HIM*101, Medical Terminology (3 credits)
This course is an introduction to basic medical terminology including origins of scientific terms, suffixes and prefixes which will enhance student ability to interpret and discuss scientific and clinical concepts. Concentration is on medical terminology which facilitates the student’s comprehension of materials in patient records, medical reports and scientific articles. Clinical cases including diagnostic reports are utilized for discussion in this course. Prerequisite: Eligible for either ENG*101E or 101. (Updated October 2014)
HIM*105 Introduction to Health Information Management (3 credits)
This course provides students with an introduction to the health information management profession. Students will explore the various types of healthcare services and the types of health information produced and maintained in those environments. Students will learn to apply standards for health record documentation. Students will understand the legal environment of healthcare and will apply regulations and standards that protect the privacy and confidentiality of health information. Students will understand the factors in management of a healthcare organization that impact the management of health data.
As the first course in the Health Information Management program, this course prepares students for success in college and beyond. Students will explore academic and career options, set informed academic and career goals, and begin to develop essential skills such as information literacy, critical thinking, and effective communication. Students will also develop a personalized academic plan and learn academic behaviors and study strategies associated with success. (New Course Fall 2021)
HIM*113, Healthcare Reimbursement (3 credits)
Students will understand the history and development of payment systems and insurance models and their impact on health, access to care, and quality of healthcare. Students will summarize regulatory requirements and reimbursement methodologies for different types of healthcare organizations. Students will be able to describe components of revenue cycle management and clinical documentation improvement. Students will articulate the impact of health insurance models and payment systems on access to healthcare and health disparities. Prerequisite: Eligible for ENG*101 or ENG*101E and eligible for MAT*167. (Updated, Fall 2021)
HIM*120 Clinical Classification Systems I (3 credits)
Students will explain the use of classification systems, clinical vocabularies, and nomenclatures in healthcare. Students will apply diagnosis and procedure codes from the current version (and available future releases) of the International Classification of Disease – Clinical Modification, the International Classification of Disease – Procedural Coding System, the International Classification of Disease for Oncology, and the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders. Students will understand coding for cancer registry, abstracting for cancer registry, and cancer staging. Prerequisite: BIO*115 with a grade of “C” or better or BIO*212 with a grade of “C” or better and HIM*101 with a “C” or better or MED*125 with a “C” or better. (New course, Fall 2021)
HIM*121 Clinical Classification Systems II (3 credits)
Students will explain the use of classification systems, clinical vocabularies, and nomenclatures in healthcare. Students will apply codes from the current version (and available future releases) of Current Procedural Terminology (CPT) to describe diagnostic and therapeutic procedures and medical and surgical services. Students will apply Healthcare Common Procedure Coding System (HCPCS) Level II codes to report healthcare procedures, supplies, products, and services that are not reportable under the CPT system. Students will apply codes from the Systemized Nomenclature of Medicine-Clinical Terms (SNOMED-CT) to describe diseases, clinical findings, etiologies, procedures, and outcomes. Students will understand the uses of other clinical classifications, terminologies, and codes sets including Logical Observation Identifiers, names, and Codes (LOINC), International Classification of Functioning, Disability and Health (ICF), Current Dental Terminology (CDT), RxNorm, National Drug Codes (NDC) and nursing terminologies. Prerequisite: BIO*115 with a grade of “C” or better or BIO*212 with a grade of “C” or better and HIM*101 with a “C” or better or MED*125 with a “C” or better. (New course, Fall 2021)
HIM*157, Healthcare Informatics (3 credits)
Students will learn about the role of information technology in the delivery of healthcare services. The course will begin by addressing the hardware and infrastructure to support the use of information technologies. Students will learn about the lifecycle of information systems and the HIM professional’s role in system selection, design, and support. Students will apply health informatics concepts to the management of health information. The course will address methods for ensuring the privacy and security of health information along with issues of access and usability including health information exchange. The course will include simulation lab practice using an electronic health record. Prerequisites: Eligible for ENG*101 or ENG*101E. (Updated, Fall 2021)
Gen Ed Competency: Continuing Learning/Information Literacy
HIM*160 Privacy, Security, and Compliance (3 credits)
Students will learn about the legal and ethical issues affecting healthcare today, including legislative and regulatory processes. Students will explore the health information management professional’s role in risk management and organizational compliance. Special attention will be devoted to issues of electronic record systems from the legal and ethical perspective including strategies for applying the HIPAA Privacy and Security Rules. Students will study health information/record laws and regulations (such as retention, patient rights/advocacy, advanced directives, and HIPAA) along with other regulatory standards that affect the healthcare environment and workforce. Prerequisites: Eligible for ENG*101 or ENG*101E, HIM*105 with a “C” or better. (New course, Fall 2021)
HIM*213, Pharmacology for Health Information Management (1 credit)
This course emphasizes the principles of pharmacology, including the classifications of drugs, and the effects of selected medications on the human body. Emphasis is placed on understanding the actions of the drugs, such as absorption, distribution, metabolism, and excretion of drugs by the body, and matching drugs to common conditions and laboratory findings. Prerequisite: Eligible for ENG*101 or ENG*101E. (New course, Spring 2018).
