Health Information Management

View Health Information Management A.A.S. (TP/SS): 550
View Medical Coder/Abstractor/Biller Certificate (TP/SS): 218

Health Information Management A.A.S. (TP/SS): 550

Revised: Effective Semester — Fall 2011

Students who plan to major in health information management will be assigned the temporary major of pre-health information management, with POS code 550, until they are officially admitted to the health information management program. Students may take preparatory courses and courses that fulfill general education requirements during the waiting period. As an alternative to being assigned a temporary major, students waiting for admission to the health information management program my choose to major in general studies or any other open-enrollment program. The Admission and Records office at Takoma Park/Silver Spring will assign a matriculated code once students are admitted to the health information management program.

This curriculum is designed to prepare students to function as health information technicians in health record services located in hospitals, nursing homes, ambulatory care facilities, physician offices, insurance offices, government agencies, and other facilities utilizing health records. The health information management program is accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs in cooperation with the American Health Information Management Association’s Council on Accreditation. Upon successful completion of the program, the graduate will receive the A.A.S. and will be eligible to apply to take the accreditation examination given by the American Health Information Management Association.

The health information management technician is trained in all the functions normally performed by a health record service, which can include analyzing and technically evaluating health records and reports; compiling, interpreting, and utilizing hospital and health care statistics; coding systems, diseases, and operations according to a recognized classification system; assisting with medical facility committee procedures; releasing confidential information in accordance with legal requirements; and abstracting and retrieving medical information. Students in the curriculum are required to earn a grade of C or better in each health information technology course before being allowed to proceed to the next course.

Full-time and part-time students must see the program coordinator to choose an appropriate sequence of courses as outlined in the Health Information Management Student Handbook. All students must complete HI-designated courses within the three years prior to graduation. HI-designated courses not meeting this time requirement must be retaken, or the student must test out in current course content.

Program Outcomes for the Health Information Management A.A.S. Degree

Upon completion of this program a student will be able to:

• Establish employment within six months of graduation (75% of graduating class).
• Perform in a manner consistent with nationally established norms for national board examination pass rates and employment rates.
• Graduate with a 78% or higher on tests, journal articles, workbook assignments and presentations which address problem solving and critical thinking questions.
• Identify that the objectives of the program were met (90% of graduating class).
• Demonstrate entry level knowledge, clinical skills, and professional abilities appropriate for an HIM professional.
• Demonstrate realistic self appraisal as the basis for practicing continuous professional competence and life-long learning.

Medical Coder/Abstractor/Biller Certificate (TP/SS): 218

Revised: Effective Semester — Fall 2011

The medical coder / abstractor / biller certificate curriculum is designed to prepare students to function as medical coders, abstractors, and billers in health record services located in hospitals, nursing homes, ambulatory care facilities, insurance companies, and governmental agencies.

The coder / abstractor / biller is trained in the following functions normally performed by a health record service: analyzing and technically evaluating health records and reports; compiling, interpreting, and utilizing hospital and health care statistics; coding symptoms, diseases, and operations according to recognized classification systems; and abstracting and retrieving medical information. Students will be introduced to specialty coding and electronic billing requirements in an outpatient setting.

All students must complete HI-designated courses within the three years prior to graduation. HI-designated courses not meeting this time requirement must be retaken, or the student must test out in current course content.

Program Outcomes for the Medical Coder/Abstractor/Biller Certificate

Upon completion of this program a student will be able to:

• Establish employment within six months of graduation (75% of graduating class)
• Complete a first attempt pass rate for the CCA exam that meets or is higher than the national average.
• Complete graduation requirements with a 78% or higher on tests, journal articles, workbook assignments and presentations which address problem solving and critical thinking questions.
• Identify that the objectives of the program were met (90% of graduating class).
• Perform in a manner consistent with nationally established norms for national board examination pass rates and employment rates.
• Demonstrate entry level knowledge, clinical skills, and professional abilities appropriate for a coding professional.
• Demonstrate realistic self appraisal as the basis for practicing continuous professional competence and life-long learning.

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Gainful Employment Disclosure

Institution OPEID:  006911
Program CIP: 51.0707

Program Length:  2 semesters (this does not include time for developmental or AELP courses)

Related Occupations:  Medical Records and Health Information Technicians 

Cost: 

• Cost for entire program completed in 2 semesters:  $4,380
• Total estimated costs for books and supplies for the entire program: $1,200
• More cost information

Montgomery College does not offer on-campus housing

Debt at Program Completion:

Between July 1, 2010 and June 30, 2011:

• 10 students completed this program; 2 of them had student loan debt upon completing the program
• Median cumulative debt for all students (both borrowers and non-borrowers): 
  $4,625 Federal student loan debt
  $0 Private loan debt

Program Completion in Normal Time:  0 of 10 students completed the program within 2 semesters

Job Placement: This program is not required to collect job placement information by the college's accrediting agency.  This information will be updated as it becomes available.

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Refer to course description pages to identify courses with prerequisites.
Courses in italics meet General Education requirements.