Health Information Management

Welcome to Composition: Writing with a Strategy! In this course, you will focus on three main topics: understanding purpose, context, and audience, writing strategies and techniques, and editing and revising. In addition, the first section, will offer review on core elements of the writing process, cross-cultural communication, as well as working with words and common standards and practices. Each section includes learning opportunities through readings, videos, audio, and other relevant resources. Assessment activities with feedback also provide opportunities to check your learning, practice, and show how well you understand course content. Because the course is self-paced, you may move through the material as quickly or as slowly as you need to gain proficiency in the seven competencies that will be covered in the final assessment. If you have no prior knowledge or experience, you can expect to spend 30-40 hours on the course content.

In this course you will learn key critical thinking concepts and how to apply them in the analysis and evaluation of reasons and evidence. The course examines the basic components of an argument, the credibility of evidence sources, the impact of bias, and how to construct an argument that provides good support for a claim. The course consists of an introduction and four major sections. Each section includes learning opportunities through readings, videos, audio, and other relevant resources. Assessment activities with feedback also provide opportunities to check your learning, practice, and show how well you understand course content. Because the course is self-paced, you may move through the material as quickly or as slowly as you need to gain proficiency in the four competencies that will be covered in the final assessment. If you have no prior knowledge or experience, you can expect to spend 30-40 hours on the course content.

Welcome to Introduction to Communication: Connecting with Others! It may seem like common knowledge that communication skills are important, and that communicating with others is inescapable in our everyday lives. While this may appear simplistic, the study of communication is actually complex, dynamic, and multifaceted. Strong communication skills are invaluable to strengthening a multitude of aspects of life. Specifically, this course will focus on communication in the professional setting, and present material from multiple vantage points, including communicating with others in a variety of contexts, across situations, and with diverse populations. Upon completion, you will have a deeper understanding of both your own and others’ communication behaviors, and a toolbox of effective behaviors to enhance your experience in the workplace.

This course is a foundational introduction to the biological sciences. The overarching theories of life from biological research are explored as well as the fundamental concepts and principles of the study of living organisms and their interaction with the environment. Key concepts include how living organisms use and produce energy; how life grows, develops, and reproduces; how life responds to the environment to maintain internal stability; and how life evolves and adapts to the environment.

Welcome to Composition: Successful Self-Expression! In this course, you will focus on four main topics: professional writing for a cross-cultural audience, narrowing research topics and questions, researching for content to support a topic, and referencing research sources. Each section includes learning opportunities through readings, videos, audio, and other relevant resources. Assessment activities with feedback also provide opportunities to check your learning, practice, and show how well you understand course content. Because the course is self-paced, you may move through the material as quickly or as slowly as you need to gain proficiency in the seven competencies that will be covered in the final assessment. If you have no prior knowledge or experience, you can expect to spend 30-40 hours on the course content. You will demonstrate competency through a performance assessment. There is no prerequisite for this course and there is no specific technical knowledge needed.

Fundamentals of Anatomy and Physiology provides an overview of the structures and functions of organs and systems of the human body. This course will explore how the parts of the body systems work together to produce movement, transport nutrients, eliminate wastes, protect vital tissues and organs, regulate bodily functions, and support reproduction and growth, through videos, readings, exploratory learning, and practice activities.

In this course, students will develop an understanding of psychology and how it helps them better understand others and themselves. Students will learn general theories about psychological development, the structure of the brain, and how psychologists study behavior. They will gain an understanding of both normal and disordered psychological behaviors, as well as general applications of the science of psychology in society (such as personality typing and counseling).

This is a Global Arts and Humanities course that contains three modules with corresponding lessons. This course is an invitation to see the world through the humanities, examine the humanities during the Information Age, and explore the global origins of music—essentially questioning what makes us human, and how people are connected across culture and time. Each module includes learning opportunities through readings, videos, audio, and other relevant resources. Assessment activities with feedback also provide opportunities to practice and check learning. With no prior knowledge or experience, a learner can expect to spend 30-40 hours on the course content.

Applied Algebra is designed to help you develop competence in working with functions, the algebra of functions, and using some applied properties of functions. You will start learning about how we can apply different kinds of functions to relevant, real-life examples. From there, the algebra of several families of functions will be explored, including linear, polynomial, exponential, and logistic functions. You will also learn about relevant, applicable mathematical properties of each family of functions, including rate of change, concavity, maximizing/minimizing, and asymptotes. These properties will be used to solve problems related to your major and make sense of everyday living problems. Students should complete Applied Probability and Statistics or its equivalent prior to engaging in Applied Algebra.

