Health Information Technology (HIT) Program

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COLLEGE OF DUPAGE

Health Information Technology (HIT)

Program

Associate of Applied Science Degree

Spring 2016

Application Deadline:

Dec. 18, 2015

Note:

Completion of Health Requirements, criminal background checks, and proof of insurance is an

independent activity to prepare for entrance into health programs at College of DuPage and/or

participation in clinical sites within health programs. Funds paid to Edward Corporate Health or to a

personal health care provider/ source, Criminal Background.com (or equivalent), insurance companies, and

funds used towards CPR completion are not eligible for any sort of refund from College of DuPage if the

required course is not successfully completed.

Note: Students are not accepted into this program until they receive an official acceptance letter from the Admissions & Outreach office.

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HEALTH INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY (HIT) PROGRAM

The Health Information Technology (HIT) program is a two-year Associate in Applied Science degree program, aimed at preparing students to process, analyze and store health records for patients, health practitioners and healthcare facilities. Graduates of the program are eligible to take the national Registered Health Information Technician (RHIT) examination through the American Health Information Management Association (www.AHIMA.org).

The Health Information Technology (HIT) program at College of DuPage is accredited by the Commission on Accreditation for Health Informatics and Information Management Education (www.cahiim.org). The HIT program’s employer and

graduate satisfaction rates were 100% for the 2012 Annual Program Assessment Report (APAR).

For more information, please contact the HIT program coordinator, Joyce Gragves at College of DuPage, 425 Fawell Boulevard, Glen Ellyn, IL 60137. Preferred method of communication is e-mail: gravesj@cod.edu Phone: (630) 942-2242. Also, visiting www.cod.edu/hit may be helpful.

All HIT applicants for Spring 2016 MUST submit a $50 non-refundable application fee.

Note: Students are not accepted into this program until they receive an official acceptance letter from the Admissions & Outreach office.

PROGRAM INFORMATION DISCLAIMER: This program information is published for that purpose only; however, the information in this packet is not to be regarded as an irrevocable contract between the student and the program. The program reserves the right to change, at any time, without notice, graduation requirements, fees and other charges, curriculum, course structure and content, and other such matters as may be within its control, not withstanding any information set forth in the Program information packet in accordance with College of DuPage policies and procedures.

NON-DISCRIMINATION STATEMENT

The College prohibits discrimination in its admissions, employment, and educational programs or activities on the basis of race, color, sex, religion, creed, national origin, age, ancestry, marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity and expression, arrest record, military status or unfavorable military discharge, citizenship status, and physical or mental handicap or disability. The College will protect an individual’s right to express their viewpoint or opinion, so long as it does not violate State or Federal law and is not detrimental to the College. (Board Policy 20-5)

Non-discrimination applies to all areas of the college, including the following departments: Admissions, Academic Affairs, Employment, Financial Aid, Placement and Recruitment. The lack of English skills shall not be a barrier to admission and participation in educational programs. Admissions criteria and descriptions of educational programs are available in the college’s printed and online semester ClassSchedule and college Catalog.

The following persons have been designated to handle inquiries and concerns about non-discriminationat the college: Student Inquiries concerning Non-Discrimination

Statement

Dean of Student Affairs

Student Services Center (SSC), Room 3200 (630) 942-3224

Employee and Visitor Inquiries

Human Resources-Affirmative Action Officer Student Resource Center (SRC), Room 1486 (630) 942-2460 FAX (630) 942-4027 TDD (Telecommunications Device for the Deaf) – (630) 858-9692

American with Disabilities Act accommodations, call (630) 942-2141 (voice) or (630) 858-9692 (TDD).

NOTE: Do not call the numbers above for information about the HIT program. Instead, contact Joyce Graves.

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DESCRIPTION OF THE PROFESSION OF HEALTH INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY

A health information professional collects, analyzes and manages the information that steers the healthcare industry. At the heart of the profession’s information responsibilities are keeping both computer-based and paper-based patient healthcare records. The health information professional orchestrates the collection of many types of documentation from a variety of sources, monitors the integrity of the information and ensures appropriate access to these records.

The professional also manages aggregate data based on the care of patients. He or she collects healthcare data by abstracting and encoding information, by using computer programs to interpret data and by putting in place quality controls to ensure the data’s validity. In addition, the professional designs and improves systems, both computerized and manual, to manage large amounts of healthcare data. As with individual patient records, the professional balances a patient’s privacy rights with legitimate uses of aggregate data.

