program handbook 2014/2015

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Medical cOdiNG

certificate program

program handbook 2014/2015

2221 Madison Avenue Toledo, Ohio 43604 419.251.1313

888.80.MERCY mercycollege.edu The purpose of this handbook is to familiarize

the student with the policies of the program, so as to give direction to the student

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Who are We?

Mercy College of Ohio is a Catholic, undergraduate institution of higher education founded by the Sisters of Mercy and sponsored by Mercy. Our focus is to provide health care and health science related programs, continuing professional education programs, and other community services. We value and provide the integration of general and professional studies as the basis for successful career preparation. Excellence in the teaching and learning experience is rooted in the correlation of theory and practice.

Mission

Mercy College of Ohio, a Catholic institution with a focus on healthcare, educates and inspires students to lead and to serve in the global community.

Vision

We will be the leader in educating individuals committed to intellectual inquiry, social engagement, and lifelong learning.

Values

Compassion – Displaying respect, empathy, and a willingness to listen.

Human Dignity – Respecting the significance of each individual.

Excellence – Pursuing distinction in our professional and personal lives through quality academics and intellectual inquiry.

Service – Engaging the college community to enrich the lives of students through professional and community service.

Sacredness of Life – Revering all life through our thoughts, words, and actions.

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TABLE OF CONTENTS

Our Commitment to Equality 1

Diversity Statement 1

Mercy College of Ohio Institutional Learning Outcomes 1

Welcome 2

Introduction 2

Disclaimer 2

Program Mission Statement 2

Medical Coding 2

Coding Certificate Associate (CCA) 2

Career Opportunities 2

Accreditation Status 2

Program Description 3

Philosophy 3

Program Learning Outcomes 3

Program Assessment and Effectiveness Plan 3

Essential Requirements for Medical Coders 4-5

Program of Study 6

Grading Policy 7

Retention Criteria/Standards of Progress 7

Medical Coding Certificate Requirements 7

Academic Dismissal Policies 7

Honor Code 7

Civility Statement 8

Academic Integrity 8

Attendance Policy 8

Classroom & Online Etiquette 8

Social Media Policy 8

Academic Advising 8

Registration (Scheduling of Courses) 9

Add/Drop 9

Tutoring Services 9

Library and Learning Resources 9

Counseling Services 9

Change of Name and Address 9

Student Health Insurance Requirement 9

Confidentiality of Protected Health Information Policies 10

Course Descriptions 11

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M

ERCY

C

OLLEGE OF

O

HIO

O

UR

C

OMMITMENT TO

E

QUALITY

Mercy College of Ohio admits qualified students of any age, race, color, national and ethnic

origin, religion, disability, sex and marital status to all rights, privileges, programs, and activities

generally accorded or made available to students of the college. The college upholds the same

commitment to equality in the administration of its policies, scholarships and loan programs, and

athletic and other school-related programs.

D

IVERSITY

S

TATEMENT

Mercy College of Ohio strives to be an inclusive environment in which faculty, staff, students

and the greater community are respected and embraced regardless of variations in thoughts,

experiences, values and traditions

.

M

ERCY

C

OLLEGE OF

O

HIO

I

NSTITUTIONAL

L

EARNING

O

UTCOMES

The philosophy behind a Mercy College education is that an individual, regardless of his/her

chosen profession, needs to possess both a broad knowledge-base and the core abilities

which characterize an educated person. At Mercy College, this knowledge base and these

core abilities are emphasized in all courses.

I

NSTITUTIONAL

L

EARNING

O

UTCOMES

1. Exhibit proficiency and competency within one’s discipline in service to others.

2. Integrate critical thinking skills to reason logically using data from appropriate

disciplines to solve problems and make decisions.

3. Communicate clearly in both written and oral forms of expression.

4. Demonstrate an understanding of Catholic teachings within one’s ethical and

professional decision-making.

5. Display an understanding of cultures ad experiences that characterize the global

community.

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M

EDICAL

C

ODING

C

ERTIFICATE

P

ROGRAM

W

ELCOME

:

The faculty of the Medical Coding Certificate program welcomes you to an education experience in the expanding field of clinical coding. During your plan of study we will be working closely with you to prepare you to work independently as well as to work as an integral part of a healthcare team. If you need additional information or assistance while in this program we encourage you to ask.