American Politics and the U.S. Constitution examines the evolution of representative government in the United States and the changing interpretations of the civil rights and civil liberties protected by the Constitution. This course will give candidates an understanding of the powers of the branches of the federal government, the continual tensions inherent in a federal system, the shifting relationship between state and federal governments, and the interactions between elected officials and the ever-changing electorate. This course will focus on such topics as the role of a free press in a democracy, the impact of changing demographics on American politics, and the debates over and expansion of civil rights. Upon completion of the course, candidates should be able to explain the basic functions of the federal government, describe the forces that shape American policy and politics, and be better prepared to participate in America’s civic institutions. This course has no prerequisite.

Applied Healthcare Probability and Statistics is designed to help develop competence in the fundamental concepts of basic mathematics, introductory algebra, and statistics and probability. These concepts include basic arithmetic with fractions and signed numbers; introductory algebra and graphing; descriptive statistics; regression and correlation; and probability. Statistical data and probability are now commonplace in the healthcare field. This course will help candidates make informed decisions about which studies and results are valid, which are not, and how those results affect your decisions. This course will give candidates background in what constitutes sound research design and how to appropriately model phenomena using statistical data. Additionally, this course guides candidates in calculating simple probabilities based on events which occur in the healthcare profession. This course will prepare candidates for studies at WGU, as well as in the healthcare profession.

The PPE I: Technical course allows you to use EHRGo, an electronic health record (EHR), to complete 42 structured activities to experience how an HIM professional uses an EHR. The selected activities meet AHIMA's Baccalaureate level competencies and by completing them you will earn 40 PPE hours. This course is eligible for an In Progress grade. Please see the Grading Scale Policy for more information.

The PPE II: Management course allows you to experience your future profession at the supervisory level. Any site where health information is used, and you can be mentored by a department or facility manager is appropriate for PPE II. This course is eligible for an In Progress grade. Please see the Grading Scale Policy for more information.

Pathophysiology is an overview of the pathology and treatment of diseases in the human body and its systems. This course will explain the processes in the body that result in the signs and symptoms of disease, as well as therapeutic procedures in managing or curing the disease. The content draws on a knowledge of anatomy and physiology to understand how diseases manifest themselves and how they affect the body.

Introduction to Pharmacology will introduce learners to medication and supplement regulations and safety protocols. It provides an overview of the use, benefits, effects, and contraindications of commonly used drugs to treat conditions of the cardiovascular, respiratory, endocrine, nervous, and renal body systems. It also explores the types of anti-infective, antineoplastic, psychotropic drugs, and dietary supplements and their effects on the body.

Foundations in Healthcare Information Management applies theories from business, IT, management, medicine, and consumer-centered healthcare skills. Students will learn to evaluate and analyze health information systems for implementation in health information management. There are no prerequisites for this course.

Foundations in Public Health introduces learners to the nation’s public health systems including an overview of the core functions of Public Health and the 10 essential public health services. Learners examine a variety of strategies to promote health, prevent disease, and prolong life among populations and communities, including behavioral, population, and policy change, mass media approaches, and community-based interventions. This course also provides learners with a foundational and historical orientation to the field of public health by examining the philosophy, history, purpose, organization, terminology, and function.

Medical Terminology focuses on the basic components of medical terminology and how terminology is used when discussing various body structures and systems. Proper use of medical terminology is critical for accurate and clear communication among medical staff, health professionals, and patients. In addition to the systems of the body, this course will discuss immunity, infections, mental health, and cancer.

Healthcare System Applications introduces students to information systems. This course includes important topics related to management of information systems (MIS), such as system development and business continuity. The course also provides an overview of management tools and issue tracking systems. This course has no prerequisites.

Introduction to Healthcare IT Systems introduces students to healthcare information technology as a discipline. Focusing on evaluating health information systems and collecting data, students will learn the various roles and functions of the health information manager in supporting the business of healthcare. This course introduces students to information technology as a discipline. This course also exposes students to the various roles and functions of the health information manager in supporting the business of healthcare. Students will learn through e-text readings, videos, case studies, several modules from LinkedIn Learning, knowledge checks, and unit quizzes. There are no prerequisites for this course.

Foundations in Healthcare Data Management introduces students to the concepts and terminology used in health data and health information management. This course teaches students how to apply data management and governance principles in the healthcare environment. The student will learn about electronic health records (EHR), legal considerations, information governance, data management, health information management (HIM), and secondary data sources. In addition to the e-text and numerous additional articles and video resources, the student will engage with case studies and knowledge checks to assist with learning. There are no prerequisites for this course.