The professional is qualified to manage individual records and aggregate data with a unique combination of knowledge/skills in:  healthcare databases and database systems

 medical classification systems  flow of clinical information

 relationship of financial information to clinical data  uses and users of healthcare information

 privacy issues and security systems

The professional is valuable because health information is essential for:  the patient’s care, disease prevention and health promotion  providers to evaluate the efficiency and effectiveness of care

 reimbursement for healthcare services and analysis of alternate methods of coverage

 developing public policy on healthcare, including regulation, legislation, accreditation and healthcare reform  planning, research, decision support and analysis

Students who have worked in the HIT field may want to take proficiency tests for advanced placement and/or credit for experiential learning (work experience). See the 2013-15 College of DuPage Catalog for more information.

Please take the following into consideration: HIT courses during the first year are usually two days per week,

afternoons and evenings. Second-year courses are two days per week, mornings and afternoons for lectures, AND one to two days per week for professional practice experience/clinicals. This means a commitment of three to four days during the second year.

The HIT program also offers three other certificates:  Physician Office Coding and Billing

 Acute Health Care Coding (as a component of the HIT program only)  Ambulatory Coding (as a component of the HIT program only)

Please note: The Medical Transcription Certificate is no longer offered. CAREER OPPORTUNITIES

A health information professional collects, analyzes and manages the information that steers the health care industry. At the heart of the profession's information responsibilities are records, both computer-based and paper, of an individual's health care. The health information professional orchestrates collection of many kinds of documentation from a variety of sources, monitors the integrity of the information, and ensures appropriate access to the individual record.

The professional also manages aggregate data based on the care of patients, collects health care data by abstracting and encoding information, uses computer programs to interpret data, and ensures the data's validity.

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The HIT program provides both lecture, laboratory, and professional practice experience (PPE)/clinical affiliations where students gain practical experience and learn many technical aspects of processing and maintaining health information.

HIT TWO YEAR, FULL-TIME COURSE SEQUENCE - BY SEMESTERS YE AR 1

Fall ’15 Credit Hours

A&P 1500 or Series* 4 HIT 1101 - Fundamentals of HIT* 4 Health Science 1110 - Biomedical Terminology* 4 Math 1102 - Math for Health Sciences* 3 English 1101 - Composition I* _3 18

Spring ’16

HIT 1102 - Clinical Classification Systems 5 HIT 1103 - Computerized Health Data & Statistics 4 HIT 2211 - Pathophysiology for Health Information 4 CIS 1150 - Introduction to Computers _3

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Summer ’16

HIT 1125 - Clinical Reimbursement Methodologies 3 HIT 1107 - CPT Coding 3 HIT 2203 - Pharmacology for HIT Professionals 3 9

YE AR 2

Fall ’16 Credit Hours

HIT 2201 - Legal & Qualitative Aspects of HIT 5 HIT 2221 – Professional Practice Experience 2 Humanities/Elective - 3

(RECOMMENDED: Philosophy 1112)

Psych 1100 - General Psychology 3 13

Spring ’17

HIT 2202 - Management of Health Information 3 HIT 2231 –Professional Practice Experience II 2 HIT 2207- Advanced CPT/ICD Coding 4 Speech 1100 or 1120 or 1150 3

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Total 68 *Students must have completed all of the Year 1 Fall 2015 courses listed above prior to applying to the HIT program, or must have taken all of the courses listed above by the HIT program application deadline of December 18, 2015.

NOTE: Once in the program, all students MUST receive a “C” or better in ALL HIT and required courses or they will be dropped. Students who drop out of the program (voluntarily OR due to program policy) must reapply if/when they so choose, yet certain courses must be repeated. All HIT courses each semester are prerequisites for courses in the next semester. Missing or failing just one required course during the sequence will cause a student to be dropped and he/she must then reapply. Accepted students who do not begin the program must reapply. Students who begin the program and drop out must reapply.

All records and documentation for the admissions requirements MUST be received by the Admissions & Outreach office, SSC 2207, by December 18 of each academic year. IT IS THE STUDENT’S RESPONSIBILITY TO

ENSURE THAT ALL INFORMATION HAS BEEN RECEIVED. To find out information about the status of your application, please contact the Admissions office, SSC 2207, hsadmissions@cod.edu (preferred) or (630) 942-2380. Students with incomplete information will not be considered for admission. Any information received after December 18, 2015, will not be accepted.

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PRE-ADMISSION COURSE CRITERIA A. Math

The HIT Admissions Committee will accept any of the following taken within the last seven years:

 Any college-level math course (Math 1100 or higher) with a grade of “C” or better; however, Math 1102 is preferred

High school algebra with a grade of “C” or better will only be accepted within one year of high school graduation. Official high school transcripts must be submitted to the Records Department by December 18, 2015.

