Who truly controls the flow of information in a healthcare setting? Doctors may believe they're the top dogs; after at least a decade of studying the science of healing, their names adorn doors and parking places, and they're the ones with whom patients make appointments. Nurses may say that they’re actually the ones who get the job done, putting in more time with patients than physicians, and recording medical information.
In today’s digital environment, however, registered health information technicians (RHITs) actually manage the information behind all medical decisions, insurance disbursements, and service referrals, ensuring the continuity of care. RHITs are key in making sure all patient data remains in the right place where the right people can access it electronically when they need it—and the wrong people can’t.
Much more than filing clerks, RHITs have been called “the brains” of modern medicine because they’re the ones charged with gathering and storing all the moving parts—from insurance codes to billing information to medical terminology—and also filtering out unneeded info. And particularly for introverts and others who aren’t interested in patient-facing roles in healthcare, this administrative position is invaluable to the team while requiring minimal interactions with clientele.
Successful RHITs must have a firm knowledge of medical procedures along with proficiency in data systems. They need to communicate clearly to coordinate the actions of medical teams and insurance providers, but they also may work solo in healthcare environments.
It’s a behind-the-scenes position that’s expected to grow significantly in the next decade, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS 2021). In fact, the BLS reported that there were 416,400 medical records and health information technicians around the country in 2020; between 2020 and 2030, however, there is expected to be a 9 percent explosion of openings in this field, adding 37,100 fresh opportunities. Notably, this is more than the average growth anticipated across all occupations during that same decade (8 percent).
Of course, not everyone who moves patient files around digitally is an RHIT; it’s an official title that must be earned by completing an approved academic program and passing an exam from the American Health Information Management Association (AHIMA), the predominant national certification organization in this line of work.
Read on to discover how to become an RHIT, including details about accredited programs and information on how to earn all necessary credentials.
Skills & Traits of RHITS
Generally, registered health information technicians need to focus on the big picture and the fine details. They must have the ability to analyze electronic data, creating a detailed picture of a patient’s medical history and health information. These datasets contain sensitive information such as patient symptoms, diagnostic tests ordered, treatments prescribed, and other services. This information must be recorded accurately to keep insurance companies happy and ensure that patients are given appropriate treatments and referrals.
RHITs must be familiar with their particular employer or institution’s record-keeping system, including any unique coding information or medical software. Since there may be variations in scale and patient makeup—whether a person who works for a medical center, a group of doctors, a mental health facility, or even in a bureaucratic capacity—an ability to adapt to different circumstances and conditions is also crucial.
These professionals must also be adept at keeping up with the fast-changing healthcare industry, especially regarding legislation such as HIPAA (Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act), which mandates that patient records need to be kept confidential. The specifics and best practices are continually evolving.
Not surprisingly, clear written and verbal communication skills are also strong assets, along with accuracy and attention to detail. In an industry with countless procedure codes and abbreviations, getting a number wrong or leaving a detail incomplete could have negative consequences, minor or major.
RHIT Role Requirements
As mentioned in the introduction, RHITs must have completed a qualifying academic program to seek professional credentialing. There are both two-year associate and four-year bachelor’s degrees in the discipline; to qualify for credentialing through AHIMA, however, an aspiring RHIT must have graduated from a health information management (HIM) program accredited by the Commission on Accreditation for Health Informatics and Information Management Education (CAHIIM), or a foreign association with a reciprocity agreement.
These programs generally provide preparation for the comprehensive RHIT exam. Bachelor’s degrees, by contrast, may offer more of a management focus beyond the basic training requirements, setting a student up for opportunities in leadership, higher salary prospects, or the skills to qualify for AHIMA’s registered health information administrator (RHIA) exam.
Additionally, the Cleveland Clinic stated that some of the most commonly requested skills for RHITs include competency in ICD-09 and ICD-10 coding, CPT coding, and inpatient and outpatient coding. The BLS (2020) adds that RHITs can specialize their skills, joining one of two subfields of the discipline:
•Cancer registrars review pathology reports for accuracy; assign classification codes for treatment and diagnosis; plan annual follow-ups; gather data for research; and maintain appropriate databases of cancer patients.
