Course Syllabus

HIT 141
Introduction to ICD-10-CM Coding

General Class Information

 Class Information

HIT 141 - Introduction to ICD-10-CM Coding

 Course Modality

This class is 100% online through the Canvas Learning Management System (LMS). Students will review lectures, complete assignments, communicate with the instructor and classmates through Canvas. Some modules will include additional software for hands-on activities with electronic health records, encoders, electronic document management systems, or other applications. 

 Catalog Description

This course will introduce students to the basic principles & official guidelines of ICD-10-CM.Students will learn how to apply the guidelines, coding conventions, and chapter specific principles for code selection and sequencing. Emphasis will be placed on the importance of how to select ICD-10-CM diagnostic codes in various healthcare settings using medical documentation and knowledge of human anatomy and pathophysiology..

 Prerequisites

 HIT 125 with a minimum grade of C and HIT 161 with a minimum grade of C (may be taken concurrently)

 Textbooks & Supplemental Materials

Please contact the TCC Bookstore for ordering information.

Textbook Title/Publisher	Author	ISBN	Picture
ICD-10-CM & ICD-10-PCS Coding Handbook W/O Answers 2022	Nelly Leon-Chisen, RHIA	9781556484629
ICD-10-CM 2022: The Complete Official Codebook Spiralbound	AMA	9781640161559

 Technology Required

This is a web-enhanced course meaning that our course materials are available online via Canvas. You will need regular access to a computer and internet. Some assignments can be completed on your phone but others will be easier if done from a desktop, laptop, or tablet. If you need support using technology or learning how to use Canvas, please visit the Information Commons in Building 16 on the first floor at the end of the hallway.

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Professor Information

 Professor Information

Adrienne Commeree, MLS, RHIA, CPC, CPMA, CCS, CEMC, CPIP
Email: acommeree@tacomacc.edu

 Welcome Message

Welcome to HIT 141! I am looking forward to having you in my class this quarter. I was once a student at TCC, experiencing what it was like to be new to college. It can be confusing and overwhelming, but if we work together, we can make this a great quarter. I’m here to help you succeed. If you feel worried about your learning and/or performance in this course, please come talk to me. I am happy to listen and strategize solutions that will improve your learning and performance.

 Communication Policy

My preferred method of communication with you is email, which I check frequently. You can email me at any time, but you may not receive a response outside regular business hours. Generally, emails received before 5:30 p.m. will receive a response before 6 p.m., and emails received after 5:30 p.m. will receive a response on the following business day. Business days are Monday–Friday, except for holidays.

I am available via Zoom during my virtual office hours: Monday through Thursday, 1-3pm Pacific. You can also send me an email through Canvas or TCC Outlook.

Please set Canvas so that it sends you a message when I make a comment on your work. To do this, go to Canvas>Account>Notifications>Course Activities>Submission Comments. Click on the check mark for immediate notification to your home email or text, depending on what you prefer. You may also want to look at the other possible notifications to choose what you would like to receive.

 Announcements

I use the announcement feature in Canvas to communicate to the class as a whole. You can see the announcements by clicking on course tab or on the announcements page in Canvas. You are responsible for any information found in the  announcement section. You should check the announcements at least every other day to be sure that you are up-to-date on everything. You can sign up for automatic notification of new announcements through the Canvas notification page by setting your preferences to ASAP. 

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Class Policies and Procedures

• Attendance: Attendance is not tracked in this class, however participation in the weekly discussions are required.
• Due Dates: Weekly modules are open on Mondays and close on Sundays (unless otherwise specified). All assignments are due by 11:59pm the day of the due date, unless otherwise listed on Canvas.
• Suspended operations: In the event of the campus closing due to inclement weather, a power outage, or another unexpected event, please check your Canvas messages for updates on how we will adjust our course schedule. In the event you are unable to access Canvas via the Portal, please use this direct link: add link

 Classroom Concerns/Disputes/Final Grade Appeal Process

If you have questions or concerns about this class, please talk to me about them. If we are unable to resolve your concerns, you may talk next with the Chair, Corinne Jarvis, cjarvis@tacomacc.edu or 253.566.5077. Ms. Jarvis can assist with information about additional steps, if needed. If you think that your final grade has been given in error, please see the final grade appeal process.

 Academic Dishonesty

In this class, academic dishonesty will result in a failing grade (“E”) for the assignment or the quarter. Direct copying is prohibited, while incorrect citation and referencing will result in points taken off. I also reserve the right to remove any inappropriate posts on Canvas such as, but not limited to, profanity or plagiarism. In such a case, you will lose posting privileges and be given alternate assignments. As stated in the TCC Catalog, “Students are expected to be honest and forthright in their academic endeavors. Cheating, plagiarism, fabrication or other forms of academic dishonesty corrupt the learning process and threaten the educational environment for all students”. The complete Administrative Procedure for Academic Dishonesty is available on the TCC website.

