Become a Top Certified Electronic Health Record Specialist in Rhode Island
Pursuing a career as a certified electronic health record specialist in Rhode Island means undertaking accredited training and passing the CEHRS exam. In a state where the healthcare industry is experiencing growth, becoming certified opens doors to numerous job opportunities. This guide will lead you through the paths available in Rhode Island for training, certification, and the career benefits that follow.
Key Takeaways
- Enrollment in accredited training programs and passing the Certified Electronic Health Record Specialist (CEHRS) exam through the National Healthcareer Association (NHA) are vital steps for becoming a CEHRS in Rhode Island.
- Skills essential for success as a CEHRS include understanding clinical coding systems, proficiency in EHR software, compliance with HIPAA, and strong communication abilities for healthcare collaboration.
- Rhode Island offers financial aid and numerous educational opportunities for CEHRS training, with job growth projected at 13.5% over the next decade and diverse employment avenues across healthcare settings.
Becoming a Certified Electronic Health Record Specialist in Rhode Island
Embarking on a career as an Electronic Health Record Specialist in Rhode Island requires a commitment to learning and a desire to contribute to the healthcare community. The journey involves enrolling in accredited training programs to gain the necessary skills and knowledge. While the MedCerts Electronic Health Records Specialist Online Training program is not available for Rhode Island residents, several alternative accredited programs offer excellent training opportunities.
These programs align with industry standards, ensuring that candidates are well-prepared for the Certified Electronic Health Record Specialist (CEHRS) exam through the National Healthcareer Association (NHA). The certification course includes training in certified electronic health records and covers:
- Expert-led video training
- Competency assessments
- Interactive simulations
- Game-based learning
After successful completion of the training program, candidates are ready to take the CEHRS certification exams. Once you pass the exam, you earn the nationally recognized CEHRS designation, which validates your skills and knowledge in electronic health record management. With verification successful, waiting for the official certificate is the final step before putting your expertise to use.
Why Choose a Career as an Electronic Health Record Specialist?
Choosing a career as an Electronic Health Record Specialist opens the door to a field that’s not only burgeoning but also crucial in today’s healthcare administration. The growing emphasis on accurate and accessible patient data has increased the importance of this role. As a CEHRS, you’ll ensure the quality, accuracy, and security of patient health information, which is essential for effective healthcare delivery.
In addition, Electronic Health Record Specialists:
- Assist in transitioning healthcare settings from traditional paper records to efficient electronic systems, enhancing data management
- Work across various healthcare practices, supporting the continuity of care through electronic patient information exchange
- Can work in offices, urgent care centers, nursing homes, and hospitals, where their expertise will be in high demand.
Required Skills and Knowledge for CEHRS
To excel as an Electronic Health Record Specialist, certain skills and knowledge are vital. Understanding clinical coding systems such as ICD-10, CPT, and HCPCS is critical for insurance billing and maintaining accurate medical records. Moreover, you must be able to differentiate between Electronic Health Records (EHR) and Electronic Medical Records (EMR) and understand their respective uses in healthcare settings.
Proficiency in EHR software is a must, along with the ability to manage patient visits, arrange follow-up care, and handle prescriptions. Effective tracking of patient information, the ability to read and interpret health records, and managing public health reporting are also key. Additionally, auditing patient records is an essential skill for maintaining accuracy and compliance. In this context, vocabulary patient visit management plays a crucial role in ensuring effective communication and understanding of patient needs.
Additionally, adherence to the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) is mandatory to ensure compliance with patient privacy laws. Excellent communication skills are necessary to work effectively with healthcare providers, support staff, and patients, which includes the ability to engage through personal health record communication via patient portals.
Training Programs and Educational Institutions in Rhode Island
Rhode Island offers several training programs for aspiring Electronic Health Record Specialists. For instance:
Community College of Rhode Island
The Community College of Rhode Island provides an online CEHRS course that prepares students for the NHA certification. This comprehensive course includes medical terminology and EHR management coverage, giving students a strong foundation in the field.