•Medical coders look at patient information for pre-existing conditions; assign proper codes for care, population, and billing; and liaise with clinicians and billing teams.
Steps to Becoming a Registered Health Information Technician (RHIT)
While the pathway to becoming an RHIT varies by region and experience, here is one possible way to join this growing profession:
Step 1: Graduate from High School or Earn a Ged (Four Years).
Aspiring RHITs are strongly encouraged to excel in computer science, health, biology, math, and English courses, which will be the most relevant to their future occupation. It may also be advisable to volunteer at a hospital or another healthcare facility to get a feel for the future work environment.
Step 2: Earn a Cahiim-accredited Associate Degree or bachelor’s degree in Health Information Management or a Related Discipline (Two to Four Years).
As stated above, to qualify for professional credentialing, all aspiring RHITs must graduate from a recognized two- to a four-year program in health information management or a related discipline. Typical admissions requirements include:
•Completed application and fee
•Official transcripts from one’s high school or proof of a GED
•Personal statement or essay
•Resume
•TOEFL scores (for ESL applicants only)
These programs generally include coursework in:
•Basic medical terminology
•Pharmacology for allied health
•ICD-10 diagnostic coding
•Health information management (HIM)
•HIM statistics
•HIM computer applications
•Medical insurance and reimbursement
•Disease and diagnosis coding
•Anatomy and physiology
•Pathophysiology
•Legal aspects of healthcare
•CPT coding
•RHIT exam preparation
Step 3: Get Certified Through Ahima’s Commission on Certification for Health Informatics and Information Management (Less Than One Year).
In general, candidates for CCHIIM’s RHIT examination are asked to display accuracy in entering patient info; analyze patient data to improve care or costs; and demonstrate familiarity with common coding systems and procedures.
To qualify for the exam, candidates must complete at least an associate degree from a CAHIIM-accredited program, or a foreign program recognized by AHIMA. As of 2020, applying for the exam was $229 for members and $299 for non-members. It’s important to note that candidates have a four-month window after registration to take the exam, available online or at a designated testing center. Also, students currently in a recognized academic program can enroll to take the exam early if they’re in their final term.
The exam takes three-and-a-half hours and includes a range of 130 to 160 questions across six domains:
•Domain 1: Data content, structure, and information governance: (24-28 percent of questions)
•Domain 2: Access, disclosure, privacy, and security (12-16 percent)
•Domain 3: Data analytics and use (14-18 percent)
•Domain 4: Revenue cycle management (14-18 percent)
•Domain 5: Compliance (13-17 percent)
•Domain 6: Leadership (11-15 percent)
As of December 31, 2019, there were 32,714 certified RHIT professionals through AHIMA, and in the same year, 76 percent of the 2,160 first-time testers passed the RHIT exam with a score of 300 or higher.
Step 4: Maintain RHIT Credential (Every Two Years).
Finally, all certified RHITs must maintain their AHIMA credential by completing 20 qualifying continuing education units (CEUs) every two years, including five hours of coding self-reviews. Recertification of the RHIT and other credentials is required to keep up with changes in the industry.
State Licensure for Registered Health Information Technicians (RHITS)
As of February 2022, there are no formal state licensure requirements for RHITs. AHIMA certification is the sought-after industry standard most employers look for when hiring registered health information technicians. To stay current and show professional commitment to the field, earning RHIT certification through AHIMA is highly recommended.
As previously mentioned, some RHIT professionals can specialize in cancer registration which involves specialization in analyzing cancer patient data. According to the BLS (2021), some states require cancer registrars to hold Certified Tumor Registration (CTR) certification through the National Cancer Registrars Association (NCRA) which involves completing an additional educational program, practical experience, and taking an exam. CTR credential-holders must reapply every two years and earn a minimum of 20 hours of continuing education credits. Exam registration fees for NCRA members are $315 and non-members are $415.
Overall, health information technology is expected to be an in-demand field into the future, especially as more medical providers pursue digital storage and access options for patient data.
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