University of Chicago at Illinois 2005 - 2007 Undergraduate Catalog

:

Department of Biomedical and Health Information Sciences

Accreditation
B.S. in Health Information Management Degree Requirements

250 Applied Health Sciences Building (AHSB)
312–996–7337
bhis@uic.edu
http://www.bhis.uic.edu
Administration: Department Head, Annette Valenta; Program Director, Health Information Management, Karen Patena
Office of Student Services College of Applied Health Sciences: Eileen Doran,
Academic Advisor: Contact the Program Director, Karen Patena


In 1994, Biomedical and Health Information Sciences (BHIS) was created within the College of Applied Health Sciences at the University of Illinois at Chicago to signify the united commitment of biomedical visualization, health information management, and medical laboratory sciences. The establishment of BHIS created a unit focused on the study, practice, and facilitation of health information technology, education, research, and bioscience.

The mission of Biomedical and Health Information Sciences is to advance the quality and efficiency of health care through improved information management, communication, and the generation of new forms of biomedical and other health care data. The goals of the department are leadership, innovation, initiative, and quality with strong focus on the unique arena of health informatics at the University of Illinois at Chicago.

The department actively supports the central mission of the College of Applied Health Sciences by facilitating innovative educational and research programs, providing leadership within department disciplines to meet current industry challenges, and ensuring that graduates have a competitive edge in the increasingly demanding health informatics marketplace. The department strives to produce health care professionals who can effectively partner with and/or lead information technology professionals in the problem-solving activities of their organizations.

The Department of Biomedical and Health Information Sciences offers an undergraduate program leading to the Bachelor of Science in Health Information Management. The undergraduate brochure for Health Information Management is available online http://www.bhis.uic.edu.

Accreditation

The Bachelor of Science in Health Information Management program is accredited by the Commission on Accreditation for Health Informatics and Information Management Education (CAHIIM).

B.S. in Health Information Management

The Health Information Management undergraduate degree program provides skilled instruction in the management and use of information and information systems for health care planning, provision, resource allocation, and executive decision making. The undergraduate program, established in 1965, maintains a reputation of excellence and consistently produces graduates who become leaders in the field.

Within the world of health information management, registered health information administrators (RHIAs) are responsible for the management of health information systems consistent with the medical, administrative, ethical, and legal requirements of the health care delivery system. RHIAs often have opportunities to develop information systems for quality patient care, facility reimbursement, medical research, health planning, and health care evaluation. Administrative duties of the RHIA encompass responsibility for personnel, capital equipment selection, systems design and analysis, hospital committee activities, and budget management. RHIAs also provide health information to qualified users and safeguard confidential patient data. The job forecast for RHIAs is positive, not only in hospitals but also in other health care settings such as home health agencies, hospice programs, nursing homes, and ambulatory care facilities. Employment opportunities also exist in education, research, consulting, sales, insurance companies, and with state and national health care organizations.

The Health Information Management program is full time and begins with the fall semester. A part-time day program is available for registered health information technicians (RHITs), but enrollment is limited. Although health information technician course credits do not count toward the required 60 semester or 90 quarter hours of prerequisites, RHITs with passing scores on required validation examinations administered by department faculty are not required to enroll in certain courses.

Graduates receive a Bachelor of Science in Health Information Management degree, and are eligible to register for the national RHIA credential examination offered by AHIMA.

Transfer Admission Requirements

Students seeking admission to the Bachelor of Science in Health Information Management program must meet these minimum requirements:

  • Junior standing with 60 semester or 90 quarter credit hours at an accredited college/university
  • Successful completion of Pre-Health Information Management courses offered by the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences or the equivalent
  • Cumulative grade point average of 2.00/4.00 for all completed undergraduate courses
  • International students must have a Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) score of 550, or 213 on the Computer-Based Testing (CBT), or above
  • Demonstrated reading and writing proficiency; ability to convey maturity; desire to work with people; and ability to direct work of others
  • Completion of application process, including a personal interview with department faculty and submission of three references
  • Thorough understanding of the professional health information manager’s role and responsibilities

Degree Requirements

To earn a Bachelor of Science in Health Information Management degree from UIC, students need to complete University, college, and department degree requirements. The Department of Biomedical and Health Information Sciences degree requirements are outlined below. Students should consult the College of Applied Health Sciences section for additional degree requirements and college academic policies.

