It used to be so easy.  Either you took an exam to become credentialed as a Registered Health Information Administrator (RHIA) or a Registered Health Information Technician (RHIT).   That’s it!   Now it’s not so easy.  It seems like there are oodles of credentials that a HIT graduate can obtain.  What is a graduate to do?  Here is a list, from the American Health Information Management Association (www.ahima.org) of what they are, what they mean, who can get them, and what you can do with them:

RHIA – Registered Health Information Administrator

·         An  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.  They often manage people and operational units, participate in administrative committees, and prepare budgets.  You must receive a bachelors degree from a CAHIIM accredited program to sit for the RHIA exam.

RHIT - Registered Health Information Technician

·         An  RHIT is someone who ensures 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.  You must receive an associate degree from a CAHIIM accredited program to sit for the RHIT exam.

CCA – Certified Coding Associate

·         The CCA validates competence of coding fundamentals in new graduates and those new to the coding profession. The credential balances limited job experience with tested knowledge, opening doors to new employment opportunities and positioning CCAs for advancement over non-credentialed individuals.  

·         CCA examination candidates must have a high school diploma from a United States high school or an equivalent educational background.   Although not required, it is strongly recommended that candidates have at least six months experience.

CCS – Certified Coding Specialist

·         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.  

·         CCS exam candidates must have earned a high school diploma from a United States high school or have an equivalent educational background.  Although not required, it is strongly recommended that candidates have at least three years of on-the-job experience.

CCS-P – Certified Coding Specialist – Physician Based

·         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.

·         CCS-P exam candidates must have earned a high school diploma from a United States high school or have an equivalent educational background.  Although not required, it is strongly recommended that candidates have at least three years of on-the-job experience.

CHDA – Certified Health Data Analyst

·         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.  Candidates must have a bachelors degree or higher to be eligible for this credential.

CHPS – Certified in Healthcare Privacy and Security

·         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.  Candidates must have an HIM credential (RHIT or RHIA) with a bachelors degree or higher to be eligible for this credential.

In Summary, a Rasmussen HIT graduate is eligible to sit for the RHIT exam and should do so as soon as possible after graduation.  The sooner you take the exam the better, as you will be more likely to remember what you learned!  This will give you a better chance of passing the exam.  Then you can go on to obtain the other credentials if you are inclined to do so.