Visit the AHIMA website (ahima.org) and research the qualifications for taking each certification examination (ahima.org/certification) and the continuing education requirements for maintaining each credential. What similarities and differences do you see? APA format and completely cover the topic At least one page in length Purchase the answer to view it
Introduction:
The American Health Information Management Association (AHIMA) is a professional organization that is dedicated to advancing the field of health information management (HIM). AHIMA offers a variety of certifications for professionals in the industry, which validate their knowledge and expertise in specific areas. This paper aims to compare and contrast the qualifications for taking each certification examination and the continuing education requirements for maintaining each credential.
Qualifications for Certification Examinations:
AHIMA provides several certifications, each with its specific set of qualifications for taking the examination. Let us now examine the requirements for some of the most popular certifications:
1. Registered Health Information Administrator (RHIA): The RHIA certification is aimed at professionals who manage and analyze patient health information. In order to be eligible for the RHIA exam, candidates must hold an associate degree, possess relevant work experience, and graduate from a program accredited by the Commission on Accreditation for Health Informatics and Information Management Education (CAHIIM). Additionally, candidates must complete coursework in six domains, including health data management and information governance.
2. Certified Coding Specialist (CCS): The CCS certification is designed for individuals skilled in medical coding. To qualify for the CCS exam, candidates must have a high school diploma or equivalent and a minimum of two years of coding experience. Alternatively, candidates with a coding credential through AHIMA’s Certified Coding Associate (CCA) program may be eligible with one year of coding experience.
3. Certified Health Data Analyst (CHDA): The CHDA certification is intended for professionals who analyze healthcare data to improve patient care and organizational performance. Candidates for the CHDA exam must possess a bachelor’s degree or higher from an accredited institution. Additionally, candidates must have a minimum of three years of experience in healthcare data analysis or a related field.
Continuing Education Requirements:
In addition to the initial qualifications for certification examinations, AHIMA also imposes continuing education requirements for maintaining each credential. These requirements ensure that certified professionals remain up-to-date with advancements and changes within their respective fields. Let us now examine the continuing education requirements for some of the certifications:
1. RHIA: RHIA-certified professionals are required to earn at least 30 continuing education units (CEUs) every two years. These CEUs must be obtained through AHIMA-approved educational activities, which may include attending seminars, workshops, or completing online courses. Additionally, RHIA-certified professionals must complete a coding self-review every cycle.
2. CCS: CCS-certified professionals must earn 20 CEUs every two years. Similar to the requirements for RHIA, these CEUs must be obtained through AHIMA-approved educational activities. CCS-certified professionals must also complete an annual self-assessment of coding accuracy.
3. CHDA: CHDA-certified professionals are required to earn 30 CEUs every two years. These CEUs can be obtained through a combination of AHIMA-approved activities, such as attending conferences, participating in webinars, or publishing research articles.
Similarities and Differences:
Upon comparing the qualifications for certification examinations and the continuing education requirements, several similarities and differences can be observed:
Firstly, all certifications require candidates to meet specific educational requirements. Whether it is an associate degree for RHIA, a high school diploma for CCS, or a bachelor’s degree for CHDA, each certification emphasizes the importance of formal education in the field.
Secondly, all certifications require candidates to possess relevant work experience. This requirement ensures that candidates have practical knowledge and skills in their respective areas of expertise. However, the amount of required work experience varies depending on the certification. For example, the RHIA certification necessitates a minimum of one year of relevant work experience, whereas the CCS certification requires two years.
Thirdly, all certifications have continuing education requirements for maintaining the credential. AHIMA mandates certified professionals to regularly update their knowledge and skills to keep pace with advancements in the field. This requirement reflects the dynamic nature of health information management and the importance of staying current in the profession.
However, there are also differences in the continuing education requirements among the certifications. The number of CEUs required varies, with RHIA and CHDA professionals needing to earn 30 CEUs every two years, whereas CCS professionals are required to earn 20 CEUs. Additionally, the types of activities that are considered acceptable for earning CEUs may also differ.
Conclusion:
In conclusion, AHIMA offers a range of certifications for health information management professionals. Each certification has specific qualifications for taking the examination and continuing education requirements for maintaining the credential. While there are some similarities in the educational and experience requirements and the need for continuing education, there are also differences in the exact criteria and the number of CEUs required. These requirements aim to ensure that certified professionals possess the necessary knowledge and skills to excel in their respective areas of expertise and stay abreast of the latest developments in the field.