Are you aiming to boost your career as a Medical Office Administrator (MOA) with a valuable certification? Becoming a Certified Electronic Health Records Specialist (CEHRS) can significantly enhance your professional profile, potentially leading to higher earnings, greater job security, and promising career advancements.
(Want to know more about becoming a Medical Office Administrator? Click here to explore the path.)
This comprehensive study guide is designed to be your roadmap to success in preparing for the CEHRS exam. Administered by the National Healthcareer Association (NHA), a respected organization that has awarded over 750,000 certifications in healthcare, the CEHRS certification validates your expertise in electronic health records.
If you’re serious about passing the CEHRS exam and earning your certification, this guide is your essential resource. We’ll provide you with key information, effective study strategies, and even point you towards resources for a Cehrs Online Study Guide Free Download to maximize your preparation and confidence.
Your Comprehensive CEHRS Exam Study Plan
This guide will systematically address the most important aspects of the CEHRS exam, ensuring you are fully prepared. We’ll cover key questions and topics, including:
- Understanding the CEHRS Exam
- Proven Strategies to Pass the CEHRS Exam
- In-depth Look at the CEHRS Exam Content
- Addressing the CEHRS Exam Difficulty
- Essential CEHRS Exam Requirements
- CEHRS Exam Sample Questions for Practice
- Top Tips and Test-Taking Strategies for CEHRS Success
- Understanding Your CEHRS Test Results
Let’s start with a clear understanding of what the CEHRS exam is all about.
What Exactly is the CEHRS Exam?
The Certified Electronic Health Records Specialist (CEHRS) exam is a timed assessment designed to evaluate your competence as a Certified EHR specialist. This exam tests your knowledge, skills, and practical experience in managing electronic health records within the healthcare environment.
Earning CEHRS certification qualifies you for critical roles in medical offices, where you will be responsible for:
- Ensuring the accuracy and legal compliance of patient records.
- Organizing and maintaining patient health records, including medical histories, lab results, and treatment details.
- Managing medical coding for insurance reimbursements.
- Handling requests for release of medical information (ROI).
How to Register for the CEHRS Exam
To apply for the CEHRS exam, you must meet one of the NHA’s eligibility criteria. The application process involves these key steps:
Step 1: Confirm Your Eligibility
Step 2: Create Your NHA Account
Step 3: Complete Your Application and Schedule Your Exam
Step 4: Begin Your Exam Preparation
Detailed information about each step can be found here.
CEHRS Exam Prerequisites
What Qualifications Do You Need to Meet for the CEHRS Exam?
The NHA has set specific requirements for CEHRS exam eligibility:
- Completion of an electronic health records training program within the last 5 years from an accredited or state-recognized institution.
- Note: Consider programs from accredited institutions to ensure your training meets the requirements.
- A high school diploma or GED equivalent.
Decoding the CEHRS Exam Content
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Preparing for the CEHRS certification doesn’t have to be overwhelming. The NHA provides a free, comprehensive CEHRS test plan, which acts as an excellent cehrs online study guide free download resource by outlining exactly what you need to study. While they also offer additional study materials for purchase, leveraging the free test plan is a great starting point.