I

NTRODUCTION

:

The Handbook for the Medical Coding Certificate program is provided to give information for the students who have been accepted into Mercy College of Ohio’s Medical Coding Certificate program. Students in this program are expected to be aware of ALL the material contained in this handbook.

D

ISCLAIMER

:

Information contained in this handbook is subject to change at any time. The College will make every effort to inform students in the program of any changes in advance of implementation. Questions concerning policies and procedures not covered in this handbook should be referred to the Program Chair.

M

EDICAL

C

ODING

C

ERTIFICATE

M

ISSION

S

TATEMENT

:

It is the mission of the Medical Coding Certificate program to provide an educational experience which includes the professional and technical skills necessary to prepare students for entry-level positions in the field of medical coding.

M

EDICAL

C

ODING

:

The Medical Coding Certificate Program will prepare students to work as part of the healthcare team as integral members of the health information industry. Medical coders are responsible for selecting the appropriate diagnostic and procedural codes of various medical services for data analysis and reimbursement.

C

ERTIFIED

C

ODING

A

SSOCIATE

(CCA):

Students completing the Medical Coding Certificate program are eligible to sit for the Certified Coding Associate (CCA) exam through the American Health Information Management Association (AHIMA).

C

AREER

O

PPORTUNITIES

:

The program includes lecture and laboratory components specifically designed to prepare students for entry into professional practice as medical coders. Those with medical coding knowledge are

employed in a variety of healthcare-related settings, including hospitals, clinics, physician offices, and third party payers.

A

CCREDITATION

S

TATUS

:

Mercy College of Ohio is accredited by The Higher Learning Commission of the North Central Association.

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P

ROGRAM

D

ESCRIPTION

:

Mercy College’s Medical Coding certificate program is designed to be completed within three semesters. Program content includes several courses that are also offered within the Health Information Technology (HIT) Associate degree program. The credit certificate program in medical coding will allow the student to smoothly transition into the Associate program in HIT if they choose or employment trends dictate the need to do so.

P

ROGRAM

P

HILOSOPHY

:

In accordance with the college mission statement, the philosophy of the Medical Coding Certificate program is to provide education based on the Christian values underlying the educational efforts of the Sisters of Mercy of the Americas and the Sisters of Charity of Montreal (Grey Nuns).

Course goals and objectives are determined to prepare a competent practitioner who can function in a rapidly changing health care environment as well as pass the CCA exam. In addition, the Medical Coding Certificate program is based on the belief that the education is a continuous process through which learners develop knowledge, skills and attitudes resulting in cognitive, affective and

psychomotor changes.

The faculty facilitates the teaching/learning process through the sequential presentation of concepts, theories and experimental activities within an environment that promotes mutual trust, critical thinking and self-development.

P

ROGRAM

L

EARNING

O

UTCOMES

Upon completion of the Medical Coding Certificate program, students will be able to:

1. Review health records for timeliness, accuracy, appropriateness and completeness of health care documentation

2. Perform processes related to collection, storage and retrieval of health care data/records. 3. Code, abstract, classify and index diagnoses and procedures for the purpose of

reimbursement, standardization, retrieval and statistical analysis.

4. Review, abstract, and compile health data for reimbursement, patient care research, clinical registries and other informational needs.

P

ROGRAM

A

SSESSMENT AND

E

FFECTIVENESS

P

LAN

Both student learning outcomes and the program are assessed in the following ways:

1. Like all of the academic programs offered by Mercy College, the Medical Coding Certificate program participates in the Mercy College institutional assessment and assessment of student learning outcomes plans.

2. The Medical Coding Certificate program also utilizes its own assessment plan to assess student learning and program outcomes.

3. The Program Advisory Committee is involved with the program planning, evaluation, and improvement.

4. Students complete evaluations of the course and the instructor at the end of each semester. 5. Students complete evaluations of the course learning objectives at the end of each semester. 6. Upon completion of the program, students are asked to complete a Mercy College Graduate

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M

EDICAL

C

ODING

C

ERTIFICATE

P

ROGRAM

E

SSENTIAL

R

EQUIREMENTS FOR

M

EDICAL

C

ODERS

In response to the Rehabilitation Act, the ADA, educators developed a list of abilities for medical coders to supplement the academic essentials for admission and academic progression.

In order to meet the program competencies, and for successful completion of the objectives of each program course, a student must be able to meet the following requirements:

L

ANGUAGE

A

RTS

/C

OMMUNICATION

:

VERBAL

The Medical Coding Certificate student must:

speak clearly, concisely and employ correct vocabulary and grammar for communication with staff, physicians, other health care professionals, students, faculty, patients and the public effectively in English.

