Units

---

Sample subject outline - Semester 2 2013

Note: Subject outlines often change before the semester begins. Below is a sample outline.

Rationale

Clinical classification (clinical coding) is one of the major speciality tasks of a health information
management service in a hospital. For appointment to a position of Clinical Coder, successful
completion of an industry recognised training program is required.

The data collected in the process of clinical coding is used for statistical purposes, and for the
indexing of medical records, allowing for the storage and retrieval of information about specific
diseases and procedures. Clinical classification responds to internal and external demands for clinical
information, in particular for casemix and activity based funding, but also for management decision
making, research and education. Introduction to Clinical Classification will involve a detailed study of
all five volumes of the International Classification of Diseases, 10th Revision, Australian Modification
(ICD-10-AM) and the practical application of the principles and techniques of coding.

Aims

In this unit, knowledge of clinical classification and it role in health care will be developed.
Foundational skills in interpreting clinical documentation and clinical code selection will be developed.
These skills will enable you to correctly apply ICD-10-AM codes to documented clinical information
and communicate effectively with health professionals involved in the care and treatment of patients.

Objectives

1. Describe the purpose and application of clinical classification in the health care environment.


2. Understand the structure, organisation and conventions of ICD-10-AM.


3. Critically analyse a health record and abstract relevant data for coding.


4. Apply the principles and techniques of clinical classification to code diagnoses and procedures
   using ICD-10-AM.

Content

This unit consists of the following major areas of study:

• the purpose, value and uses of coding and coded data;


• development of the international ICD-10 classification and the International Classification of
  Diseases - 10th Revision, Australian Modification (ICD-10-AM);


• the essential principles of coding with the International Classification of Diseases - 10th Revision,
  Australian Modification (ICD-10-AM);


• in depth knowledge of coding rules and conventions;


• practical application of ICD-10-AM using case studies and discharge summaries;


• Australian Coding Standards.

Approaches to Teaching and Learning

Teaching approaches to this unit have been based on the principles of adult learning theory and
practice, and will use flexible learning approaches that will include lectures and seminars, online
activities, online study materials and self-directed learning aimed at developing an appreciation of the
complexity of clinical classification and the uses of coded data.

The unit is designed to provide a balance between theory, for example through coverage of topics in
lectures, seminars, teleconferences and readings; and practical application, achieved, for example,
through practical exercises, presentations and workbook activities. This combination of approaches to
teaching and learning is designed to provide you with essential knowledge which you are then
able to further develop in your presentations and self-directed study.

Each week you are required to undertake a set of exercises for the specific topics, and/or other
self-directed activities, such as critical analysis of health records. Additional materials or notes will be
available through the library. Regular online activities will support development of knowledge on key
concepts in the topic areas.

Assessment

Formative
You will work on case-studies for presentation during workshops, and receive feedback and peerbased
review on your responses.

Summative
Assessment will comprise three assessment items.Feedback on the activities conducted in tutorials will form the basis of the formative assessment. In
addition, written and oral feedback associated with the marking of assessments will constitute
formative assessment for the unit.

Assessment name: Examination
Description: This assessment item is designed to gauge your understanding of the initial clinical classification concepts through short answer and multiple choice questions.
Relates to objectives: 1, 2, 4
Weight: 35%
Internal or external: Internal
Group or individual: Individual
Due date: Mid Semester

Assessment name: Tutorial Presentation
Description: In pairs, students will be required to prepare and make a presentation relating to a disease, its form of treatment and coding issues relevant to this disease.
Relates to objectives: 1, 2, 4
Weight: 15%
Internal or external: Internal
Group or individual: Group
Due date: Wks 9-12

Assessment name: Examination
Description: This assessment item is designed to gauge knowledge and understanding of clinical concepts through short answer and short case study questions.
Relates to objectives: 1, 2, 3, 4
Weight: 50%
Internal or external: Internal
Group or individual: Individual
Due date: End Semester

Academic Honesty

QUT is committed to maintaining high academic standards to protect the value of its qualifications. To assist you in assuring the academic integrity of your assessment you are encouraged to make use of the support materials and services available to help you consider and check your assessment items. Important information about the university's approach to academic integrity of assessment is on your unit Blackboard site.

A breach of academic integrity is regarded as Student Misconduct and can lead to the imposition of penalties.

Resource materials

National Centre for Classification in Health. (2013) International Classification of Diseases, 10th
Revision, Australian Modification (8th Ed.). Sydney: National Casemix and
Classification Centre. (All 5 volumes)

Workbook will be available online containing activities and coding exercises.

Harris, P., Nagy, S., & Vardaxis N. (Eds.). (2010). Mosby¿s Dictionary of Medicine, Nursing & Health
Professions (2nd Australian and New Zealand ed.). Chatswood, NSW: Elsevier, Australia.
ISBN: 9780729539098.

HIMAA. (2009). The Australian Dictionary of Clinical Abbreviations, Acronyms & Symbols (5th ed.).
Sydney: HIMAA.

Risk assessment statement

There are no out of the ordinary risks in this unit apart from those associated with substantial
computer-based work.

Disclaimer - Offer of some units is subject to viability, and information in these Unit Outlines is subject to change prior to commencement of semester.

Last modified: 09-Aug-2012