Note: For the most potential admission points, Math 1102 must be completed by December 2015.

B. Anatomy & Physiology

 A&P 1500 or A&P 1551/52 or 1571/72, with a grade of “C” or better

Note: For the most potential admission points, A&P 1500 must be completed by December 2015.

C. English 1101

 English 1101, with a grade of “C” or better

Note: For the most potential admission points, English 1101 must be completed by December 2015.

D. Health Sciences 1110 (Biomedical Terminology)

 Health Sciences 1110, with a grade of “C” or better

Note: For the most potential admission points, HLTHS 1110 must be completed by December 2015.

E. Health Information Technology 1101 (Fundamentals of Health Information)

 Health Information Technology 1101, with a grade of “C” or better

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ADMISSION CRITERIA

Students interested in the Health Information Technology (HIT) program must complete all of the following steps in order to be considered for admission by the deadline of December 18, 2015.

Step 1 ____ Mandatory attendance at an HIT Advising Session during the same application cycle the candidate has applied to the program. Upcoming dates and times are available at the Admissions Events Page and pre-registration is required.

Step 2 ____ Complete a College of DuPage Admission Form online or in person in the Admissions & Outreach office, SSC 2207. This is an admission form for the College of DuPage only; it is not an application to the Health Information Technology program. You must complete this form before applying to a specific program within the college. If you have taken courses at College of DuPage previously, you have already completed this step.

Step 3 ____ Complete the online Health Sciences Application and select Health Information Technology under academic plans of the online application. NOTE: You can only submit the application online, and you must pay a $50 non-refundable application fee online by credit card. Note: the online

application system is new as of 10/30/2012; if you created a user account before this date you will need to create a new log in.

Step 4 ____ Request official transcripts from any schools attended be sent directly to the College of DuPage

Records office, 425 Fawell Blvd., Glen Ellyn, IL 60137-6599, (630) 942-3838. If College of DuPage

is the only institution you have attended you do not need to request official transcripts.Students

educated outside the U.S. must have transcripts evaluated on a course-by-course basis by Educational Credential Evaluators, Inc., P.O. Box 17499, Milwaukee, WI 53127 USA. Forms may be obtained from the Records office, SRC 2015 or at: www.ece.org.

Step 5 ____ Sit for the English, Math and Reading Placement Tests. Not necessary if you have already

completed at least one college-level Math course (Math 1100 or higher) and one college-level English course (English 1101 or higher) with a grade of “C” or better. Questions regarding testing hours and locations or general placement test questions can be answered at the College of DuPage Testing Center.

Step 6 ____ Letter from an employer stating proof of Health Information Technology office experience (must include position and number of years) or and medical experience turned in to the Admissions & Outreach office, SSC 2207. If this proof is not received by the Admission Office by the application deadline, additional points will not be added to your merit score.

Step 7 ____ Complete all pre-admissioncourse requirements. All courses must be completed prior to the application deadline (December 18, 2015) and within the last seven years (between December 18, 2008, and December 18, 2015).

Step 8 ____ Complete the College of DuPage Residency Verification form by providing 2 proofs of residency to the Office of Student Registration Services, Student Services Center (SSC) Room 2221 by the program application deadline date. Note: If 2 proofs of residency have not been submitted to Registration by the program application deadline date the applicant will not be considered for admission.

Applicants who complete all 8 steps by the December 18 application deadline will be considered for admission. The HIT Admissions Committee will meet to review COMPLETED student admission files in January. Applicants will be notified, by mail, of their status in late January.

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“All application documents delivered to the College of DuPage pertaining to a health sciences admissions file become the property of the College of DuPage and will not be returned to applicants. This includes but is not limited to

transcripts, letters of recommendation, clinical evaluation forms or outside test reports.”

NUMERICAL POINTS SYSTEM USED FOR RANKING APPLICANTS

Applicants meeting all admission criteria will be ranked on a numerical points system based on the student’s compliance with the admission criteria and high school or college cumulative grade point average (whichever is more recent).

Overall GPA:

High school or college(s), whichever is most recent. (Note: College GPA must have at least 15 credit hours generated to be used. If more than one college is involved, GPA may need to be averaged.

