PUB101 Introduction to Clinical Classification
To view more information for this unit, select Unit Outline from the list below. Please note the teaching period for which the Unit Outline is relevant.
| Unit code: | PUB101 |
|---|---|
| Prerequisite(s): | PUB100 |
| Credit points: | 12 |
| Timetable | Details in HiQ, if available |
| Availabilities |
|
| CSP student contribution | $1,164 |
| Domestic tuition unit fee | $4,356 |
| International unit fee | $4,848 |
Unit Outline: Semester 2 2025, Kelvin Grove, Internal
| Unit code: | PUB101 |
|---|---|
| Credit points: | 12 |
| Pre-requisite: | PUB100 |
| Coordinator: | Natasha Fedorova | natasha.fedorova@qut.edu.au |
Overview
Clinical classification (clinical coding) is one of the specialist roles for a health information manager. Clinical classification responds to demands for health information to support management decision making, research, public health initiatives and education. Coded data underpins decisions relating to hospital funding, meaning that there is an imperative for the codes to be assigned correctly to ensure hospitals receive appropriate financial resources. PUB101 aims to develop foundational skills in interpreting clinical documentation and clinical code selection. It involves detailed study of all five classification volumes, comprising the International Classification of Diseases, 10th Revision, Australian Modification; the Australian Classification of Health Interventions; and the Australian Coding Standards (ICD-10-AM/ACHI/ACS). Application of coding principles and standards to complete practical exercises using digital tools will be undertaken.
Learning Outcomes
On successful completion of this unit you will be able to:
- Describe the structures and basic principles of the health classifications, ICD-10-AM and ACHI used in Australian hospitals.
- Critically analyse and apply the Australian Coding Standards
- Abstract appropriate conditions, diagnoses and interventions required for the classification process from simple clinical documentation
Content
This unit consists of the following major areas of study:
1. the purpose, value and uses of coding and coded data
2. development of the international ICD-10 disease classification and the Australian versions of the disease and procedure classifications
3. the essential principles of coding with the ICD-10-AM and ACHI
4. in depth knowledge of coding rules and conventions
5. introduction to the Australian Coding Standards
6. practical application of ICD-10-AM/ACHI/ACS using case studies
Learning Approaches
This unit engages you in a theory-to-practice approach to learning. Through synchronous face to face and online classes, skills in the practical application of coding will be underpinned by knowledge of the underlying classification principles and standards gained through weekly workshops. Previous studies in medical terminology, anatomy and physiology support understanding of the content in this unit. Tutorial activities will provide the opportunity to consolidate learning through the coding of case-based examples that represent common diagnoses and procedures that are represented in health facilities. Uses of coded data for understanding, reporting and managing health issues will be discussed. In order to maximise the learning experience in this unit, you are expected to complete a series of coding exercises each week. Through the incremental introduction of the Australian Coding Standards and the completion of the set coding exercises, you will build knowledge of, and confidence in coding.
Feedback on Learning and Assessment
Formative feedback on the coding exercises completed outside of classroom hours, the coding activities conducted in tutorials and the queries raised on the unit's Discussion Board will be provided.
Detailed marking and individual and class feedback on assessment items will be provided.
Assessment
Overview
There are two pieces of assessment to be completed in this unit to assess your ability to meet the unit learning outcomes. Assessment item 1 represents introductory coding of simple diagnoses and procedures and has a pass mark set at 80% to reflect industry standards for career development and employability. For this assessment, a second attempt will be offered to students who do not pass at their first attempt but whose mark is within 10% of a pass. For assessment item 2, representing more advanced coding case studies using clinical documentation, an 80% pass mark is also required. For this assessment, a second attempt will also be offered to students who do not pass at their first attempt but whose mark is within 10% of a pass. Accurate coding is an important pre-requisite for ensuring hospital funding is appropriately allocated and information about health issues is correctly captured and reported, therefore meeting the 80% pass mark for assessment items 1 and 2 reflects the importance of high-quality coding for the health industry. To pass this unit overall, both pieces of assessment must be passed.
