Brown's AAS-Health Information Technician program is structured to include didactic instruction in several areas, including, but not limited to: health data management, diagnostic and procedure coding, medical billing practices, healthcare reimbursement and delivery systems, health record maintenance, information technology, organizational resources, medical law and ethics, medical terminology and anatomy and physiology. Graduates will be expected to:

• Collect, maintain, and ensure that accuracy and security of health data.
• Describe and follow policies and procedures that ensure organizational compliance with regulations and standards for patient records.
• Apply diagnosis and procedure codes using ICD-9-CM, CPT, and HCPCS and/or other clinical classification and nomenclature systems.
• Demonstrate accurate billing through coding, chargemaster, claims management and bill reconciliation processes.
• Compile patient data and perform data quality reviews to validate code assignment and compliance with reporting requirements.
• Collect, organize and present data for performance improvement programs and quality and risk management, and maintain data for clinical databases/registries.
• Adhere to current laws, accreditation, licensure and certification standards related to health information initiatives from the national, state, local and facility levels.
• Apply policies and procedures to comply with the changing regulations among various payment systems for healthcare services such as Medicare, Medicaid and managed care.
• Use specialized software in the completion of HIM processes such as record tracking, release of information, coding, grouping, registries, billing, quality improvement and imaging.
• Utilize electronic health records (EHR) to maintain personal health information and ensure the security and integrity of health data.
• Contribute to the design and implementation of risk management, contingency planning and data recovery procedures.
• Conduct new staff orientation, training and education programs; and use quality improvement tools and techniques to monitor, report and improve processes, performance and productivity.
• Assist with budgeting processes and resource requisitions necessary for efficient work processes.

Courses in Brown's AAS in Health Information Technician focus on helping students build the knowledge and skills necessary to seek entry-level employment in roles that support the management of health information. Classes are led by instructors, many with real-world working experience in the healthcare industry.

• In Health Information Technology, coursework examines computer software and business procedures common to healthcare settings. Topics include patient billing, itemized statements, data entry, scheduling, electronic claims, professional fees and credit arrangements and collections procedures.
• In Healthcare Computer Applications, students will explore computer hardware and software, commonly used office applications and the role of computer technology in the field of healthcare.
• In Healthcare Reimbursement and Delivery Systems, topics of study include the organization, delivery, regulation and financing of healthcare services; contemporary healthcare plans and payment systems; charge-master maintenance and the evaluation of fraudulent billing practices.

Other core requirements in this program include:

• Medical Law and Ethics
• Medical Terminology - All Body Systems
• Anatomy and Physiology: Cardiovascular, Lymphatic, Blood
• Anatomy and Physiology: Respiratory, Digestive, Urinary
• Anatomy and Physiology: Endocrine, Reproductive, Nutrition
• Anatomy and Physiology: Musculoskeletal, Nervous, Integumentary
• College Success
• Introduction to CPT Coding
• Introduction to ICD Coding
• Diagnostic and Procedure Coding: Cardiovascular, Lymphatic, Blood
• Diagnostic and Procedure Coding: Respiratory, Digestive, Urinary
• Diagnostic and Procedure Coding: Endocrine, Reproductive, Nutrition
• Diagnostic and Procedure Coding: Musculoskeletal, Nervous, Integumentary
• Health Data Organization and Administration
• Health Information Management Seminar
• Health Information Management Externship

Course curriculum is subject to change.

The Health Information Technician program is not programmatically accredited. Graduates of the program are encouraged to take certification examinations given by the American Health Information Management Association (AHIMA) and the American Association of Professional Coders (AAPC). These certification examinations are voluntary but obtaining these certifications may enhance employment opportunities. Graduates are eligible to take the Certified Coding Associate (CCA) examination offered by AHIMA and the Certified Professional Coder-Apprentice (CPC-Apprentice) examinations offered by AAPC upon graduation. Graduates may apply for the official CPC credential after completing at least two years of coding experience after graduation as defined by AAPC. Other exams offered by these agencies may require significant additional work experience and/or graduation from a program accredited by AHIMA. The Health Information Technician program is not programmatically accredited and the program’s graduates are not eligible to apply for some other exams, specifically the RHIA (Registered Health Information Administrator) and RHIT (Registered Health Information Technician) examinations offered by AHIMA. Registration and certification requirements for taking and passing these examinations are not controlled by Brown College but by outside agencies and are subject to change by the agency without notice. Therefore, Brown College cannot guarantee that graduates will be eligible to take certification exams at all or at any specific time, regardless of their eligibility status upon enrollment.

Prospective areas for entry-level career opportunities for students who successfully complete the Brown College AAS in Health Information Technology include:

• Health Information Technician
• Medical Records Analyst
• Medical Records Coordinator
• Health Information Clerk
• Medical Records Clerk