Course Syllabus

 

COURSE IDENTIFICATION

Course Prefix/Number:                                   ALHT 240                                         

Course Title:                                                    Acute/Long Term/Specialty Coding 

Division:                                                          Outreach and Workforce Development         

Program:                                                          Health Information Technology

Credit Hours:                                                  3.0

Initiation/Revised:                                          Fall 2007

Instructor:                                                       Karma Michael, RHIA

 

CLASSIFICATION OF INSTRUCTION

Vocational

 

COURSE DESCRIPTION

This course provides the student the purpose and use of the ICD-9-CM classification system.  Topics include coding conventions, coding principles, and CMS official coding guidelines (inpatient and outpatient).  Students will be required to assign ICD-9-CM codes to diagnosis/procedure statements, case abstracts, and patient records.  Inpatient, long term care, specialty coding, ICD-O and an introduction to ICD-10 are covered. 

 

PREREQUISITES AND/OR COREQUISITES

BIOL 257 Human Anatomy & Physiology, BIOL 258 Human Anatomy & Physiology Lab, NURS 230 Pathophysiology, ALHE 105 Medical Terminology, ALHE 122 Introduction to Pharmacology, ALHT 130 Intro to Medical Coding, ALHT 230 Ambulatory Coding, or Instructor consent and ALHT 245 Acute/Long Term/Specialty Coding  Lab.

 

TEXT/WEBSITE/RESOURCES

Johns, Merida L., PhD, RHIA, ed. Health Information Management Technology: An Applied Approach. Chicago:  American Health Information Management Association, 2007.

 

Brown, Faye.  ICD-9-CM Coding Handbook for Entry Level Coders.  Chicago, IL: American Hospital Association, current edition.

 

Channel Publishing, ICD-9-CM Educational Annotation for Hospital, Vol 1, 2, 3 softbound, Albany, NY:  Channel Publishing, current edition.

 

TEXT/WEBSITE/RESOURCES - Not required:

Conditions of participation for Hospitals and Long-Term Care Facilities

Journal of the Health Information management Association

Cancer Program Manual, current edition, American College of Surgeons

ROADS Manual, American College of Surgeons

Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, American Psychiatric Association

 

COURSE OUTCOMES/ COMPETENCIES (as Required)

1.  Explain the importance of and appropriately use of the Coding Clinics as directed in

      the coding manual.

a.       Apply policies and procedures for the use of clinical data required in

reimbursement and prospective payment systems (PPS) in healthcare delivery.

2.  Determine discrepancies between coded data and supporting documentation.

3.  Use specialized software in the completion of HIM processes (e.g., coding, grouping,

     and billing).

     a.  Use and maintain electronic applications and work processes to support clinical

          classification and coding (e.g., ICD-9-CM).

b.      Understand the different between Standard Nomenclature of Disease and Operations (SNDO), Systematized Nomenclature of Pathology (SNOP) and Systematized Nomenclature of Medicine (SNOMed)

4.  Determine the appropriate code for the medical record

     a.  Locate and differentiate between admitting diagnoses and final diagnoses.

     b.  Locate forms in the chart for refining of diagnoses, such as radiology and

          pathology report information.

     c.  Compare and contrast diagnostic information located on the face sheet, discharge

          summary, progress notes, pathology report, surgical reports, and radiology reports,

          and select the most appropriate, complete, or detailed diagnosis.

     d.  Identify and correct select the following in given diagnostic and procedural

          scenarios: principal diagnosis, other diagnosis, complication, comorbidity,

          symptom, uncertain diagnosis, principal procedure, significant procedure.

     e.  Formulate the appropriate sequence to code principal diagnosis and procedures

     f.  Using the ICD-9-CM coding manual to identify neoplasm coding rules, accurately

          code diagnoses and procedures to inpatient or outpatient charts.

     g.  Assign the appropriate V codes as needed.

     h.  Assign appropriately the morphology codes when indicated.

     i.   Using the ICD-9-CM coding manual, accurately code diagnoses and procedures to

          obstetrical and newborn to inpatient charts.

     j.  Assign appropriately the outcome of delivery codes.

     k.  Explain the difference between antenatal, delivery, and postpartum conditions.

     l.  Using the ICD-O Coding manual, accurately assign both site and morphology

          codes to cancer cases.

     m. Using both the TMR and SEER staging systems, accurately assign stages to cancer

           cases.

5.  Explain the purpose of the cancer registry.

     a.  Case identification accession registers.

     b.  Patient indexes.

     c.  Follow up.

     d.  State and Regional registries.

6.  Explain MDS analysis.

     a.  Explain the contents of each section and how to complete each.

     b.  Analyze the data about a nursing home resident, and indicate omissions or

          incorrectly completed data.

