Course Information

Course Title:

Basic Medical Terminology

Course Number:

HIT111

Course Description:

This course introduces elements of medical terminology such as the foundations of terms used to describe the human body and its conditions, terminology for medical procedures, and the names of commonly prescribed medications. Spelling, pronunciation, and meaning of terms used in a professional healthcare setting are covered, as well as recognition of common abbreviations.

Course Prerequisites:

N/A

Course Specific Requirements

Microphone and speakers to hear pronunciation playback.

HIT Associate Competencies Chart


Domains, Subdomains, and TasksCurriculum Course(s) in Which Task is Covered
 I. Domain: Healthcare Data Management 
 A. Subdomain: Health Data Structure, Content and Standards 
1. Collect and maintain health data (such as data elements, data sets, and databases).HIT-141, HIT-225
2. Conduct analysis to ensure documentation in the health record supports the diagnosis and reflects the patient’s progress, clinical findings, and discharge status.HIT-141, HIT-202, HIT-204, HIT-211, HIT-225, HIT-271
3. Apply policies and procedures to ensure the accuracy of health data.HIT-120, HIT-141, HIT-230
4. Contribute to the definitions for and apply clinical vocabularies and terminologies used in the organization’s health information systems.HIT-202, HIT-204, HIT-211
5. Verify timeliness, completeness, accuracy, and appropriateness of data and data sources for patient care, management, billing reports, registries, and/or databases.HIT-120, HIT-141, HIT-202, HIT-204, HIT-211, HIT-225, HIT-230, HIT-271
B. Subdomain: Healthcare Information Requirements and Standards 
1. Monitor and apply organization-wide health record documentation guidelinesHIT-120, HIT-141, HIT-220, HIT-230
2. Apply policies and procedures to ensure organizational compliance with regulations and standards.HIT-120, HIT-220, HIT-225, HIT-230; HIT-271
3. Report compliance findings according to organizational policy.HIT-120, HIT-141, HIT-202, HIT-204, HIT-211, HIT-230
4. Maintain the accuracy and completeness of the patient record as defined by organizational policy and external regulations and standards.HIT-120, HIT-141, HIT-202, HIT-204, HIT-211, HIT-220, HIT-230; HIT-271
5. Assist in preparing the organization for accreditation, licensing, and/or certification surveys.HIT-120, HIT-220, HIT-225; HIT-271
C. Subdomain: Clinical Classification Systems 
1. Use and maintain electronic applications and work processes to support clinical classification and codingHIT-202, HIT-204, HIT-211; HIT-271
2. Apply diagnosis/procedure codes using ICD-9-CM.HIT-202, HIT-204; HIT-271
3. Apply procedure codes using CPT/HCPCS.HIT-211; HIT-271
4. Ensure accuracy of diagnostic/procedural groupings such as DRG, APC, and so on.HIT-202, HIT-204, HIT-211, HIT-230
5. Adhere to current regulations and established guidelines in code assignment.HIT-202, HIT-204, HIT-211
6. Validate coding accuracy using clinical information found in the health record.HIT-202, HIT-204, HIT-211; HIT-271
7. Use and maintain applications and processes to support other clinical classification and nomenclature systems (such as ICD-10-CM, SNOMED, and so on).HIT-202, HIT-204, HIT-120
8. Resolve discrepancies between coded data and supporting documentation.HIT-202, HIT-204, HIT-211
 D. Subdomain: Reimbursement Methodologies 
1. Apply policies and procedures for the use of clinical data required in reimbursement and prospective payment systems (PPS) in healthcare delivery.HIT-202, HIT-204, HIT-230
2. Support accurate billing through coding, chargemaster, claims management, and bill reconciliation processes.HIT-202, HIT-204,HIT-211, HIT-230; HIT-271
3. Use established guidelines to comply with reimbursement and reporting requirements such as the National Correct Coding Initiative.HIT-202, HIT-204, HIT-211, HIT-230
4. Compile patient data and perform data quality reviews to validate code assignment and compliance with reporting requirements such as outpatient prospective payment systems.HIT-202, HIT-204, HIT-211, HIT-230; HIT-271
II. Domain: Health Statistics, Biomedical Research and Quality ManagementFoundational knowledge gained in MATH-102, BIS-155 and ENGL-112 is applied across this Domain
A. Subdomain: Healthcare Statistics and Research 
1. Abstract and maintain data for clinical indices/databases/registries.HIT-141, HIT-271
2. Collect, organize and present data for quality management, utilization management, risk management, and other related studies.HIT-120, HIT-225; HIT-271
3. Compute and interpret healthcare statistics.HIT-225
4. Apply Institutional Review Board (IRB) processes and policies.HIT-225
5. Use specialized databases to meet specific organization needs such as medical research and disease registries.HIT-141, HIT-225
  B. Subdomain: Quality Management and Performance Improvement 
1. Abstract and report data for facility-wide quality management and performance improvement programs.HIT140, HIT-225; HIT-271
2. Analyze clinical data to identify trends that demonstrate quality, safety, and effectiveness of healthcare.HIT-120, HIT-225
III. Domain: Health Services Organization and Delivery.Specialized knowledge gained in HUMN-232 is applied across this Domain
  A. Subdomain: Healthcare Delivery Systems 
1. Apply information system policies and procedures required by national health information initiatives on the healthcare delivery system.HIT-120, HIT-230