WRITTEN

write utilizing a legible and concise style which is readable in the English language.

READING

read and comprehend technical and professional materials (i.e. textbooks, magazines, and journal articles, handbooks and instruction manuals.)

VISUAl

be able to read and comprehend text, numbers, graphs displayed in print and on computer monitors (screens).

follow verbal and written instructions in order to correctly and independently perform designated activities.

AUDITORY

The Medical Coding Certificate student must be able to hear: verbal responses within the academic/professional setting

B

ODY

M

ECHANICS AND

P

HYSICAL

C

HARACTERISTICS

:

The Medical Coding Certificate student must be able to:

Reach medical record shelving units

Bend, lift and carry stacks of medical records

Perform work often requiring prolonged sitting, over several hours.

I

NTELLECTUAL AND

M

ENTAL

/E

MOTIONAL

:

INTELLECTUAL

The Medical Coding Certificate student must be able to:

possess these intellectual skills: comprehension, reasoning, integration, recall, analysis, problem-solving, comparison, and self-expression.

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MENTAL/EMOTIONAL

be able to manage their time and systemize actions in order to complete professional and technical tasks within realistic constraints.

possess the emotional health necessary to effectively employ intellect and exercise appropriate judgment.

be flexible, creative and adapt to professional and technical change.

support and promote the activities of fellow students and health care professionals. Promotion of peers, help furnish team approach to learning, task completion and problem solving.

be honest, compassionate, ethical and responsible. The Medical Coding Certificate student must be able to critically evaluate his/her own performance, accept constructive criticism, and look for ways to improve.

demonstrate excellent interpersonal skills.

have a positive, cooperative attitude during academic experiences and as practicing professionals.

B

E POISED

,

NEAT

,

WELL GROOMED

,

TACTFUL

,

DIPLOMATIC AND DISCREET

.

M

AINTAIN CONFIDENTIALITY OF PATIENT INFORMATION

.

These attributes are also integrated into our educational process in the form of academic and laboratory objectives. If you feel that because of a learning, physical, or mental/emotional disability you would have a problem accomplishing these essential program requirements, then please make an appointment with the program chair or your academic advisor. Having a special need may not

preclude you from entering the program. Any student with a special need should seek help through the Division of Student Formation.

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Medical Coding Certificate Plan of Study

Semester I – Fall Credit Hours

ALH 104 Introduction to Medical Coding 1

BIO 105* Human Structure and Function 5

HIT 114 Orientation to Health Information Technology 3

ALH 120 Medical Terminology 2

GEN 100 College Academic Success Strategies 0.5

11.5

Semester II –Spring

ALH 210 Introduction to Pharmacology 2

BIO 320 Pathophysiology 3

HIT 126 Clinical Coding/Classification Systems I 3 CIS 101 Introduction to Keyboarding and Computers 1

9

Semester III –Summer

HIT 140 Clinical Coding Lab I 1

HIT 234 Clinical Coding/Classification Systems II 3

HIT 235 Medical Reimbursement 2

6

Total Credit Hours 26.5

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G

RADING

P

OLICY

:

The grading scale used in Medical Coding Certificate Program courses is as follows:

93-100% - A 85-92% - B 78-84% - C 72-77% - D 71% and below – F

Students must earn a grade of “C” or higher in all courses within the Medical Coding

Certificate Program.

R

ETENTION

C

RITERIA

/S

TANDARDS OF

P

ROGRESS

:

Once enrolled in the program the student is required to: 1. Maintain a 2.0 cumulative grade point average (GPA);

2. Earn a “C” grade, or higher, in all courses of the Medical Coding Certificate program. Any grade lower than a “C” is considered a failure and must be repeated. Students who fail a professional course or withdraw from a professional course failing may repeat the course one time only. If a student should fail two core program courses (HIT, ALH, BIO), the student will be dismissed from the program. It is the expectation that Medical Coding Certificate students should be maintaining grades far higher than the minimum requirements if they expect to be successful in passing the CCA

examination.

3. Due to the rapidly changing nature of the medical coding field, it is the expectation that students will complete the program within 1 year of starting the program (HIT 114). Students must receive

permission from the program chair to extend their program enrollment beyond 1 year. 4. Please refer to the Mercy College Catalog for more information.