Here’s a breakdown of the subjects and sub-topics covered in the CEHRS exam:
-
Non-Clinical Operations (28 Items)
- Patient Identification and Data Integrity
- Patient Information Management
- Encounter Documentation
- Internal and External Data Retrieval
- EHR System Integration
- Hardware Inventory Management
- Patient Flow Coordination
- EHR Software Training and Support
- Data Discrepancy Management
- Patient Portal Support
-
Clinical Operations (32 Items)
- Clinical Template Development
- Secure Data Transmission
- Clinical Documentation Review
- Point-of-Care EHR Support
- Real-Time Clinical Data Input
- Historic Clinical Data Documentation
- Computerized Provider Order Entry (CPOE) Support
- Patient Education Material Access
- EHR Navigation for Data Retrieval
-
Revenue Cycle/Finance (15 Items)
- Medical Coding (ICD, CPT, HCPCS)
- Superbill and Encounter Form Creation
- Diagnosis and Procedure Code Entry
- Reimbursement Documentation Verification
- Insurance and Eligibility Verification
- Authorization Management
- Patient Cost Estimation
- Patient Statement Generation
- Payment Processing
-
Regulatory Compliance (15 Items)
- Professional Standards of Care
- HIPAA and HITECH Act Compliance for PHI
- Compliance Education and Enforcement
- Security Threat Identification
- Access Control Management
- Compliance Audits
- PHI De-identification and Release
- EHR Abbreviation Regulations
- EHR Downtime Procedures
- EHR Incentive Program Compliance
-
Reporting (10 Items)
- Financial Report Generation
- Clinical Report Generation for Patient Outcomes
- Ad Hoc Financial and Clinical Reports
- Statistical Reporting for QI and Research
- Data Compilation for External Reporting
- Report Accuracy Verification
Maximizing Your CEHRS Exam Preparation
To effectively prepare for the CEHRS exam, let’s address some frequently asked questions to guide your study process.
Where Can You Take the CEHRS Exam?
You can take the exam at your educational institution or at a designated PSI Testing Center. Remember to bring valid identification and plan to complete the exam in a single session.
How Long is the CEHRS Exam?
The CEHRS exam is timed for one hour and 50 minutes.
What is the Structure of the CEHRS Exam?
The exam is computer-based and includes 100 scored questions along with 10 pretest questions that are not scored.
What Score is Needed to Pass the CEHRS Exam?
The CEHRS exam uses a scaled scoring system ranging from 200 to 500. A minimum scaled score of 390 is required to pass.
What is the Cost of the CEHRS Exam?
The CEHRS exam fee is approximately $117. For the most current pricing and details, visit the NHA website.
When Will You Receive Your CEHRS Exam Results?
The NHA typically posts your official exam results to your online account within two business days after your test. Printed certificates are usually mailed out within two weeks. If you take a written exam, results are generally available online within two weeks.
Why Choose NHA Certification?
NHA certifications are highly regarded because they are accredited by the National Commission for Certifying Agencies (NCCA). The exams are regularly updated to reflect current industry standards, ensuring that certified professionals possess the most relevant and job-ready skills and knowledge. NHA also offers bundled study materials, but remember, effective preparation can begin with freely available resources like the test plan – your cehrs online study guide free download starting point.
CEHRS Exam Practice Questions
To help you familiarize yourself with the exam format and content, here are some sample questions adapted from online resources like Quizlet:
(Answers are provided at the end of this guide).
-
Which method is MOST effective for EHR document restoration?
- a.) Database backup
- b.) Paper copies of health information
- c.) Dual EHR systems
- d.) Digital copies for patients
-
Which scenario exemplifies meaningful use of EHR?
- a.) Nurse entering provider orders into EHR
- b.) Provider electronically sharing lab data with a specialist
- c.) Patient researching medical conditions online
- d.) Pharmacist updating patient insurance in the database
-
An EHR specialist accessing a provider database is likely seeking:
- a.) Specialty referrals
- b.) Patient demographics
- c.) Diagnostic codes
- d.) Pharmacy information
-
Off-site backup data storage is what type of safeguard?
- a.) Administrative
- b.) Physical
- c.) Technical
- d.) Privacy
-
Which program rewards providers for using performance measurements for Medicare?
- a.) Physician Quality Reporting System
- b.) HITECH Act
- c.) Patient Self-Determination Act
- d.) National Health Information Network
-
Medication administration time verification can be found in the:
- a.) MAR (Medication Administration Record)
- b.) MAC
- c.) SOAP note
- d.) TAR
-
Submitting an incorrect insurance policy number will likely result in:
- a.) Partial payment
- b.) Payment denial
- c.) Insurance contacting the patient
- d.) Insurance contacting the provider
-
Which poses a security threat to EHR information?
