(Once the publisher and bookstore make them available, students will have immediate access through Blackboard by clicking the links in the course.)

o   WECM

§  Suggested Prerequisite: Basic keyboarding and computer skills

§  Course Level: Introductory

§  Course Description: Medical software applications for the management and operation of health care information systems.

§  End-of-Course Outcomes: Utilize medical software applications; manage patient database; process billing; maintain schedules; and generate reports.

§  Lab Recommended

o   Key Matrix for Medical Office Administration program

§  1 Manage Policies & Procedures for Protected Health Information

·         1.2 Develop forms/templates for health information system

·         1.3 Monitor patient portal

·         1.4 Inspect medical records

§  2 Coordinate Information Technology Resources

·         2.1 Assess equipment and software inventory

·         2.2 Maintain Practice Management Software

·         2.4 Trouble-shoot hardware equipment problems

§  3 Manage Practice Operations

·         3.2 Manage patient scheduling process

§  5 Manage Billing Cycle of Practice

·         5.2Conduct chart audits

·         5.4 Analyze bad debt

§  7 Manage Practice Financials

·         7.3 Prepare practice productivity report

Key Matrix for Medical Coding program

§  (3) Maintains accurate and complete patient health records

·         3.2 Ensures that medical records are complete, including medical history, care or treatment plans, tests ordered, test results, diagnosis and medications taken

§  5. Maintains appropriate technology solutions including health information systems to support health care delivery and organizational priorities

·         5.2 Stays apprised of innovative solutions for integration of new technology into existing products, applications or services

·         5.3 Identifies and clarifies user needs (internal and external customers) and organizational policies to ensure system architecture and applications are in line with business requirements

Associate of Applied Science Medical Coding Specialist Program Learning Outcomes

1.     Identify, pronounce, and spell medical terms.

2.     Translate and interpret health abbreviations and symbols.

3.     Utilize medical software applications.

4.     Extract information from health records for appropriate code validation.

5.     Sequence codes according to established guidelines and standards.

6.     Analyze current health care trends.

Associate of Applied Science Medical Office Administration Program Learning Outcomes

1.     Utilize computer software for basic office functions.

2.     Uses medical terminology, jargon, and abbreviations correctly.

3.     Define general legal terms as they apply to the practice of medicine in ambulatory care settings.

4.     Understand and apply ethics relevant to medical coding and medical office practice.

5.     Apply ICD and CPT rules and guidelines to complete claims forms for submission.

Unit 1: Introduction

• Overview of Practice Management and Electronic Medical Records

Unit 2: Administrative

• Patient Registration and Data Entry
• Scheduling, Rescheduling, and Canceling Appointments
• Preparing for Patient Appointments
• Checking in Patients and Verifying Insurance Eligibility
• Posting Insurance Copayments

Unit 3: Clinical

• Documenting Clinical Encounters
• Managing Provider Orders and Patient Communication
• Working with Prescriptions and eRx
• Preparing Electronic Encounter Forms for Billing

Unit 4: Billing

• Medical Billing
• Patient Collections

Learning Path:

• Readings: Short readings introduce key components of Practice Management and Electronic Medical Record software.

• Practice Mode Simulations (NOT part of course average): Students are guided through each task in PM/EMR software with step-by-step instructions. Hints are available for additional support. Features include Learning Objectives, Key Terms, FYIs, and Alerts.

• Assessment Mode Simulations: Students perform tasks without hints or additional support, testing their knowledge.

• Quiz: Multiple-choice quizzes assess understanding of key concepts related to PM/EMRs.

Assessment Methods & Grading Policy

• Grade Tracking: Students should keep track of their own grades. The instructor will not average grades for students. Grades will be visible in the Blackboard gradebook after assignments are graded.

• Assignment Changes: The instructor may add or modify assignments during the semester.

• Grade Policy: The instructor will not drop grades.

• Assessment: Each module targets specific learning outcomes. Some course activities may enhance learning but won’t be graded. Assessments may include assignments, quizzes, discussions, labs, participation, exams, or other methods.

• Due Dates: Due dates for coursework are posted weekly.

• Instructions: Detailed instructions and grading information for each assignment will be provided. Please read.

