Health Information specialists are responsible for organizing and managing health information data. They ensure accuracy, quality, accessibility and security of patient’s health information in both paper and electronic environments. They use various classification systems to categorize and code patient information in a variety of settings; including doctor’s offices, hospitals and billing offices. They organize data for insurance reimbursement, databases, and registries, and they maintain patient medical information and treatment plans/histories.
To begin a career as a health information specialist (or medical biller and coder), you can receive a degree or diploma through formal training at an Accredited College such as Arizona College. Although, certification is not required for a career as a Health Information specialist, certification is encouraged as it enhances your resume and can also set you apart from the competition. There are various types of certification, however, AHIMA (American Health Information Management Association) is an industry leader, and has been providing quality and tend-setting Health Information Management certification since 1928.
According to AHIMA, here are a few reasons to pursue certification:
- Increases earning potential
- Opens the door to more opportunities for career advancement
- Increases job mobility and options
- Helps to reach short term goals, and increases long-term career success
- Allows you to connect and network with fellow AHIMA-certified professionals
- Associates you with AMIMA’s strong and long-standing reputation of integrity and excellence
AHIMA offers 3 Coding Certification Examinations that are ideal for medical billers and coders, who are looking to certify their skills, enhance their resume and set themselves apart from the competition.
- CCA-Certified Coding Associate. The CCA credential distinguishes coders by exhibiting commitment and demonstrating coding competencies across all settings, including both hospitals and physician practices.
- CCS-Certified Coding Specialist. The CCS coder is skilled in classifying medical data from patient records, generally in a hospital setting. Their detailed work is often used in a hospital setting, but they can also code for physicians. The coded data created by CCSs are submitted to insurance companies or the government (such as for Medicare and Medicaid recipients) for reimbursement.
- CCS-P-Certified Coding Specialist-Physician Based. The CCS-P coder specializes in Physician based environments such as a Physician’s office, group practices, multi-specialty clinics or specialty centers. The data that CCS-Ps codes are used for insurance and governmental reimbursement purposes. The CCS-P coder demonstrates mastery coding proficiency vs. entry-level skills.
Are you a detailed person who would enjoy the medical field, but does not want to deliver direct patient care? Do you like to use computers and technology? If so, then a career as a Health Information specialist might be for you. Arizona College offers both degree and diploma programs for those who are interested in a career in Medical Billing and Coding. Take the first step to make a change in your future, and Contact Arizona College today to learn more about our degree and diploma programs offered at our Glendale and Mesa campuses.
Information in this blog post is accurate as of September 15, 2014.