Metropolitan Community College

Class Syllabus – Fall 2009

CLASS IDENTIFICATION

TITLE: Medical Office Communications PREFIX/SECTION: HIMS 1210 WA CREDIT HOURS: 4.5 quarter hours CLASS BEGINS/ENDS: August 29, 2009 through November 16, 2009 WITHDRAWAL DATE: October 31, 2009 CLASS LOCATION: Online through ANGEL at http://angel.mccneb.edu MEDICAL RESOURCE: www.onelook.com

CONTACT INFORMATION

INSTRUCTOR NAME: Brenda Hurley, CMT OFFICE LOCATION: Adjunct OFFICE TELEPHONE: TOLL-FREE NUMBER:

OFFICE HOURS: By appointment EMAIL ADDRESS: Angel course e-mail (Communicate tab) or [email protected] CELL PHONE: 720-9511 (Angel e-mail is preferred) EMAIL COURSE ADDRESS: Use the ANGEL internal course mail FACULTY WEB SITE: http://ctva.mccneb.edu/jchess ACADEMIC AREA: Information Technology and E-Learning DEAN’S TELEPHONE: (402) 457-2660

COURSE INFORMATION

COURSE DESCRIPTION This course provides the student with basic information and guidelines for style, grammar, and specific medical transcription mechanics. Topics include career role and responsibilities, transcription tools and guidelines, medical records and reports, correspondence and business documents. Specific emphasis is placed on punctuation and capitalization; numbers, figures, dosages, and medical abbreviations; proofreading and quality assurance; utilization of reference materials; and word forms.

COURSE PREREQUISITES: None.

COURSE OBJECTIVES Upon completion of this course, the student will be able to:

1. Describe the career role and responsibilities of a medical transcriptionist, including ethical and legal responsibilities. 2. Identify the tools, equipment, and technology needed for medical transcription. 3. Analyze and interpret various types of medical communications used to document health care. 4. Identify the basic transcription rules according to AHDI guidelines (including punctuation, capitalization, numbers/figures, abbreviations, and sentence structure). 5. Format medical reports according to AHDI guidelines. 6. Demonstrate the ability to correctly spell medical terms and other words, proofread, and correct errors on medical reports for quality assurance. 7. Recognize, evaluate, and interpret inconsistencies and inaccuracies in medical dictation and appropriately correct them without altering the meaning of the document. 8. Utilize appropriate reference materials efficiently to research and/or verify patient information for accurate completion of medical-related documents. 9. Prepare medical-related correspondence and business documents in mailable format. 10. Integrate critical thinking and problem-solving skills essential to career success in the healthcare field.

REQUIRED & SUPPLEMENTAL MATERIALS  Textbook: The AHDI Book of Style for Medical Transcription, 3rd Edition, 2008  Author and Managing Editor: Lea M. Sims, CMT, FAAMT  Publisher: Association for Healthcare Documentation Integrity, Modesto, California  Optional: Medical Dictionary (Tabor's, Stedman's, Dorland’s)  Verify the text title, edition, and other bookstore items at www.efollett.com/

COMPUTER REQUIREMENTS The computer you use for MCC online courses must be able to run one of the ANGEL- compatible web browsers listed on the Browser Support Page: http://www.mccneb.edu/online/browsers.asp.

SOFTWARE/FILE SUBMISSION REQUIREMENTS Metropolitan Community College uses Microsoft products as part of its standard software and encourages students to do the same. You may save word-processed documents for file attachments in Microsoft Word .doc or .docx format. If your software does not allow either of these, then save files in Rich Text Format (.rtf).

CLASS STRUCTURE There are three things that you as a student must accept before enrolling in an online or hybrid course. If you dislike computer technology, you should not take an online course. You must be willing to learn the technology necessary to access online and web information, be willing to communicate with classmates and faculty online, and you have to be committed to doing assignments online. Because Metro's online courses use the ANGEL learning management system to deliver course content and learning activities and allow interaction between students and faculty, you will need to learn how to upload and download files, post to a discussion board, use the student drop box, and take online quizzes and timed tests. You will also have to be able to manage your time to produce assignments by the due date.

You will need to:  Check your course Website at least four times a week for announcements, course information, new discussion postings, and assignments.  Complete assignments on time and send them in at least 24 hours before the actual time due to allow your instructor adequate time to review your work and provide feedback.  Demonstrate effective time management skills. Set up a study schedule and stick with it to help you avoid falling behind in the class.  Contact your instructor by course email well in advance of due dates as you may need to wait 48 hours for a response to your questions.

