Becoming a Certified Electronic Health Record Specialist in North Dakota: Your Comprehensive Guide

Are you ready to take on the role of a certified electronic health record specialist in North Dakota? This article cuts straight to the chase, outlining the precise educational requirements, the certification process, and the promising career prospects awaiting you in North Dakota’s healthcare industry. Dive in for a clear and concise guide to fast-track your journey into this essential healthcare niche.

Key Takeaways

To become a Certified Electronic Health Record Specialist in North Dakota, one should start with a high school diploma or equivalent, pursue postsecondary education, and gain experience in healthcare administrative roles. Specialized education programs and certifications, such as the CEHRS exam by the NHA, are essential for validating expertise in managing EHR systems.
EHR specialists must possess a broad skillset, including proficiency in EHR systems, accurate data management, medical coding, billing, and integration of healthcare software. They also need to ensure compliance with legal standards such as HIPAA and maintain patient confidentiality.
Career opportunities for Certified Electronic Health Record Specialists are on the rise in North Dakota, with potential roles in clinical and non-clinical settings and advanced opportunities in healthcare IT and informatics, depending on education and experience levels.

Path to Becoming a Certified Electronic Health Record Specialist in North Dakota

Initiating your journey to becoming a Certified Electronic Health Record Specialist, a high school diploma or its equivalent serves as the foundational step toward your career in health information management. Although not mandatory, having prior healthcare experience can be advantageous, providing practical insights into the workings of the healthcare industry.

Subsequently, you should pursue postsecondary education, which could be a certificate program or an associate’s degree in health information technology. These programs are often preferred by employers as they equip you with the necessary knowledge and skills to effectively manage electronic health records. Additionally, gaining experience in administrative or clerical roles within healthcare settings can be beneficial for your EHR specialist role, offering a deeper understanding of healthcare operations.

Education and Training Programs For Certified Electronic Health Record

Enrolling in a structured education and training program forms an integral part of your pathway to becoming an EHR specialist. These programs provide a comprehensive understanding of electronic health records and prepare you for the certification exams.

University of North Dakota

The University of North Dakota, for instance, offers a tailor-made course bundle specifically designed to prepare students for the Certified Electronic Health Record Specialist (CEHRS) exam.

For individuals seeking an online Bachelor’s in Health Science, specialization tracks like Acute Care & Long-Term Care can be highly relevant, providing a broader perspective of the healthcare industry. These specialized tracks not only enhance your understanding of electronic health records but also open up diverse career opportunities such as:

Acute care nurse
Long-term care administrator
Health information manager
Clinical research coordinator
Healthcare consultant

Dakota State University

Program Overview:

The Health Informatics and Information Management (HIIM) associate degree at Dakota State University (DSU) prepares students for careers as health information technicians.
This program includes skills such as coding diagnoses, managing patient privacy, processing reimbursements, and enhancing electronic health record systems used by healthcare providers.

Certified Electronic Health Records and Credentialing:

Graduates of the program are eligible to take the Registered Health Information Technician (RHIT) national exam sponsored by the American Health Information Management Association (AHIMA).
DSU boasts a 100% pass rate for the RHIT exam in 2021-2022.
Students develop in-depth knowledge of electronic health records (EHRs), learning about health information systems, governance of data (HIPAA), access management, and requests for information protocols.

Career Preparation:

The program prepares students for various career paths, including health data analyst, clinical coding specialist, and patient information coordinator.
The program is accredited by the Commission on Accreditation for Health Informatics and Information Management Education (CAHIIM).

Dakota State University offers a comprehensive Health Informatics and Information Management program with a strong focus on electronic health records and coding, culminating in eligibility for the RHIT certification, supported by a flexible, online format suitable for both students and professionals.

MedCerts – Online Electronic Health Records (EHR) Training School

Program Overview:

MedCerts offers a 12-week online program that prepares students to become Electronic Health Records (EHR) Specialists.
This program is designed to prepare students for the Certified Electronic Health Records Specialist (CEHRS) certification exam, which is a key credential for professionals in the field.

