Healthcare Administration (AAS) Curriculum

This course provides an overview of commonly available software tools used in healthcare, including an introduction to encoding tools and computer-assisted coding software used in healthcare data processing. Focus is placed specifically on healthcare software and its many uses, functions and applications in the medical office. Other processes such as medical office billing and information technology are also discussed.

This course teaches the foundation of the language of healthcare. Students will learn how to pronounce medical terms and communicate medical information to both health professionals and patients. Students will also learn the principles of word-building needed for the extensive medical vocabulary used in healthcare. Students will utilize interactive technology to assist with learning, pronunciation and application in Anatomy and Physiology.

Students are introduced to health information management in healthcare delivery settings in the U.S., including filing systems, storage, circulation and documentation issues. Topics also explored are the electronic health record (EHR), patient confidentiality, the impact of the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPPA) on medical practices and various career opportunities for health information management professionals. Students apply health information management concepts and skills to course exercises to demonstrate functional knowledge. This course will assist the student in preparing for the NHA Certified Health Record Specialist exam.

This course is designed for those considering a career in healthcare leadership. The challenging healthcare environment requires effective leadership based on a shared vision of positive outcomes for the healthcare consumer. Through learning the principles of healthcare leadership, leaders should understand their own personal leadership style, be conversant with theories of effective leadership, recognize the influence of power and politics, and be able to model servant leadership. Student will apply sound leadership practices to case studies, evaluate their own leadership style, and understand the impact of negative leadership. The ability to positively influence others and manage conflict are included as traits of effective leaders.

This course examines medical billing and coding in medical practice. All basic medical billing and coding issues are discussed, including coding diagnosis, the International Classification of Diseases Manual (ICD-20-CM), coding compliance and legal and ethical compliance. Students extrapolate coding information from the ICD-10-CM, manual and examine usage guidelines for Volumes I,II, and III. This course will assist the student in preparing for the NHA Certified Health Record Specialist exam.

This course introduces concepts of healthcare management for a wide variety of entry-level positions. Emphasis is on office practices including decisions on managerial style, staffing, job descriptions, mission statements, and policies. Procedures such as staff hiring, employee development and retention, as well as the establishment of professional relationships with patients and staff are explored. Additional concepts of office culture, quality and risk, non-discriminatory strategies, compliance, patient experience, and other appropriate topics will provide a well-rounded view of effective medical office functions. Student will expand their understanding of the responsibilities required for a safe and effective patient support system and will apply their knowledge by developing sample documents needed in the practice setting.

This course provides students with a working knowledge of medical insurance and its applications. Emphasis is on understanding insurance essentials, including the role of the medical insurance billing specialist and legal and ethical requirements. Medical documents and coding diagnoses and procedures are discussed. Students comprehend the claims process, focusing on charges, methods of payments, billing and reimbursement. Other topics covered are private payers, Blue Cross and Blue Shield, Medicaid and Medicare, TRICARE and worker's compensation. Patient billing software is also explored.

This course provides the framework for students to perform various chart related functions within the electronic health record (EHR). Students will learn the basic components, functions, and terminology essential to EHR systems. Students will learn how to complete tasks such as conduction audits, entering live data, and maintaining chart integrity. Students will utilize EHR software to perform work tasks in a healthcare office setting. This course will assist the student in preparing for the NHA Certified Health Record Specialist exam.

This Capstone course continues to prepare students for the role of Electronic Health Record Specialist. By completing this course, students validate their ability to perform tasks associated with the EHR in a physician's office or clinic, and complete the Electronic Health Record Specialist (CEHRS) national certification exam offered by the National Healthcareer Association (NHA). Students will complete simulated activities, including preparatory exams, designed to evaluate their knowledge of necessary EHRs responsibilities. The Capstone culminates in the identification of a testing site, exam registration, and completion. Students will also finalize their e=Portfolio as a showcase of their achievement of the Electronic Health Record Specialist Certificate program and CEHRS certification.

This course introduces students to the essential laws and regulations that govern the practice of healthcare professionals and the business of healthcare. Topics covered include regulatory practices, federal rules aimed at preventing fraud, the Emergency Medical Treatment and Labor Act (EMTALA), regulations governing patient privacy, and electronic health record requirements. Student will learn the differences between negligence, criminal acts, and malpractice, with preventative course of actions. This course also introduces students to the framework for making ethical decisions and highlights some of the important ethical issues facing healthcare professionals.