Unit Grading Scheme
S (Satisfactory) / U (Unsatisfactory)
Assessment Tasks
Assessment: Coding Scenarios
You will apply knowledge of the structure, organisation and conventions of ICD-10-AM and ACHI to assign codes for simple diagnosis and procedure information and answer questions about the coding standards. This assessment item has an overall pass mark set at 80% to reflect industry standards. Students who do not reach the 80% mark at their first attempt but whose mark is within 10% of a pass will be offered a second attempt.
Threshold Assessment:
The required minimum mark of 80% for assessment item 1 is set to reflect industry standards. Accurate coding is an important pre-requisite for ensuring hospital funding is appropriately allocated. This pass mark therefore reflects the importance of high-quality coding for the health industry. Note that students who do not reach the required 80% threshold at their first attempt at assessment item 1 but whose initial mark is within 10% of a pass (i.e. between 72.0-79.9%) will be granted a second attempt at completing the same assessment item.
Assessment: Coding Scenarios
You will apply knowledge of clinical concepts, the principles and techniques of clinical classification to the critical analysis of health documentation and will abstract relevant data to assign codes for diagnoses and procedures using ICD-10-AM/ACHI/ACS. The required minimum mark of 80% for assessment item 2 is set to reflect industry standards. Accurate coding is an important pre-requisite for ensuring hospital funding is appropriately allocated. This pass mark therefore reflects the importance of high-quality coding for the health industry. Note that students who do not reach the required 80% threshold at their first attempt at assessment item 1 but whose initial mark is within 10% of a pass (i.e. between 72.0-79.9%) will be granted a second attempt at completing the same assessment item.
Threshold Assessment:
The required minimum mark of 80% for assessment item 2 is set to reflect industry standards. Accurate coding is an important pre-requisite for ensuring hospital funding is appropriately allocated. This pass mark therefore reflects the importance of high-quality coding for the health industry. Note that students who do not reach the required 80% threshold at their first attempt at assessment item 2 but whose initial mark is within 10% of a pass (i.e. between 72.0-79.9%) will be granted a second attempt at completing the same assessment item.
Academic Integrity
Academic integrity is a commitment to undertaking academic work and assessment in a manner that is ethical, fair, honest, respectful and accountable.
The Academic Integrity Policy sets out the range of conduct that can be a failure to maintain the standards of academic integrity. This includes, cheating in exams, plagiarism, self-plagiarism, collusion and contract cheating. It also includes providing fraudulent or altered documentation in support of an academic concession application, for example an assignment extension or a deferred exam.
You are encouraged to make use of QUT’s learning support services, resources and tools to assure the academic integrity of your assessment. This includes the use of text matching software that may be available to assist with self-assessing your academic integrity as part of the assessment submission process.
Breaching QUT’s Academic Integrity Policy or engaging in conduct that may defeat or compromise the purpose of assessment can lead to a finding of student misconduct (Code of Conduct – Student) and result in the imposition of penalties under the Management of Student Misconduct Policy, ranging from a grade reduction to exclusion from QUT.
Requirements to Study
Costs
Students are required to obtain a copy of the classifications, either as a hard copy or eBook version. There is a cost to obtain the classifications.
Resources
The ICD-10-AM, ACHI and ACS noted below are prescribed references. They are available as either hard copy or eBook products. Note that the eBooks are designed for Windows computers only. However, non-Windows laptops can run Windows by using a Windows based application on a Mac, Parallels desktop. Further information about these products will be made available by the unit coordinator.
Resource Materials
Prescribed text(s)
HIMAA. (2021). The Australian dictionary of clinical abbreviations, acronyms & symbols. (8th Edition). Sydney: HIMAA. Available at Dictionary (himaa.org.au) as hard copy book or online product.
