Health Information Technology

Discussion in 'General Distance Learning Discussions' started by cumpa, Jul 19, 2010.

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  1. cumpa

    cumpa New Member

    My wife is considering a career change. She has an opportunity at a job within the current hospital system she works for that will require that she get either a coding certification or the RHIT/RHIA certification. We have a local community college that offers an associates degree program that would qualify her to sit for the RHIT exam. My wife has a BA in an unrelated field so my question, is there really a significant difference in the RHIT versus RHIA designations in terms of career path. I've done several job searches on Monster and other places and most positions call for one or the other, but it really doesn't seem to matter. I've also read that if someone has a bachelors in another field and the RHIT certification it is basically the equivelant of the RHIA and they would qualify for most of the same jobs. Anybody that works in this field I would like to hear your thoughts.
     
    Last edited by a moderator: Jul 19, 2010
  2. fritzy202

    fritzy202 New Member

    Hi, I have worked in this field and have taught in this field for years. The RHIT is a basic into degree/certification into medical records and a little billing. The RHIA is an advanced degree (BS) in the same geared towards those that want to manage the medical records (health information) dept. It is still geared towards records management and less towards coding/billing. The degree programs and certifications are tightly controlled by AHIMA. They get money for every student who goes through their program and they get money from the schools per year to offer the program, then they charge for the certification exam and membership. You can't take their exam without going through their program! Some schools are dropping their AHIMA programs because of this. If she wants to get into medical coding / billing she can pursue certification through AAPC. They offer more specialities and certification options. Most employers will accept either certification agency credenitals, however, keep in mind that AHIMA originally was founded for medical records clerks so they have a longer foothold on hospitals and are the familiar old slipper in hospitals, but most are changing. Now that we have the history lesson out of the way, let me say this. If you wife already has a BS degree she can be credentials through AHIMA or AAPC in coding. AHIMA (AHIMA Home - American Health Information Management Association) offers the CCA, CCS and CCS-P credentials. AAPC (Medical Coding - Medical Billing - Medical Auditing - AAPC) offers their main certifications CPC, CPC-H and CPC-A plus about 25 other certifications including payer, auditor and medical specialities. She would probably be further ahead, with more long term options to consider just adding certification onto her existing degree. Depending on her degree, she may be able add the certifications then move into a master's if she so desired in healthcare administration. Honestly, she would have more job options and have a better ROI going in that direction instead of another BS degree. I have developed and taught a medical coding program for 8 years and I proctor exams for AAPC. I have also looked extensively at the AHIMA program in considering adopting their curriculum for my school. I would be more than happy to talk with your wife or answer any questions for her via email. You can PM here and I can send you my personal email to communicate. I'm very passionate about this field and am getting ready to start grad school for my MHA. Eighteen months ago I faced a very similar challenge in duplicating a degree for this same reason, so I have done some research. I hope this helps.
     
  3. cumpa

    cumpa New Member

    Thanks for the very informative post. She should find out about the job in the next week or so.
     
  4. StevenKing

    StevenKing Active Member

    I am involved with HIT on the medical records end and specifically more of a CTO role with a local organization. I have evaluated AHIMA and it's certifications and would like to pursue RHIA for the reasons mentioned above.

    I was exasperated to find out that, with two earned graduate degrees - and one with a specialization in healthcare management - that I would have to enroll into one of AHIMA's accredited programs to qualify to sit for the exam. Alas, I feel the frustration. [AHIMA's accrediting body is CAHIIM - so I second the "tightly controlled" verbiage above.]

    However, I did apply for a one year program that is being funded by Uncle Sugar, and, with fingers crossed...I'll find out this month if I qualify. It's paid for as long as you can finish in one year.

    Looking down the road toward RHIA.
    -Steve King
     
  5. fritzy202

    fritzy202 New Member

    I totally feel your frustration. Just know you are not alone as that is why AHIMA's membership has stalled in recent years and more coders are moving to AAPC. Some of our universities are leaving AHIMA behind because rumor has it they want to make the RHIT a bachelor's level program and the RHIA a master's level program. Most schools realize that isn't realistic to implement given the costs involved in changing the program, educating the students, then the student ROI won't increase the student base, but diminish it. I just don't see the salaries keeping pace with that level of education investment. I would love to find out about the program you found. If I could do it in a year, I would be willing to add it to my portfolio of certifications, especially if I may be able to challenge out of some of the courses and if Uncle Sugar will pay all or part of the tab all the better. Can you post or PM me the details? Thanks!
     
  6. wannabeit

    wannabeit New Member

    I'd thought about going for my RHIT but AHIMA is monopolizing the program. My wife on the other hand has a Master in Leadership Organization and a RHIT and AHIMA is trying to force my wife to enter their program to sit for the RHIA exam.
    They are telling her she need to take 8 courses to qualify for the exam. I find that outrageous.
     
  7. fritzy202

    fritzy202 New Member

    AHIMA is very well known for trying to force their members into higher level certifications which are usually more advanced degrees. This means they make more money off the member all the way around. In 30 years in the medical field I have seen their reputation and respect as a professional organization fall. They seem to support themselves more than they support their members. That is one reason I chose not to bring their program to our school. I wish your wife luck. Hopefully, she can find another option.
     
  8. SurfDoctor

    SurfDoctor Moderator

    How is the job outlook for medical records IT? How's the pay? I have a young friend, just finishing his AA, who is trying to figure out what to do for his next step. I am always snooping around to help him find a direction.
     
  9. cumpa

    cumpa New Member

    Just to update this thread my wife is well into her RHIT program and it has been a big disappointment thus far. She's enjoyed the program and is doing very well, but the way it has been set up has been challenging. She wasn't able to get into one of her classes, which was a prerequisite for a bunch of other classes so it's set off a chain reaction that has set her back at least a year in completing the program. The program seems very inflexible and doesn't take into account her prior education and work experience. She has alot invested at this point so she's going to finish the program, but rather than taking the entire summer off because she can't get into any of the classes she needs she has decided to take the online prep course and sit for the CPC exam next fall. She's had all of her anatomy and medical terminology classes through the RHIT program and deals with some coding issues in her current job, but does not have any experience working as a medical coder per se. Any suggestions on what to study other than the prep course to prepare for the CPC exam this fall?
     
  10. immanuelkonadu

    immanuelkonadu New Member

    @fritzy202 can i have your email so i discuss sm career issues with u ,relating to the RHIA
     
  11. tsholt

    tsholt New Member

    Can someone tell me what are the main differences in AAPC and AHIMA? I am in an AHIMA accredited school, but have heard lots of positive things about AAPC!
    Thanks for any information you can provide!
     

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