Health Information Management

  Registered Health Information Administrator (RHIA)

Working as a critical link between care providers, payers, and patients, the RHIA is an expert in managing patient health information and medical records, administering computer information systems, collecting and analyzing patient data, and using classification systems and medical terminologies. RHIAs possess comprehensive knowledge of medical, administrative, ethical and legal requirements and standards related to healthcare delivery and the privacy of protected patient information. They often manage people and operational units, participate in administrative committees, and prepare budgets.

One of the initial RHIA eligibility requirements is a degree from a CAHIIM-accredited program. Directory of CAHIIM-accredited Programs

  Registered Health Information Technician (RHIT)

Professionals holding the RHIT credential are health information technicians who ensure the quality of medical records by verifying their completeness, accuracy, and proper entry into computer systems. They may also use computer applications to assemble and analyze patient data to improve patient care or control costs. RHITs often specialize in coding diagnoses and procedures in patient records for reimbursement and research. With experience, the RHIT credential holds solid potential for advancement to management positions, especially when combined with a bachelor's degree.

One of the initial RHIT eligibility requirements is a degree from a CAHIIM-accredited program. Directory of CAHIIM-accredited Programs

Coding

  Certified Coding Associate (CCA)

The CCA distinguishes coders by exhibiting commitment and demonstrating coding competencies across all settings, including both hospitals and physician practices. Based upon job analysis standards and state-of-the-art test construction, the CCA is creating a larger pool of qualified coders ready to meet potential employers' needs. The CCA designation has been a nationally accepted standard of achievement in the health information management field since 2002. The CCA, CCS & CCS-P are the only HIM credential worldwide currently accredited by the National Commission for Certifying Agencies (NCCA).

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  Certified Coding Specialist (CCS)

Certified Coding Specialists are mastery-level professionals skilled in classifying medical data from patient records, generally in the hospital setting. These coding practitioners review patients' records and assign numeric codes for each diagnosis and procedure. To perform this task, they must possess expertise in the ICD-9-CM and CPT coding systems. In addition, the CCS is knowledgeable in medical terminology, disease processes, and pharmacology. Professionals experienced in coding inpatient and outpatient records should consider obtaining this credential. The CCA, CCS & CCS-P are the only HIM credential worldwide currently accredited by the National Commission for Certifying Agencies (NCCA).

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  Certified Coding Specialist-Physician-based (CCS-P)

The CCS-P is a mastery-level coding practitioner with expertise in physician-based settings such as physician offices, group practices, multi-specialty clinics, or specialty centers. This coding practitioner reviews patients' records and assigns numeric codes for each diagnosis and procedure. To perform this task, the individual must possess in-depth knowledge of the CPT coding system and familiarity with the ICD-9-CM and HCPCS Level II coding systems. The CCS-P is also an expert in health information documentation, data integrity, and quality. The CCA, CCS & CCS-P are the only HIM credential worldwide currently accredited by the National Commission for Certifying Agencies (NCCA).

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The U.S. Department of Labor's Bureau of Labor Statistics projects a 20% increase in employment before 2018 for the Medical Coding and Billing field, which includes medical coding and billing professionals. This represents more than 37,000 new jobs.

Health Data Analysis

  Certified Health Data Analyst (CHDA)

CHDAs demonstrate expertise in health data analysis and the knowledge to acquire, manage, analyze, interpret, and transform data into accurate, consistent, and timely information, while balancing the "big picture" strategic vision with day-to-day details. CHDA-certified professionals also exhibit broad organizational knowledge and the ability to communicate with individuals and groups at multiple levels, both internal and external.

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Healthcare Privacy and Security

  Certified in Healthcare Privacy and Security (CHPS)

The CHPS credential is the only combined privacy and security certification available in the healthcare industry. CHPS denotes competence in designing, implementing, and administering comprehensive privacy and security protection programs in all types of healthcare organizations. Becoming certified in healthcare privacy and security demonstrates a choice to focus and advance by specializing in privacy and security dimensions of HIM. Being distinguished with this special expertise signifies a commitment to advancing privacy and security management practices and lifelong learning and professional development.

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Now more than ever, a strong, highly respected clinical documentation improvement (CDI) certification program can help move the industry forward to achieve the goals of RAC audits, ARRA/HITECH, and other important initiatives with the overarching goal of improving the quality of healthcare. In response to industry demand, the Commission on Certification for Health Informatics and Information Management (CCHIIM) has developed a new credential focused upon CDI professionals. The new CDIP credential, launching this fall, is grounded in CCHIIM’s commitment to high certification standards and links directly to AHIMA’s mission of “Quality Healthcare through Quality Information.” 

AHIMA’s CDIP certification will confirm the commitment of AHIMA to globally improve and maintain quality information for those involved in healthcare as well as support the integrity of the patient’s health record. The certification will distinguish those professionals serving as clinical documentation specialists as knowledgeable and competent to provide guidance relative to clinical documentation in the patient’s health record, thus promoting the HIM profession overall.