2. Apply current laws, accreditation, licensure, and certification standards related to health information initiatives from the national, state, local and facility levels.HIT-120, HIT-220; HIT-271
3. Apply policies and procedures to comply with the changing regulations among various payment systems for healthcare services such as Medicare, Medicaid, managed care, and so forth.HIT-120, HIT-230
4. Differentiate the roles of various providers and disciplines throughout the continuum of healthcare and respond to their information needs.HIT-120, HIT-141, HIT-225
  B. Subdomain: Healthcare Privacy, Confidentiality, Legal, and Ethical Issues. 
1. Participate in the implementation of legal and regulatory requirements related to the health information infrastructure.HIT-120, HIT-141, HIT-220; HIT-271
2. Apply policies and procedures for access and disclosure of personal health information.HIT-120, HIT-141, HIT-220, HIT-230; HIT-271
3. Release patient-specific data to authorized users.HIT-141, HIT-220, HIT-230
4. Maintain user access logs/systems to track access to and disclosure of identifiable patient data.HIT-141, HIT-220, HIT-225
5. Conduct privacy and confidentiality training programs.HIT-120, HIT-141, HIT-220
6. Investigate and recommend solutions to privacy issues/problems.HIT-120, HIT-220
7. Apply and promote ethical standards of practice.HIT-202, HIT-204, HIT-211, HIT-220; HIT-271
  IV. Domain: Information Technology & Systems 
  A. Subdomain: Information and Communication Technologies  Foundational knowledge gained in COMP-100 & BIS-155 is applied across this Domain
1. Use technology, including hardware and software, to ensure data collection, storage, analysis, and reporting of information.HIT-141, HIT-225; HIT-271
2. Use common software applications such as spreadsheets, databases, word processing, graphics, presentation, e-mail, and so on in the execution of work processes.HIT-141, HIT-225; HIT-271
3. Use specialized software in the completion of HIM processes such as record tracking, release of information, coding, grouping, registries, billing, quality improvement, and imaging.HIT-141, HIT-202, HIT-204, HIT-211, HIT-230; HIT-271
4. Apply policies and procedures to the use of networks, including intranet and Internet applications to facilitate the electronic health record (EHR), personal health record (PHR), public health, and other administrative applications.HIT-120, HIT-141; HIT-271
  B. Subdomain: Data, Information, and File Structures 
1. Apply knowledge of data base architecture and design (such as data dictionary, data modeling, data warehousing, and so on) to meet departmental needs.HIT-202, HIT-204, HIT-225, HIT-230
  C. Subdomain: Data Storage and Retrieval 
1. Use appropriate electronic or imaging technology for data/record storage.HIT-141, HIT-271
2. Query and generate reports to facilitate information retrieval.HIT-225; HIT-271
3. Design and generate reports using appropriate software.HIT-225
4. Maintain archival and retrieval systems for patient information stored in multiple formats.HIT-141; HIT-271
5. Coordinate, use and maintain systems for document imaging and storage.HIT-141
  D. Subdomain: Data Security 
1. Apply confidentiality and security measures to protect electronic health information.HIT-120, HIT-220; HIT-271
2. Protect data integrity and validity using software or hardware technology.HIT-120, HIT-141, HIT-202, HIT-204
3. Apply departmental and organizational data and information system security policies.HIT-120; HIT-271
4. Use and summarize data compiled from audit train and data quality monitoring programs.HIT-225
5. Contribute to the design and implementation of risk management, contingency planning, and data recovery procedures.HIT-120, HIT-141
  E. Subdomain: Healthcare Information Management 
1. Participate in the planning, design, selection, implementation, integration, testing, evaluation, and support for organization-wide information systems.HIT-120
2. Use the principles of ergonomics and human factors in work process design.HIT-141
  V. Domain: Organizational Resources 
  A. Subdomain: Human Resources  Foundational knowledge gained in COLL-148. ENGL-112 and PSYC-110 is applied across this Subdomain
1. Apply the fundamentals of team leadership.HIT-120, HIT-141
2. Organize and contribute to work teams and committees.HIT-120, HIT-141, HIT-225, HIT-230; HIT-271
3. Conduct new staff orientation and training programs.HIT-120, HIT-141, HIT-220
4. Conduct continuing education programs.HIT-141, HIT-220
5. Monitor staffing levels and productivity standards for health information functions, and provide feedback to management and staff regarding performance.HIT-141, HIT-225
6. Communicate benchmark staff performance data.HIT-225
7. Prioritize job functions and activities.HIT-120, HIT-141
8. Use quality improvement tools and techniques to monitor, report and improve processes.HIT-225; HIT-271
B. Subdomain: Financial and Physical ResourcesFoundational knowledge gained in COLL-148 is applied across this Subdomain
1. Make recommendations for items to include in budgets and contracts.HIT-120, HIT-141
2. Monitor and order supplies needed for work processes.HIT-141
3. Monitor coding and revenue cycle processes.HIT-230
4. Recommend cost-saving and efficient means of achieving work processes and goals.HIT-120, HIT-141
5. Contribute to work plans, policies, procedures, and resource requisitions in relation to job functions.HIT-120, HIT-141; HIT-271