HIM*215, Clinical Coding PPE I (3 credits)
Through this course, students will develop an understanding of coding and classification systems in order to assign valid diagnostic and/or procedure codes. It will include the validation of coded clinical information and case mix/severity of illness data. Students will complete coding case studies utilizing a logic-based encoder and coding references. Medical records coded in this course include cases covering the following body systems and coding categories: integumentary system, musculoskeletal system, digestive system, and respiratory system. Students will identify strategies to ensure data integrity, compliance with documentation requirements, and privacy of health information. Prerequisites: HIM*120, HIM*121, and HIM*203, all with a “C” or better. (Updated, Fall 2021)
HIM*216, Clinical Coding PPE II (3 credits)
Through this course, students will develop an understanding of coding and classification systems in order to assign valid diagnostic and/or procedure codes. It will include the validation of coded clinical information and case mix/severity of illness data. Students will complete coding case studies utilizing a logic-based encoder and coding references. Medical records coded in this course include cases covering the following body systems and coding categories: infectious and parasitic disease; endocrine diseases; nervous system and sense organs; neoplasm; genitourinary system; pregnancy, childbirth, and the puerperium; congenital abnormalities; signs and symptoms; and mental disorders. Students will identify strategies to ensure security of health information. Students will explore the role of health information professionals in risk management and the impact of policy on healthcare. Students will discover leadership opportunities for health information professionals. Prerequisites: HIM*120, HIM*121, and HIM*203, all with a “C” or better. (Updated, Fall 2021)
HIM*217, Clinical Coding PPE III (3 credits)
Through this course, students will develop an understanding of coding and classification systems in order to assign valid diagnostic and/or procedure codes. It will include the validation of coded clinical information and case mix/severity of illness data. Students will complete coding case studies utilizing a logic-based encoder and coding references. Medical records coded in this course include cases covering the following body systems and coding categories: circulatory system, injury and poisoning, and factors influencing health status. Students will recommend strategies for compliance with regulatory requirements and managing the revenue cycle. Prerequisites: HIM*120, HIM*121, and HIM*203, all with a “C” or better. (Updated, Fall 2021)
HIM*220, Supervision and Quality Management (3 credits)
This course covers topics of leadership, supervision, and quality management. Students will learn common quality improvement processes in healthcare organizations, and discuss topics related to accreditation, licensure, teamwork, change management, project management, data analysis and other quality measures. Students will also perform financial management tasks such as budgeting, accounting, and variance analysis. Employee recruitment and employment law will be explored, along with creating an environment that supports a culture of diversity. Prerequisites: HIM*160 with a “C” or better and HIM*157 with a “C” or better and MAT*167 with a “C” or better. (Updated Fall 2021)
HIM*230, Healthcare Statistics and Data Analysis (3 credits)
Students will learn methods for managing data quality and ensuring the accuracy and integrity of health data. Students will have hands-on practice calculating healthcare statistics and analyzing healthcare data to identify trends. The course will include practice using software to analyze data and create data visualizations. Student will explore publicly available healthcare data complete a research project utilizing the selected data set and statistical tools to analyze data. Prerequisites: MAT*167 with a “C’ or better and HIM*157 with a “C” or better and HIM*113 with a “C” or better. (Revised 5/27/21)
HIM*280 Health Information Management Professional Practice Experience (3 credits)