7.  Explain HCPCS Level II codes

     a.  Explain services, equipment and supplies that are codable with HCPCS Level II

         codes.

     b.  Using the HCPCS Level II manual, correctly assign the Level II codes for services,

          equipment, and supplies.

8.  Explain and demonstrate how to abstract intensity of service and severity of illness

      criteria.

9. Demonstrate knowledge of UHDDS definitions of coding to accurately assign and

      sequence codes.

10. Demonstrate a basic understanding of ICD-10.

 

AHIMA DOMAINS

Domain I:  Health Data Management

   Subdomain A. Health Data Structure, Content and Standards

            3. Apply clinical vocabularies and terminologies used in the organization’s health

                information systems

   Subdomain C.  Clinical Classification Systems

1.       Use and monitor applications and work processes to support clinical

  classification and coding

2.      Apply diagnosis/procedure codes using ICD-9-CM

3.      Apply procedure codes using CPT/HCPCS

4.      Ensure accuracy of diagnostic/procedural groupings (e.g., APC; DRG; IPF)

5.      Adhere to current regulations and established guidelines in code assignment

6.      Validate coding accuracy using clinical information found in the health record

7.      Identify discrepancies between coded data and supporting documentation

    Subdomain D. Reimbursement Methodologies

1.       Apply policies and procedures for the use of clinical data required in reimbursement and prospective payment systems (PPS) in healthcare delivery (e.g., APC; DRG; RVU; RBRVS)

2.      Support accurate revenue cycle through:

a.        Coding

3.       Use established guidelines to comply with reimbursement and reporting requirements (e.g., National Correct Coding Initiative {NCCI}; Local Medical Review Policies {LMRP})

Domain 2: Health Statistics, Biomedical Research and Quality Management

1.       Abstract and maintain data for clinical indices/databases/registries

Domain 3: Health Services Organization and Delivery

   Subdomain A. Healthcare Delivery Systems

2.      Apply policies and procedures to comply with the changing regulations among various payment systems for healthcare services such as Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS), managed care

Domain 4: Information Technology and Systems

   Subdomain A. Information and Communication Technologies

3.      Use specialized software in the completion of HIM processes (e.g., chart management; coding; release of information)

Domain 5: Organizational Resources

   Subdomain B. Financial and Physical Resources

4.       Monitor coding and revenue cycle processes

 

COURSE OUTLINE

I.                   Introduction to Classification Systems

A.    Purpose of classifications

B.     Nomenclatures versus classification

C.     Historical development of coding systems

II.                 ICD-9-CM

A.     Tabular List, Index to Diseases, Tabular List and Index to Procedures

B.     Section headings, and category, subcategory, subclassification codes

C.     Coding conventions

D.    Coding principles

E.     Coding diagnosis/procedure statements, case studies, and records

1.       Infectious and parasitic diseases

2.      Neoplasms

3.      Endocrine, nutritional and metabolic diseases

4.      Diseases of the blood and blood-forming organs

5.      Mental disorders

6.      Diseases of the nervous system and sense organs

7.      Diseases of the circulatory system

8.      Diseases of the respiratory system

9.      Diseases of the digestive system

10.  Diseases of the genitourinary system

11.  Complications of pregnancy, childbirth and puerperium

12.  Diseases of the skin and subcutaneous tissue

13.  Diseases of musculoskeletal system and connective tissue

14.  Congenital anomalies

15.  Certain conditions originating in the perinatal period

16.  Symptoms, signs and ill-defined conditions

17.  Injury and poisoning

18.  V-codes

19.  E-codes

20.  Procedures

F.       Patient record abstracting

G.    Data quality

III.             Coding and Reimbursement

A.    DRGs, LTC-DRGs

B.     Encoders, groupers, and UB-04 claims completion software

IV.             ICD-10

 

SCHEDULE

This class meets online for weekly learning units.  The class materials for each unit will be available for a minimum of eight days, starting __________________ and ending __________________.

 

Week

Topic/Exam

Readings/Activities

1

Introduction/Review, other classifications

TBA

2

Coding Conventions and UHDDS

Brown Chapters 1, 2, 3

3

Coding Steps and Guidelines

Brown Chapters 4, 5, 6

4

Procedure Coding Guidelines, V&E coding, Coding signs and symptoms

Brown Chapters 7, 8, 9, Online cases

5

Infectious Diseases, Endocrine System

Brown Chapter 10 & 11, online cases

6

Mental & Psych, Disease of Blood, Nervous System

Brown Chapter 12, 13 & 14 online cases

7

Respiratory System, Digestive Systems

Brown Chapter 15 & 16, online cases

8

Genitourinary System, Skin, Musculoskeletal

Brown Chapters 17, 18, & 19, online cases

9

Pregnancy & Prenatal

Brown Chapters 20-23, online cases

10

Circulatory & Neoplasms

Brown Chapters 24 & 25, online cases

11

Injuries, Burns, Poisoning

Brown Chapters 26-28, online cases

12

Complications, Intro to ICD-10

Brown Chapters 29-34, online cases

13

DRG’s & Chargemaster

Online reading assignments

14

Final Examination

Full Patient Charts and Case Studies

 

