Certification Exam Prep

AHIMA Online Education: CDIP Exam Prep Series

AHIMA certification distinguishes an individual as competent, knowledgeable, and committed to AHIMA's mission to lead the health informatics and information management community to advance professional practice and standards.

The Commission on Certification for Health Informatics and Information Management (CCHIIM) manages and sets the strategic direction for the certifications. AHIMA certification is grounded in a tradition of excellence from a not-for-profit professional association that has been serving HIM professionals since 1928. When a person earns an AHIMA certification, they join a network of esteemed peers recognized nationally as best in the field. All AHIMA certification exams are approved by the VA for reimbursement for active duty military and veterans. More information is available here.

Now more than ever, a strong, highly respected clinical documentation improvement (CDI) program can make a difference in achieving the goals of RAC audits, ARRA/HITECH, and other important initiatives aimed at improving the quality of healthcare. In response to industry demand, the Commission on Certification for Health Informatics and Information Management (CCHIIM) developed the CDIP credential.

Professionals earning the CDIP credential will:

  • Be distinguished as knowledgeable and competent in clinical documentation in patient health records
  • Be positioned as leaders and role models in the health informatics and information management community
  • Demonstrate competency in capturing documentation necessary to fully communicate patients’ health status and conditions
  • Help provide a strong base of expertise in the industry

AHIMA certification can also help to:

  • Improve earning potential
  • Increase opportunity for career advancement
  • Provide a forum to connect with colleagues

As technology changes the way documentation is captured through the use of EHRs, AHIMA is leading the effort to ensure it is still clear, concise, and compliant. AHIMA has extensive expertise in CDI guidance, knowledge of documentation requirements relative to compliant coding and billing, in addition to EHR functionality to support documentation capture.

At the heart of AHIMA’s mission and vision is documentation that supports quality health information. The CDIP certification confirms the commitment of AHIMA to globally improve and maintain quality information for those involved in healthcare as well as support the integrity of the patient’s health record.

This exam prep series is designed for individuals who are preparing to sit for the Certified Documentation Improvement Practitioner (CDIP)[insert register mark] certification exam to obtain the CDIP credential. Please refer to the AHIMA Certification Website for information about the CDIP credential and related eligibility requirements: http://www.ahima.org/certification/CDIP

AHIMA certifications are administered by the AHIMA Commission on Certification for Health Informatics and Information Management (CCHIIM). The CCHIIM does not contribute to, review, endorse or require any review books, review sessions, study guides, or other exam preparatory activities. While use of AHIMA Exam Prep products for AHIMA certification exam preparation cannot guarantee an exam candidate will earn a passing score on the exam, AHIMA has carefully prepared exam prep materials to help make students successful candidates for the credential.

CDIP: Domain 1 - Clinical Coding

Course Description

This four-lesson course covers the topic of clinical coding practice, including ICD-10-CM, ICD-10-PCS, CPT, and HCPCS Level II codes. Coding guidelines and conventions are reviewed, along with the various prospective payment systems utilized in today’s healthcare environment.

Course Objectives

  • Review the importance of ICD-10-CM official coding guidelines.
  • Review the importance of ICD-10-PCS official coding guidelines.
  • Review the importance of ICD-10-CM/PCS AHA coding clinic references.
  • Review the importance of CPT coding guidelines.
  • Review the importance of AMA CPT assistant guidance.
  • Explain the importance of ICD-10-CM/PCS coding conventions.
  • Explain the importance of CPT coding conventions.
  • Explain the value of encoders.
  • Explain the Prospective Payment System (PPS).
  • Explain the Ambulatory Payment Classification (APC).
  • Explain the Ambulatory Patient Group (APG) Payment System.
  • Explain MS-DRGs, APR-DRGs, and AP-DRGs.
  • Explain the importance of MS-DRGs: Inpatient.
  • Explain the importance of CPT/HCPCS: Outpatient.
  • Explain the importance of Principal Diagnosis Selection.
  • Explain the MCC/CC: Secondary Diagnosis Assignment.

AHIMA is currently improving this course to provide a better learning experience. Check back soon for the new and improved version.

