Course Description
This course integrates the theory of medical terminology, pathophysiology, and health data classification which is continually reinforced through application of the coding process. The most common disorders for specific body systems are studied in depth according to terminology, abbreviations, demographics, etiology, signs and symptoms, method of diagnosis, common comorbidities, diagnostic, medical (including pharmaceutical) and surgical interventions, mode of encounter, documentation requirements and classification standards. Portions of the lecture-practice component of this course may take place at an acute care facility.
Course Content
- Patient service classification
- For a given disease/disorder within a major clinical category:
- define the terminology and abbreviations
- describe:
- predisposing and risk factors (demographic)
- etiology
- signs and symptoms
- method of diagnosis
- common comorbidities (including post-intervention conditions)
- typical and alternative interventions (diagnostic, medical including pharmaceutical agents surgical)
- likely mode of encounter with the health care delivery system
- classify to ICD-10-CA and CCI
- complete the discharge abstract (manual or computerized) including assignment of patient service and diagnoses types
- Major Clinical Categories included in this course:
- diseases and disorders of the skin, subcutaneous tissue & breast
- neoplasia including lymphomas and leukemia
- diseases and disorders of the musculoskeletal system and connective tissues
- diseases and disorders of the circulatory system including cardiac and vascular systems
- diseases and disorders of blood and blood forming organs and immunological disorders
- diseases and disorders of the respiratory system
- diseases and disorders of the digestive system
- diseases and disorders of the hepatobiliary system and pancreas
- multisystemic or unspecified site infections
- HIV infections
- diseases and disorders of the eye
- diseases and disorders of the ear, nose, mouth and throat
Learning Activities
- Lecture/Practice
- Group discussion
- Application exercises/case studies/health records
- Technology (software, audiovisual, Internet, etc.)
- Guest lecturer
- Independent study of courseware and specific topics
Means of Assessment
Typical evaluations would include:
- Final Exam
- Midterm Exam
- Quizzes
- Reflective Learning Journals
- Pathophysiology and Classification Synopses
- Coding Tool
Course evaluation is based on course objectives and is consistent with Douglas College Curriculum Development and Approval policy.
A detailed evaluation schedule is presented to the students at the beginning of the course.
Outline of evaluation may be subject to change.
This is a graded course.
Learning Outcomes
In this course participants have opportunities to:
- develop skills in data classification by applying knowledge of the pathophysiology for specified major clinical categories using the ICD-10-CA and CCI classification systems
- understand and predict the course of specified pathological conditions in terms of demographics, etiology, signs and symptoms, method of diagnosis, common comorbidities, typical and alternative interventions (diagnostic, medical including pharmaceutical agents and surgical), and likely mode of encounter with the health care delivery system
- apply critical thinking skills including interpretation of documentation to the coding process
- develop knowledge and use of appropriate resources (electronic and text) to enhance the coding process including the development of a personalized coding tool
- apply national, provincial and local standards for data collection
- apply patient service classification
- apply research skills to independent study of disease pathophysiology and classification
- continue using both a manual and computerized abstracting system to collect data
- continue to develop an appreciation for the importance of data integrity, accuracy, and consistency
Textbook Materials
Textbooks and Materials to be Purchased by Students
A list of mandatory and optional textbooks and materials is provided for students at the beginning of the course.