Students will participate in simulation lab activities covering advanced coding topics and hands-on activities using health information management software applications. Students will experience the health information professional’s work environment through a 40-hr. professional practice experience (PPE) in a healthcare organization. Each student will prepare a presentation describing the type of healthcare organization, organizational structure, and roles of HIM professionals observed at the practice site and activities the student engaged in during the PPE. Students will explore career goals, networking, professional organizations, and prepare a resume. Prerequisites: HIM*113, HIM*120, HIM*121, HIM*160, and HIM*157 with a “C” or better in all prerequisite courses. (New course, Fall 2021)
HIM*289 RHIT Certification Exam Preparation (1 credit)
Students completing the CAHIIM-accredited HIM associate degree program at Middlesex are eligible to sit for the American Health Information Management Association (AHIMA) Registered Health Information Technician (RHIT) certification exam. This course will prepare students for the RHIT certification exam by providing test-taking tips and study strategies. Students will review exam content including data structure, content, and information governance, information protection, informatics, analytics, and data use, revenue cycle management, health law and compliance, and organizational management and leadership. Students will receive assistance in registering for certification exams and will complete practice tests. Prerequisites: Permission of Program Coordinator (based on eligibility for the RHIT certification exam). (New course, Fall 2021)
HIM*290, CCS (or CCS-P) Certification Exam Preparation (1 credit)
Students completing the AHIMA-approved Clinical Coding Certificate at Middlesex are eligible to sit for the American Health Information Management Association (AHIMA) Certified Coding Specialist (CCS) and/or Certified Coding Specialist-Physician-based (CCS-P) certification exams. This course will prepare students for the CCS/CCS-P certification exams by providing test-taking tips and study strategies. Students will review exam content including data structure, content, and information governance, information protection, informatics, analytics, and data use, revenue cycle management, health law and compliance, and organizational management and leadership. Students will receive assistance in registering for certification exams and will complete practice tests. Students will have the opportunity to explore career goals and prepare a resume. Prerequisite: Permission of Program Coordinator [based on eligibility for the CCS and/or CCS-P certification exams] (Updated, Fall 2021)
Discontinued Courses
The following courses were previously part of the Health Information Management curriculum. They are presented here as guidance for former students of the program.
HIM*102, Introduction to Healthcare Systems (3 credits)
This course has been discontinued as of Fall 2017.
This course introduces the student to the field of health information technology. Topics to be covered include the healthcare delivery system, medical records format and content, various filing systems, the environment where the information is gathered, by who the information is used, and the technology behind health information systems. In addition, the course will cover retention policies and procedures, documentation, confidentiality issues, and legal and regulatory aspects of the medical record. Prerequisite: Eligible for either ENG 101E or ENG 101.
HIM*112 Medical Insurance and Reimbursement (3 credits)
This course has been discontinued as of Fall 2017.
This course will teach the important issues regarding healthcare today, clerical and administrative skills, medical health insurance and claims processing, insurance terminology, types of insurance, and the eligibility and benefit structure of the insurance plan. This knowledge readies students to work in a private physician’s office, a multi-specialty clinic, or a hospital setting. Topics discussed will include the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPPA), Medicare, Medicaid, Managed Care, TRICARE, and Workers’ Compensation. Students will learn to generate and manage billing claim forms for the medical office and other organizations. Students will be prepared to analyze and accurately decipher complicated medical claims and oversee the entire billing and reimbursement process. In particular, as the industry is currently updating from ICD-9 to ICD-10, the latest system will be taught to students. Prerequisite/Co-Requisite: MED*125.
