How does EHR support administrative needs?

An Electronic Health Record (EHR) is an electronic version of a patients medical history, that is maintained by the provider over time, and may include all of the key administrative clinical data relevant to that persons care under a particular provider, including demographics, progress notes, problems, medications, vital signs, past medical history, immunizations, laboratory data and radiology reports   The EHR automates access to information and has the potential to streamline the clinician's workflow.  The EHR also has the ability to support other care-related activities directly or indirectly through various interfaces, including evidence-based decision support, quality management, and outcomes reporting.

EHRs are the next step in the continued progress of healthcare that can strengthen the relationship between patients and clinicians.  The data, and the timeliness and availability of it, will enable providers to make better decisions and provide better care.  

For example, the EHR can improve patient care by:

  • Reducing the incidence of medical error by improving the accuracy and clarity of medical records.
  • Making the health information available, reducing duplication of tests, reducing delays in treatment, and patients well informed to take better decisions.
  • Reducing medical error by improving the accuracy and clarity of medical records.

For information about the Medicare & Medicaid EHR Incentive Programs, please see the link in the "Related Links Inside CMS" section below.

For industry resources on EHR, please see the links in the "Related Links Outside CMS" section below.

Learn more about our MAA/EHR Course

Our Medical Administrative Assistant Program is Short

  • In 9 short weeks, you can become a Certified Medical Administrative Assistant and an Electronic Health Records Specialist. Earn a great income in a rewarding career in just weeks!   

Our Programs Costs Less Than Other Schools

  • This, of course, saves you money. And with Pell Grants, Student Loans, and Affordable Payment Plans available, we can help every student afford a quality education. Qualifying students may also receive money to use for living expenses while they attend school as well. 

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Course Summary

Course Content

Length

Fees

Admission Requirements

Authorization

Course Summary

The Medical Administrative Assistant/Electronic Health Records Specialist Course thoroughly prepares students for the administrative and electronic health records specialist skills needed to work as a Medical Administrative Assistant (MAA). This program integrates all of the front office responsibilities including electronic health records and skill competencies required for today’s industry standards. This program also covers material dealing with medical office, medical records, management skills, client service skills and responsibilities, client education and legal/ethical issues.

It is the Medical Administrative Assistant’s responsibility to keep all patient files organized and to maintain the front office. They file medical records and handle administrative duties, such as answering phones and scheduling appointments. They are also responsible for managing insurance forms and use their knowledge and understanding of medical terminology and insurance procedures to act as a liaison between the patient and the insurance agency.

Medical Administrative Assistants/Electronic Health Records Specialists can work in a variety of locations with common job titles like unit secretary, medical office assistant, patient coordinator or admissions coordinator. This is a unique role in that it combines both direct and indirect patient care duties and requires a strong balance of administrative skills and interpersonal abilities. Medical Administrative Assistants/Electronic Health Record Specialists are responsible for a wide range of tasks to ensure the office they are managing functions smoothly. These tasks can vary by location but typically include:

  • Checking patients in at the front desk
  • Answering the phone
  • Scheduling appointments
  • Interviewing patients for case histories and key information prior to appointments
  • Compiling medical records and charts
  • Processing insurance payments
  • Operating computer software and office equipment
  • Transferring lab results to the appropriate clinician
  • Maintaining supplies and appearance for the office

This role is so important to the healthcare industry, in fact, that employment of medical administrative assistants is projected to grow much faster than average in the coming years, according to the U.S. Department of Labor. With a relatively short educational path, this is an ideal position for those looking to get their foot in the door of the booming healthcare field.

If you are interested in a career in healthcare, the Medical Administrative Assistant/Electronic Health Record Specialist dual certifications can set you on a path to success. The Academy of Allied Health has been training and placing medical assistants in the field for nearly 25 years. When you are ready to take the next step in your medical career, contact us. Our MAA/EHRS training and certification program is here to help you elevate and enhance your career options.

