CPT/HCPCS
Weekly Contact Hours: Lecture - 1 Lab 2 - 4 Lab 3 - 0 Pre-requisite(s): None Co-requisite(s): None Pre/Co Requisites Beginning Summer 2016 Pre-requisite(s): HIMT 1400 Co-requisite(s): None This course provides the student an introduction to Medical Coding + Classification of diseases, injuries, encounters, and procedures using standard applications of Medical Coding Guidelines to support reimbursement of healthcare services. This course provides an introduction to, and application of, codes using CPT/HCPCS system. Codes will be applied to workbook exercises, case studies, and actual outpatient charts. Codes will be assigned manually as well as by an encoder. |
3 |
| HIMT 2410Revenue Cycle Management
Weekly Contact Hours: Lecture - 2 Lab 2 - 2 Lab 3 - 0 Pre-requisite(s): HIMT 1400 Co-requisite(s): None This course focuses on how the revenue cycle is impacted by various departments within the facility such as patient access/registration, case management/quality review, health information management, and patient accounting. Subjects include insurance plans, medical necessity, claims processing, accounts receivable, chargemaster, DRGs, APCs, edits, auditing and review. ICD and CPT coding as they relate to the billing function will be reviewed. The importance of revenue cycle management for fiscal stability is emphasized. |
3 |
Faculty
Assistant Dean for Academic Affairs
Valdosta Campus
Health Information Management Technology Instructor
Valdosta Campus
Up one level
Programs of Study
Notice and Responsibilities Regarding this Catalog
The information in this College Catalog and Student Handbook accurately reflects current policies and procedures at the time of publication. Students are admitted to the College under and are subject to the provisions of the WGTC Catalog and Student Handbooks for the term they initially enroll. Students in all programs are admitted under and are subject to the provisions of the College Catalog and Student Handbook and applicable addendums for the term they are admitted to the program at Wiregrass Georgia Technical College. If for any reason a break in enrollment occurs, students must reapply and satisfy the College Catalog and Student Handbook requirements for the term of their re-entry to any program. The provisions of this catalog are not to be regarded as an irrevocable contract between Wiregrass Georgia Technical College and the student. The College reserves the right to change any provision or requirement at any time.
