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Health Information Management Careers for Military, Veterans & Spouses

Updated | Julie Provost
health information management careers

Health Information Management Careers for Active Duty, Veterans, and Military Spouses

Careers in Health Information Management (HIM) are among the fastest-growing occupations in the US. The massive amount of data generated in healthcare – much of which is personal information that it protected by law – requires trained individuals to effectively manage it.

Health information includes any data related to healthcare, such as diagnoses, health history, medical procedures, lab results, or X-ray images. Managing this data involves collecting, analyzing, and protecting it. Health information differs from other types of data in that it is protected by law.

HIPAA – A Brief History and Explanation

The Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) was enacted in 1996 to improve the portability of health insurance for employees changing jobs. HIPAA encouraged a shift from paper to electronic medical records.

HIPAA includes rules that define what counts as protected health information (Privacy Rule), explain how protected information is safeguarded (Security Rule), and outline consequences of failure to follow safeguards (Enforcement Rule).

The Health Information Technology for Economic and Clinical Health Act (HITECH) was enacted in 2009 and accelerated the adoption of electronic medical records.

HIPAA is the set of rules that demands data security in healthcare. Together with HITECH, it accelerated the amount of electronic data produced by healthcare. This results in a high demand for Health Information Management Careers to manage large amounts of data in accordance with laws designed to protect it.

Health Information Management Certifications

Medical coding is the translation of health information into universal alphanumeric codes. Closely related, medical billing involves filing claims with health insurance companies based on the translated information. Other roles related to HIM include auditing, compliance, and management.

Careers in HIM often allow people to work in healthcare with little to no contact with patients. Training generally involves learning coding systems like ICD-10 and CPT, anatomy, medical terminology, and principles of data security and management.

The three leading certification bodies for Health Information Management are The American Health Information Management Association (AHIMA) and the American Academy of Professional Coders (AAPC), and Health Information Management Systems Society (HIMSS).

AHIMA Certifications in HIM

Registered –

    • Health Information Administrator (RHIA)
    • Health Information Technician (RHIT)

Certified –

    • Coding Associate (CCA)
    • Coding Specialist (CCS)
    • Documentation Improvement Practitioner (CDIP)
    • Coding Specialist – Physician-based (CCS-P)
    • Health Data Analyst (CHDA)
    • Healthcare Privacy and Security (CHPS)

AAPC Certifications in HIM

Certified

    • Professional Coder (CPC)
    • Outpatient Coder (COC)
    • Inpatient Coder (CIC)
    • Risk Adjustment Coder (CRC)
    • Professional Biller (CPB)
    • Professional Medical Auditor (CPMA)
    • Documentation Expert Outpatient (CDEO)
    • Professional Compliance Officer (CPCO)
    • Physician Practice Manager (CPPM)

HIMSS Certifications in HIM

Certified

    • Associate in Healthcare Information and Management Systems (CAHIMS)
    • Professional in Healthcare Information and Management Systems (CPHIMS)

Do HIM Careers Require a Degree?

Some do. An associate’s degree is required for RHIT. A Bachelor’s degree is required for RHIA or CPHIMS certification. Training for many HIM certifications can be completed online in a matter of months and does not require completion of a degree.

Salary increases with education level.  Average salary ranges are:

  • Associate degree – $20 – 30,000
  • Bachelor’s degrees – $30 – 50,000 at entry level

Learn about GI-Bill Approved Schools with Healthcare Administration programs through a simple College Recon search.

Student Memberships

While certification does not require membership, joining a professional organization can offer significant financial and educational benefits. All 3 organizations listed above offer the following discounted student memberships.

  • AAPC – $90 student membership
  • AHIMA – $49 student membership
  • HIMSS – $30 student membership

Can I Work in HIM Without Certification?

Maybe. However, certification validates skills in a particular role. The HIM certifications listed above are nationally recognized. This shows potential employers that you are qualified, increases likelihood of hire, improves career portability, and can lead to higher salary than someone who does not hold a certification.

Affordable Training and Certification for HIM Careers

Members of the military community have multiple opportunities to complete training and certification in HIM.

Credentialing Assistance Programs

Any active duty service member can earn any of the HIMSS or AHIMA certifications through this credentialing assistance program. Credentialing assistance programs include:

    • Army COOL
    • Coast Guard COOL
    • Marine Corps COOL
    • Navy COOL
    • Air Force COOL
    • DoD Civilian COOL

Discounts

AAPC periodically offers significantly discounted training.  Right now, they have an offer for up to 50% off – until October 31st.

MOOC

It may take some digging to find a Massive Open Online Course (MOOC) that leads to certification eligibility. However, tons of MOOCS related to HIM are available. MOOC courses available cover topics such as data analytics and management, and are often free.

MyCAA

The MyCAA program is available to certain military spouses. Eligible spouses can receive up to $4,000 in tuition assistance over two years for an associate degree, obtaining a license, or completing certification in any career field.

Scholarships

There are multiple scholarships available for those pursuing a career in HIM. Keep in mind that membership in an organization can boost the competitiveness of a scholarship application.

    • The HIMSS Foundation offers multiple scholarships. The Georgia, New England, and South Florida HIMSS chapters sponsor additional scholarships.

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About the author

Julie Provost is a freelance writer, and blogger. She lives in Tennessee with her National Guard husband and three boys.

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