The healthcare field is constantly evolving, and so are the methods that are used to manage patients’ medical records, like electronic health records.
Many medical practices have moved from paper records to electronic health records. These provide a more efficient alternative for keeping track of information.
At Southern Career Institute, we are proud to offer meaningful, cutting-edge career options in new fields within the healthcare industry, such as our Medical Coding and Billing program that allows students to earn their Electronic Health Records Specialist certification.
What Are Electronic Health Records?
Electronic health records are online versions of patients’ paper health record forms. They play a crucial role in helping medical practices move away from traditional paperwork.
These records, like other digital records and forms, are a modern adaptation of an older format. However, they are more efficient and secure than traditional paper forms.
Electronic health records contain each patient’s comprehensive health history. Health history includes diagnoses, test results and medications, allergies, immunization records, and other crucial information.
They also provide details about patient demographics, as well as administrative and billing history. This helps give both patients and medical professionals quick and easy access to any necessary health history information.
How Are Electronic Health Records Used?
Medical professionals use electronic health records to quickly and securely receive any information about a patient’s health history. There are a wide variety of benefits of using electronic health records.
These include faster communication between medical professionals, lower risk of losing track of important information, and easier access by patients to their own health information.
Electronic health records ensure that each patient’s medical information is current, regardless of which medical practice he or she visits. Overall, EHR methods increase patients’ safety and security.
This is because they protect records from becoming lost in the mail or being seen by other unauthorized users. Moreover, they prevent any errors made by illegible handwriting on paper documents.
What Do Electronic Medical Records Specialists Do?
Electronic medical records specialists are responsible for a variety of tasks that are related to organizing and managing electronic patient information.
They create records for each patient and manage communication between health professionals. These specialists also manage insurance reimbursement claims, create databases, and ensure the quality and accuracy of the information that is added to these systems.
Furthermore, they have expertise in coding. This enables them to be among the forerunners in transferring the paper medical records that many medical practices have accumulated for years to a more practical digital format.
How Do I Get My EHR Certification?
Some electronic medical records specialists may choose to receive a two-year associate’s degree, but enrolling in a shorter certification program is more common.
Certificates that meet the needs of electronic medical records specialists have a variety of names. These include the Certified Electronic Health Records Specialist (CEHRS) certificate or the Registered Health Information Technician (RHIT) certificate.
Unlike most careers in the healthcare field, it is possible to earn your EHR certification after being hired for a new job. However, most employers prefer having it prior to seeking a position.
Certification prepares new electronic medical records specialists to meet both the technical and professional needs of the field.
These needs include becoming proficient in coding skills and understanding the patient confidentiality requirements of all medical professionals.
EHR Exam Requirements
In order to earn your certification, you must take and pass the electronic health records certification exam within five years of completing your certification or associate’s degree program.
The exam covers a variety of topics. Topics include the ability to use necessary software programs, insurance and billing information, and much more.
Several case studies are used to assess candidates’ readiness to respond to real-world circumstances within the profession.
You will need to create a National Healthcareer Association account and pay the application fee to access this exam.
Certification Programs
Although the majority of certification programs are online until the end of the semester this spring, there are other options.
Electronic health records certification programs are available through in-person classes, online programs, or hybrid formats that combine classroom courses and online work during a typical semester.
Because the certification program is shorter than meeting the requirements of a typical degree, you can begin some online-only programs at any time.
And you can complete them using a more flexible schedule than adhering to a typical semester schedule.
Texas EHR Specialist Training
Texas has many opportunities for emerging healthcare professionals. At Southern Career Institute, we offer a variety of programs in the medical field, technology, and other areas.
We design our courses with the career-oriented student in mind. Each of our courses focuses on your future career, saving you time and money over pursuing a traditional four-year college degree.
SCI’s Medical Coding and Billing program prepares students to pursue a career as an electronic medical records specialist, as well as several related positions.
The program, which is available in the classroom or online during a typical semester, prepares students to earn one of four certification options, including the Electronic Health Records Specialist (EHRS) certification.
Our classroom program is generally an excellent option for students who prefer hands-on learning experiences and in-person discussions. However, we are finishing the spring 2020 semester virtually via Zoom.
Our regular online program is a lower-cost alternative for students with interests in learning at a more flexible pace.
Apply to Start Learning
Electronic health records are changing the way the medical field functions.
Fast and secure access to patient information increases the efficiency of communication while decreasing the amount of time that patients may need to wait.
At Southern Career Institute, we care about preparing our students for cutting-edge careers while saving time and money.
Visit our website today to learn more about the programs we offer or to start your application. It’s time to begin working toward a meaningful new career at SCI this fall!
Sources
- https://www.healthgrad.com/healthcare/how-to-become-electronic-health-records-specialist/
- https://www.healthit.gov/faq/what-are-advantages-electronic-health-records
- https://www.healthit.gov/faq/what-electronic-health-record-ehr
Blog Disclaimer: Information stated in this blog is for general information purposes only. SCItexas.edu does not assume or guarantee income earning potential or salary expectations based on the programs offered at Southern Careers Institute. Career and program information stated in this blog does not guarantee that programs and specifics are offered at Southern Careers Institute.
This article was published on: 05/12/20 8:00 AM
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