The activities in this course are included to help you learn proper formatting and structure of medical office communications, including medical reports. When you first log into the course, it is essential that you go to the START HERE materials for guidance in beginning this online course.

RESPONSE TIME Faculty will respond within 48 hours, Monday through Friday, to student emails concerning course content, learning activities, and private matters appropriate for discussion within the teacher-student relationship. Posting of feedback and grades for major assignments is addressed under Assessment of Student Work.

ASSESSMENT OF STUDENT WORK

TYPES OF ASSESSMENTS/ASSIGNMENTS: Online courses meet the same criteria for academic rigor and qualified faculty. Online courses promote active independent learning. Online courses combine the best features of on-campus instruction with the best features of online learning to promote active independent learning. Students are required to participate in all online activities in a timely manner. This does not mean there is less work in an online course than a traditional on-campus course. It means the same amount of work but most of the work is produced and submitted online. Students assume most of the responsibility for their own learning.

Methods of Assessing Student Progress:  A module will be assigned each week, and each module contains Learning Objectives, Learning Materials, Learning Activities, Assessments, and Overview. Homework activities will be assigned each week. You will use your computer to participate in online learning activities, homework assignments, discussion, research projects, and assessments.  Each module will include a reading assignment as well as review of supplemental resources.  Each module contains at least one Discussion question. You earn up to 20 points per Discussion Question if your responses are thorough and comprehensive. Generally, you must cite your resources in order to receive maximum points.  Timed objective assessments will be given covering each of the chapters covered in this course. The tests will cover the material from the textbook exercises, assignments, handouts, and reading materials.  A group problem-solving activity may be assigned as well. Criteria for Determining Final Course Grade:

A - 90% - 100% B - 80% - 89% C - 70% - 79% D - 60% - 69% F - Below 60%

The course consists of a total of 2,230 points. The scores can be viewed using the Report feature of ANGEL’S Gradebook. The final grade will be determined by a student’s performance in the following areas: Discussion, Homework Assignments, Chapter Assessments, and Reports. All assignments are required throughout the course, though not all may be graded.

Assessment Procedures: Students MUST complete all module activities within the due dates. Students must complete each timed test during the availability period. There will be no retakes of tests. Test dates are firm. Students must pay close attention to the availability periods for tests and assignments. If a student struggles with the timed tests, he/she may contact the instructor, and arrangements may be made to transfer to a traditional or hybrid section (if available).

Late Assignments: Assignments must be submitted when due. Pay close attention to the deadlines listed on the course calendar. Normally, assignments not completed by the deadline will receive no credit. At the discretion of the instructor, some deadlines may be extended on certain assignments. If an assignment deadline is extended, it may be submitted up to one week late; however, the total points given on any late assignments that are accepted as late will be reduced by at least 10%.

Research Assignments: Follow this criteria for all research assignments in this course:  Use a 12 Point font; Arial or Times New Roman, double space  Use APA format for citing references - You can use this link to help you with APA style: http://owl.english.purdue.edu/owl/resource/560/01/  Respond to each point of the assignment  Use spell check and grammar check  Margins: Top/Bottom = 1 inch, and Right/Left = 1 inch

GRADING POLICY: The instructor will make every effort to evaluate submitted assignments within a week. The timed chapter tests are graded immediately. Other assignment grades can be viewed through the REPORT tab; then select Grades; then press RUN. Final grades will be entered through Metro’s on-line grading system (WebAdvisor).

ASSESSMENT OF STUDENT LEARNING PROGRAM: Metropolitan Community College is committed to continuous improvement of teaching and learning. You may be asked to help us to accomplish this objective. For example, you may be asked to respond to surveys or questionnaires. In other cases, tests or assignments you are required to do for this course may be shared with faculty and used for assessment purposes. USE OF STUDENT WORK: By enrolling in classes offered by Metropolitan Community College, the student gives the College license to mark on, modify, and retain the work as may be required by the process of instruction, as described in the course syllabus. The institution shall not have the right to use the work in any other manner without the written consent of the student(s).

INSTRUCTOR’S EXPECTATIONS OF STUDENTS

ATTENDANCE/PARTICIPATION POLICY: Students will read the explanatory material contained in the textbook, participate in online course discussions, and complete all required exercises. Assignments will consist of hands-on activities using a microcomputer. All assignments must be completed in order to satisfactorily complete the requirements of this course.