To enroll in the online Electronic Health Records Specialist certification training course, prospective students must have a high school diploma or GED, internet access, and complete course registration and payment. The course lasts 12 weeks and is priced at $1,975, with flexible payment options, such as a monthly plan starting at $96 with Affirm.
Training includes using real EHR software to gain practical experience and understanding of its application in healthcare settings. Additionally, opportunities for care record ongoing training and certification, like the Medical & Dental Administrative Assistant Program that provides CEHRS certification through NHA in under four months, are available.
Course Curriculum
The Community College of Rhode Island offers an NHA-certified EHR course that covers:
- EHR system data
- Implementation steps
- Staff and patient interactions with EHR systems
- The advantages of EHR over paper records
The program provides hands-on training using actual EHR software, complemented by guidance from instructors with real-world experience as CEHRS professionals.
Students who complete the course at the Community College of Rhode Island are well-prepared for the CEHRS certification exams. The course tuition covers the exam fees, making the certification process seamless for students.
Rowan University
The Medical Billing Specialist with Electronic Health Records program at Rowan University offers a comprehensive training experience that equips students with the knowledge and skills to become proficient in both medical billing and electronic health records (EHR) management. This program is designed for individuals seeking to enter one of the fastest-growing sectors in healthcare. The program combines essential legal, ethical, and regulatory knowledge related to medical billing, including HIPAA compliance and fraud prevention, with hands-on experience in managing electronic health records. Upon completion, students are prepared to take both the Certified Professional Biller (CPB) exam and the Certified Electronic Health Records Specialist (CEHRS) exam.
Key Learning Outcomes:
- Mastery of the revenue cycle, from patient registration to payer reimbursement and collection practices.
- Knowledge of federal laws affecting healthcare and medical billing.
- Competence in managing patient visits, issuing prescriptions, and handling vital health information within an EHR system.
Program Curriculum and Certification Preparation
The program spans 444 course hours and is self-paced, allowing flexibility for students to learn at their speed within 12 months. The curriculum covers both medical billing and electronic health records, ensuring that students gain a thorough understanding of both fields. The syllabus includes medical terminology, the various systems of the human body, phases of the revenue cycle, medical coding (ICD-10-CM, CPT, HCPCS), payer guidelines, and legal aspects such as HIPAA and fraud prevention. Additionally, students will learn how to manage EHR systems, focusing on patient data management, follow-up care, and public health reporting.
Key Topics Covered:
- Medical terminology and systems of the body (musculoskeletal, cardiovascular, respiratory, etc.).
- Phases of revenue cycle management, including charge capture, coding, and claims submission.
- EHR systems management, including charting, billing, and patient communication.
Career Benefits and Certification Opportunities
Upon successful completion of the program, graduates receive a Certificate of Completion from Rowan University and are eligible to take the Certified Professional Biller (CPB) exam through the American Academy of Professional Coders (AAPC) and the Certified Electronic Health Records Specialist (CEHRS) exam through the National Healthcareer Association (NHA). This dual certification can enhance job prospects in healthcare administration, medical billing, and health information management.
Other Local Training Providers
While online programs like MedCerts aren’t available in Rhode Island, residents have access to several alternative local training providers for certified electronic health record specialist courses. Exploring these alternative providers allows students to find a training program that best suits their learning style and professional goals.
Certification Process and Exams
The certification process for becoming a Certified Electronic Health Record Specialist involves:
- Passing the CEHRS exam developed by the National Healthcareer Association, which takes only a few seconds to start
- The exam includes 150 questions and 20 pretest questions
- The exam lasts approximately 1 hour and 50 minutes.
The exam content is categorized into five domains: Non-Clinical Operations, Clinical Operations, Revenue Cycle/Finance, Regulatory Compliance, and Reporting. To be eligible for the CEHRS exam, candidates must have either completed a relevant training or education program within the last five years or have one year of work experience in the field within the last three years, in addition to a high school diploma or GED.
Registration for the CEHRS exam requires the following steps:
- Create an account on the NHA website.
- Select the CEHRS exam.
- Review the exam details.
- Schedule the exam type, date, and location.
- Complete the registration.
