As Electronic Health Records (EHR) replace traditional paper charts and become more common in healthcare settings, such as hospitals and dental offices, a Certified EHR Specialist (CEHRS) is becoming an increasingly integral position in a healthcare team. According to the US Bureau of Labor Statistics, employment for this role is expected to grow 8% by 2032. Here is some helpful information about this in-demand career and how you can get certified in just a few months at ACI Medical & Dental School.
What is an Electronic Health Record (EHR)?
An Electronic Health Record, or EHR, is an electronic version of a patient’s medical history that is maintained by a healthcare provider. EHRs allow medical professionals to keep track of all relevant information about a patient, including:
- Medical history
- Vital signs
- Medications
- Allergies
- Immunizations
- Laboratory data
- Radiology reports
EHRs significantly improve patient care in a number of ways:
- They provide clear and accurate results, reducing the risk of medical error and allowing medical professionals to make informed decisions and provide better care.
- Improving the workflow and organization of a medical office. Medical records are easily found and will not be lost.
- They can contain information from all physicians who have worked with a patient and can be shared with other physicians for consistent care.
What Does A Certified EHR Specialist Do?
A Certified Electronic Health Record Specialist (CEHR) is a healthcare professional who specializes in the implementation, management, and optimization of electronic health record systems in healthcare settings. Their primary role is to manage patient health records, guaranteeing that the information is up-to-date and accurate. They interact with patients, physicians, and insurance professionals, ensuring the best possible medical care. Other duties include:
- Using Medical Billing and Coding to submit reimbursement claims.
- Processing Release of Information requests for medical records.
- Collecting patient insurance and demographic information.
- Discussing patient information with physicians and insurance professionals.
- Assure the accuracy, integrity, and security of patient data within the EHR system.
- Providing ongoing support to healthcare staff by addressing technical issues, software glitches, and user problems related to the EHR system.
Where Does A CEHRS Work?
A Certified Electronic Health Record Specialist (CEHRS) has a wide range of job opportunities as they can work in any healthcare setting where EHR systems are used, including:
- Hospitals
- Clinics and Physician Practices
- Long-Term Care Facilities
- Ambulatory Care Centers
- Healthcare IT Companies
- Health Information Management (HIM) Departments
- Government Agencies
- Consulting Firms
The specific job opportunities for CEHRS professionals can vary depending on their experience, expertise, and the needs of the specific healthcare facility. However, their skills are in demand wherever EHR systems are used to manage patient records and healthcare data.
How Much Does A CEHRS Make?
The salary of a Certified Electronic Health Record Specialist in New Jersey can vary depending on factors such as experience, location within the state, the specific healthcare organization, and the demand for EHR specialists in the area. According to ZipRecruiter, EHR specialists in New Jersey earn an average annual salary of around $66,000.
What Is The Difference Between EHR And EMR?
Electronic Health Records (EHR) and Electronic Medical Records (EMR) are both digital systems for managing patient health information, but they have distinct differences in their scope and functionality. EMRs are more limited and are typically used within a single provider’s practice, whereas EHRs are designed to encompass a broader range of patient data and facilitate the sharing of information across multiple healthcare settings or providers to support coordinated patient care.
Electronic Health Record (EHR):
- EHR stands for “Electronic Health Record.”
- An EHR system is a more comprehensive digital record of a patient’s health information that can be accessed and shared across multiple healthcare providers and organizations.
- It includes a broader range of patient data, including medical history, diagnoses, medications, allergies, immunization records, lab results, radiology reports, and more.
- EHRs are designed to work across different healthcare practices, allowing healthcare providers, laboratories, pharmacies, and other entities to exchange patient information electronically.
- EHRs support a patient’s continuity of care, as they enable healthcare professionals to access and update patient records wherever the patient receives care, including hospitals, specialist offices, and primary care practices.
- EHRs are more comprehensive and are typically used in larger healthcare organizations and healthcare networks.
Electronic Medical Record (EMR):
- EMR stands for “Electronic Medical Record.”
- An EMR system is primarily focused on the digital representation of a patient’s medical history within a single healthcare provider’s office or clinic.
- It contains patient-specific medical information, such as medical history, diagnoses, medications, treatment plans, and test results.
- EMRs are typically used by healthcare providers within a single practice, making them suitable for small medical practices and clinics.
- Data in an EMR is usually specific to the provider’s office, and it may not be easily shared with other healthcare organizations without manual processes or interfaces.
- EMRs are more limited in their ability to support comprehensive, long-term patient care coordination across multiple providers and healthcare settings.
How Do I Get A CEHRS Certification in NJ?
Students who complete our Medical & Dental Administrative Assistant Program will be Certified EHR Specialists through the National Healthcareer Association in under four months. This program offers students the opportunity to turn general office skills into a specialty that will help them land an in-demand career in the growing medical & dental industries.
Classes are starting soon! Contact us today to learn more about this exciting program.