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Professor and Student Expectations

Chosen Names and Pronouns

Everyone has the right to be addressed by the name and pronouns that correspond to their gender identity. Class rosters don't list gender or pronouns, so you may be asked to indicate the pronouns you use so that I don't make assumptions based on your name and/or appearance/self-presentation. However, you are not obligated to share your pronouns. If you use a chosen name, please let me know. Chosen names and pronouns are to be respected at all times in the classroom. Mistakes in addressing one another may happen, so I encourage an environment of seriousness and openness to correction and learning. Thank you.

 Professor Expectations

As your professor, we will work to create an atmosphere that will encourage and support your mastery of course concepts. As such, objectives for which I will strive to meet include to:

• Get to know you and what your goals are for this class.
• Meet with you individually at least one time during the quarter.
• Maintain a safe and supportive learning environment.
• Administer fair and equitable policies and procedures to all students.
• Provide a schedule of activities that is clear and communicate changes by email and on Canvas.
• Grade assignments, quizzes, etc. within one week after the stated due date.
• Grade projects (if assigned) and hand them back to students in class no later than one week after the stated due date.
• Answer email within one business day.
• Provide feedback and comments that are thorough and meaningful.
• Be available for students during my office hours and by appointment and inform students of any changes to my office hours by email and Canvas.
• Equip students with general skills applicable to multiple career paths.

 Student Expectations

• Attend class: Class time is when we make meaning of the readings and assignments. It is important that you come to class and engage in discussions and activities.
• Engage in class: Attending class is the first step – coming to class ready to actively participate in the next step. Ask relevant questions. Take notes. Work cooperatively with other students.
• Check Canvas: Assignments and other assessments are in Canvas. Check Canvas at least three times per week to ensure you complete work on time and understand instructions.
• Respect others: Behave with respect toward each other including other students and your professor. Refrain from profane language or inappropriate/unrelated remarks.
• Communicate with me: Keep me updated of any circumstances that will not allow you to complete your work on time. I am here to help you learn and can be flexible if something unexpected comes up in your life.
• Self-Advocacy: Seek our resources you need to be successful. There are many resources available to help you succeed at TCC, for example the Writing and Tutoring Center, Access Services, and Counseling. Use the Student Resources Canvas page to access these resources and more.

If there is a concern with your behavior during this quarter, we will use the Student Code of Conduct to frame our discussion. For more information on TCC policies related to student behavior, please refer to the TCC Classroom Standards and Culture webpage.

 Recommended Study Habits

You can expect to devote an average of two hours outside of class to the subject matter (readings and preparation, as well as substantive assignments and participation exercises) for every 50 minutes in class (i.e. one class session). As this is a five-credit class, you can reasonably expect an average of 10 hours of reading/homework each week. Before each class, read the chapter sections that correspond to that class day. Formulate questions about the content that you cannot answer on your own. Come to class prepared to ask those questions and deepen your understanding of the content.

I have tried to ensure that the workload is evenly distributed throughout the class, but if you find you have less than the normal amount of work one week, I suggest meeting with a classmate, going to the Writing and Tutoring Center, and/or attending a Supplemental Instruction (SI) session to review the concepts. Students who do well in this class are able to connect concepts within the class and beyond the class to their other classes and their personal experiences. The more time you spend building connections with the class material to other areas of your life, the better!

 Netiquette Guide for Online Courses

It is important for you as a student to recognize that the online classroom is in fact a classroom, and certain behaviors are expected when you communicate with both your peers and your instructors. These guidelines for online behavior and interaction are known as “netiquette”.

• Treat your instructor(s) with respect, even in email or in any other online communication.

• Always use your professors’ proper title: Dr. or Prof. Unless specifically invited, don’t refer to them by first name.  Some will be OK called “Bob” and others will expect to be “Dr. Smith”.  

• Use clear and concise language.  Be respective of readers’ time and attention.

• Remember that all college level communication should have correct spelling and grammar.

• Avoid slang terms such as “wassup?” and texting abbreviations such as “u” instead of “you”.

• Use standard fonts that are optimized for online reading (e.g., sans serif) along with a consistent and readable size (12 or 14 pt.)

• Avoid using the caps lock feature AS IT CAN BE INTERPRETED AS YELLING.

• Limit and possibly avoid the use of emoticons.  Not everyone knows how to interpret them.

• Be cautious when using humor or sarcasm as tone is sometimes lost in an email or discussion post and your message might be taken literally or offensively.

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Late Work

Each student is responsible for managing their time wisely, looking ahead to understand upcoming assignments, planning for the time it will take to complete each assignment, and turning the assignments in by the due date.  You should expect a heavy workload for this class – repeatedly missing work WILL affect your grade. I am confident that continuous engagement and communication will help you be successful in this class.

You should not have late assignments, but I do understand life can happen, so I have made the following provision: 

•  Late assignments for this class will be accepted for partial credit for up to 3 calendar days past the due date.
• Each day that an assignment is late 10% will be deducted from the grade
  • For example, if the assignment would have been 100% for original content and is 2 days late it will receive a score of 80%.
• If an assignment hits day 4 it will be marked as a ZERO in Canvas. 
• PLEASE NOTE THE FOLLOWING EXCEPTIONS: No late Exams accepted!