Software Citation Requirements

This course uses open-source software, and as the end users of this software, students are required to cite the software for any student work, such as assignments, labs, or projects, where the software has been utilized. Open-source software does have end-user license agreements, and all students should read the entire agreement for a software prior to installation or usage. In order to use the software in this course, software citations have been created for students and can be located on the Open Source Applications page. These software citations must be included in all student work submissions that have used the software.

Textbooks and Resources

Required Textbooks

The following books are required for this course:

Medical Terminology for Health Professions

6th Edition

by Ann Ehrlich and Carol L. Schroeder




E-book Details

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Campus Additional Information

Enter content here, if necessary.

Terminal Course Objectives

DeVry University course content is constructed from curriculum guides developed for each course that are in alignment with specific Terminal Course Objectives. The Terminal Course Objectives (TCOs) define the learning objectives that the student will be required to comprehend and demonstrate by course completion. The TCOs that will be covered in detail each week can be found in the Objectives section for that particular week. Whenever possible, a reference will be made from a particular assignment or discussion back to the TCO that it emphasizes.

1

Given common medical terms found in health records and reports, deconstruct the components of specific medical terms to identify their meaning.

2

Given a list of common medical words and phrases, some of which are misspelled, correct the spelling and pronounce the words correctly.

3

Given a basic representation of an anatomical and physiological system within the human body, match terms identifying the major organs and structures of that system.

4

Given a basic representation of an anatomical and physiological system within the human body, match terms identifying the major functions and pathologic conditions of that system.

5

Given selected examples of health records or reports containing common medical terms, abstract data accurately.

6

Given a medical case scenario, perform a quality assessment of the medical terminology used, identifying terms that may be inaccurate or confusing within the context of the case presented.

7

Given a list of medical terms, precisely abbreviate the terms as commonly used.

8

Given a medical case scenario containing references to commonly prescribed drugs, assess the relationship between the drug used and the body system, diagnosis or treatment indicated.

9

Given examples of healthcare settings, identify situations in which appropriately and accurately used medical terminology enables health information professionals to successfully support clinical staff functions.

