Course Descriptions

HIM 100 - Introduction to Health Information
Introduction to the health record profession, allied health professions, historical development of health care field and the present health care delivery system. Introduction to the health information department and its relationship to other hospital departments. Numbering and filing systems, record retention, duplication, and storage considerations are explored. Health care registries are explored. Health information science principles are applied in the laboratory setting. 3 Credits.

HIM 103 - Health Care Documentation
Introduction to the development, form, content, and evaluation of the health record. Introduction to hospital admitting department. Introduction to the organization, responsibilities, and committees of the hospital medical staff. Health record principles are applied in the laboratory setting. 3 Credits.

Prerequisite: HIM 100 with a grade of C or better.

HIM 104 - Medical Terminology
A survey of the principles of medical terminology and word elements as a framework for a comprehensive medical vocabulary that can be applied in a professional setting. The course emphasizes methods used in health record documentation. Content includes detailed general and body system terminology, covering approximately 50+ terms per body system, as well as terminology used in pharmacotherapy, medical laboratory testing, and medical diagnosis. Computer programs, internet links, and comprehensive medical dictionaries will be used to enhance understanding of medical terminology. 3 Credits.

HIM 110 - ICD-10 Diagnostic and Procedural Classifications
This course will include the historical development of reimbursement, and emphasize the ICD-10 classification system. Course work will focus on official coding guidelines and use of ICD-10. Additional classifications are briefly studied. Instruction of coding issues by body system will be introduced, and laboratory includes coding exercises and application of coding principles. 4 Credits.

Prerequisites: BIO 134, HIM 103 and HIM 104, each with a minimum grade of C, or permission of the instructor.

HIM 111 - CPT Procedural Coding System
This course will emphasize the American Medical Association's Current Procedural Terminology (CPT) coding system. Course work will focus on introductory outpatient coding with emphasis on evaluation and management, and surgery. Coding exercises will reference documentation guidelines and application of coding and reporting guidelines for outpatient services. 2 Credits.

Prerequisite: HIM 110 with a minimum grade of C, or permission of instructor.

HIM 115 - Medical Office Pharmacology
Basic pharmacology terminology and concepts for the medical office professional. Topics include drug terminology, abbreviations, regulatory agencies, drug administration, dosage, effects, and use of drug references. 1 Credit.

Prerequisite/corequisite: HIM 104

HIM 140 - Survey of Health Information Technology Concepts
This course will introduce students to basic health care documentation and electronic health records. The course will introduce students to health information privacy, HIPAA, NYS Patient Access and advanced directives. Included will be an introduction to health care quality indicators, processes, and tools, as well as credentialing and risk management. 3 Credits.

HIM 204 - Health Records in Alternate Care
The course will review trends and changes in the health care delivery system, an introduction to the types of non-hospital health care facilities and respective record keeping requirements, with emphasis on long-term, psychiatric, ambulatory, home care/hospice, and rehabilitative care. 3 Credits.

Prerequisite: HIM 111 with a minimum grade of C.

HIM 205 - Professional Practice Experience I
Applied practical experience under the guidance of professionals in health information-related settings. Included will be a forum for Professional Practice experiences and professional development content including current issues in the health care and health information field; employment opportunities; the role of the Professional Practice Supervisor; personal development and presentation; assertiveness training/techniques; responsibilities and privileges associated with professional membership; HIT-related professional agencies; and professional resources on the internet, including use of AHIMA Virtual Lab. Enrollment in HIM 205 is conditional upon satisfactory completion of the medical requirements and clearance from any existing health problem(s). Continued enrollment is conditional upon satisfactory completion of each Professional Practice rotation. 4 Credits.

Prerequisite(s): HIM 111, HIM 115, BIO 134, BIO 135, and CRC 113 all with a minimum grade of C; and CRC 116 (may be taken concurrently).​

HIM 206 - Professional Practice Experience II
Continuation from HIM 205 with applied practical experience under the guidance of professionals in health information-related settings. Included will be a forum for Professional Practice experiences and professional development content including current issues in the health care and health information field, such as employment opportunities and search techniques; consulting for the health information practitioner; critique of department layouts, AHIMA certification exam application and preparation; continuing education requirements; and professional resources on the internet, including use of AHIMA Virtual Lab. Enrollment in HIM 206 is conditional upon satisfactory completion of medical requirements and clearance (by MCC Health Services). Continued enrollment is conditional upon satisfactory completion of each Professional Practice rotation. This course, is designated as "Writing Intensive," which will be reflected on transcript. 4 Credits.

Prerequisite: HIM 205 and HIM 208, each with a minimum grade of C.

HIM 208 - Quality Improvement, Legal and Compliance Issues for the HIM Practitioner
This course will encompass a survey of accrediting, licensing, approving and certifying agencies affecting health care facilities, including the various accreditation programs of the Joint Commission on Accreditation of Health Care Organizations. Total quality management includes quality assessment, utilization management, risk management and credentialing. Additionally, the course will present to the student an introduction to the legal system, release of information, consents, administration of the law, evidence, torts, selected legal doctrines, the medical record in legal proceedings, liability of health care providers, current health legislation, and bioethical issues. 5 Credits.

Prerequisite: HIM 103 with a minimum grade of C.

HIM 209 - Management, Supervision & Personal Development for the HIM Practitioner
This course will encompass an introduction to managerial concepts and functions, to include supervisory techniques, planning, organizing, actuating and controlling, leadership, motivation, forms design, and tools of management specifically developed for health care settings. Content also includes emphasis on development of oral and written communication skills. 2 Credits.

Prerequisite(s): HIM 205 and HIM 208, each with a minimum grade of C.

HIM 211 - Healthcare Reimbursement
Course will acquaint the student with the cost of health care in the United States. Financial concepts related to health information systems will be discussed. Content includes instruction in health statistics and the use of medical information systems. Examination of data quality techniques necessitated by current reimbursement methodologies will be included. Computer applications in these areas will be utilized as appropriate. 3 Credits.

Prerequisite: HIM 208 and MTH 150 (or higher), each with a minimum grade of C

HIM 213 - Health Information Systems
An introduction to health record applications, system design and security, and the health information manager's roles and responsibilities. 3 Credits.

Prerequisite(s): HIM 205, HIM 208 each with a minimum grade of C.

HIM 290 - Independent Study
See the Program Director. Variable Credit.