Critical thinking is a cornerstone to HIM and HIT practice. The case studies in this course were designed to assist students of all levels in developing and strengthening their critical thinking skills. The case studies give students a chance to utilize the HIM/HIT principles in making decisions in a changing HIM/HIT work field with multiple variables. Each case brings the user into the HIM/HIT setting and invites him or her to utilize HIMHIT processes while considering all of the variables that influence the protected information management situation. The cases represent a unique set of variables to offer a breadth of learning experiences and to capture the reality of HIM/HIT practice. Students should not expect to be able to just look up the answers in the textbooks. They will have to draw from everything that they have learned in order to answer many of the questions in the case study.

The cases are grouped into parts based on seven major HIM/HIT topics:

• Health Data Management
• Clinical Classification Systems and Reimbursement Methodology
• Statistics and Research
• Healthcare Privacy, Confidentiality, and Ethical Issues
• Information Technology and Systems
• Management
• Project Management

Linkage of Course to Educational Program Mission Outcomes.

MISSION - This course is to provide employment-related knowledge and skills necessary to succeed in a chosen field of study.

STUDENT LEARNING OUTCOMES - Students who complete programs in occupational areas are expected to demonstrate that they:

Know
• The subject matter appropriate to the emphasis of the degree.

Are Able To
• Acquire skills and perform tasks necessary for employment or career enhancement.
• Present themselves effectively to a potential employer.
• Demonstrate effective communication skills appropriate resources to remain current in the chosen occupational field.

Have Developed
• An appreciation of the importance of social, ethical, legal and diversity issues.