10

Given descriptions of additional roles typical to the health information profession, identify opportunities for the effective use of medical terminology in those roles.

Lab Schedule

Week 1

None
Citrix
RKON
Skillsoft
Toolwire
WebServer
ACC COMAT
ACC NonCOMAT
CWP

Week 2

None
Citrix
RKON
Skillsoft
Toolwire
WebServer
ACC COMAT
ACC NonCOMAT
CWP

Week 3

None
Citrix
RKON
Skillsoft
Toolwire
WebServer
ACC COMAT
ACC NonCOMAT
CWP

Week 4

None
Citrix
RKON
Skillsoft
Toolwire
WebServer
ACC COMAT
ACC NonCOMAT
CWP

Week 5

None
Citrix
RKON
Skillsoft
Toolwire
WebServer
ACC COMAT
ACC NonCOMAT
CWP

Week 6

None
Citrix
RKON
Skillsoft
Toolwire
WebServer
ACC COMAT
ACC NonCOMAT
CWP

Week 7

None
Citrix
RKON
Skillsoft
Toolwire
WebServer
ACC COMAT
ACC NonCOMAT
CWP

Week 8

None
Citrix
RKON
Skillsoft
Toolwire
WebServer
ACC COMAT
ACC NonCOMAT
CWP

Course Schedule

Week, TCOs, and TopicsReadings and Class PreparationActivities and Assignments
Week 1

TCOs 1 and 2

Introduction to Medical Terminology
The Human Body

Chapter 1: Introduction to Medical Terminology

Chapter 2: The Human Body in Health and Disease

Assignment - Pronunciation

Graded Discussions

Quiz: Chapters 1–2

Week 2

TCO 3

The Skeletal System
The Muscular System

Chapter 3: The Skeletal System

Chapter 4: The Muscular System

Assignment - Pronunciation

Graded Discussions

Quiz: Chapters 3–4

Week 3

TCO 4

The Cardiovascular System
The Lymphatic System
The Respiratory System

Chapter 5: The Cardiovascular System

Chapter 6: The Lymphatic and Immune Systems

Chapter 7: The Respiratory System

Assignment - Pronunciation

Graded Discussions

Quiz: Chapters 5–7

Week 4

TCO 5

The Digestive System
The Urinary System

Chapter 8: The Digestive System

Chapter 9: The Urinary System

Assignment - Pronunciation

Graded Discussions

Quiz: Chapters 8–9

Week 5

TCO 6

The Nervous System
Special Senses Systems

Chapter 10: The Nervous System

Chapter 11: Special Senses: The Eyes and Ears

Assignment - Pronunciation

Graded Discussions

Quiz: Chapters 10–11

Week 6

TCOs 7 and 8

The Integumentary System
The Endocrine System

Chapter 12: The Integumentary System

Chapter 13: The Endocrine System

Assignment - Pronunciation

Graded Discussions

Quiz: Chapters 12–13

Week 7

TCOs 9 and 10

The Reproductive System
Diagnostic Procedures

Chapter 14: The Reproductive Systems

Chapter 15: Diagnostic Procedures and Pharmacology

Assignment - Pronunciation

Graded Discussions

Quiz: Chapters 14–15

Week 8
All TCOs
Final Exam

Blended E-Learning

This course is an 8-week, intensive course that includes both classroom-based and e-learning activities. Your participation in both areas is essential to your success in this course. You should expect to spend time each week participating in the prescribed activities both before and after our class meeting.

Participation before, during, and after class meetings is critical to your success in this intensive environment.

To get the most out of our weekly class meetings, it is essential that you come to class prepared. The weekly readings listed in the Course Schedule will prepare you for class. Our class meetings, in turn, will prepare you for upcoming exams and assignments.

Through the DeVry e-learning platform, you will be able to

  • review the Syllabus and weekly assignment information;
  • submit completed work for grading;
  • take quizzes and exams;
  • obtain copies of class handouts and notes;
  • e-mail the instructor and other students; and
  • participate in online discussion of class material.

iConnect Live

This course contains iConnect Live sessions that provide students with the opportunity to attend live presentations, which cover course materials, projects, and assignments. Please see the iConnect Live items for the days and times of the live sessions and for the link to enter each session. You will also receive e-mail reminders each week.