Independent Hospital and Aged Care Pricing Authority (2022). Australian classification of health interventions. (12th Edition). Sydney: Independent Hospital and Aged Care Pricing Authority
Independent Hospital and Aged Care Pricing Authority (2022). International classification of diseases, 10th Revision, Australian Modification. (12th Edition). Sydney: Independent Hospital and Aged Care Pricing Authority
Independent Hospital and Aged Care Pricing Authority (2022). Australian coding standards. (12th Edition). Sydney: Independent Hospital and Aged Care Pricing Authority
Recommended text(s)
Harris, P., Nagy, S., & Vardaxis N. (Eds.). (2019). Mosby's dictionary of medicine, nursing & health professions. (Revised 3rd Australian and New Zealand Edition). Chatswood, NSW: Elsevier, Australia.ISBN:978-0-7295-4280-7. Available as a hard copy or eBook publication
Other
A comprehensive study guide and workbook will be available on Canvas containing activities and coding exercises.
Risk Assessment Statement
There are no out of the ordinary risks in this unit apart from those associated with substantial computer-based work.
Course Learning Outcomes
This unit is designed to support your development of the following course/study area learning outcomes.PU51 Bachelor of Health Information Management
- Critically evaluate and apply theoretical and technical perspectives on health information management (HIM), applicable to professional practice to solve routine and emergent problems. [Knowledge, Practice]
Relates to: Coding Scenarios, Coding Scenarios - Initiate effective approaches for engaging in critical thinking, decision making and problem solving that reflect diverse perspectives and culturally safe and responsive practice, encompassing evidence-based HIM solutions. [Practice, Values/Disposition
Relates to: Coding Scenarios, Coding Scenarios - Employ digital capabilities in accessing, evaluating, utilising and communicating digital health information across a range of stakeholders, and intra- and inter-professional contexts that demonstrate independence, accountability, creativity and initiative as a HIM professional. [Practice, Values/Disposition]
Relates to: Coding Scenarios, Coding Scenarios - Exercise judgement in the context of HIM, informed by sustainable, legal, ethical, and professional perspectives that promote social inclusivity, multidisciplinary collaboration and reflective practice. [Values/Disposition, Knowledge, Practice]
Relates to: Coding Scenarios, Coding Scenarios
Unit Outline: Semester 2 2025, Online
| Unit code: | PUB101 |
|---|---|
| Credit points: | 12 |
| Pre-requisite: | PUB100 |
Overview
Clinical classification (clinical coding) is one of the specialist roles for a health information manager. Clinical classification responds to demands for health information to support management decision making, research, public health initiatives and education. Coded data underpins decisions relating to hospital funding, meaning that there is an imperative for the codes to be assigned correctly to ensure hospitals receive appropriate financial resources. PUB101 aims to develop foundational skills in interpreting clinical documentation and clinical code selection. It involves detailed study of all five classification volumes, comprising the International Classification of Diseases, 10th Revision, Australian Modification; the Australian Classification of Health Interventions; and the Australian Coding Standards (ICD-10-AM/ACHI/ACS). Application of coding principles and standards to complete practical exercises using digital tools will be undertaken.
Learning Outcomes
On successful completion of this unit you will be able to:
- Describe the structures and basic principles of the health classifications, ICD-10-AM and ACHI used in Australian hospitals.
