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March 26 - 31, 2024

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Health Information Mgmt. & Medical Billing & Coding

About

Health Information Management combines data management with the proper handling of sensitive medical records.

The Health Information Management and Medical Billing and Coding programs provide the fundamentals of health records management, billing information, and other data systems used in a health care industry environment.

Schedule a Program Information meeting:
Email olyubar@clark.edu to schedule a zoom session.
We will be glad to provide you information about the programs.

HIM Application

Program Maps

Degrees and Certificates

Request Information

Contact

Olga Lyubar, RHIA
Department Head, Health Information Mgmt. and Medical Billing and Coding
(360) 992-2094
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Information Request Form

Please Note:

Vaccination against COVID-19 is required of all Health Information Management students.
We are not able to provide clinical placement options for unvaccinated students; thus no vaccination exemptions are allowed.

What is Health Information Management?

The Health Information Management Associate Degree in Applied Technology Program trains individuals on topics in health data content, structure and standards, information protection, access, disclosure, archives, privacy, security, health information technologies, revenue management, medical coding, compliance, and leadership.

Health Information Management (HIM) professionals may practice in different healthcare settings such as health information systems, health finance and billing services, and health information standards and policy development. Their practice connects clinical, operational, and administrative functions in health care. HIM professionals work on the classification of disease and interventions to ensure standardization for use in clinical, financial, and legal purposes.

This is a selective admission program; a separate application may be required. The Clark College Health Information Management Program is actively seeking third party accreditation through CAHIIM for the purpose of highly marketable AHIMA, RHIT certification and credential.

What is Medical Billing & Coding?

The Medical Billing/Coding Specialist Certificate Program prepares individuals for employment in the areas of medical insurance, physician's office coding, inpatient hospital coding, health care claims processing, and home-remote coding. This program also serves the needs of healthcare personnel interested in upgrading their professional skills.

Training in medical billing includes CMS-1500 and UB04 claim forms as well as the processing of insurance claims and basic health information procedures. Coding training includes CPT, HCPCS, ICD, PCS, MS-DRGs as well as the legislative changes in healthcare insurance.

With highly marketable skills that will continue to be in demand, graduates are prepared to enter the workforce. This is a selective admissions program; a separate application may be  required.

Recommended Certification

Upon completion of Clark College’s Health Information Management and/or the Medical Billing and Coding program(s), graduates qualify to take a National Certification in Medical Coding exam. Students are not required, but it is highly recommended, to obtain Medical Billing and Coding certification for employability.

There are no state or federal government requirements for Health Information Management and/or Medical Billing and Coding certification to practice medical billing or coding. However, employers may require certification or the completion of certification upon hire or within 6 months of being employed.

Certification will enhance your credibility, employability, and salary options. The National Certification can be taken through multiple organizations; Clark College prepares students for the AAPC/AHIMA exam.

Eligibility

To successfully pass one of the following examinations you will need to review each individual association’s eligibility requirements.

National Certification:


Career Opportunities

Employment opportunities in Health Information Management and Medical Billing & Coding exist in a variety of formats: medical coder, medical biller, and health information technician.