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.

Each year, National Surgical Technologist Week is an opportunity to promote the profession and educate the community about the vital role that surgical technologists play in the O.R. 

Roles of the Surgical Technologist

The following description of the surgical technologist has been approved by the American College of Surgeons and the Association of Surgical Technologists:

Scrub Surgical Technologist - The scrub surgical technologist handles the instruments, supplies, and equipment necessary during the surgical procedure. He/she has an understanding of the procedure being performed and anticipates the needs of the surgeon. He/she has the necessary knowledge and ability to ensure quality patient care during the operative procedure and is constantly on vigil for maintenance of the sterile field. Duties are as follows:

1. Checks supplies and equipment needed for surgical procedure

2. Scrubs, gowns, and gloves

3. Sets up sterile table with instruments, supplies, equipment, and medications/solutions needed for procedure

4. Performs appropriate counts with circulator prior to the operation and before incision is closed

5. Gowns and gloves surgeon and assistants

6. Helps in draping sterile field

7. Passes instruments, etc., to surgeon during procedure

8. Maintains highest standard of sterile technique during procedures

9. Prepares sterile dressings

10. Cleans and prepares instruments for terminal sterilization

11. Assists other members of team with terminal cleaning of room

12. Assists in prepping room for the next patient

Circulating Surgical Technologist - The surgical technologist assisting in circulating obtains additional instruments, supplies, and equipment necessary while the surgical procedure is in progress. He/she monitors conditions in the operating room and constantly assesses the needs of the patient and surgical team. Duties are as follows:

1. Obtains appropriate sterile and unsterile items needed for procedure

2. Opens sterile supplies

3. Checks patient’s chart, identifies patient, verifies surgery to be performed with consent forms, and brings patient to assigned operating room

4. Transfers patient to operating room table

5. Assesses comfort and safety measures and provides verbal and tactile reassurance to the patient

6. Assists anesthesia personnel

7. Positions patient, using appropriate equipment

8. Applies electrosurgical grounding pads, tourniquets, monitors, etc., before procedure begins

9. Prepares the patient’s skin prior to draping by surgical team 10.10. Performs appropriate counts with 10. Perform appropriate counts with scrub person prior to the operation and before incision is closed

11. Anticipates additional supplies needed during the procedure

12. Keeps accurate records throughout the procedure

13. Properly cares for specimens

14. Secures dressings after incision closure

15. Helps transport patient to recovery room

16. Assists in cleaning of room and preparing for next patient

Second Assisting Technologist - The second assisting surgical technologist assists the surgeon and/or first assistant during the operative procedure by carrying out technical tasks other than cutting, clamping, and suturing of tissue. This role is distinct from that of the first assistant and may, in some circumstances, be performed at the same time as the scrub role. Duties include but are not exclusive to the following:

1. Holds retractors or instruments as directed by the surgeon

2. Sponges or suctions operative site

3. Applies electrocautery to clamps on bleeders

4. Cuts suture material as directed by the surgeon

5. Connects drains to suction apparatus

6. Applies dressings to closed wound

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Surgical_technologist#Role_of_the_Surgical_Technologist

Surgical technologists are able to advance their careers outside the operating room in several ways. They can continue their education and become certified as surgical assistants, or they can contribute to the field of medicine in other roles. Here’s what some AST members are currently employed as:

• O.R. managers
• Central supply
• Sterile processing
• Sales representatives for medical manufacturers
• Educators