Class Participation

• Participation: Active participation is required and affects your course average. Simply logging in is not sufficient; students must engage with course materials regularly. Attendance and activity may be used to assess participation.

• New Assignments: The instructor may add new assignments during the week if needed.

• Checking Updates: Students must check announcements and emails at least three times a week.

Assignments

• No Make-Ups: Assignments cannot be made up. Late assignments receive a grade of zero (0), and the instructor will not revisit missed assignments.

Quizzes

• No Make-Ups: Quizzes cannot be made up. Missed quizzes receive a grade of zero (0). Once closed, quizzes cannot be retaken.

Exams

• No Make-Ups: Missed exams will be recorded as zero (0). At the end of the semester, the average of all exam grades, including zeros, will replace the zero for the missed exam.

  Example: Test grades of 100, 100, 0, and 80 result in an average of 70 replacing the zero. Final grades will be 100, 100, 70, and 80.

• Exemption Opportunity: Students with a grade of 80 or better in the course and all other exams completed and passed may be exempt from the final comprehensive capstone simulation. If exempt, the average of other exam grades will be used for the final exam grade. If criteria are not met, missing the final will result in a zero (0).

• Academic Dishonesty: A zero will be given for any work or exam with academic dishonesty. A second offense will result in an “F” for the course.

• Early Completion: If coursework is available, students may complete it ahead of the due dates.

Attendance and Participation

• Attendance and Success: Research indicates a strong link between attendance and college success. Therefore, the instructor will monitor student activity in the course on a weekly basis.

• Check-In Requirements: Students must log in to Blackboard and check email and announcements at least three times per week, even if they believe all work is complete.

• Participation: Active class participation is required and affects your course average. Simply logging in is not enough; students must engage with course materials. The instructor may add new assignments as needed and will use course activity to assess weekly participation grades.

• Absences: Students must notify their instructor via email if they will be absent. Absences do not warrant extensions on coursework or due dates.

Technical Support
 

• MYLSCPA Username & Password Issues: Call Kenneth Lisby at (409) 984-6150.

• Blackboard Help: Available 24/7 at (936) 496-5379 or email bbhelp@lamarpa.edu.

Computer Requirements
 

• Device Recommendations: This course is designed to be completed on a laptop or desktop computer. MacBooks and mobile phones may have compatibility issues with Blackboard and publisher platforms like Mindtap or Connect. Phones are not recommended for completing assignments as they often lead to missed assignments, instructions, and due dates.

• Browser Tips: If you encounter issues with links not opening on a laptop/desktop, disable pop-up blockers. If problems persist, try using a different web browser. Mozilla Firefox and Safari are not recommended; use Chrome or Edge and ensure pop-up blockers are disabled.

• Laptop Loan Program: Available on a first-come, first-served basis. Apply online via the LSCPA website by searching for "Laptop loan program."

• Software & Internet: Students must have all required course materials, including software, e-books, and key codes. Reliable internet access is necessary. Students without internet access can use the LSCPA open computer lab.

• Technical Issues: Computer failure and lack of internet access are not acceptable excuses for missed assignments, projects, quizzes, or exams. Use the LSCPA computer lab if you encounter technical difficulties. 

Drop/Withdrawal Policy
 

• Dropping/Withdrawing: If you decide to drop or withdraw, ensure it is done before the final withdrawal date. Confirm your name is removed from the class roll and keep a copy of the drop/withdrawal form. Return any department-owned items to avoid compromising your standing with LSCPA.

• State Law: Students can withdraw from up to 6 courses during their undergraduate career at Texas public colleges or universities. Withdrawals after the last day to drop without penalty count towards this limit. Check LSCPA’s catalog for more details. 

Email/Voice Mail Etiquette
 

• Email: Use complete sentences and a clear subject line including your name, course name, and section number.

• Voice Mail: Clearly state your name, course, and return phone number. 

Dress Code
 

• Professional Attire: Practice dressing appropriately for both virtual and face-to-face classes. Dress should be respectful and not distracting.

• Inappropriate Attire: Avoid clothing that exposes intimate parts, sleepwear, overly tight or loose clothing, and items with inappropriate logos or text. Inappropriate attire may result in being asked to leave class, which will count as an absence. 

Note: Exceptions or changes to this syllabus may be made at the instructor’s discretion.