CDIP: Domain 2 - Leadership

Course Description

This four-lesson course evaluates the leadership role of a CDI professional, along with roles of the CDI team, physician champion, coding staff, and others in the CDI process. The importance of affiliating with external professional organizations and associations is also discussed. Also learn to develop CDI policies and procedures in this course.

Course Objectives

  • Evaluate the importance of an affiliation with professional organizations.
  • Assess the importance of certification for CDI professionals
  • Review the components of continuing education.
  • Assess the importance of organizational awareness.
  • Define the members of the CDI team and the value of team building.
  • Evaluate CDI program development.
  • Assess the value of policies and procedures for CDI specialists and programs.
  • Define the need for medical staff training.
  • Describe the importance of a physician champion.
  • Evaluate the query work flow for a CDI program.
  • Define and understand key performance indicators (KPIs), compliance and reporting.
  • Review celebrating CDI programs during CDI month.
  • Identify potential projects for CDI programs.
  • Evaluate the importance of projects to measure the effectiveness of CDI programs.

AHIMA is currently improving this course to provide a better learning experience. Check back soon for the new and improved version.

CDIP: Domain 3 – Records Review & Document Clarification

Course Description

This four-lesson course covers the process of reviewing the record and seeking document clarification through compliant queries. Pertinent quality measures will be discussed, as well as the process to resolve differences between a working DRG and a final DRG.

Course Objectives

  • Identify the components of compliant query writing.
  • Determine documentation requirements for query writing.
  • Determine the necessary clinical indicators to support the query.
  • Identify the specificity, diagnosis clarification and abnormal findings utilized for an effective        query.
  • Identify the stakeholders in a CDI program.
  • Identify HACs, PSI, and Core measure and how a CDI program utilizes these quality measures.
  • Recognize that communication in a CDI program can be electronic or handwritten.
  • Summarize the importance of query follow-up.
  • Assess the importance of queries for clarification of documentation for MS-DRGs, APR-DRGs.
  • Define missed opportunities.
  • Review the importance of education for providers.
  • Explain the importance of the response rate.
  • Clarify how to document the query follow-up.
  • Evaluate the process of having policies and procedures for a CDI program.
  • Explain how to resolve differences between a Working DRG versus Final DRG.

AHIMA is currently improving this course to provide a better learning experience. Check back soon for the new and improved version.

CDIP: Domain 4 - CDI Metrics and Statistics

Course Description

This four-lesson course walks through the key performance indicators of a CDI program. CDI professionals must know how to track and trend pertinent data, as well as present the data in an effective manner. Benchmarking and auditing is also covered in this course.

Course Objectives

  • Understand KPIs for your CDI program
  • Determine the best methods for tracking and trending information
  • Understand how to create a dashboard to share information
  • Understand the importance of setting internal goals
  • Identify regional and national benchmarks
  • Understand the importance of monitoring
  • Understand the importance of auditing query content
  • Evaluate the importance of auditing CDI performance
  • Understand why DRG discrepancy rates should be monitored
  • Identify who are the stakeholders
  • Determine the frequency of reporting data
  • Understand correction action to be taken to improve documentation

AHIMA is currently improving this course to provide a better learning experience. Check back soon for the new and improved version.

CDIP Domain 5—Research and Education

Course Description

This four-lesson course covers the benefits of research and education in a successful CDI program. Coordination of education and different types of educational offerings for various stakeholders are covered.

Course Objectives

  • Explain the benefits of focused education.
  • Clarify the availability of educational opportunities.
  • Describe the importance of knowledge of Coding Concepts and Coding Guidelines.
  • Explain the importance of provider based education.
  • Explain how providers can help with coding guidelines compliance.
  • Determine the frequency of education.
  • Define some methods of educating providers.
  • Explain the importance of monitoring external regulatory agencies for updates.
  • Perform updated education based on changes.
  • Ensure coordination of education across multiple departments.
  • Explain the need to continue monitoring compliance for educational opportunities.
  • Explain the benefits of accessing AHIMA.
  • Explain the benefits of accessing ACDIS.
  • Determine the importance of establishing internal facility goals.