- Critically analyse and apply the Australian Coding Standards
- Abstract appropriate conditions, diagnoses and interventions required for the classification process from simple clinical documentation
Content
This unit consists of the following major areas of study:
1. the purpose, value and uses of coding and coded data
2. development of the international ICD-10 disease classification and the Australian versions of the disease and procedure classifications
3. the essential principles of coding with the ICD-10-AM and ACHI
4. in depth knowledge of coding rules and conventions
5. introduction to the Australian Coding Standards
6. practical application of ICD-10-AM/ACHI/ACS using case studies
Learning Approaches
This unit engages you in a theory-to-practice approach to learning. Through synchronous face to face and online classes, skills in the practical application of coding will be underpinned by knowledge of the underlying classification principles and standards gained through weekly workshops. Previous studies in medical terminology, anatomy and physiology support understanding of the content in this unit. Tutorial activities will provide the opportunity to consolidate learning through the coding of case-based examples that represent common diagnoses and procedures that are represented in health facilities. Uses of coded data for understanding, reporting and managing health issues will be discussed. In order to maximise the learning experience in this unit, you are expected to complete a series of coding exercises each week. Through the incremental introduction of the Australian Coding Standards and the completion of the set coding exercises, you will build knowledge of, and confidence in coding.
Feedback on Learning and Assessment
Formative feedback on the coding exercises completed outside of classroom hours, the coding activities conducted in tutorials and the queries raised on the unit's Discussion Board will be provided.
Detailed marking and individual and class feedback on assessment items will be provided.
Assessment
Overview
There are two pieces of assessment to be completed in this unit to assess your ability to meet the unit learning outcomes. Assessment item 1 represents introductory coding of simple diagnoses and procedures and has a pass mark set at 80% to reflect industry standards for career development and employability. For this assessment, a second attempt will be offered to students who do not pass at their first attempt but whose mark is within 10% of a pass. For assessment item 2, representing more advanced coding case studies using clinical documentation, an 80% pass mark is also required. For this assessment, a second attempt will also be offered to students who do not pass at their first attempt but whose mark is within 10% of a pass. Accurate coding is an important pre-requisite for ensuring hospital funding is appropriately allocated and information about health issues is correctly captured and reported, therefore meeting the 80% pass mark for assessment items 1 and 2 reflects the importance of high-quality coding for the health industry. To pass this unit overall, both pieces of assessment must be passed.
Unit Grading Scheme
S (Satisfactory) / U (Unsatisfactory)
Assessment Tasks
Assessment: Coding Scenarios
You will apply knowledge of the structure, organisation and conventions of ICD-10-AM and ACHI to assign codes for simple diagnosis and procedure information and answer questions about the coding standards. This assessment item has an overall pass mark set at 80% to reflect industry standards. Students who do not reach the 80% mark at their first attempt but whose mark is within 10% of a pass will be offered a second attempt.
Threshold Assessment:
The required minimum mark of 80% for assessment item 1 is set to reflect industry standards. Accurate coding is an important pre-requisite for ensuring hospital funding is appropriately allocated. This pass mark therefore reflects the importance of high-quality coding for the health industry. Note that students who do not reach the required 80% threshold at their first attempt at assessment item 1 but whose initial mark is within 10% of a pass (i.e. between 72.0-79.9%) will be granted a second attempt at completing the same assessment item.
Assessment: Coding Scenarios
You will apply knowledge of clinical concepts, the principles and techniques of clinical classification to the critical analysis of health documentation and will abstract relevant data to assign codes for diagnoses and procedures using ICD-10-AM/ACHI/ACS. The required minimum mark of 80% for assessment item 2 is set to reflect industry standards. Accurate coding is an important pre-requisite for ensuring hospital funding is appropriately allocated. This pass mark therefore reflects the importance of high-quality coding for the health industry. Note that students who do not reach the required 80% threshold at their first attempt at assessment item 1 but whose initial mark is within 10% of a pass (i.e. between 72.0-79.9%) will be granted a second attempt at completing the same assessment item.
Threshold Assessment:
The required minimum mark of 80% for assessment item 2 is set to reflect industry standards. Accurate coding is an important pre-requisite for ensuring hospital funding is appropriately allocated. This pass mark therefore reflects the importance of high-quality coding for the health industry. Note that students who do not reach the required 80% threshold at their first attempt at assessment item 2 but whose initial mark is within 10% of a pass (i.e. between 72.0-79.9%) will be granted a second attempt at completing the same assessment item.
