How to Be Registered Health Information Technician - Job Description, Skills, and Interview Questions

A Registered Health Information Technician (RHIT) is a healthcare professional who uses specialized knowledge and skills to ensure the accuracy, security, and quality of health information. This position is responsible for protecting patient data, managing medical records, and coding patient information. As RHITs are responsible for handling and managing the most sensitive of patient data, they must be highly trained and possess a broad range of knowledge in order to be successful.

Their expertise includes understanding regulations and standards, computer system design and implementation, legal aspects of health information, and clinical classification systems. As a result of their expertise, RHITs are essential to the healthcare industry, providing a vital link between patient care and information technology. They play an integral role in helping healthcare organizations maintain compliance with federal regulations and ensuring patient data is securely handled.

Steps How to Become

1. Obtain a High School Diploma or Equivalent. The first step to becoming a Registered Health Information Technician is to obtain a high school diploma or equivalent. This is typically a GED.
2. Enroll in an Accredited Health Information Technician Program. After obtaining the necessary educational background, prospective RHITs must enroll in an accredited health information technician program. These programs are typically offered at community colleges and universities and include courses such as medical terminology, coding, data management, statistics, and health information law and ethics.
3. Obtain Certification Through the American Health Information Management Association. Upon completion of the RHIT program, graduates must take the exam administered by the American Health Information Management Association (AHIMA) to become certified. This exam covers topics such as medical coding, health information technology, data analysis, and legal and ethical considerations.
4. Obtain Licensure. Depending on the state in which they practice, RHITs may be required to obtain licensure. Requirements vary by state but may include passing an exam or completing a certain number of education hours.
5. Maintain Certification. To remain certified, RHITs must complete continuing education credits every two years.

Becoming a Registered Health Information Technician (RHIT) requires a combination of knowledge, skills, and abilities. This includes having an understanding of medical terminology, coding systems, and data analysis. It also requires excellent communication skills and the ability to work with others in a healthcare setting.

Having reliable and capable technical skills is essential for success in this role. Those with technical skills can effectively use computer systems, software programs, and medical databases in order to create, store, and manage patient records. Being able to understand data analysis is also important because RHITs must be able to interpret and report on health information data in order to make decisions and provide advice to healthcare professionals.

Finally, strong organizational and problem-solving skills are necessary in order to accurately maintain patient records. By having these skills, RHITs are able to ensure that patient records are accurate, up-to-date, and secure.

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Job Description

1. Compile, process, and maintain medical records of hospital and clinic patients in a manner consistent with medical, administrative, ethical, legal, and regulatory requirements.
2. Process and review patient information for accuracy and completeness.
3. Analyze medical records for completeness, accuracy, and compliance with regulations.
4. Perform audits of medical records to ensure compliance with established policies and procedures.
5. Code diagnoses and procedures according to established classification systems.
6. Enter information into electronic health records (EHR) systems.
7. Maintain confidentiality of patient records.
8. Prepare summaries of health information for use in clinical studies, research projects, insurance claims, etc.
9. Assist in the development of policies and procedures related to health information management.
10. Respond to requests for health information from other healthcare professionals, law enforcement officials, insurance companies, etc.

Skills and Competencies to Have

1. Knowledge of medical terminology, anatomy, and physiology.
2. Knowledge of laws and regulations governing the privacy and security of protected health information.
3. Proficient in using electronic health record systems and software.
4. Ability to accurately code medical diagnoses and procedures.
5. Ability to create and maintain patient medical records.
6. Ability to interpret and analyze patient data.
7. Ability to maintain confidentiality of patient information.
8. Ability to work collaboratively with other healthcare professionals.
9. Excellent organization, problem solving, and communication skills.
10. Ability to use computer programs for data entry, analysis, and reporting.

Having a Registered Health Information Technician (RHIT) on staff is essential to any health care organization. RHITs have a thorough understanding of medical records, coding, and the legal requirements for protecting patient information. As such, they are able to ensure that patient information is kept secure and accurate.