Health Information Law and Regulations prepares students to manage health information in compliance with legal guidelines and teaches how to respond to questions and challenges when legal issues occur. This course presents the types of situations occurring in health information management that could result in ethical dilemmas and establishes a foundation for work based on legal and ethical guidelines.

Quality and Performance Management and Methods examines quality initiatives within healthcare. Quality issues cover human resource management, employee performance, and patient safety. This course focuses on quality improvement initiatives and performance improvement with the health information management perspective.

Classification Systems provides a comprehensive approach to learning about medical coding classification, coding audits, and quality standards. Candidates will be exposed to electronic health record systems and leadership principles as they relate to management of ICD and CPT codes. There are no prerequisites for this course.

Healthcare Compliance examines the role of the coding professional within healthcare information management. The course covers compliance plans, issues that arise with noncompliance, and management of internal and external audits.

Healthcare Reimbursement explores financial practices within the healthcare industry as they relate to reimbursement policies. This course identifies how reimbursement systems impact the revenue cycle and a health information manager's role. This course has no prerequisites.

Healthcare Statistics and Research explores the use of statistical data to support process improvement through health information research. Health information management (HIM) professionals use information systems to gather, analyze, and present data in response to administrative and clinical needs. This course has no prerequisites.

Healthcare Information Systems Management provides an overview of many facets of information systems in healthcare. This course explores how information technology (IT) is an organizational resource that must be managed so that it supports or enables healthcare organizational strategy. This course will discuss how decision support and communication are securely facilitated in the healthcare marketplace. This course also explores current and continuously evolving technologies, strategic thinking, and issues at the intersection of health information management and technology.

Healthcare Project Management provides students with a comprehensive foundation for project management. The course focuses on project management methodologies, process improvement analysis, business case proposals, and creating project planning documents for health information management (HIM) projects. This course will prepare students to determine project scope and timelines, complete interdepartmental stakeholder analysis, identify project resources, examine constraints and risks, and contribute to positive project communication.

Principles of Management in HIM provides an introductory look at the discipline of management and its context within the health information management environment. This course provides an overview of management and leadership, management functions, human resource management, and communication strategies. The course gives students an opportunity to analyze how leadership and management principles are used to achieve department goals. This course has no prerequisites.

Organizational Leadership in Healthcare provides students with an overview of the principles and practices leaders need in healthcare environments. The course focuses on organizational leadership theory, behaviors, culture, and teamwork. This course prepares students to apply leadership theories, principles of organizational culture development, techniques for building and leading teams, and conflict resolution strategies to support organizational goals. This course has no prerequisites.

The Health Information Management Capstone is the culmination of the student's degree program. The course allows students to do an environmental scan focusing specifically on emerging issues and trends in health information management (HIM) and to apply knowledge learned throughout the program to the problems and issues facing HIM professionals. The student will also develop a professional and educational development plan. At the end of the course, the student will complete a RHIA practice exam.

Healthcare Ecosystems examines how the aims and elements of the healthcare ecosystem can affect client and patient outcomes. The course explores the main aims of healthcare access, affordability, and quality and how regulators, providers, producers, and funders (such as payors or purchasers) support those aims. The course also examines insurance regulations and reimbursement procedures that affect healthcare access and affordability and decision-making processes that support affordable, quality care for clients and communities. There are no prerequisites for this course.

Learning Strategies in Higher Education provides students with a toolbox of skills that will support student academic growth as they advance in their academic journey. Students will be introduced to the WGU Library; how to use it and best practices for research strategies. Students will learn how to be professional in written communication and how to properly integrate and cite source materials in academic papers. In this course, students also will learn about setting goals, time-management, study strategies, making and keeping appointments, professional decorum, and test-taking skills. Learning these skills, strategies, and methods will establish an academic foundation for students to be successful in higher education. There are no prerequisites for this course.

Data Analytics and Information Governance explores the structure, methods, and approaches for using health information in the healthcare industry. By focusing on quality data collection, analytics, and industry regulations, students will examine tools that ensure quality data collection as well as to use data to improve quality of care. This course has no prerequisites.

Healthcare Financial Resource Management examines financial practices within healthcare industries to promote effective management at department and organization levels. Focusing on financial processes associated with facility operations in the healthcare field, this course will analyze the impact of strategic financial planning and regulatory control processes. This course has no prerequisites.