HSM-203: Healthcare Finance & Reimbursement introduces students to the essential financial principles and reimbursement systems that drive healthcare operations. The course begins with an overview of revenue cycle management, emphasizing how transparency, communication, and compliance ensure sustainable financial performance. Students will examine payer systems and both inpatient and outpatient prospective payment models, including DRGs, APCs, and other reimbursement frameworks used across healthcare settings.

Beyond reimbursement basics, the course explores hospital performance measures, risk adjustment, and the growing importance of value-based purchasing programs in promoting quality improvement and cost efficiency. Students will gain hands-on knowledge of charge description master (CDM) maintenance, contract management, and clinical documentation integrity (CDI) programs. Practical applications include claims processing, denials management, appeals procedures, and compliance audits, all of which play a critical role in protecting revenue and organizational integrity.

Designed for students pursuing careers in health services management, health information, or revenue cycle operations, this course blends financial theory with real-world tools and practices. By the end, students will understand how financial structures influence care delivery, compliance, and long-term sustainability in healthcare organizations.