Academic Integrity
Academic integrity is a commitment to undertaking academic work and assessment in a manner that is ethical, fair, honest, respectful and accountable.
The Academic Integrity Policy sets out the range of conduct that can be a failure to maintain the standards of academic integrity. This includes, cheating in exams, plagiarism, self-plagiarism, collusion and contract cheating. It also includes providing fraudulent or altered documentation in support of an academic concession application, for example an assignment extension or a deferred exam.
You are encouraged to make use of QUT’s learning support services, resources and tools to assure the academic integrity of your assessment. This includes the use of text matching software that may be available to assist with self-assessing your academic integrity as part of the assessment submission process.
Breaching QUT’s Academic Integrity Policy or engaging in conduct that may defeat or compromise the purpose of assessment can lead to a finding of student misconduct (Code of Conduct – Student) and result in the imposition of penalties under the Management of Student Misconduct Policy, ranging from a grade reduction to exclusion from QUT.
Requirements to Study
Costs
Students are required to obtain a copy of the classifications, either as a hard copy or eBook version. There is a cost to obtain the classifications.
Resources
The ICD-10-AM, ACHI and ACS noted below are prescribed references. They are available as either hard copy or eBook products. Note that the eBooks are designed for Windows computers only. However, non-Windows laptops can run Windows by using a Windows based application on a Mac, Parallels desktop. Further information about these products will be made available by the unit coordinator.
Resource Materials
Prescribed text(s)
HIMAA. (2021). The Australian dictionary of clinical abbreviations, acronyms & symbols. (8th Edition). Sydney: HIMAA. Available at Dictionary (himaa.org.au) as hard copy book or online product.
Independent Hospital and Aged Care Pricing Authority (2022). Australian classification of health interventions. (12th Edition). Sydney: Independent Hospital and Aged Care Pricing Authority
Independent Hospital and Aged Care Pricing Authority (2022). International classification of diseases, 10th Revision, Australian Modification. (12th Edition). Sydney: Independent Hospital and Aged Care Pricing Authority
Independent Hospital and Aged Care Pricing Authority (2022). Australian coding standards. (12th Edition). Sydney: Independent Hospital and Aged Care Pricing Authority
Recommended text(s)
Harris, P., Nagy, S., & Vardaxis N. (Eds.). (2019). Mosby's dictionary of medicine, nursing & health professions. (Revised 3rd Australian and New Zealand Edition). Chatswood, NSW: Elsevier, Australia.ISBN:978-0-7295-4280-7. Available as a hard copy or eBook publication
Other
A comprehensive study guide and workbook will be available on Canvas containing activities and coding exercises.
Risk Assessment Statement
There are no out of the ordinary risks in this unit apart from those associated with substantial computer-based work.
Course Learning Outcomes
This unit is designed to support your development of the following course/study area learning outcomes.PU51 Bachelor of Health Information Management
- Critically evaluate and apply theoretical and technical perspectives on health information management (HIM), applicable to professional practice to solve routine and emergent problems. [Knowledge, Practice]
Relates to: Coding Scenarios, Coding Scenarios - Initiate effective approaches for engaging in critical thinking, decision making and problem solving that reflect diverse perspectives and culturally safe and responsive practice, encompassing evidence-based HIM solutions. [Practice, Values/Disposition
Relates to: Coding Scenarios, Coding Scenarios - Employ digital capabilities in accessing, evaluating, utilising and communicating digital health information across a range of stakeholders, and intra- and inter-professional contexts that demonstrate independence, accountability, creativity and initiative as a HIM professional. [Practice, Values/Disposition]
Relates to: Coding Scenarios, Coding Scenarios - Exercise judgement in the context of HIM, informed by sustainable, legal, ethical, and professional perspectives that promote social inclusivity, multidisciplinary collaboration and reflective practice. [Values/Disposition, Knowledge, Practice]
Relates to: Coding Scenarios, Coding Scenarios