 Read and study the textbook and the supplemental resources. Read and study the text material for each section. Take notes for yourself as you outline important ideas and examples. Be sure to study the corresponding List of Supplemental Terms each week.  Keep in touch with your instructor and your classmates. You are encouraged to be touch with the instructor by telephone and Internet as deemed necessary.  Use the discussion tool to post questions and answer questions posed by other students. Take advantage of this opportunity to interact with classmates.  Use the mail tool to interact with your fellow students one-on-one.  Timed Chapter Tests will be administered through the Assessments folder.  Complete other assignments and embedded evaluations as specified by your instructor.  Frequent logins, active participation, and timely posting of assignments directly affect learning and grades.  The course will be covered partially by assigned portions of the text and may be presented in a sequence different from the text. Material may also be covered that is not in the text. Research will be required for some assignments. Reviewing all of the material in each module each week is necessary to understand the course material. Each student is expected to recognize the importance of time management and course participation.

Active participation and timely submission of assignments affect learning and grading in this course. To remain eligible for financial aid, students are responsible for meeting Satisfactory Academic Progress standards.

Students who attend no class meetings up to and including the Section Census Data published in the Class Schedule at www.mccneb.edu/schedule/ may be disenrolled from the class. There is no appeal for this disenrollment. A student who fails to meet class attendance expectations may receive a final grade mark of FX, indicating an absence-related failure, or a failing (F) grade.

STUDENT WITHDRAWAL: It is strongly suggested that you work with the online materials and features within the first few days of the course. Online instruction is not the best method of delivery for everyone. You need to be sure that your hardware will support the course requirements and that your computer skills are adequate to handle course assignments. If you cannot participate in and complete this course, you should officially withdraw by calling Central Registration at 402-457-5231 or 1-800- 228.9553. Failure to officially withdraw will result in either an attendance-related failure (FX) or failing (F) grade. The last date to withdraw is noted in the CLASS IDENTIFICATION section of this syllabus.

COMMUNICATION EXPECTATIONS: When you communicate with others in this course, you must follow the Student Code of Conduct (http://www.mccneb.edu/catalog/studentinformation.asp), which calls for responsible and cooperative behavior. Please think critically, ask questions, and challenge ideas, but also show respect for the opinions of others, respond to them politely, and maintain the confidentiality of thoughts expressed in the class. You may also wish to review information at http://www.albion.com/netiquette/.html.

ACADEMIC HONESTY STATEMENT: Nationally there have been increased incidences of cheating and plagiarism among the college and university student population. Although any case of cheating is cause for concern, it is an especially egregious violation in the medical and healthcare training fields. Patients trust their healthcare team with the most personal medical concerns and expect healthcare team members (including health information management personnel) to be competent and skilled in their area of expertise. This cannot be achieved if cheating or plagiarism is taking place during the educational process. Cheating of any kind in this field is an ethical violation and cannot be tolerated. In the healthcare community there is no room for individuals who are willing to compromise ethics for expediency.

Students are reminded that materials they use as sources for classwork may be subject to copyright protection. Additional information about copyright is provided on the library website at http://www.mccneb.edu/library or by your instructor. In response to incidents of student dishonesty (cheating, plagiarism, etc.), the College imposes specific actions that may include receiving a failing grade on a test, failure in the course, suspension from the College, or dismissal from the College. Disciplinary procedures are available in the Advising/Counseling Centers or at http://www.mccneb.edu/procedures/V-4_Student_Conduct_and_Discipline.pdf.

ADMINISTRATIVE WITHDRAWAL: Unsatisfactory progress will subject the student to administrative withdrawal from the course. An incomplete grade may be given in the event of a genuine emergency, and generally only if a student has completed 80 percent of all assignments.

LEARNING SUPPORT

MCC's Academic Resource Centers, Math Centers, and Writing Centers offer friendly, supportive learning environments that can help students achieve educational success. Staff members in these centers provide free drop-in assistance with basic computing, reading, math, and writing skills. Self-paced, computer-assisted instructional support in reading, vocabulary, typing, English as a Second Language, and online course orientation is also available. Detailed information about the Academic Resource, Math, and Writing Centers is in the Student Handbook, College Catalog, and online at http://www.mccneb.edu/arc/.

