Certifications can be a great way to boost your résumé, showing employers that you have top-notch expertise, abilities, and skills that are recognized by a highly regarded, industry-focused organization. This is especially true in health-based positions, where professional certifications such as the RHIA certification can really help you stand out from the crowd.

 The RHIA exam is offered by the American Health Information Management Association (AHIMA). Bachelor's Degree Programs like WGU’s Bachelor of Science Health Information Management degree prepare you for the exam.

 Let’s explore a quick overview of what the RHIA certification is, and why it can be so important to health administrator roles.

RHIA stands for registered health information administrator. A RHIA manages patient health information, acting as a liaison between patients, care providers, and insurance providers. They may also work with IT professionals and other related industry vendors such as administrators. RHIAs oversee the creation and analysis of patient data while also managing operational units, preparing budgets, collaborating with clinic administration and employees, and more.

RHIAs can work in a variety of medical industry outlets such as hospitals, hospice care facilities, mental health organizations, private practices, and more. They may also work in healthcare-adjacent facilities such as government agencies or pharmaceutical companies. Because of this, RHIAs are expected to have deep knowledge of ethical and legal requirements associated with the healthcare industry and be well versed in the privacy and protection of patient medical records and information.

What is RHIA Certification?

RHIA certification is a highly regarded designation for health information management professionals and may boost career opportunities. The certification is granted by AHIMA as an official recognition of an RHIA’s commitment to protecting patient health information and ensuring its security as it’s shared as needed between related organizations and administrations.

• Information Governance. This section addresses classification systems, data management, governance of data, secondary sources, and health record documentation and content.
• Compliance with Uses and Disclosures of PHI. The next section reviews data privacy, issues, and procedures related to information release management, health law, and confidentiality.
• Data Analytics and Informatics. Next up, the test explores health information technologies and information management, including planning, information exchange, and strategy. You’ll also be expected to answer questions related to healthcare and consumer statistics, data quality and integrity, research approaches, and analytics.
• Revenue Management. Here, you’ll be tested on issues such as revenue cycles, fraud surveillance, coding management, reimbursement, improving clinical documentation, and regulatory preparation and processes.
• Management and Leadership. The last content module will quiz you on subject matter related to human resources management, training, and development, as well as leadership roles and process improvement. You’ll also need to know about financial, change, and project management, along with work design, corporate strategy, working with enterprise information systems, and more.