Key Skills Taught:

Managing electronic health records and ensuring accuracy and privacy.
Maintaining confidentiality through compliance with HIPAA/HITECH regulations.
Employing practice management applications and understanding diagnosis and procedure codes.
Understanding the impact of accurate charting on patient safety and reimbursement.

Course Features:

The program includes expert-led video training, eBooks, and competency assessments.
Learning tools like interactive simulations and game-based learning are used to accommodate various learning styles.
The course also covers the national certification exam fee and provides exam preparation and support.

Certification Preparedness:

Graduates are fully prepared to take the Certified Electronic Health Records Specialist (CEHRS) certification exam.
The program includes exam prep and dedicated support from Student Success Advisors.

MedCerts offers a comprehensive, 12-week online training program that prepares students for the CEHRS certification, with flexible payment options and a focus on practical skills in electronic health records management, confidentiality, and coding compliance.

Certification Process

Securing certification is a significant step to validate your credibility as an EHR specialist. The Certified Electronic Health Record Specialist (CEHRS) exam, offered by the National Healthcareer Association (NHA), is one such certification that verifies your knowledge and skills in the field. To be eligible for the CEHRS exam, you typically need to complete a training program or have equivalent work experience.

The CEHRS exam covers key topics such as certified electronic health records data entry, health information laws and ethics, and quality improvement, ensuring that certified specialists are well-equipped to handle the intricacies of electronic health records. Remember, maintaining your certification necessitates continuous education, emphasizing the need for care record ongoing training.

Financial Assistance For Certified Electronic Health Record

Pursuing education and training in electronic health records can be a significant investment. However, various financial assistance options are available to make this journey more affordable, including major federal initiatives. From scholarships and grants to federal aid, these options can help reduce the financial burden of your education and training.

Evaluating these options and choosing the one that aligns with your financial needs is pivotal.

Essential Skills and Knowledge for Electronic Health Record Specialists

As an electronic health records specialist, managing the complexities of electronic health records mandates a diverse skill set. Proficiency in various EHR systems such as Epic, Cerner, and Meditech, in addition to software like Allscripts and McKesson, is critical to effectively managing patient data. Accurate data entry is another crucial skill, as it directly impacts patient care and the outcomes of clinical interventions. Electronic health records specialists play a vital role in ensuring the seamless management of patient information.

Apart from these technical skills, EHR specialists must excel in:

Managing workloads and prioritizing tasks to process multiple data entry requests promptly
Troubleshooting technical issues quickly to minimize disruptions to patient care
Ensuring accurate documentation of patient visits
Upholding data integrity
Providing EHR system training to new staff

Electronic Health Records Management

By integrating patient charting, billing, coding, scheduling, and data reporting, Electronic Health Records (EHRs) are transforming medical record-keeping into a more streamlined system. As an EHR specialist, you’ll be responsible for:

Managing patient visits
Tracking vital information such as allergies and medications
Interpreting health records
Reporting public health information.

EHR specialists bear the primary responsibility of:

Maintaining, updating, and troubleshooting EHR systems
Ensuring these systems are current with EHR software changes and regulations
Maintaining data integrity within EHR systems through rigorous data entry accuracy and regular data backups

In North Dakota, EHRs are protected under state and federal laws, including HIPAA, to ensure they’re used appropriately for treatment, payment, and public health purposes.

Another crucial aspect of EHR management is knowledge of medical terminology, which is critical for the effective management of EHRs, including vocabulary for patient visit management.

Medical Coding and Billing

Within the sphere of Electronic Health Records, healthcare administration hinges on medical coding and billing, including submitting reimbursement claims. A deep understanding of medical coding standards is essential for accurate EHR management. EHR specialists need to be proficient with coding standards like ICD-10 and CPT codes to accurately enter patient information into the system.

Incorrect coding can have serious repercussions, from potential misdiagnoses affecting patient care to billing errors impacting the financial management of healthcare services. Therefore, EHR specialists must keep abreast of updates and changes in coding standards to ensure continuous compliance and precision in billing practices.

