Health Information Management Technician

The Health Information Management Technology program prepares the student to become a professional responsible for maintaining components of health information systems consistent with the medical, administrative, ethical, legal, accreditation, and regulatory requirements of the health care delivery system. In all types of health care facilities, the health information management technician possesses the technical knowledge and skills necessary to process, maintain, compile, and report health information data for reimbursement, facility planning, marketing, risk management, utilization management, quality assessment and research; to abstract and code clinical data using appropriate classification systems; and to analyze health records according to standards. The health information management technician may also be responsible for functional supervision of the various components of the health information system. The HIMT degree program at Columbus State is accredited by the Commission on Accreditation for Health Informatics and Information Management Education (CAHIIM). The Health Information Management Technician Certificate program prepares students to compile patient charts (paper, hybrid, electronic) in accordance with legal and regulatory standards. Students analyze patient charts for completeness and accuracy. They perform release of information (ROI) functions and other activities related to assisting the clinical and administrative team in the timely completion of health records. All coursework in the Health Information Management Technology degree program, the Health Data Analyst-Post HIMT degree Certificate program, the Health Information Management Technician Certificate program and the Medical Coding Certificate program is offered online. Students are required to complete proctored tests and come to campus for occasional class meetings. Proctored tests can be completed at the CSCC Testing Center, approved testing centers, or via Proctor U. Students are also required to complete 90 professional practice experience (PPE) hours in both HIMT 2870 and HIMT 2930. Upon completion of the Health Information Management Technician Certificate, the student will be able to: Demonstrate knowledge of medical terminology and clinical data as it relates to the collection and use of health information. Perform assembly and analysis of health records for completeness and accuracy. Perform concurrent and retrospective ongoing reviews of health records to ensure compliance with standards for health record documentation. Compile statistical data, such as admissions, discharges, deaths, births, and types of treatment given. Operate computer to enter and retrieve data using various electronic health record (EHR) applications and other electronic programs such as word processing, data bases, and spreadsheets. Assist clinical and administrative team in chart completion by running reports. Perform release of information (ROI) function. Demonstrate ethical practices as outlines in the American Health Information Management Association (AHIMA) Code of Ethics. The Health Information Management Technician Certificate program, the HIMT Degree, and the Health Data Analyst Post HIMT Associate’s Degree Certificate will begin Autumn Semester as published. The Medical Coding Certificate plan of study will begin Summer Semester as published. Students are expected to follow the established plans of study. An alternate plan of study may extend program completion time. Students must earn a grade of “C” or higher in all HIMT technical and basic related courses to earn an Associate of Applied Science Degree in HIMT, to complete the Health Information Management Technician Certificate, the Medical Coding Certificate, or the Health Data Analyst Post Associate’s Degree Certificate.