AHIMA is currently improving this course to provide a better learning experience. Check back soon for the new and improved version.

CDIP Domain 6: Compliance

Course Description

This four-lesson course walks through the key performance indicators of a CDI program. CDI professionals must know how to track and trend pertinent data, as well as present the data in an effective manner. Benchmarking and auditing is also covered in this course.

Course Objectives

  • Explain the importance of monitoring CDI activity.
  • Explain the regulatory requirements for CDI programs.
  • Explain potential legal issues with CDI.
  • Explain the importance of compliance for CDI.
  • Determine who the important regulatory agencies are for compliance.
  • Review the importance of understanding the regulations and expectations.
  • Explain the importance of education.
  • Identify ethical documentation practices.
  • Assess the importance of monitoring compliance.
  • Identify best practices for the CDI program.
  • Explain the importance of monitoring the program for compliance.
  • Define potential meetings to attend for reporting purposes.

AHIMA is currently improving this course to provide a better learning experience. Check back soon for the new and improved version.

AHIMA Online Education: RHIA Exam Prep Series

AHIMA certification distinguishes an individual as competent, knowledgeable, and committed to AHIMA's mission to lead the health informatics and information management community to advance professional practice and standards.

The Commission on Certification for Health Informatics and Information Management (CCHIIM) manages and sets the strategic direction for the certifications. AHIMA certification is grounded in a tradition of excellence from a not-for-profit professional association that has been serving HIM professionals since 1928. When a person earns an AHIMA certification, they join a network of esteemed peers recognized nationally as best in the field. All AHIMA certification exams are approved by the VA for reimbursement for active duty military and veterans. More information is available here.

Individuals who hold the Registered Health Information Administrator (RHIA) credential are experts in managing patient health information and medical records, administering computer information systems, collecting and analyzing patient data, and using classification systems and medical terminologies. They possess comprehensive knowledge of medical, administrative, ethical and legal requirements and standards related to healthcare delivery and the privacy of protected patient information. RHIAs often manage people and operational units, participate in administrative committees, and prepare budgets. Their positions usually involve Interactions with all levels of an organization-clinical, financial, administrative, and information systems-that employ patient data in decision-making and everyday operations.

This exam prep series is designed for individuals who are preparing to sit for the Registered Health Information Administrator (RHIA) certification exam to obtain the RHIA credential. Please refer to the AHIMA Certification Website for information about the RHIA credential and related eligibility requirements: http://www.ahima.org/certification/RHIA   

AHIMA certifications are administered by the AHIMA Commission on Certification for Health Informatics and Information Management (CCHIIM). The CCHIIM does not contribute to, review, endorse or require any review books, review sessions, study guides, or other exam preparatory activities. While use of AHIMA Exam Prep products for AHIMA certification exam preparation cannot guarantee an exam candidate will earn a passing score on the exam, AHIMA has carefully prepared exam prep materials to help make students successful candidates for the credential.

RHIA Domain 1—Data Content, Structure & Standards (Information Governance)


Course Description

This 7-lesson course covers the AHIMA RHIA certification Domain 1. It offers a refresher of topics related to data content, structure, and standards; and coding according to established guidelines, design, management and maintenance of databases, data dictionaries and the legal health record.

Course Objectives

The objectives for the Exam Prep: RHIA Domain 1 course are for students to be able to:

  1. Explain health data structure, content and standards
  2. Identify information requirements and standards
  3. Describe the importance of coding diagnosis and procedures according to established guidelines
  4. Explain managing and maintaining databases
  5. Understand the importance of accurate data and documentation integrity
  6. Describe the legal health record

AHIMA is currently improving this course to provide a better learning experience. Check back soon for the new and improved version.

RHIA Domain 2—Information Protection: Access, Disclosure, Archival, Privacy & Security

Course Description

This 6-lesson course covers the AHIMA RHIA certification Domain 2. It provides an overview and a method of self-assessment for those functions critical to the resources, actions and responsibilities of the RHIA within the healthcare organization as they relate to the protection of information.