Practice Management Systems and Healthcare Software

Practice management systems and healthcare software have a role that transcends simple record-keeping. These systems play a vital role in enhancing the management of electronic health records. The integration of scheduling systems within EHRs, for instance, facilitates appointment linking, automated coding, and claims management, significantly reducing administrative work.

EHR specialists must be capable of integrating EHR systems with other healthcare software to create efficient workflows and boost overall healthcare efficiency. Moreover, the development of reports and analytics from EHR data is a crucial skill for understanding patient care dynamics and enhancing patient outcomes.

Job Opportunities and Career Growth for Certified Electronic Health Record Specialists in North Dakota

The ascending adoption of EHR systems among North Dakota healthcare providers fuels a surge in demand for certified electronic health record specialists. This growth in demand presents a plethora of job opportunities and career growth prospects for certified EHR specialists in the state.

Certified EHR specialists can progress into roles such as EHR managers, EHR trainers, or health information technicians. On-the-job experience and additional certifications can propel you into senior positions such as health informatics specialists or healthcare IT project managers. Furthering education in fields like healthcare administration or health information management can open up even higher-level opportunities.

Healthcare Facilities and Settings

As a certified EHR specialist, you have the opportunity to work in a variety of healthcare facilities in North Dakota, including hospitals, physician practices, and outpatient care centers. These clinical settings offer varied work environments, each with its unique challenges and rewards.

Beyond clinical settings, EHR professionals can also find opportunities in non-clinical settings such as health insurance companies, consulting services, and EHR vendors. These roles often require a deep understanding of EHR systems and regulations, offering a unique perspective of the healthcare industry.

Job Outlook and Salary Expectations For A Certified Electronic Health Record

Several factors can influence the job outlook and salary expectations for EHR specialists in North Dakota, including:

Educational qualifications
Work experience
The employers they serve
The prevailing economic conditions

As the healthcare industry continues to evolve and digitize, the demand for proficient EHR specialists is expected to grow, promising a positive job outlook and competitive remuneration.

Advanced Roles and Continuing Education

The field of electronic medical records offers a plethora of opportunities for career advancement. With additional education and experience, EHR professionals can pursue advanced roles like health information manager, instructor, or supervisor. These roles often require a master’s degree and offer an opportunity to make a significant impact on healthcare delivery.

Continuing education and professional development are crucial for career advancement in this field. Attending seminars, engaging with professional organizations, and staying updated with the latest trends in EHR management can enhance your skills and open up new opportunities.

Legal and Ethical Considerations for Electronic Health Record Specialists

As an EHR specialist, the management of electronic health records necessitates the navigation of a complex terrain of legal and ethical considerations. These professionals must adhere to both state and federal laws when managing patient health records, ensuring that they maintain the integrity and accuracy of health records to prevent malpractice or legal issues.

Ethical considerations are equally important. EHR specialists are ethically obligated to protect patient information, ensuring that only authorized individuals have access. This entails adhering to patient confidentiality agreements, a key part of the ethical standards set for EHR specialists.

HIPAA Requirements and Disaster Recovery

EHR specialists must adhere to HIPAA compliance as a significant legal requirement. As a part of their training, EHR specialists learn about legal, ethical, and regulatory concepts, including HIPAA compliance, which is crucial for safe electronic records handling. In North Dakota, the Health Information Network (NDHIN) gives a Notice of Privacy Practices that adhere to HIPAA standards, outlining the use and disclosure of patients’ health information.

Having a disaster recovery plan is also crucial to ensure healthcare documentation integrity and reliability of EHR systems. Regular audits and disaster recovery plans help address any errors or inconsistencies, ensuring that North Dakota residents have the right to amend incorrect health information.

Patient Privacy and Confidentiality

Upholding patient privacy and confidentiality forms the bedrock of ethical practice in EHR management. EHR specialists must protect patient privacy by:

Securing personal health records through implementing best practices like strong passwords, secure logouts, and encryption of files
Auditing patient records to identify and rectify any inconsistencies between paper and electronic records
Ensuring compliance with healthcare regulations and maintaining efficient personal health record communication

The North Dakota Health Information Network (NDHIN) safeguards health information by using encryption, thereby upholding HIPAA’s privacy and security standards. To participate in the NDHIN, healthcare providers and organizations must adhere to all confidentiality laws related to health information.