INSTRUCTIONAL METHODS/GRADING/STUDENT REQUIREMENTS

AND METHODS OF EVALUATION

A cumulative point system is used.  Your class assignments will include reading, review questions, written reports, case studies, Website research, projects, practice exercises, discussion questions, chapter quizzes and examinations.  The chapter examinations will be a part of each learning unit and are completed after the unit assignments, and prior to starting the next unit.  Possible points for written reports, case studies, projects, and exams will vary and tracking of your total points for each assignment or exam will be available on the course Website.  Class assignments will be evaluated for accuracy, content, form, knowledge of subject matter, application of knowledge and ability to communicate effectively.

 

Class participation is an essential element to your success in this course.  You are expected to complete practice exercises and respond to the discussion questions with at least one posting (5 points).

 

Complete assignments by the due date.  Late assignments will be docked 10% and only accepted 1 day past due date.  Make-ups for exams or assignments are only permitted under special circumstances and with prior approval by the instructor.  Borderline grades will be viewed in terms of timely completion of assignments and class participation.

 

Total points accumulated during the semester will be calculated into a percent and graded on the scale below.

 

GRADING SCALE

90-100% = A

80-89%   = B

70-79%   = C

60-69%   = D

59% and below = F

 
ATTENDANCE POLICY

Absences that occur due to students participating in official college activities are excused. Students who are excused will be given reasonable opportunity to make up any missed work or receive substitute assignments from the instructor.  Ultimately it is the student’s responsibility to notify the instructor in advance of the planned absence.

 

Unless students are excused by the instructor, they are expected to attend class. Students who are absent for two consecutive weeks (prior to the final drop date) and fail to contact the instructor may be dropped from this class.  If a student is inactive for one-eighth of the total course duration, the instructor has the right, but is not required, to withdraw a student from the course.  Once the student has been dropped for excessive absences, the registrar’s office will send a letter to the student, stating that he or she has been dropped.  A student may petition the chief academic officer for reinstatement by submitting a letter stating valid reasons for the absences within one week of the registrar’s notification.  If the student is reinstated into the class, the instructor and the registrar will be notified. 

It is the responsibility of the student to properly drop the course.  Students, who are still enrolled in this class after the final drop date, but fail to participate in class, are at risk for a failing grade.  Your grade will be based on the total points accumulated through the last date of participation.

 

ASSESSMENT OF STUDENT GAIN

Student gain will be determined by student improvement in each of the areas of student competencies. 

 

ACADEMIC INTEGRITY

NCCC expects every student to demonstrate ethical behavior with regard to academic pursuits.  Academic integrity in coursework is a specific requirement.  Definitions, examples, and possible consequences for violations of Academic Integrity, as well as the appeals process, can be found in the College Catalog, Student Handbook, and/or Code of Student Conduct and Discipline.

 

This online class allows you to work independently or with other students in the class.  For your own benefit, you need to complete all assignments on your own unless otherwise indicated.  Do not use the work of others and submit it as your own.  You may refer to the textbook and resources when taking tests online, however the tests are timed and you may lose points if you exceed the time limit.  The true test of what you learn in this class will be demonstrated when you take the AHIMA certification exam to become a Registered Health Information Technician.  The expectation for this class is for you to be professional and ethical – do your own work.

 

 

CELL PHONE POLICY:

Student cell phones and pagers must be turned off during class times. Faculty may approve an exception for special circumstances.

 

 

DISCLAIMER:

This syllabus is a broad outline of subject matter intended to be covered.  It does not mean that everything herein will be covered, nor does it limit the content of the class to the material described.  Information and statements in this document are subject to change at the discretion of NCCC.  Because Introduction to Health Information is basic to understanding many of the other courses in the Health Information Technology program, a grade of C or better is required to continue the program.

 

 

NOTE:  If you are a student with a disability who may need accommodation(s) under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), please notify the Director of Advising and Counseling, Chanute Campus, Student Union, 620-431-2820 ext 280 or the Dean, Ottawa Campus, 785-242-2607 ext 312, as soon as possible.  You will need to bring your documentation for review in order to determine reasonable accommodations, and then we can assist you in arranging any necessary accommodations.

 

 

Note:  Information and statements in this document are subject to change at the discretion of NCCC.  Changes will be published in writing and made available to students.