4.00 – 3.50 = 5 points 3.49 – 3.00 = 4 points 2.99 – 2.50 = 3 points 2.49 – 2.00 = 1 point Less than 2.00 = No points

Math/Algebra:

College-level math 1100 or above within 7 yrs: A = 5 points; B = 4 points; C = 3 points College-level math 1100 or above over 7 yrs: A = 4 points; B = 3 points; C = 2 points

High school-level algebra within 1 year of HS graduation: A = 3 points; B = 2 points; C = 1 point

Math Placement Score:

Math placement test – up to two points (ONLY IF NO MATH TAKEN)

Algebra score of 46 or higher or ACT Math sub score of 23 or higher = 3 points Algebra score of 40 or higher = 2 points

Pre-Algebra score of 26 or higher or Algebra score of 22 or higher = 1 point

Anatomy & Physiology: (This can mean A&P 1500 or A&P 1551/52 or 1571/72)

College-level A&P 1500 or A&P 1551/52 or 1571/72, within 7 yrs: A = 5 points; B = 4 points; C = 3 points College-level A&P 1500 or A&P 1551/52 or 1571/72, over 7 yrs: A = 4 points; B = 3 points; C = 2 points Completion of both courses in the A&P Series 1551/52 or 1571/72 = 1 extra point (for the completed series)

English Placement Score:

English placement test OR English 1101 with a “C” or higher

Placement into English 1101 by one of the below methods- 1 point

 ACT = 20 or above; COMPASS = 70 or above; ASSET = 29 or above; WPE = 4 (Category One);

 COMPASS ESL = 84 or above ASSET ESL = 29 or above

 Score a “4” on the English 1101 Entry Exam given at the end of English 0492 or ESL 0553.

OR

English 1101 with an “A” = 3 points English 1101 with a “B” = 2 points English 1101 with a “C” = 1 point English Proficiency grade = 1 point

Health Sciences 1110:

Health Sciences 1110 with an “A” = 3 points Health Sciences 1110 with a “B” = 2 points Health Sciences 1110 with a “C” = 1 point Health Science 1110 Proficiency grade = 1 point

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NUMERICAL POINTS SYSTEM USED FOR RANKING APPLICANTS continued Health Information Technology 1101:

Health Information Technology 1101 with an “A” = 3 points Health Information Technology 1101 with a “B” = 2 points Health Information Technology 1101 with a “C” = 1 point

Health Information Technology 1101 Proficiency grade = 1 point Any Health Information (Medical Record) work history = 2 points

Any Healthcare work history = 1 point

A waiting list is established for students who are not accepted into the program. As space becomes available during the spring term, applicants on the waiting list with the highest accumulated points are accepted into the program. In the event there are more qualified students than clinical space available, preference is given to in-district applicants.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Is this field growing and where can I expect to work? Health Information Technology is one of the top 10 growing fields that does not require a baccalaureate degree. Graduates work in hospitals, outpatient clinics, surgical centers, nursing homes and other healthcare facilities.

What is the tuition/fees cost per credit hour? Sixty-eight (68) semester credit hours at the current tuition rate

for in-district (District 502) residents. Special Residency classifications are also available to applicable students. Semester credit hours include general education classes. Previous completion of this coursework will reduce this tuition amount.

Is financial aid available for this program? Yes. Please consult our Office of Student Financial Aid online or by calling (630) 942-2251.

How many people apply each year and how many applicants are accepted? The number of applicants varies each year with an average of 60 applications per year and 20 applicants accepted.

Will I receive any credit for prior college credits? Yes; however, you must submit your previous transcripts to the College of DuPage Records office for evaluation. We do not guarantee acceptance of all credits. If certain credits do not transfer for a particular class, consult the program coordinator. Proficiency examinations will be administered to assess current HIT competencies as appropriate.

I am a returning student who is considering a career change. What are my chances for employment after graduation? Many of our graduates enter the profession as a second or third career option and each has been very successful.

Is previous healthcare experience mandatory as a part of the application process? No. An applicant may earn two additional points for work experience in health information management/medical records, however, healthcare experience is not necessary.

Do I have be a resident of District 502 to be eligible? Preference in admission is given to residents of District 502 who meet the stated minimum acceptance criteria for the program. Priority for admissions are a) In-district applicants; b) Out-of-district applicants working full-time in-district (proof of in-district

employment will be required each semester); and c) Out-of-district applicants including those students with a joint or chargeback agreement and International students.