B.S. in Health Information Management Degree Requirements
Hours
Pre-Health Information ­Management Required Courses
60
Health Information Management Required Courses
62
Total Hours— B.S. in Health Information Management
122

Pre-Health Information Management Course Requirements

Courses
Hours
ENGL 160—English Composition I
3
ENGL 161—English Composition II
3
BIOS 100—Biology of Cells and Organisms
5
One additional natural science course a
4–5
MVSC 251—Human Physiological Anatomy I
5
MVSC 252—Human Physiological Anatomy II 5
 
Choose one of the following courses:
MATH 118—Mathematical Reasoning (5)
OR
MATH 121—Precalculus Mathematics (5)
5
   
PSCH 100—Introduction to Psychology
4
PSCH 242—Introduction to Research in Psychology
3
Social sciences course a
3
Humanities courses a
6
Cultural diversity course a
3
IDS 100—Management Information Sciences I
4
Electives—To complete the required total of 60 hours of Pre-Health Information Management courses. Six elective hours must be taken in the humanities, natural sciences, or social sciencesa.
6–8
Total Hours—Pre-Health Information Management Requirements
60

a Students should consult the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences section for a list of approved courses in each category: humanities, natural sciences, social sciences, and cultural diversity. The cultural diversity requirement may be met as part of the humanities or social sciences requirement by selecting a course that fulfills both. See the list of approved cultural diversity courses in the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences section for more information.

Health Information Management Required Courses  
 
Courses
Hours
HIM 310—Introduction to the Health Care System
3
HIM 317—Principles of Health Information
     Management
4
HIM 319—Alternative Health Records
4
HIM 320—Technical Affiliation
2
HIM 329—Legal Aspects of Health Information
     Management
3
HIM 332—Coding and Classification Systems
3
HIM 333—Coding and Reimbursement Systems
4
HIM 337—Analysis of Health Care Data
4
HIM 343—Quality Evaluation and Management
3
HIM 361—Human Resources Management
4
HIM 367—Systems Analysis
3
HIM 374—Health Information Research
3
HIM 377—‑Current Issues in Health Information
     Management
2
HIM 381—Financial Management
2
HIM 384—Clinical Practicum
5
BHIS 405—Medical Sciences and Human
     Pathophysiology
4
BHIS 410—Health Data Structures and Management
3
BHIS 460—Introduction to Health Informatics
1
BHIS 461—Information Systems for Health Information
     Management
2
BHIS 480—Management and Business Practices
3
Total Hours—Health Information Management Required Courses
62

Sample Course Schedule

Junior Year
Fall Semester
Hours
HIM 310—Introduction to the Health Care System
3
HIM 317—Principles of Health Information
     Management
4
BHIS 405—Medical Sciences and Human
     Pathophysiology
4
BHIS 460—Introduction to Health Informatics
1
BHIS 461—Information Systems for Health Information
     Management
2
BHIS 480—Management and Business Practices
3
Total Hours
17
 
Spring Semester
Hours
HIM 319—Alternative Health Records
4
HIM 320—Technical Affiliation
2
HIM 329—Legal Aspects of Health Information
     Management
3
HIM 332—Coding and Classification Systems
3
HIM 337—Analysis of Health Care Data
4
Total Hours
16
 
Senior Year
Fall Semester
Hours
HIM 333—Coding and Reimbursement Systems
4
HIM 343—Quality Evaluation and Management
3
HIM 361—Human Resources Management
4
HIM 381—Financial Management
2
BHIS 410—‑Health Data Structures and Management
3
Total Hours
16
 
Spring Semester
Hours
HIM 367—Systems Analysis
3
HIM 374—Health Information Research
3
HIM 377—Current Issues in Health Information
     Management
2
HIM 384—Clinical Practicum
5
Total Hours
13

Distinction

Graduation with Honors: College cumulative GPA of 3.50–3.74/4.00
Graduation with High Honors: College cumulative GPA of 3.75–4.00/4.00




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