ACCOMMODATIONS FOR STUDENTS WITH DISABILITIES: If you have a disability that may substantially limit your ability to participate in this class, please contact a Disability Support Services Counselor located in the Student Services Office on each campus. Metropolitan Community College will provide reasonable accommodations for persons with documented qualifying disabilities. However, it is the student’s responsibility to request accommodations. For further information, please visit http://www.mccneb.edu/dss/ and/or contact Student Services.

TECHNOLOGY SUPPORT

 If you have difficulty connecting to the Internet, call your Internet provider.  If you need help connecting to the course from the ANGEL login page, refer to “Getting Started Online” at http://www.mccneb.edu/elearning/orientation.asp.  If you are unable to solve the problem, contact MCC Online Support: Chuck Davis (402) 457-2866 or [email protected] Curtis Bryant (402) 457-2853 or [email protected]

For assistance with student email, passwords, and most other MCC technology, contact the Help Desk at 457-2900 or [email protected].

TECHNOLOGY RESOURCES: By using the information technology systems at MCC (including the computer systems and phones), you acknowledge and consent to the conditions of use as set forth in the Metropolitan Community College Procedures Memorandum on Acceptable Use of Information Technology and Resources. It is your responsibility as a student to be familiar with these procedures. The full text of the Procedures Memorandum may be found at the following website: http://www.mccneb.edu/procedures/X-15_Technology_Resources_Use.pdf.

SCHEDULE OF ASSIGNMENTS

NOTICE: This syllabus sets forth a tentative schedule of class topics, learning activities, and expected learning outcomes. However, the instructor reserves the right to modify this schedule to enhance learning for students. Any modifications will not substantially change the intent or objectives of this course and will conform to the policies and guidelines of Metropolitan Community College.

Important dates are listed in the online calendar. Please check it carefully for deadlines.

IMPORTANT DATES

Important Dates; Drop Policy; Refund Policy: www.mccneb.edu/sos/enrollman.asp DATE ACTIVITY

Self-orientation to ANGEL Check out the Syllabus under Resources and the Calendar under Calendar tab

Module 1 Learning Materials Week 1 M1 Lecture M1 Handouts—MT Job Description; Comparison of Job Titles; So You Want To Be An MT; DREAMS; MT Bloopers; Document Formats Notes M1 PowerPoint presentations—Introduction to Class; A Career in Medical Transcription; Technology for the Medical Transcriptionist

Module 1 Learning Activities M1 Learning Activities Directions; M1 Scavenger Hunt; Medical Records Formats; M1 Worksheet—The MT’s Career; M1 Discussion; M1 Basic Grammar Pretest

Additional Handout: Sample medical reports (this was sent to you by regular mail)—also refer to Appendix A in your textbook.

Module 1 assignments due next week (September 8): Read Chapters 1 and 2 and Appendices A, B, and C in AHDI Book of Style (BOS). Module 1 learning activities, including Discussion assignment. Module 1 Test

Module 2 Learning Materials M2 Lecture M2 Handouts: Sentence Structure—Parts of Speech; If A Subpoena Is Served; Guidelines Week 2 for Release of Information; Security M2 PowerPoint presentations: Sentences—Basic Parts; Avoiding Sentence Fragments; Clauses—Essential Building Blocks; Adjectives and Adverbs

Module 2 Learning Activities Discussion; Basic Grammar Worksheet; Sentence Structure Class Activity; Sentence Structure—Check Your Answers; Nonessential Information Worksheet; Proofreading Exercises 2-1 and 2-2; Sentence Structure Homework; The Medical Record: Security, Access and Modification; Grammar Challenge

Module 2 assignments due next week (September 16): Read Chapters 3 and 4 and Appendices D, and E in AHDI Book of Style (BOS). Module 2 learning activities, including Discussion assignment. Module 2 Test Module 3 Learning Materials M3 Lecture M3 Handouts: Commas Rules; Commas Continued; More Commas; Commas—Final Rules; Distinguishing the Comma, Semicolon, and Colon; Period and Decimal; Hyphens and Dashes Rules; Run-On Sentences; Hyphens and Dashes M3 PowerPoint presentations: Let’s Have Some Fun; Our Friend, The Semicolon; The Colon—Sentence Gateway; Hyphens; Subject-Verb Agreement

Week 3 Module 3 Learning Activities M3 Discussion; Hyphens and Compound Modifiers; Comma, Period, Colon, Semicolon Worksheet; Subject-Verb Agreement Practice; Commas, Etc.; Punctuation Test Letter; Homonym Use; More Commas Worksheet; Practice Letters—Commas; Punctuation Worksheet