Content includes, but is not limited to:

  • Knowledge of Health Insurance claims
  • Developments of the Claim
  • Insurance Company Processing of Claims
  • Maintaining Insurance Claim Files
  • Safeguarding Confidentiality
  • Know Formatting Requirements
  • Learn to Submit a Medical Bill
  • Medical Terminology
  • Anatomy and Physiology
  • Medical History
  • Examination procedures
  • Medical Reports
  • Terminology related to diseases
  • Diagnostic Tests
  • Treatment of body systems
  • Radiology Terminology
  • Pathology Terminology
  • Autopsy Terminology
  • Mental Health Terminology
  • Discharge Summaries
  • Identify different types of Medical Institutions and Medical Offices
  • Personal/professional, Medical/Legal and Bio-ethical Standards
  • Knowledge of Electronic Health Records
  • Knowledge of HIPAA and the HIPAA Security Rule for use with EHR/EMR
  • Execute EHR file maintenance procedures (purging, archiving, finalizing and security)
  • Eight core functions of an EHR System
  • Computer Provider Order Entry
  • Patient Flow regarding EHR/EMR (scheduling, patient registration, insurance verification, and patient referrals)

Length of Program

The Medical Administrative Assistant/Electronic Health Records Specialist Program is a 247 contact hour course. Total time for the course is 9 weeks.  Day classes are available Monday-Friday 9:00am-2:30pm. Night classes are available Monday-Thursday 6:00 pm-9:15 pm Total course time is 19 weeks. 

Fees

  • Application Fee $100.00 (non-refundable)
  • Books Fee $215.00
  • Materials Fee $185.00
  • Tuition $3600.00
  • Technology Fee $150.00 

Additional Cost: 

  • National Certification Exam x 2 $250.00

Total Program Cost $4500.00 

Required Textbooks / Workbooks:

Shanholtzer, M. & Ensign, A. (2021). Integrated Electronic Health Records. 4th Edition (loose-leaf edition). McGraw-Hill. ISBN: 978-1-264-00465-2

Niedzwiecki, B., Pepper, J., & Weaver, P. (2020). Kinn’s The Administrative Medical Assistant. 14th Edition. Elsevier. St. Louis Missouri. ISBN: 978-0-323-61365-1

Additional supplies:

Students will need general school supplies such as: pens, pencils and highlighters. 

Financial Assistance:

The Academy is an eligible training provider for the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA) and the Trade Adjustment Assistance (TAA) program.  Information related to eligibility for both programs is available at your local American Jobs Center.  The Academy is also approved by the Tennessee State Approving Agency for the training of veterans and their eligible dependents. In addition, the Academy offers payment plans for students admitted to its programs. Further information will be provided during the interview process. Students receiving any type of financial assistances will meet with an administrator to review their responsibilities. This program does not qualify for students to receive Title IV (Pell Grant) funding. The following programs DO qualify for students to receive Title IV (Pell Grant) funding:  MAA/CMA BUNDLE Program, Professional Coder PLUS Program. 

Admission Requirements

In order to be considered for admission prospective students must:

  1. Attend a Career Overview session to gain information re: programs offered and expectations
  2. Interview with Academy staff
  3. Complete entrance assessment (basic reading and math skills). Note: Results are used for advisement purposes only.  No passing score identified.
  4. Submit the following:
    1. Official high school or GED transcript
    2. Two written references
    3. A photo id
    4. Completed Program Application

Students sponsored by WIOA or any other funding source are interviewed a 2nd time by Academy staff. The purpose of the second interview is to reinforce the Academy’s commitment to the objectives of the funding source (i.e. job search and employment).

Immunizations / Vaccinations

The Academy does NOT require proof of any immunizations/vaccinations including, but not limited to: Hepatitis B, COVID-19, Flu, or TB skin test. However, many of our affiliated clinical sites do require these, and perhaps other, immunizations and vaccinations. Because of this, we cannot guarantee placement for students that choose not to be vaccinated.

Authorization

Medical Administrative Assistant/Electronic Health Records Specialist Program is authorized by the Tennessee Higher Education Commission (THEC). This authorization must be renewed each year and is based on an evaluation by minimum standards concerning the quality of education, ethical business practices, health and safety and fiscal responsibility.

What are four types of administrative functions in the EHR?

List four of the eight core functions/capabilities of an electronic health record (EHR)..
Health information and data..
Order entry and management..
Results Management..
Decision Support..

What main function does the EHR have in the medical office?

EHRs are a vital part of health IT and can: Contain a patient's medical history, diagnoses, medications, treatment plans, immunization dates, allergies, radiology images, and laboratory and test results. Allow access to evidence-based tools that providers can use to make decisions about a patient's care.

How does EHR improve operations?

EHR gives specific, timely and updated records of patients. It enables immediate access to the patient's record for more integrated and effective care. EHR enables safer and reliable prescriptions.

What are the major benefits of EHR systems?

Improving patient and provider interaction and communication, as well as health care convenience. Enabling safer, more reliable prescribing. Helping promote legible, complete documentation and accurate, streamlined coding and billing. Enhancing privacy and security of patient data.