Course Objectives

The objectives for the Exam Prep: RHIA Domain 2 course are:

  1. Review how to deal with privacy and security external forces - bring balance to federal and state laws and regulations
  2. Work through privacy program design, management, and best practice recommendations
  3. Manage access, disclosure and use of protected health information to ensure privacy and confidentiality
  4. Understand the separate and integrated roles of the privacy and security officials
  5. Review front-end and back-end protective privacy and security policies and technology safeguards
  6. Indentify important aspects of workforce privacy and security training and management

AHIMA is currently improving this course to provide a better learning experience. Check back soon for the new and improved version.

RHIA Domain 3— Informatics, Analytics & Data Use


Course Description

This 14-lesson course covers the AHIMA RHIA certification Domain 3. This online exam preparation course provides an overview of informatics, analytics, and the use of data - including analysis and presentation. Best practices for health information systems are also reviewed.

Course Objectives

The objectives of Exam Prep: RHIA Domain 3 are to prepare learners to:

  1. Identify best practices for the planning, selection, and implementation of health information systems
  2. Describe master person index
  3. Explain proper storage and retrieval principles and reporting concepts
  4. Describe the clinical, administrative, and specialty service applications, including HIM-specific applications, found in healthcare
  5. Describe the multiple applications used in HIM including the electronic health record
  6. Calculate healthcare statistics
  7. Present data for organizational use
  8. Recall appropriate management strategies for clinical indices/databases/registries and software applications that support their use in the HIM department and for external purposes in improving healthcare delivery and population health
  9. Demonstrate adherence to Institutional Review Board (IRB) processes and policies
  10. Identify appropriate data sources for research
  11. Analyze clinical data to identify trends
  12. Analyze and present data for healthcare decision-making (such as the demonstration of quality, safety, and effectiveness of healthcare)

AHIMA is currently improving this course to provide a better learning experience. Check back soon for the new and improved version.

RHIA Domain 4—Revenue Management

Course Description

This 8-lesson course covers the AHIMA RHIA certification Domain 4. It provides a review of key concepts related to revenue cycle management in HIM. It includes topics of reimbursement optimization, coding and auditing management, accreditation and licensing processes, and medical identity theft.


Course Objectives

The objectives for the Exam Prep: RHIA Domain 4 course are:

  1. Identify how to optimize reimbursement through management of the revenue cycle (e.g. chargemaster maintenance)
  2. Describe the management of coding and the importance of coding accuracy
  3. Identify methods of monitoring industry trends and organizational needs to anticipate changes
  4. Explain the accreditation process and licensing processes (e.g. Joint Commission, Medicare, state regulators)
  5. Describe the steps involved in processing audit requests.
  6. Explain how to perform an internal audit
  7. Define medical identity theft and its threats

AHIMA is currently improving this course to provide a better learning experience. Check back soon for the new and improved version.

RHIA Domain 5—Leadership


Course Description

This 12-lesson course covers the AHIMA RHIA certification Domain 5. This training focuses on HIM-related management and organizational principles. Topics include human resources management, productivity standards, budgeting, contract management, and meeting planning.

Course Objectives

The objectives for the Exam Prep: RHIA Domain 5 course are for students to be able to:

  1. Understand general management and organization principles related to health information management
  2. Explain motivational theories as they apply to management activities with individuals, functional workgroups, and teams
  3. Explain human resource management activities (e.g. recruiting staff, creating job descriptions, resolving personnel issues, orientation, employee evaluation, retention, and grievances)
  4. Describe various types of training and educational activities (e.g. HIM systems, coding, medical and institutional terminology; documentation and regulatory requirements)
  5. Describe methods to establish and monitor productivity standards for the HIM function as they relate to staffing levels and provision of feedback
  6. Identify steps involved in preparation and management of budgets, accounting principles, and revenue cycle management
  7. Determine resource needs, explain project management principles, and recognize process engineering and project management techniques that ensure efficient workflow and appropriate outcomes
  8. Identify techniques for evaluating and managing contracts
  9. Explain best practices in organizing and facilitating meetings
  10. Explain the accreditation and licensing processes (e.g. Joint Commission, Medicare, state regulators)
  11. Identify how to optimize reimbursement through management of the revenue cycle (e.g. chargemaster maintenance)
  12. Identify methods of monitoring industry trends and organizational needs to anticipate changes

AHIMA is currently improving this course to provide a better learning experience. Check back soon for the new and improved version.