If a candidate fails the exam, they can retake it after a 30-day wait, with a total of three attempts allowed. After three unsuccessful tries, there is a one-year waiting period before retaking the exam. The cost to take the exam is approximately $117.00.
Financial Aid and Assistance
Financial aid and assistance can significantly reduce the cost of training for aspiring Electronic Health Record Specialists. The Rhode Island Department of Labor and Training offers free or reduced-cost training programs for career paths, including electronic health record specialists, funded by federal grants, state funds, and employer tuition assistance.
In addition to financial assistance, the department also provides job coaching services such as resume writing assistance and interview preparation at DLT Career Centers. These resources can be accessed online, aiding students in their electronic health record specialist career development.
The non-profit organization, Skills for Rhode Island’s Future, connects job seekers, including those trained as electronic health record specialists, with employment opportunities in the state.
Job Opportunities and Salary Expectations
Job growth for Electronic Health Records Specialists in Rhode Island is expected to be 13.5% over the next ten years, indicating a robust job market in the healthcare industry. Certified electronic health record specialists can explore diverse employment opportunities, including:
- Health information clerks
- Electronic medical records specialists within hospitals
- Electronic medical records specialists within clinics
- Electronic medical records specialists within long-term care facilities
- Electronic medical records specialists within healthcare IT companies
- Electronic medical records specialists within health information management departments
The average starting salary for an Electronic Health Records Specialist is $28,642, highlighting the financial prospects for beginners in this field. The flexible nature of this role has also opened up opportunities for remote work. Resources such as the Department of Labor and Training’s support services, job fairs, and employer connections can further facilitate your career growth in this field.
Tips for Success in the CEHRS Field
Success in the field of electronic health records requires:
- Constant learning and adaptability
- Maintaining up-to-date knowledge of EHR systems and their functionalities
- Ensuring the accuracy, integrity, and security of patient data
Embrace the role of an Electronic Medical Records Technician, working as a Certified Electronic Health Record Specialist and becoming an integral part of a healthcare team. It’s important to develop strong communication skills to interact effectively with patients, physicians, and insurance professionals.
Understanding that EHRs play a significant role in improving patient care by providing clear and accurate health information, including personal health records, can help you contribute effectively to patient care. By learning how to utilize electronic health records, you can ensure healthcare documentation integrity, which reduces the risk of medical errors and supports informed decision-making.
Aim to work in environments where your skills are in demand and can be applied to manage patient records and healthcare data effectively using practice management systems.
Summary
A career as a Certified Electronic Health Record Specialist in Rhode Island is promising. With the right training, certification, and continuous learning, you can unlock a rewarding career in the healthcare industry. The increasing reliance on electronic health records in healthcare delivery assures a robust job market for these professionals. So, if you’re inspired to play a pivotal role in improving patient care and healthcare administration, start your journey toward becoming a Certified Electronic Health Record Specialist today!
Discover Certified Electronic Health Records Specialist Opportunities in the Northeast
If you’re considering a career as a Certified Electronic Health Records Specialist (CEHRS) in the Northeast, our resources provide valuable insights tailored to each state. From certification paths to local training programs and job market trends, these guides help you navigate your career journey. Explore our pages for:
Each state-specific page highlights key details about the healthcare industry, salary expectations, and workforce demand, helping you make well-informed decisions as you pursue or advance your career in this vital field across the Northeast
Frequently Asked Questions
How does Rhode Island ensure patient data security under CEHRS practices?
Rhode Island enforces compliance with HIPAA regulations to protect patient privacy, and electronic health record specialists are required to use secure systems to store and manage sensitive patient information. Training programs emphasize encryption practices and secure data exchange protocols.
Are remote work opportunities available for CEHRS professionals in Rhode Island?
Yes, remote work is increasingly available, especially in healthcare IT companies, medical billing services, and consulting firms. Some hospitals also offer hybrid models for their EHR staff, combining in-office and remote tasks.
What certifications are recognized in Rhode Island besides the NHA’s CEHRS?
Along with the National Healthcareer Association’s CEHRS, Rhode Island employers value certifications like Certified Professional Biller (CPB) from AAPC and the Registered Health Information Technician (RHIT) credential from AHIMA.