Preparing for the Certified Electronic Health Record Specialist Exam

A structured approach is necessary when preparing for the Certified Electronic Health Record Specialist (CEHRS) exam. Familiarizing yourself with the exam format, including the number and type of questions, the allotted time, and the scoring system, can help ensure effective time management during the test. Accumulating relevant study resources, such as current textbooks, comprehensive online courses, reliable practice exams, and dedicated CEHRS exam prep books, can enhance your preparation.

A structured study plan can be beneficial. Here are some tips to consider:

Allocate daily or weekly time slots for studying.
Emphasize significant topics that are heavily weighted on the exam.
Consider the benefits of collaborative learning through study groups.
Regularly engage with practice exams to gauge your preparation levels, understand exam patterns, and enhance time management skills.

National Healthcare Association (NHA)

The National Healthcareer Association (NHA) provides the CEHRS exam, an industry certification that assesses students’ proficiency and skills to become electronic health record specialists. As one of the national certification exams, the CEHRS exam, which lasts approximately one hour and 50 minutes, consists of 150 questions and 20 pretest questions and costs about $117.

To register for the CEHRS exam, follow these steps:

Create an account on the NHA website.
Select the CEHRS exam.
Review exam details.
Choose the exam type.
Schedule the date and location.
Complete the registration by submitting the necessary information.

If you don’t pass on the first attempt, don’t worry. Candidates can retake the CEHRS exam after a 30-day waiting period, with a total of three attempts allowed initially and additional attempts after a one-year waiting period.

PSI Testing Center

PSI Testing Centers are instrumental in the CEHRS exam process. Exam sessions at these centers can typically be scheduled at least six weeks in advance. It is recommended to schedule your exam 4-6 weeks before your preferred date for the best chance of securing the desired appointment.

On the exam day, candidates need to:

Arrive 30 minutes early with valid, government-issued identification showing their name, signature, and photograph
Have confirmation of exam registration and comply with the arrival time
Familiarize themselves with the specific regulations of the PSI testing center, such as not conversing with other candidates, not bringing prohibited items into the testing area, and maintaining a professional demeanor.

In case of severe weather or a local emergency leading to a test center closure, PSI will contact candidates to reschedule within 24-48 hours.

Summary

Our journey through the process of becoming a Certified Electronic Health Record (EHR) Specialist in North Dakota has been comprehensive, shedding light on every step of the journey. From the initial steps of education and training, the significance of certification, and the legal and ethical considerations, to the preparation for the CEHRS exam, we have explored the various facets of this rewarding career path.

As healthcare continues to evolve, the role of EHR specialists becomes increasingly crucial. The demand for these professionals is on the rise, and so are the opportunities for career growth. If you’re driven by the prospect of making a significant impact on patient care, then a career as an EHR specialist could be your calling. Equip yourself with the right education, training, and certification, and you’re on your way to a rewarding career in the world of healthcare.

Frequently Asked Questions

What does an electronic health records specialist do?

An electronic health records specialist focuses on documenting a patient’s care electronically, auditing patient records for compliance, and abstracting clinical information for reporting purposes. These tasks are crucial in maintaining accurate and accessible patient information.

How do I become an EHR specialist?

To become an EHR specialist, you can earn a Certified Electronic Health Records Specialist (CEHRS) certification by applying for the exam, setting a date, preparing thoroughly, and then taking the exam to get your results. Another option is to earn a certification through an accredited university, which typically requires a high school diploma or equivalent and can be completed in six months to two years.

What does the CEHRS exam cover?

The CEHRS exam covers key topics such as EHR data entry, health information laws, and quality improvement, allowing you to demonstrate competency in these areas.

What are the legal and ethical considerations for EHR specialists?

EHR specialists must adhere to state and federal laws when managing patient health records, ensuring data integrity and accuracy. They are ethically obligated to protect patient information and ensure patient confidentiality.