AHIMA Online Education: RHIT Exam Prep Series

This exam prep series is designed for individuals who have successfully completed a CAHIIM-accredited HIM college program, and are preparing to sit for the Registered Health Information Technician (RHIT) certification exam to obtain the RHIT credential. AHIMA certification distinguishes an individual as competent, knowledgeable, and committed to AHIMA's mission to lead the health informatics and information management community to advance professional practice and standards.

The Commission on Certification for Health Informatics and Information Management (CCHIIM) manages and sets the strategic direction for the certifications. AHIMA certification is grounded in a tradition of excellence from a not-for-profit professional association that has been serving HIM professionals since 1928. When a person earns an AHIMA certification, they join a network of esteemed peers recognized nationally as best in the field. All AHIMA certification exams are approved by the VA for reimbursement for active duty military and veterans. More information is available here.

Professionals holding the RHIT credential are health information technicians who ensure the quality of medical records by verifying their completeness, accuracy, and proper entry into computer systems. RHITs use computer applications to assemble and analyze patient data for the purpose of improving patient care or controlling costs. They often specialize in coding diagnoses and procedures in patient records for reimbursement and research. The RHIT Exam Prep Series covers health data management; health statistics, biomedical research, and quality; health services organization and delivery; information technology and systems; and organizational resources.

This exam prep series is designed for individuals who have successfully completed a CAHIIM-accredited HIM college program, and are preparing to sit for the Registered Health Information Technician (RHIT) certification exam to obtain the RHIT credential. Please refer to the AHIMA Certification Website for information about the RHIA credential and related eligibility requirements: http://www.ahima.org/certification/RHIT    

AHIMA certifications are administered by the AHIMA Commission on Certification for Health Informatics and Information Management (CCHIIM). The CCHIIM does not contribute to, review, endorse or require any review books, review sessions, study guides, or other exam preparatory activities. While use of AHIMA Exam Prep products for AHIMA certification exam preparation cannot guarantee an exam candidate will earn a passing score on the exam, AHIMA has carefully prepared exam prep materials to help make students successful candidates for the credential.

Data Content, Structure and Information Governance

This 6-topic course covers Domain 1 of the AHIMA RHIT certification domains, subdomains and tasks. It is designed to assist students in successfully completing this particular section of their RHIT certification exam.

AHIMA is currently improving this course to provide a better learning experience. Check back soon for the new and improved version.

Access, Disclosure, Privacy and Security

This 5-topic course covers Domain 2 of the AHIMA RHIT certification domains, subdomains and tasks. It is designed to assist students in successfully completing this particular section of their RHIT certification exam.

AHIMA is currently improving this course to provide a better learning experience. Check back soon for the new and improved version.

Data Analytics and Use

This 7-topic course covers Domain 3 of the AHIMA RHIT certification domains, subdomains and tasks. It is designed to assist students in successfully completing this particular section of their RHIT certification exam.

AHIMA is currently improving this course to provide a better learning experience. Check back soon for the new and improved version.

Revenue Cycle Management

This 10-topic course covers Domain 4 of the AHIMA RHIT certification domains, subdomains and tasks. It is designed to assist students in successfully completing this particular section of their RHIT certification exam.

AHIMA is currently improving this course to provide a better learning experience. Check back soon for the new and improved version.

Compliance

This 8-topic course covers Domain 5 of the AHIMA RHIT certification domains, subdomains and tasks. It is designed to assist students in successfully completing this particular section of their RHIT certification exam.

AHIMA is currently improving this course to provide a better learning experience. Check back soon for the new and improved version.

Leadership

This 6-topic course covers Domain 6 of the AHIMA RHIT certification domains, subdomains and tasks. It is designed to assist students in successfully completing this particular section of their RHIT certification exam.

AHIMA is currently improving this course to provide a better learning experience. Check back soon for the new and improved version.