If you are unable to attend the live session, you can watch the recorded session by clicking on the Recordings link that will appear in the iConnect Live item after the lecture has concluded. Please contact your instructor with any questions.

Please note that because of unavoidable technological issues and presenter availability, the live lectures may be substituted with prerecorded lectures.

Due Dates for Assignments & Exams

Unless otherwise specified, the following applies.

  • Access to most weeks begins on Sunday at 12:01 a.m. mountain time (MT).
  • All assignments are to be submitted on or before Sunday at the end of the specified week that they are due, by 11:59 p.m. (MT).
  • All quizzes and exams are to be completed on or before Sunday at the end of the specified week that they open, by 11:59 p.m. (MT).

Note: Week 8 opens at 12:01 a.m. (MT) on the ending Sunday of Week 7. Any assignments or exams must be completed by 11:59 p.m. (MT) Saturday of the eighth week.

Due Dates for Assignments & Exams

All assignments, quizzes, and exams are to be completed per the schedule indicated by your instructor.

Assignment Values and Letter Grades

The maximum score in this class is 1,000 points. The categories, which contribute to your final grade, are weighted as follows.

AssignmentPointsWeighting
Discussions (40 points, Weeks 1–7)28028%
Quizzes (40 Pts, Weeks 1–7)28028%
Pronunciation (20 Pts, Weeks 1–7)14014%
Final Exam30030%
Total Points1,000100%

All of your course requirements are graded using points. At the end of the course, the points are converted to a letter grade using the scale in the table below.

Letter GradePointsPercentage
A900–1,00090% to 100%
B800–89980% to 89%
C700–79970% to 79%
D600–69960% to 69%
F599 and belowBelow 60%

DeVry Graduate Academic Policy and Relevant Resources

DeVry Undergraduate Academic Policy and Relevant Resources

Frequently Asked Questions

When are grades calculated, and how can I view my grades?

  • You must complete any quizzes and post your written assignments (if necessary) to the weekly Dropbox by Sunday 11:59 p.m. (MT) each week, except Week 8 which closes at 11:59 p.m. (MT) Saturday.
  • Once your work is reviewed, you should see comments and total points for each assignment in the Gradebook. Instructors should have Discussion work graded by the following Tuesday and all other assignments by the following Friday.
  • You may check your progress at any time by going to the Gradebook, selecting the week and then your name.
  • Click on the points earned for each assignment in the Gradebook to see any instructor comments.

What should I do if a discrepancy is found with my grade?

  1. Double-check the error and try to determine what caused it.
  2. Send your instructor an email explaining your findings.
  3. Trust that any error in grading will be corrected quickly

What if I cannot get my work submitted on time?

  • If you have an emergency that will cause your work to be late, please contact your instructor in advance of the due date so that arrangements can be made. Your instructor may reserve the right to deduct points for work turned in late based on the reason and the timeliness of notice.
  • If a technical problem prevents you from meeting the scheduled due date, please contact the Help Desk at 1-800-594-2402 and immediately email your instructor about the situation.

How can I get extra credit?

Extra credit is not an option.

Questions and Concerns

Please feel free to contact me for help with coursework or other areas that may impact your progress. Here are some examples.

  • Do you have general questions about attendance, deadlines regarding your courses, student financial aid, or other areas? 
  • Are you a member of the military service? Do you need to adjust your schedule due to active duty, or do you have questions about your GI Bill® benefits or have other unforeseen military and veteran-related issues that have developed?
  • Do you need supplementary student assistance? Please let me know if you are having academic difficulty and would like an ADA accommodation. Although I can talk with you about getting assistance, an excellent point of contact is the Office of Student Disability Services. You can reach the Office by calling 877-496-9050, option 3, or by e-mailing adaofficer@devry.edu or adaofficer@keller.edu.

Regardless of your situation, please feel free to contact me for assistance in whatever area of concern you might have. I will do everything I can to assist you or put you in contact with University colleagues who are trained to assist you in whatever area of concern you might have.

"GI Bill® is a registered trademark of the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA). More information about education benefits offered by the VA is available at the official U.S. government website: www.benefits.va.gov/gibill.”

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