M

EDICAL

C

ODING

C

ERTIFICATE

R

EQUIREMENTS

:

General Requirements

26.5 semester hours

ACADEMIC DISMISSAL POLICIES:

Students in the Medical Coding Certificate Program are subject to the “Dismissal” policy of Mercy College of Ohio as outlined in the College Catalog in addition to the program specific requirements.

HONOR CODE:

As future professionals, it is expected that you will conduct yourself in an ethical, responsible and honorable manner at all times. Failure to behave in a professional manner can result in a warning and/or removal from the program.

CIVILITY STATEMENT:

The classroom is a special environment in which students and faculty come together to promote learning and growth. It is essential to this learning environment that respect for the rights of others seeking to learn and respect for the professionalism of the faculty are maintained. Student conduct which disrupts the teaching/learning process shall not be tolerated and may lead to disciplinary action and/or removal from class.

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A

CADEMIC

I

NTEGRITY

Please refer to the college catalog.

A

TTENDANCE

P

OLICY

:

Students are required to attend all program classes, laboratory periods, field trips, and to arrive on time! In the event of absence, the instructor must be notified in advance of class time. Acceptable excuses include: severe injury or illness, death in family, etc. Other emergencies will be dealt with on an individual basis. Doctors’ appointments, lack of transportation or conflicting work schedules do not constitute excused absences. The student who has been absent is responsible for contacting the instructor in regard to announcements, assignments, handouts, and/or makeup work as this is not the responsibility of the professor to bring missed hand-outs to class next session. Absence or tardiness may result in a reduction of the student’s grade for the course.

C

LASSROOM AND

O

NLINE

E

TIQUETTE

:

The Health Information Technology/Medical Coding lab is equipped with computer availability for each student. Utilization of computers during lectures unless otherwise instructed by the professor is not tolerated (surfing the Internet, e-mailing, etc.). Cell phones/personal mobile devices should be off and put away during class (instructor will grant permission on an individual basis in the event of personal necessity). A student may be immediately dismissed from the classroom if the professor observes inappropriate computer/cell phone usage. This behavior is unprofessional and distracting to both your peers and to the professor.

Students are also encouraged to remain professional at all times in the classroom. Inappropriate outbursts, complaining publicly, etc. is unacceptable behavior and can result in immediate dismissal from the Medical Coding Certificate program as deemed appropriate by the Program Chair. Students are expected to behave in the HIT/Medical Coding classroom in a similar manner as they would in a professional job.

For online classes, it is the student’s responsibility to stay on track with all assignments and weekly modules. In addition, it is important to remember that the professors are not available 24/7. Please allow adequate time for your instructor to respond to questions. Your instructor is also available via e-mail. Students are asked to plan their time appropriately for assignment due dates and have

contingencies for alternate computers should there be a failure, virus, or power-outage.

S

OCIAL

M

EDIA

P

OLICY

:

Please refer to the CHP and Health Information/Medical Coding Social Media Policies.

A

CADEMIC

A

DVISING

:

Upon admission to the Medical Coding Program, each student is assigned to the Allied Health Academic Advisor to act as an advisor throughout the student’s enrollment. The Academic Advisor will monitor the academic progress of the assigned student throughout the curriculum and advise/counsel the student as necessary.

The Academic Advisor has posted office hours, and is also available by appointment, or by e-mail. Specific information about academic advising can be found in the Mercy College Catalog

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R

EGISTRATION

(S

CHEDULING

O

F

C

OURSES

):

Registration is handled online through EmpowerMe with assistance from the academic advisor. New students or post-secondary students are required to meet with their academic advisor prior to

registering for courses. However, all Medical Coding students are encouraged to meet with their advisor each semester. Complete information on how to register for classes can be obtained from the Mercy College of Ohio website (www.mercycollege.edu)

It is ultimately the student’s responsibility to make sure that they follow the Medical Coding Certificate Program of Study carefully. Most courses within the program are offered only once per year, therefore, if a course is dropped, program completion can be delayed by one year.

A

DD

/D

ROP

:

Information on how to add or drop a course can be found on the Mercy College website. If any Medical Coding Certificate course is dropped, the Program Chair or assigned academic advisor should be notified immediately via e-mail or other communication by the student. It is recommended that

students communicate with their advisor or Program Chair prior to dropping a course to reassess their options and to avoid a delay in program completion. This requirement is due to the fact that courses may be added/dropped via Empower without advisor approval

.

