HIM 290 - Practicum: Health Information Management Professional Practice Experience

Description: Completion of specific projects and/or assignments at a supervised host site, within a virtual environment, or as assigned by the instructor. Application of health information technology skills and knowledge to operational, managerial and administrative roles.

Prerequisites: Completion of all degree coursework and practicum application, proof of CPR for Healthcare Providers, Immunizations, TB skin test, fingerprint clearance card, background check, urine drug screen, and any other specific requirements of the clinical site must be completed prior to enrollment in this course. 

Credits: 3
Lab: 9

Course Content:

1. HIM departments
2. Health records and documentation
3. ICD and CPT coding
4. Coding compliance strategies, auditing and reporting
5. Regulatory agencies, legislation, licensure, certification, accreditation
6. Providers and their HIM needs
7. Non-acute care settings
8. Confidentiality and informed consent
9. Computer, concepts and HIT specialty systems
10. Data retrieval, maintenance, integrity, security
11. Payment systems, insurance plans, government healthcare programs, third party payers
12. Workflow, process, quality improvement
13. Professionalism, dependability, teamwork
14. Communication, critical thinking, and problem solving 

1. Describe the structure and functions of a typical Health Information Management (HIM) department. (1) Domain I.A.2-4, I.B.1-4
2. Access policies and procedures to ensure organizational compliance with regulations and standards. (2) Domain I.B.2
3. Evaluate the accuracy and completeness of the patient record as defined by organizational policy and external regulations and standards. (2) Domain I.B.3
4. Apply diagnosis/procedure codes according to current nomenclature. (3) Domain I.C.1-2
5. Support the reasons to adhere to CPT and ICD coding guidelines, OIG compliance guidelines, CMS coding guidance and AHIMA code of ethics in code assignment. (4) Domain I.C.4
6. Outline the role of federal, state and local governments in the provision of health care. (5) Domain III.A.1
7. Differentiate the roles of various providers and disciplines throughout the continuum of health care and respond to their information needs. (6) Domain III.A.2
8. Distinguish between alternative health care settings and their individualized HIM needs. (7) Domain III.A.1-2
9. Determine when it is appropriate to disclose/release content of a patient record in accordance to legal process. (8) Domain II.B.2
10. Utilize specialized software in completion of HIM processes such as record tracking, release of information, coding, grouping, registries, billing, quality improvement and imaging. (9) Domain IV.A.3
11. Apply departmental and organizational data and information system security policies. (10) Domain IV.D.3
12. Illustrate the tools and techniques used to monitor reports and improve processes. (12) Domain V.A.6
13. Exhibit appropriate workplace behaviors and professional ethics. (13) Domain III.B.5
14. Use critical thinking, problem solving, ethical awareness, and effective writing. (14) Domain B.III.5, V.B.

*Domains listed refer to CAHIIM Curriculum requirements.