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College of DuPage Health Science Programs

POLICY FOR PROFESSIONAL CONDUCT IN CLASSROOMS, AND AT LABORATORY/CLINICAL SITES Revised Fall 2013

Socialization of students to appropriate professional conduct is a significant component of the Health Science Programs of College of DuPage (the “Programs”). Students in the Programs are expected and required to be reliable and competent, exercise sound judgment, act with a high degree of personal integrity, represent themselves and College of DuPage (the “College”) in a respectful manner, and observe all the rules and regulations of the clinical sites to which they are assigned. Students also have a responsibility to protect the welfare and safety of the patients/clients for whom services are being provided. Students placed at clinical sites must realize the privilege of this experience, its responsibilities, and the reflection on the College of DuPage and its numerous health programs. Any violation will be handled immediately so as to not affect C.O.D.’s use of the clinical site for future students.

In accordance with these expectations, when participating in laboratory exercises and /or assigned to clinical sites, students in the Programs must adhere to the following Policy for Professional Conduct. This Policy is in addition to the Student Code of Conduct outlined in College catalogs and/or policy (Board Policy 20-35).

The policy of Professional Conduct includes, but is not limited to,

1. Providing competent and reliable services to patients/clients using sound judgment and discretion. Students are expected to:

a. be prepared for the learning environment and actively participate in appropriate ways to ensure learning of key components

b. be on time

c. refrain from excessive absenteeism

d. remain in assigned work areas, leaving only with permission

e. not leave patients unattended and/or release patients without prior approval from a qualified staff member (if applicable).

2. Demonstrating respect and courtesy to patients/clients and their families

3. Demonstrating respect and courtesy to peers/classmates, instructors, supervisors and all other members of the health care provider team in classrooms and at the site

4. Cooperating with faculty, staff and peers without insubordination 5. Providing care and/or services on a non-discriminatory basis

6. Performing only procedures and/or services authorized by supervisor(s) in accordance with accepted professional standards.

7. Observing the rules and regulations of classrooms, andall clinical facilities including (but not limited to): a. Proper use of equipment and other property

b. Not removing property of clinical facilities

c. Not distributing, possessing, and/or being under influence of illegal drugs or controlled substances,

d. Not possessing and/or being under the influence of alcohol

e. Complying with all current health requirements, drug testing and criminal background checking requirements

f. Not possessing or using any type of weapon

g. Comply with cell phone or other electronic device (iPod, iPad, electronic tablets, etc.)usage consistent with the policies of the classroom/clinical site or lab.

8. Maintaining the confidentiality of patient/client information in accordance with recognized professional and institutional rules; without unauthorized release and/or misuse of patient/client information or institutional data

9. Maintaining proper dress, appearance, hygiene and decorum in accordance with the standards set by the program, clinical site, and professions

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10. Complying with the ethical and professional standards set by the profession and the Programs including (but not limited to):

a. Never taking prescription blanks or writing prescriptions

b. Never falsifying documents regarding student performance or the care of patients The penalty for violating the Policy for Professional Conduct will be discipline up to and including suspension or

dismissal from the Programs. Due to the sequential design of the curriculum in most Health Science programs, any period of suspension or dismissal may result in a delay in program completion.

If the disciplinary action is suspension or dismissal from one of the Programs a form will be completed by the program coordinator and submitted to the appropriate Associate Dean. The student may appeal that disciplinary action to the Health Sciences Professional Conduct Review Board within 10 business days of the discipline imposed. This appeal must be in writing and submitted to the appropriate Associate Dean in the program area (HSC 1220).

The student will not be permitted to participate in the clinical/lab portion of the Programs during the appeal process. However, the student may continue with on campus courses until a final decision is rendered from the appeal process. The appeal will result in a hearing before the Health Science Professional Conduct Review Board, comprised of faculty from other COD health science programs within 5 business days of the date the appeal is filed with the Associate Dean. Both the student and faculty involved in the disciplinary action may make an oral presentation to the Board in addition to written comments. There is no further appeal; the decision of the Board is final. If the decision to dismiss or suspend a student from a Program is upheld, no refund of tuition or fees or equipment or books will be provided. When a student is dismissed from a health program for professional misconduct, they may never again apply to the same or any other health programs at College of DuPage.

All health programs require completion of current health requirements and drug testing as a condition of program participation. Drug testing (performed at the student’s expense) will precede clinical experience in all cases, and will be required prior to admission in some programs. Positive results on a drug screen or misrepresentation regarding drug use will lead to immediate dismissal from, or non-admittance to the particular program(s). When a student is dismissed from a program for a positive drug screen, he/she may reapply to the same program or to any other College of DuPage health programs after one year has elapsed.

Criminal background checks are performed at the student’s expense, and are required for many programs prior to admission. Positive results will be handled by individual program faculty, as per program policies.