T

UTORING

S

ERVICES

On occasion, students may experience academic difficulty or desire additional instruction for various courses. The staff of the Student Success Center includes a group of trained professionals that will assist students during these times. These services are provided free of charge. Tutoring is provided in the areas of science, math, writing, and study skills. More detailed information about these services can be found in the College Catalog.

L

IBRARY AND

L

EARNING

R

ESOURCES

Complete information regarding library resources available to students is found in the college catalog and in the Desire2Learning (D2L) Learning Environment.

C

OUNSELING

S

ERVICES

A licensed counselor is available to assist students with personal issues. The counselor is trained to provide supportive counseling and referrals to outside agencies when necessary. Complete information on counseling services provided for students can be found in the college catalog.

C

HANGE

O

F

N

AME

/A

DDRESS

Any change in name, local address, permanent address (if different from the local address) or telephone number should be reported to the Student Records Office promptly.

S

TUDENT

H

EALTH

I

NSURANCE

R

EQUIREMENT

:

Please refer to the College catalog.

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C

ONFIDENTIALITY

O

F

P

ROTECTED

I

NFORMATION

(H

EALTH

/F

ACILITY

/P

HYSICIAN

/E

MPLOYEE

)

By law, all information contained in a patient’s medical record/electronic health record

(protected health information) is considered to be confidential. Information pertaining to the

facility or relating to physicians or employees is considered confidential as well. All

information that is discussed or made available in class or in the clinical facilities is therefore

considered confidential and may not be discussed outside of the classroom or clinic.

Students may not disclose confidential information to unauthorized individuals, including

family and/or friends. Failure to respect confidential information will result in dismissal from

the program.

All students may be required to sign facility-specific privacy statements prior to participating

in any activities that are held in a hospital, physician’s office, ambulatory care facility, or other

health-related agency that provides custodial care, diagnosis, treatment, surgery, therapy or

any health-related care. Students who refuse to sign confidentiality statements will be

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M

EDICAL

C

ODING

C

ERTIFICATE

P

ROGRAM

C

OURSE

D

ESCRIPTIONS

*

HIT114

ORIENTATION TO HEALTH INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY

3CREDIT HOURS (2-2)

Introduction to the health information technology profession in the acute setting, its function, and how it relates to other departments. Orientation to the health record, numbering, filing, and storage media. This course also includes aspects related to medical staff, personnel requirements, licensing, certifying, and accrediting agencies. Laboratory practice in assembly, analysis, filing, and retrieval of health records. The student will also be exposed to the concept of the electronic health record and hybrid systems.

HIT126

CLINICAL CODING/CLASSIFICATION SYSTEMS I 3CREDIT HOURS (2-2)

Introduction to various coding and classification systems used in healthcare. This course will focus on the current International Classification of Diseases (ICD) revision for acute care inpatient diagnosis and procedure coding. Laboratory practice time devoted to code assignment using computerized and manual methods.

Pre-requisite: HIT 114, ALH 104, ALH 120 and BIO 105 Co-requisite: ALH 210 and BIO 320

HIT140

CLINICAL CODING LAB I 1CREDIT HOUR (0-2)

In this laboratory course, students will have hands-on experience with encoder software for code assignment. Students will also further their clinical coding skills through case studies and health records exercises.

Prerequisite: HIT 126, ALH 120, ALH 210, and BIO 320

HIT234

CLINICAL CODING/CLASSIFICATION SYSTEMS II

Introduction to coding using Current Procedural Technology (CPT) and Health Care Procedural Coding System (HCPCS) classifications with emphasis on the basic skills required to code medical services and procedures. This course if offered in a hybrid format utilizing on-line learning

supplemented by classroom learning. Incorporates the use of web-based learning modules along with computer encoding experiences.

Prerequisites: ALH 210 HIT 126, and BIO 320

HIT235

MEDICAL REIMBURSEMENT

Students are introduced to basic reimbursement terminology and how validation of data collected and codes assigned are used for medical reimbursement in the inpatient and outpatient settings.

Prerequisites: ALH 210 HIT 126, and BIO 320 Co-requisite: HIT 234

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M

ERCY

C

OLLEGE OF

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HIO

M

EDICAL

C

ODING

C

ERTIFICATE

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ROGRAM

A

CKNOWLEDGMENT

S

TATEMENT