HIM*156, Electronic Health Records (3 credits)
This course has been discontinued as of Fall 2017.
Gen Ed Competencies: Continuing Learning/Information Literacy, Scientific Reasoning
This course is meant to give students an inside look at electronic documentation that is an essential component of healthcare recordkeeping. It offers students fundamental knowledge of health information systems and introduces the use of electronic health record systems and health information exchanges (HIE). This course includes rules, regulations, and innovations in electronic health records, as well as hands-on exercises that use real EHR software to transform theoretical EHR concepts into practical understanding. Recommended Prerequisite: CSC*101 Introduction to Computers or working knowledge of Microsoft Windows navigation and file management. Prerequisites: MED*125 and HIM*102.
HIM*201, Health Information Management Principles (3 credits)
This course has been discontinued as of Fall 2021 and is replaced by HIM*105 .
This course provides students with an introduction to the health information management profession. Students will explore the variety of healthcare delivery settings and the types of records they create. Students will understand the content requirements of the medical record and will learn to evaluate compliance with regulations and standards for medical record documentation. The course will explain the significance of accuracy and integrity of healthcare data in the revenue cycle and in quality and performance improvement processes. This course introduces students to the operation of an HIM department including information systems, budgets, diversity, and the professional code of ethics for health information professionals. Prerequisite: Eligible for ENG*101 or ENG*101E. (Updated Fall 2017)
HIM*205, Medical Coding 1 (3 credits)
This course has been discontinued as of Fall 2021 and is replaced by HIM*120.
This course introduces students to nomenclatures and classification systems used in healthcare. The course provides in-depth coverage of the ICD-10CM and ICD-10-PCS coding systems. Students will begin with simple coding cases and advance to more complex coding and auditing. Healthcare reimbursement issues will be explored with emphasis on the need for documentation to support accurate code assignment and billing for healthcare services. Students will apply the Uniform Hospital Discharge Data Set (UHDDS) The ICD-10-CM will be compared to the DSM-5 codes for behavioral health. Prerequisites: BIO*115 or BIO*212, and MED*125, all with a grade of “C” or better. (Updated Fall 2017)
HIM*206, Medical Coding 2 (3 credits)
This course has been discontinued as of Fall 2021 and is replaced by HIM*121.
Nomenclatures and classification systems used in healthcare covered in this course include the CPT/HCPCS coding systems. Students will begin with simple coding cases and advance to more complex coding and auditing. Students will explore nomenclatures and classification systems commonly used in electronic health records and reporting including SNOMED, LOINC, NDC, along with an introduction to ICD-11. Prerequisites: BIO*115 or BIO*212, and MED*125, all with a grade of “C” or better. (Updated Fall 2017)
HIM*256, Legal and Ethical Issues of HIM (3 credits)
This course has been discontinued as of Fall 2021 and is replaced by HIM*160.
Students will learn about the legal and ethical issues affecting healthcare today, including legislative and regulatory processes and legal terminology. Special attention will be devoted to issues of electronic record systems from the legal and ethical perspective. Students will study health information/record laws and regulations (such as retention, patient rights/advocacy, advanced directives, privacy.) Confidentiality, privacy, and security policies, procedures and monitoring along with release of information policies and procedures, professional and practice-related ethical issues will also be studied. Students will investigate and recommend solutions to privacy issues and problems. Prerequisite: HIM*201. (Updated Fall 2017)
HIM*295, Health Information Management Internship (3 credits)
This course has been discontinued as of Fall 2021 and is replaced by HIM*280.
This course provides professional practice experience for HIM students, Students will participate in simulation lab activities covering advanced coding topics and the use of HIM software applications. Students will gain on-the-job experience through a 40-hr. internship in a healthcare organization. Prerequisites: ENG*102, CSA*140, MAT*168, HIM*201, HIM*113, HIM*157, HIM*205, and HIM*206 with a “C” or better in all prerequisite courses. (Updated Fall 2017)
