An Electronic Health Records Specialist provides support to the rest of the team in doctors’ offices, hospitals, outpatient facilities, nursing homes, and other health care settings. He or she has the knowledge required to efficiently manage and maintain medical records in those settings. Although an EHR specialist has no direct contact with patients, he or she plays a vital role in patient care. Training to be certified EHR Specialist gives you the ability to process health information data, navigate EHR software and manage applications of EHR technology in a medical site. In addition to maintaining electronic patient records, the EHR specialist is responsible for protecting the privacy and security of patient information.
Computer skills are imperative in order to become an EHR specialist, as the position focuses almost exclusively on computer work. Also crucial to the EHR specialty is attention to detail: all entries must be accurate and carefully checked, as errors are not acceptable in the keeping of medical records.
Some tasks that the EHR specialist is generally responsible for include:
- Auditing patient records to check for compliance with legal and regulatory requirements
- Creating abstract clinical information to be included in reports (e.g. quality improvement studies)
- Performing basic coding to submit claims for reimbursement to insurers
- Processing Release of Information (ROI) requests for medical records
- Reviewing patient records to ensure they are accurate and complete
- Collecting patient demographic and insurance information
- Contributing to the design, planning, and documentation processes
- Analyzing and evaluating processes
- Leading discussions related to the EHR design and programs
- Working with in-office and outside teams to ensure the smooth flow of data
- Analyzing user needs and documenting authorized user requirements
- Revising systems as needed
- Assisting in the implementation of new systems
- Coordinating data entry, maintenance, corrections, reporting, and troubleshooting any problems
- Training others on the proper use of the EHR software
- Contacting physicians for any clarifications needed regarding the details of reports
Job Outlook
Because the use of electronic health records has expanded so rapidly in recent years, EHR training is one of the most sought-after skills in the health care market.
EHR skills are increasingly preferred because training staff in the proper use of EHR technology has been a barrier to implementation. Hiring staff who are already trained in the correct use of EHR technology eliminates the need to have to fully train employees.
The demand for electronic health records specialists is expected to increase dramatically as a result of the rapidly increasing population of the elderly. This means that people will need more medical tests, treatments, and procedures.
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, employment of health information technicians is projected to grow 15 percent from 2014 to 2024, much faster than the average for all occupations. The demand for trained EHR specialists will far exceed the supply of trained specialists, which will result in rising salaries for EHR specialists.
Admission Requirement
- Must be at least 18 years of age
- Possess a high school diploma or GED/ College transcript or pass a Wonderlic aptitude test (Passing score of 20)
Program Outline
- EHR 100 Introduction to Electronic Health Records
- EHR 200 Using Electronic Health Records
- EHR 300 EHRs in the Physician’s Office
- EHR 400 Patient Rights, HIPAA
- EHR 500 Medical Terminology
- EHR 600 Basic Computer Skills
- EHR 700 Career Development Certification Exam Review
Length of Program: 34 weeks
Classes are held 4 days per week, Monday to Thursday (day or evening).
Lecture and Skills Practice Time:
Day: 9 AM – 2 PM
Evening: 4 PM – 9PM