Learning Outcomes

Learning outcomes are what you will know by the end of the course if you complete the assignments and participate in class sessions. These learning outcomes align with the Specialization Learning Outcomes for a specialization in psychology. However, this class aligns with many specializations and can help you work towards your degree, even if it’s not in psychology. To learn more about specializations at TCC and their corresponding learning outcomes, visit the College Catalog.

Course Learning Outcomes

I have designed the class intentionally to meet these learning outcomes. If at any point during the quarter you think you are not on track to meet these learning outcomes, please come talk to me so I can help.

Upon successful completion of this course, students will be able to:

1. Identify the structure of an ICD-10-CM code. (CC IV.1)

2. Identify ICD-10-CM Official Coding Guidelines to ensure accurate reporting of codes in various settings.(CC IV.1)

3. Validate assignment of diagnostic codes and sequencing in accordance with official ICD 10-CMguidelines. (CC IV.1)

4. Determine diagnostic codes and sequencings according to official ICD-10-CM guidelines. (CC IV.1.RM)

5. Determine the first listed/principal diagnosis code. (CC IV.1)

6. Articulate key terms utilized in ICD-10-CM such as excludes notes, sequencing, placeholder, and seventh digits. (CC IV.1)

7. Illustrate key connections with clinical information & treatment, disease processes & disorders, as it applies to ICD-10-CM code selection(s). (CC IV.1)

8. Utilize software for ICD 10-CM code selection and sequencing in accordance with official guidelines. (CCIII.2)

9. Identify ethical standards of practice as it applies to ICD-10-CM Coding and HIM industry standards. (CCVI.7)

Instructional Methods Used

In this class, I use a mixture of discussion, lab, and group work activities. You can expect to:

• be engaged in frequent classroom activities to build on the readings, activities, and/or homework you have done for each class;
• ask your instructor for clarifications, rather than expecting lectures.

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TCC Student Policies

TCC works hard to create a vibrant learning culture where you can succeed. Please refer to the college-wide standards and policies that support this important work.  Some of these policies include Religious Accommodations, Withdraw/Retakes, and the Student Code of Conduct.

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Commitment to Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion

Diversity: TCC welcomes people all across the wide scope of races, colors, nationalities, ethnicities, sexual identities and orientations, genders, religions, political affiliations, physical abilities, economic backgrounds, professional histories, marital and parental statuses, and generations. Like our school, I value the diversity in our classroom because it enriches our learning environment and deepens our understanding of others. Additionally, I hold an expectation my students will eventually cultivate a similar appreciation for such diversity.   

Equity:  TCC empowers our community through equitable access to opportunities, knowledge, and resources. We promote intercultural engagement, institutional responsibility and awareness of historical inequities and direct action toward overcoming systemic barriers to create a community where all people can be welcomed, heard, known, represented, and successful.   

Inclusion: We will work together to create an environment in which everyone is treated with dignity and is offered a platform to contribute to our space. To this end, every student: 1) has the right to be called by the name they wish and to have their name pronounced correctly; 2) has the right to be referred to by the pronouns that they share; 3) has the right to express their opinion without fear they are speaking for an entire identity group; and 4) has the right to respectfully identify any barriers to their inclusion in the course without fear of being punished by the professor.  

Student Resources

During this quarter, you may encounter a need that goes beyond this class that affects your academic performance. We are here to help you be successful. You have access to great resources on campus and people ready to support you. Login to Canvas and access the Student Resources course to learn about some of these excellent resources.

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Access and Accommodations

Your access in the learning environment is important to me. If you have already established disability accommodations with the Access Services office, please communicate your approved accommodations to me at your earliest convenience so we can discuss your needs in this course. You can request that Access Services email your Letter of Accommodation to me, or you can provide me with printed copies.

If you have a disability or health condition that may benefit from accommodations to ensure access and support success in this course—and have not yet established services, please contact Access Services at (253) 460-4437 or access@tacomacc.edu.

Access Services offers resources and coordinates reasonable accommodations for students with disabilities and/or temporary health conditions. Services are established through an interactive process that begins with an intake appointment. Access Services is located in Building 7.

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Safety

We care about the safety of our campus and community and all of us are needed in order to create a safe and secure learning environment. Please review the full list of safety resources available to you, which are listed on our TCC Ready website. Additionally, please watch this brief video to familiarize yourself with our general safety practices. Please program the Public Safety number into your cell phone (253-566-5111) or 5111 from any campus phone (If this number is inoperable due to an emergency, dial 253-495-4146) and sign up for TCC Alerts! to receive emergency notifications to your cell phone.

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Course Outline

The following course outline is subject to change as each instructional period is dynamic

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  Grade Scheme

I will be grading the content in the class on a percentage-based system. This means that the sum of all categories will equal 100%. While each assignment is given a point value (e.g. 30 points), the final grade is based on the weight of the category, not the total points possible. However, the total points will impact your total percentage for that category.

The following grading standards will be used in this class:

Any final grade below 76% is considered a failing grade in the HIT AAS program.

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Syllabus Subject to Change

Please note: This syllabus is subject to change. Students will be notified of any changes as soon as possible using multiple means of communication. Please check Canvas for the most updated schedule and assignment list during the quarter.

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