Meeting & Agendas

Meeting called to order by Cynthia Colovas. Committee members introduced themselves. Cynthia Colovas welcomed everyone.

Minutes from last meeting of June 25, 2010 reviewed. Members vote unanimously to accept minutes as written.

New Business-Status of CAHIM accreditation process and comments from Dr. Claire Dixon-Lee (Insurance coding course is too early in the curriculum; the principles of ICD-9 should be taught first followed by CPT and the reimbursement insurance; a specific course on physician insurance billing is not required in an HIT program; simulations in the lab rather than on site hours in a facility.) Norma Mercado announced that she had heard from Dr. Claire Dixon-Lee in regards to the status of the CAHIM Accreditation process. Ms. Mercado read some of the comments from Dr. Claire Dixon-Lee. Dr. Claire Dixon-Lee wrote to Norma Mercado and indicated that the insurance coding class was too early in the curriculum plan. In addition, she commented that insurance billing was not HIM required. Finally, Dr. Dixon-Lee suggested practicum simulation in the labs rather than onsite hours in a facility. Eileen Klein asked Sue Biedermann if she could meet with her and the Department Chair to discuss the simulation process and to see the options available for bringing the practicum to the labs. It was decided that more information would be available at the next advisory meeting. The board members had discussion on each comment from Dr. Dixon-Lee. It was decided that it would be best to swap HITT 1341 and HITT 1213 in the curriculum plan. This change would meet the requirement and also prevent from changing the curriculum plan too much. This change was said to take place in the fall 2011 semester. Anita McAuley remarked that Advanced Medical Terminology should be taken before Pathophysiology. Ms. McAuley suggested that it would be an easy fix. She suggested swapping HITT 1213 with HITT 2231. Eileen Klein, Dean of Health Sciences, suggested putting this request on hold until she meets with the Department Chair and reviews the curriculum plan some more. After discussing the pros and cons of bringing the practicum to onsite lab simulation.

Norma Mercado announced it was time to have a program review and to update SWOT for the HIT program. She asked for volunteers and asked them to plan to meet on December 17th for this meeting. Norma said she would email the volunteers and let them know the time and place.

The board members had discussion regarding an accelerated coding program. Cynthia Colovas indicated that there were several individuals at SDMC who have worked for HIM that might be interested in this program. It was discussed that cost would be a big factor in recruiting students. More research will be needed to see how this program can be started. The board thinks it is a good program and do want to pursue it.

Norma Mercado reported that she was still looking into recruiting new advisory board members. Ron Modesty, from Capitol Ideas, suggested four new contacts for Norma to call. Norma will contact these potential leads and invite them to the next meeting. Sue Biedermann announced that she had received a grant from the federal government to do work for HIT workforce assessment. The board congratulated Sue.

Meeting adjourned. Next meeting date May 13, 2011, 7:30-9:30 a.m.