With their expertise in data management, RHITs can also help to streamline processes and improve efficiency. Furthermore, by staying up to date on all regulations related to health information, RHITs can help organizations remain in compliance with state and federal laws. The result is improved patient care, better customer service, and a better overall experience for patients.

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Frequent Interview Questions

• What experience do you have in the field of health information management?
• What challenges have you faced in the past when working with health information management systems?
• How would you handle a situation where a patient’s medical records are incomplete or inaccurate?
• What experience do you have in using electronic health records (EHRs) and/or other health information management systems?
• Describe a time when you had to prioritize multiple tasks and how you handled it.
• How do you ensure accuracy and confidentiality when handling patients’ health information?
• How do you stay up-to-date with changes in health information technology and regulations?
• What safety measures do you take when handling sensitive patient data?
• How do you ensure accuracy when coding and indexing patient records?
• Are you comfortable working in a fast-paced environment?

Common Tools in Industry

1. Electronic Health Record (EHR) System. A computer-based system used to store and manage a patient’s medical information. (eg: Epic, Cerner, Athenahealth)
2. Medical Coding Software. Software used to assign accurate codes to medical diagnoses and procedures. (eg: ICD-10, CPT, HCPCS)
3. Data Analytics Tool. A tool used to analyze large amounts of healthcare data to identify trends, patterns, and relationships. (eg: Tableau, Microsoft Power BI)
4. Content Management System (CMS). Software used to store, organize, and manage documents and other digital content. (eg: Sharepoint, OpenText, Alfresco)
5. Health Information Exchange (HIE). A platform used to securely share medical data between healthcare providers. (eg: Carequality, CommonWell)
6. Clinical Decision Support System (CDSS). A software used to assist physicians in making decisions about patient care. (eg: UpToDate, Epocrates)

Professional Organizations to Know

1. American Health Information Management Association (AHIMA)
2. American Academy of Professional Coders (AAPC)
3. Healthcare Information and Management Systems Society (HIMSS)
4. Association of Clinical Documentation Improvement Specialists (ACDIS)
5. Electronic Health Records Association (EHRA)
6. National Alliance of Medical Auditing Specialists (NAMAS)
7. American Medical Informatics Association (AMIA)
8. World Health Information Technology Professionals (WHITP)
9. American College of Medical Information Management (ACMIM)
10. International Society for Quality in Health Care Information Management (ISQua-HIM)

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Common Important Terms

1. Clinical Documentation Improvement (CDI). A process used to ensure accurate and complete medical records that meet the standards of healthcare organizations.
2. Clinical Terminology. Standardized vocabulary used to describe medical, anatomical, and physiological conditions and procedures.
3. Electronic Health Records (EHRs). Complete digital records of a patient’s health history.
4. Health Information Management (HIM). The practice of collecting, organizing, and maintaining medical records.
5. Health Information Technology (HIT). The use of computers and software to manage medical information.
6. Medical Coding. The process of assigning codes to diagnoses, treatments, and procedures in order to create a claim for reimbursement.
7. Privacy and Security. Policies and procedures that protect patient information from unauthorized access and use.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is a Registered Health Information Technician?

A Registered Health Information Technician (RHIT) is a professional credential offered by the American Health Information Management Association (AHIMA) that certifies individuals who demonstrate expertise in the management of health information and patient records.

What qualifications are required to become a RHIT?

To become a RHIT, individuals must have an associate degree from an accredited health information technology program and pass the AHIMA certification exam.

What responsibilities does a RHIT have?

A RHIT is responsible for maintaining the accuracy and security of patient medical records, including coding and abstracting medical data for reimbursement, research and regulatory compliance.

What type of job opportunities are available to RHITs?

RHITs can pursue a variety of job opportunities in healthcare settings such as hospitals, physician offices, long-term care facilities, and insurance companies.

How long is the RHIT certification valid?

The RHIT certification is valid for two years, after which recertification is required.

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Web Resources

• Becoming a Registered Health Information Technician: What You … www.rasmussen.edu
• Registered Health Information Technician - HIM | Health Sciences ... healthsciences.illinoisstate.edu
• What is a Health Information Technician? - Western Governors … www.wgu.edu