Health Information Coding Specialty A.A.S.

Offered spring. In-depth study of origin, use, content and structure of health records; storage and retrieval systems; numbering and filing systems; documentation requirements; use and structure of health care data sets; and how these components relate to primary and secondary record systems. Additional topics include gathering, compilation and computing of healthcare related statistics, use of research and statistical methods for developing healthcare data into information for various requesters.

Offered every term. Introduction to a medical word building system using Greek and Latin word roots, combining forms, suffixes, and prefixes.

Offered every term. Prereq. or coreq., AHMS 220 or consent of instr. An introduction to insurance claim processing for the major medical insurance programs. Students will be provided with a basic knowledge of CPT and ICD-9 procedural and diagnostic coding. Emphasis on completing universal insurance forms to maximize reimbursement as well as trouble shoot denied or underpaid claims.

Offered autumn. Prereq., AHMS 156, AHMS 108 or consent of instr. Foundation for utilizing the CPT coding system to increase compatibility and comparability of medical data among users and providers. 

This course covers basic and intermediate levels of theory and application of ICD-CM principles and guidelines for coding and sequencing diagnoses and procedures. Students perform basic and intermediate coding using real health records, case studies, and scenarios. Application will focus on the use of the electronic ICD-10-CM with an overview of encoder software. This coding class involves hands-on coding, and knowledge of basic use of applicable coding books or the electronic ICD-10-CM. Currently the students take this course through Great Falls

This course will introduce students to the common laws, regulations, and agencies affecting ambulatory medical facilities. Current issues of ethics and bioethics will also be discussed. This is a blended class.

Offered spring. Prereq., AHMS 210 or consent of instr. Comprehensive application of the CPT coding system to assign codes for services, supplies and equipment for comparative analysis, research and reimbursement.

Prereq., AHMS 164. Basic understanding of diagnostic and procedural coding principles should already be established. The course requires interpreting ICD-10-CM coding and reporting guidelines to sequence and assign appropriate diagnostic codes for both inpatient and various outpatient settings. Compliance issues associated with various IPPS reimbursement systems such as MS-DRGs, as well as APCs are covered. Encoder software will complement the ICD-10-CM manual in the application of coding processes. Clinical information will be interpreted from brief case studies and progress to the coding of health record excerpts.

Offered autumn. Fundamental principles of pharmacology and the implications of medication use. Includes the law as it pertains to drug use, dosage forms, routes of administration as well as the pharmacologic actions and uses of drugs.

Offered autumn. An introduction to the necessary skills and qualities required to function successfully in the medical arena. Emphasis on medico-legal and ethical responsibilities, records management and financial management of the medical practice, and interpersonal communications to include patient reception, telephone techniques and appointment scheduling.

Prereq., consent of instr. This course will use computer applications and software in maintaining health information in medical records through practice utilizing HIT applications through the AHIMA Virtual Lab, to include the following applications: Master Patient Index, Electronic Health Record, Encoder, Abstracting, Chart Tracking, Release of Information.

Offered spring, Prereq., AHMS 156; prereq. or coreq. AHMS 220; or consent of instr. A medical package is used to enter and update patient data, enter charges, payments and adjustments, and generate management reports, insurance forms, and patient statements.

Offered every term. Prereq., last semester in program, minimum of "C" in AHMS/AHMA (MED) courses, and approval of program director. On-the-job training in positions related to each student's career goal in the medical information field. This experience increases students' skills, prepares them for initial employment and advancement on the job, and increases occupational awareness and professionalism. Students work a minimum of 180 hours at an approved site and attend a scheduled one-hour seminar.

Offered autumn. Explores the fundamentals of structure and function at basic cellular and tissue levels, in addition to the anatomy and physiology of the integumentary, musculoskeletal, and nervous systems.

Offered autumn and spring. Introduction to computer terminology, hardware, and software, including wire/wireless communications and multimedia devices. Students utilize word processing, spread sheet, database, and presentation applications to create projects common to business and industry in a networked computing environment. Internet research, email usage, and keyboarding proficiency are integrated.

Offered autumn and spring.  Prereq., CAPP 120 or basic computer experience and consent of instr. Preparation of business forms, correspondence, mail merges, columnar projects, and reports using up-to-date software.  Business related application projects, graphics, and printer operation are included.

Offered autumn and spring. Prereq., CAPP 120; and M 090 or M 095. Emphasis on the use of workbooks and sheets to solve business problems. Includes projects relating to data and graphs/charts.

Offered autumn and spring. An overview of the process of human communication with special emphasis on analyzing communication patterns and improving interpersonal communication skills. Credit not allowed for both COMM 110S and COM 150S.

Offered every term. Introduction to the scientific study of behavior in humans and other animals. Credit not allowed for both PSY 100S and PSYC 100S.

Offered every term. Introduction to technical writing situations that integrate text, design, and graphics. Emphasis is on evidence-based, informative writing that uses design and graphics to visually represent logic and organization. Course focuses on writing as a process and includes student self-assessment. Major assignments include a pure technical document, exploration of credibility, and public science writing. Students are expected to write without major faults in grammar or usage and to have basic computer literacy.