Health records management degree programs are
available online for the prospective students looking for the
opportunity to take classes from home. Degrees are available at the
associate, bachelor's and master's degree levels.
Online Health Records Management Associate's Degree
Students interested in this field can earn an online associate's
degree in health information technology or health information
management. Students are trained to manage and handle essential patient
medical records in a non-clinical setting. Health information
technicians are in charge of keeping track of physician orders, patient
history reports and payment records. Documents and paperwork are in
digital and physical forms and students are trained accordingly.
Acquired skills include oral communication, organization, professional
behavior and problem solving.
These degree programs are available entirely online, as well as in a
hybrid format. Many schools require that students gain experience
working with current technology in a local healthcare facility . In
general, programs can be completed in two years. The coursework is
70-100 credit hours in length, depending on the school.
Students must use a computer with access to the Internet. It is
helpful if the computer has an updated Web browser and operating system.
Typical Courses
Students must complete all of the required core courses while
choosing from the elective course options available. Online courses are
often asynchronous, meaning they can be taken at any time of the day.
Medical Terminology Course
Students gain an understanding of common prefix and suffixes used in
medical terms. The course covers basic physiological terms that are most
useful for the health information technician when communicating with
medical personnel and insurance companies.
Health Data Management Course
This course teaches the use of a computer spreadsheet application to
keep track of data related to healthcare. This data can include
healthcare pricing, death registration and upcoming procedures, among
other collected information. Students are trained in effective ways to
use the spreadsheet and to clearly communicate and articulate data from a
physician.
Management Fundamentals Course
Students acquire management skills, such as organization, planning
and leadership. Emphasis is placed on developing the communication
skills needed to effectively lead others .
Graduates become a Registered Health Information Technician (RHIT) by
taking the qualifying exam administered by the American Health
Information Management Association. According to the U.S. Bureau of
Labor Statistics (
www.bls.gov), 172,500 health information technicians were employed nationwide, with the number expected to increase 20% from 2008-2018.
Online Health Records Management Bachelor's Degree
Students earning an online bachelor's degree in health information
gain an in-depth understanding of how to document patient health
information and maintain health records while focusing on learning
medical terminology, healthcare data laws and data classification.
Students develop data management skills through handling physical
paperwork and inputting information into a computer.
This degree program is most often available in a hybrid format
combining online coursework with hands-on experience in a professional
healthcare environment. Programs run 90-120 credit hours in length and
can be completed in four years. Student with an associate's degree in
the field can complete the program in less time. Students engage in
streaming video lectures and communicate with professors via e-mail.
Courses can be delivered in a synchronous or asynchronous manner,
Typical Online Courses
Students without an associate's degree take coursework in general
education, as well as classes particular to the field. These latter
courses teach students the tools needed to organize and maintain health
records efficiently.
Healthcare Organization and Management Course
Students gain an understanding of clinical healthcare classifications
and how data is organized. Emphasis is placed on learning how various
healthcare organizations work, such as hospitals, dental offices and
private clinics. Students study the licensing and accreditation process.
Healthcare Finance Course
This course covers topics like reimbursement, auditing, commercial
payments and insurance coverage. Students also gain basic budgeting and
accounting skills. In addition, basic financing principles in relation
to patient coverage are explained.
Students learn the basics of database management and the technology
used. The course focuses on electronic security measures, patient
confidentiality and health information protection. Students employ the
use of computers when handling these issues.
Students who hold a bachelor's degree may have the opportunity to
supervise health management technicians in a medical office. However,
individuals working in management in this field tend to have a master's
degree.
Online Health Records Management Master's Degree
Students interested in working as managers, as opposed to health
information technicians, can earn an online Master of Science in Health
Information Management or Master of Science in Information Technology
with a concentration in Health Information Management. These degree
programs focus on gaining the leadership and organizational skills
needed to supervise health records management employees. In addition,
students learn advanced data management and develop decision making
skills.
Students with a bachelor's degree in health information management
can enroll in this program; those with a bachelor's degree in a
different subject can also enroll provided they have completed the
required prerequisites. Students can find hybrid programs available, as
well as programs offered entirely online. The program can be completed
in two years and generally consists of around 40 credit hours per
semester.
Typical Online Courses
No general education courses are required at this degree level. Some
schools require the student to attend aseminar one campus in addition to
completing remaining coursework online.
Health Contracts Course
Students gain an understanding of various health plans cover
patients' needs, Focus is placed on the roles the employer plays, as
well as the role of the insurance provider.
Management Course
This course provides project management training. Students learn
leadership and organizational skills, as well as how to utilize these
skills when working with physicians, technical staff and specialists.
Communication, project planning and project progress assessment are also
emphasized.
Healthcare Technology Applications Course
Students learn about the computer applications used for data
management. Students learn how to select appropriate systems and gain an
understanding of their functions. Legacy system and signal-based
information systems are examples of applications used.
Students who complete a bachelor's or master's degree program can
take the exam administered by the American Health Information
Association and become a Registered Health Information Administrator.
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, health service
managers held about 283,500 jobs in 2008, a number expected to increase
by 16% between 2008 and 2018. The median wage was $81,850 in May of
2009.
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