Meeting & Agendas

Meeting called to order by Cynthia Colovas, Advisory Committee Chair. Members greeted and introduced themselves to other members.

Norma Mercado reported that other ACC Health Science programs require students to take exams before graduating. CAHIIM does not mandate.

Tentatively scheduled for March 28, 2014. Meeting adjourned. There being no further business to discuss, the meeting was adjourned by Cynthia Colovas.

Members reviewed minutes from February 22, 2013 meeting. Motion and second for approval (Sharon Moody/Mary Keeton) Unanimously accepted as written.

Norma Mercado started a discussion by asking “What is new in HIM?” Cynthia Colovas spoke about the privacy practice at St. David’s and how it will affect the medical coding employee. Cynthia Colovas said that she sees opportunities in Revenue Integrity for coders. Donna Carl remarked that Revenue Integrity is a big area and a big challenge. Donna Carl added that with the implementation of ICD-10 on October 14, 2014, she sees more needs for medical coders. Sharon Moody from Seton said she sees changes in the placement of medical coders. Sharon Moody stated that hospitals have to have coders who will audit electronic coders.

Eileen Klein presented information about the changes that the legislation has passed regarding credit hours in the AAS degree. She explained that presently the AAS degree requires 72 credits but that the legislation is asking for a limit of 60 credits. Eileen Klein also explained that 15 credits in the AAS degree are general courses required by the college and that leaves only 45 credits for HITT courses. Eileen Klein asked for discussion on how the members see this requirement will impact the program. After a brief discussion regarding the impact the change may have on the HITT program, Cynthia Colovas suggested that the board may need to look at the HIM exams and the different domains before determining the next steps. The committee decided to schedule and forms a sub-committee meeting in order to further discuss their findings and the domain. Domain meeting scheduled for November 1, 2013. Norma Mercado will email members the time and place.

Norma Mercado spoke about the Health Industry Steering committee asking for feedback in the surveys that she gave to each member. Norma mentions that the committee is looking at all health services and said that the input on the survey would be greatly appreciated. The surveys were completed by the members and turned into Macy Moreno.

Norma Mercado reported that the outlook for Medical coding is still viable. She stated that companies always need coders. Cynthia Colovas asked the questions as to “how are students being made aware of the different areas in the program?” Norma Mercado said that the information in covered in the Health Data Content course. Students cover some information from the book and are given special projects to enhance the material. The students also have an opportunity to hear special speakers from HIMA. Norma Mercado noted that on October 12, there was going to be a local meeting at ACC, room 9209 where speakers would be attending. Ron Modesty asked how to get on the list to be a speaker? Norma Mercado said there are 500 speakers currently on the list and that she will add Ron and Cynthia Colovas to the list. Norma Mercado added that she is currently is president for TxHIMA.

Norma Mercado asked that members review the programs missions and goals. Ms. Mercado asked for any comments from the members. Members reviewed the Missions & Goals and had no comments.

Norma Mercado presented the HITT Spring/Summer 2013 Student Evaluation Summary. Members reviewed that evaluations and commented that there is still small numbers at the end.

Norma Mercado said that there are changes in the competencies. The changes are in the rubric. Rubric numbers will be required for each activity. Norma Mercado stated this is the first time doing rubrics. Norma Mercado said she would get copies to members.