- a.) Environmental factors
- b.) Guest Wi-Fi access
- c.) Expired user accounts
- d.) Heavy network traffic
-
Which federal act mandates physical, technical, and administrative safeguards for EHR?
- a.) FECA
- b.) MMA
- c.) HIPAA Title II
- d.) HITECH
-
CPT code changes are managed and updated by:
- a.) National Center for Health Statistics (NCHS)
- b.) American Medical Association (AMA)
- c.) American Health Information Management Association (AHIMA)
- d.) Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS)
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What If You Don’t Pass the CEHRS Exam Initially?
It’s okay if you don’t pass on your first try. You can retake the exam after 30 days. Use this time wisely to reassess your study approach and reinforce your knowledge. Remember, each attempt requires a fee, so focused preparation is key.
How Many Attempts Are Allowed for the CEHRS Exam?
If you do not pass after three attempts, you will need to wait 12 months before you can apply again. Therefore, thorough preparation is crucial to ensure your success.
For more information on retaking the exam, click here.
Effective CEHRS Test-Prep Strategies
Here are some valuable strategies from NHA to help you prepare effectively for retaking the exam, or to ensure success on your first attempt. Remember, with the right approach, you can achieve your certification goals.
- Analyze Your Detailed Score Report: Access your score report in your NHA account under “Results” and click “View Detailed Score Report.” This will pinpoint areas needing improvement.
- Seek Guidance: Don’t hesitate to ask your instructors or mentors for additional help. They are invested in your success and can offer personalized advice.
- Form a Study Group: Studying with peers can be highly beneficial. Collaborate with classmates to share knowledge and support each other.
- Utilize NHA Study Resources: Explore the study materials offered by NHA. While the test plans are free, consider if their additional resources could further enhance your preparation.
- Manage Test Anxiety: Consistent study habits, utilizing available resources, and ensuring adequate rest before the exam can significantly reduce stress. Arrive early at the testing center to settle in and relax.
For more stress-reduction tips for test day, visit this resource.
CEHRS Certification Renewal
To maintain your CEHRS certification, renewal is required every two years. Renewal should be completed on or before your certification expiration date. Early renewal is permitted and does not incur any penalties.
Steps for CEHRS Recertification:
- Log in to your account at nhanow.com.
- Select “Renew Certifications” from the left menu.
- Access the continuing education library via “Complete More CE.”
- Complete 10 continuing education credits.
- Pay the recertification fee, which is $169 every two years (approximately $7 per month).
Considering a Medical Office Administration Diploma?
If you’re exploring career options in healthcare administration but are not yet ready for CEHRS certification, consider a diploma in Medical Office Administration.
While a diploma alone may not qualify you for the CEHRS exam, MOA training can provide foundational knowledge and skills, helping you determine if this field aligns with your career interests.
The responsibilities of a Medical Office Administrator often overlap with those of a CEHRS specialist, including:
- Patient record reviews for accuracy and timeliness.
- Data management for clinical databases and registries.
- Patient outcome tracking.
- Utilizing software for insurance processing and data analysis.
- Data recording, storage, and reporting.
- Maintaining patient record confidentiality.
An MOA diploma program can also provide practical experience, enhancing your resume and making you a stronger candidate for employment after achieving your CEHRS certification.
Take Confident Steps Towards Your Future
Our aim with this guide is to empower you with the knowledge and strategies needed to successfully pass the CEHRS (NHA) Certification Exam. We hope this cehrs online study guide free download resource boosts your confidence as you take the next step in your career journey.
Many professionals enjoy fulfilling and long-term careers as Medical Office Administrators, while others advance to roles like Medical or Health Services Managers. Earning your CEHRS certification is a significant step that demonstrates your expertise and commitment to employers. We wish you the best in your preparation and exam!
Answers to Sample Questions: 1)A 2)B 3)A 4)B 5)A 6)A 7)B 8)A 9)C 10)B
