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How are electronic health records used in healthcare?

Electronic health records (EHR) are portable records of a patient’s healthcare experience. This responsibility helps doctors see and treat patients more efficiently and may help reduce errors in medical procedures and their documentation.

What does an electronic health records specialist do?

EHR specialists focus on the electronic documentation of the patient’s care and condition. Common EHR job activities may include:

• Auditing patient records for compliance with government or insurance requirements
• Abstracting clinical information for reporting purposes
• Performing basic coding for reimbursement claims
• Processing Release of Information (ROI) requests for medical records
• Reviewing patient records for completion and accuracy
• Collecting patient information for demographic and insurance reports
• Discussing patient information with physicians and insurance professionals

Is electronic health records a good career for remote work?

Because electronic records are held and updated online, EHR Specialist is considered an option for a remote or home-based career. ZipRecruiter.com reports that most employers will require that remote team members have strong, secure internet connections and most will require certification.

What's the job outlook for Electronic Health Records Specialists?

• Medical records technicians/health record specialists have ample job opportunities. According to CareerExplorer.com, demand for health records professionals is expected to grow by 13.5% between now and 2026.
• According to PayScale.com, health records specialists earn $49,000 per year on average.

You must have a high school diploma or equivalent to sit for the Electronic Health Record Specialist Certification (CEHRS) exam; therefore, it's recommended you have this before enrolling in this course.

• Prepare to take and pass the CEHR exam, offered by the National Healthcareer Association
• Receive a broad overview of the electronic health records (EHR) systems
• Gain hands-on experience using real EHR software
• Summarize the HIPAA Privacy Rule and HIPAA Security Rule
• Explain the information contained in various medical records
• Demonstrate how to write a chief complaint and obtain a patient history
• Establish the appropriate EHR for a healthcare practice
• Track of vital information such as patient allergies and medications
• Communicate with patients and report public health information

Certified Electronic Health Records Specialist

Module 1. An Overview of EHR and CEHRS

• What is an EHR
• The Importance of EHRs
• Efforts to Encourage EHR Adoption
• EHRs in the Future
• The Role of a CEHRS in a Medical Practice

Module 2. Steps to EHR Implementation

• Step 1: Assess
• Step 2: Plan
• Step 3: Select
• Step 4: Implement  

Module 3. The EHR Framework

• EHR Architecture, Hardware, Software, Networks and Interfaces
• Human-Computer Interface (User) Devices
• Functional, Data Content, and Vocabulary Standards
• Feature and Data Formats
• Security Controls
• Hybrid Health Records
• Disaster Recovery

Module 4. HIPAA Requirements and EHR Systems

• What is HIPAA?
• HIPAA and CEHRS
• HIPAA Privacy Rule
• HIPAA Security Rule

Module 5. The EHR and Record Content

• Record Purposes
• Record Formats and Types of Data
• Record Standards
• Medical Record Content
• Documentation Practices

Module 6. Patient Visit Management

• The EHR in an Office Workflow
• Master Patient Index
• Service Payment Information
• Scheduling
• Consents, Acknowledgements, Advance Directives, and Authorizations

Module 7. Problem, Medication, and Allergy Lists

• The Lists
• Summary Lists in the Office Workflow
• Standards – Functional, Content, and Vocabulary

Module 8. Examination/Assessment Notes, Graphics, and Charts

• Examination and Assessment Notes in the Office Workflow
• Functional and Content Standards
• Documentation

Module 9. Treatment Plans, Orders, and Results

• Treatment Plan
• Treatment Plans in the Office Workflow
• Functional and Content Standards of Treatment Plans
• Documentation of Treatment Plans, Orders, and Results

Module 10. Medication Orders and Administration

• Medication Orders Workflow
• Functional, Content, and Vocabulary Standards for Medication Orders
• Medication Reference Information
• Medication Alerts and Reminders

Module 11. Patient Communications

• Patient-Focused Communication
• Patient Portals
• Personal Health Records

Module 12. Coding, Billing, and Practice Reports

• Coding and Billing Workflow
• Code Sets and Clinical Vocabularies
• Coding, Billing, and the EHR
• Encoders and Computer-Assisted Coding
• Electronic Bill Submission

Module 13. Research, Registries, and Reportable Events

• Medical Product Development
• Practice Requirements
• Standards that Support Research
• Registries and Reportable Events  

Module 14. Personal Health Records and Continuing Care Records

• Personal Health Record
• Communication Among Providers for Continuing Care
• Continuity of Care Record
• Ongoing Training and Technical Support of EHR Software

Medical Terminology

• Introduction to Medical Terminology
• The Musculoskeletal System
• The Cardiovascular System
• The Lymphatic and Immune Systems
• The Respiratory System
• The Digestive System
• The Urinary System
• The Nervous System
• The Special Senses The Eyes and Ears
• The Integumentary System
• The Endocrine System
• The Reproductive System
• Diagnostic Procedures, Nuclear Medicine, Pharmacology

Download Course Outline (PDF)

The following textbooks are included in enrollment and will be shipped to you approximately 7–10 business days after enrollment:

• The Paperless Medical Office: Using Harris CareTracker
• Medical Terminology for Health Professions

Upon completion of this course, you will be prepared to take the Electronic Health Record Specialist Certification (CEHRS) exams offered by NHA, and the cost of the exam is included in your tuition. .

Students are supported by both an assigned instructor and assigned advisor throughout the duration of the course. Students receive contact information for both upon enrollment and all communication is handled via email. Students should allow up to two business days for responses.

Hardware Requirements

• This course can be taken on either a PC or Mac.
• Webcams are strongly recommended.

Software Requirements

• PC: Windows XP or later
• Mac: OS X Snow Leopard 10.6 or later
• Browser: The latest version of Google Chrome or Mozilla Firefox are preferred. Microsoft Edge and Safari are also compatible. The electronic health record (EHR) software within the course is only accessible through Internet Explorer.
• Adobe Acrobat Reader. Download the .
• Software must be installed and fully operational before the course begins.

Other

• Email capabilities and access to a personal email account.