Module 3 assignments due next week (September 24): Read Chapters 5 and 6 in AHDI Book of Style (BOS) Module 3 learning activities Module 3 Test

Module 4 Learning Materials M4 Lecture M4 Handouts: Apostrophes M4 PowerPoint presentations: Capitalization; Apostrophes

Module 4 Learning Activities Discussion; Capitalization – Test Your Knowledge; Capitalization Challenge; Capitalization Activities; Apostrophes Worksheet; Punctuation Challenge; Proofreading

Week 4 Module 4 assignments due next week (October 2): Read Chapters 7 and 8 in AHDI Book of Style (BOS). Module 4 learning activities, including Discussion assignment. Module 4 Test

Module 5 Learning Materials M5 Lecture M5 Handouts: Numbers Rules; Types of Sentences M5 PowerPoint presentations: Abbreviations

Week 5 Module 5 Learning Activities M5 Discussion; Proofreading 5-4 and 5-5; Dangerous Abbreviations; Types of Sentences Worksheet; Punctuation Test; Proofreading A and Proofreading B

Module 5 assignments due next week (October 10): Read Chapters 9 and 10 in AHDI Book of Style (BOS) Module 5 learning activities Module 5 Test Module 6 Learning Materials M6 Lecture M6 Handouts: Clarity; Seven C’s of Communication M6 PowerPoint presentations: none

Week 6 Module 6 Learning Activities M6 Discussion; Drugs and Chemical Nomenclature Worksheet; Concise Writing Activity; Proofreading; Percents, Proportions, Ranges, Ratios Activity; Proofreading 6-4 and 6-5; Pop Quiz on Punctuation

Module 6 assignments due next week (October 18): Read Chapters 11, 12, and 13 in AHDI Book of Style (BOS) Module 6 learning activities Module 6 Test

Module 7 Learning Materials M7 Lecture M7 Handouts: Plurals Rules M7 PowerPoint presentations: Avoiding Run-On Sentences; Paragraph—Basic Structure Module 7 Learning Activities Week 7 M7 Discussion; Acceptable Forms, Back Formations, and Slang worksheet; Hematology, Oncology, and Lab Medicine worksheet; Proofreading; Proofreading 7-4 and 7-5; Singulars and Plurals; “Yes” Letters activity; Homonyms and Similar Words worksheet

Module 7 assignments due next week (October 25): Read Chapters 14, 15, 16, and 17 in AHDI Book of Style (BOS) Module 7 learning activities Module 7 Test

Module 8 Learning Materials M8 Lecture M8 Handouts: Light-Hearted Punctuation Poem; Should We Rephrase This? Proven Stress Reducers; Slightly Out of Focus M8 PowerPoint presentations: none

Week 8 Module 8 Learning Activities M8 Discussion; HIMS 1310 M8 Homework; Neutral Letters activity; Obstetrics, Gynecology, and Genetics worksheet; Orthopedics, Neurology, and Surgery worksheet; Proofreading A and B

Module 8 assignments due next week (November 1): Read Chapters 18, 19, 20, and 21 in AHDI Book of Style (BOS) Module 8 learning activities Module 8 Test

Week 9 Module 9 Learning Materials M9 Lecture M9 Handouts: Employability Skills; Addressing Envelopes; Winners M9 PowerPoint presentations: none Module 9 Learning Activities M9 Discussion; Analyze Voice Qualities; Cardiology and Pulmonary Medicine worksheet; Negative Letters activity; Proofreading A and B; Homonym Use; Letter 1 and 2 assignments; Word Challenge

Module 9 assignments due next week (November 8): Read Chapters 22, 23, and 24 in AHDI Book of Style (BOS) Module 9 learning activities Module 9 Test

Module 10 Learning Materials M10 Lecture M10 Handouts: Poem “Me” M10 PowerPoint presentations: Classifications

Module 10 Learning Activities Week 10 M10 Discussion; Foreign Terms and Deviations worksheet; Proofreading A and B; Subject-Verb worksheet

Module 10 assignments due next week (November 16): Read Chapters 25, 26, 27 and 28 in AHDI Book of Style (BOS) Module 10 learning activities Module 10 Test

Week 11 All Module 10 activities are due in the Drop Box. Finish all activities and take Module 10 test by the last day of class, November 16, 2009.

ACADEMIC CALENDAR: http://www.mccneb.edu/academics/calendar.asp