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Credential confusion - crabbie
Posted: Apr 13, 2011
I have been looking at some ads for coding level I jobs at a local hospital but I have noticed this other places too. They prefer an RHIA/RHIT credential but will accept a CCS. Doesn't a person with a CCS have more indepth knowlege of actual coding than a RHIA/RHIT? I have worked for 20 years as a transcriptionist and have had many supervisors with degrees and the RHIA/RHIT credential that were my boss but knew nothing at all about transcription. Do the people hiring not know this? I actually am offended when I see this because in many jobs as a transcriptionist I was working for people that were so clueless that they could not understand what I was trying to explain to them yet they were telling me I was donig my job wrong. When one supervisor told me that she changed my transcription to constipation because there is no such word as obstipation, and I tried to tell her that there was, she said, "Are you trying to tell me how to do my job?" Well, yeah, someone needs to know what is going on and it ain't you.
Sorry for the rampage. I will go back to work now, but do I have the wrong impression about the knowledge of an RHIA/RHITversus a CCS in the area of coding?
RHIT - jm
[ In Reply To ..]I don�t think you have the wrong impression. I don�t know why they throw the RHIT in there. I do know that the HR departments I have dealt with have no clue as to what the credentials mean or stand for. Many times they are in charge of placing the ad. It makes sense if they want an RHIT/RHIA for an administrative position, coding supervisor, or director. Don�t let it get to you. I have found that when I see a job for a CCS or RHIT, I know they will hire me if I have a CCS and experience, so I just disregard the RHIT part and go for it. Perhaps someone knows the history of how this came about and can shed more light as to why they advertise for an RHIT for coding but will accept a CCS. Makes no sense to me!
I think they are HR people, not coders, and just get confused - just my opinion
[ In Reply To ..]I agree. Just get the coding credentials which show that you know how to code at a professional level.
My opinion - Coder
[ In Reply To ..]Don't read too much into the wording of job ads. HR people aren't clear about what HIM departments want or why. They often word things in a misleading way, and just plaster their standard text into the ad year after year.
Also remember that it isn't HR that is hiring you -- it's the HIM manager. HR just handles the applicants; they don't make the decision.
If I see "prefer RHIT/RHIA" OR "prefer RHIT/RHIA will accept CCS," I read that as saying "we expect you to have one of these credentials." They aren't stating a hierarchy of value, in other words. They are just giving you the credentials they'll consider. They will probably not consider credentials from another organization, but I'd be very surprised if they did not also give strong consideration to a CCS-P.
Yes, a CCS is a mastery-level credential. The RHIA and RHIT are both generalist credentials and they are entry-level. They took coding in school and there is a smattering on the exam, but that's about it. They might be experienced coders who just never bothered with the CCS, but there is no guarantee. The job ads aren't saying they'll take anyone with an RHIT/RHIA, but just that they will accept that credential, and also the CCS.
They try to support their professional organization, which expects it. You see this in many industries, and especially in this one. However, what you will see in actual practice is that they will say they prefer RHIA/RHIT, but don't show it in their hiring practices. They NEED the CCS for the coding skills, but they do not need anyone who will compete with them for their own job either now or in a few years.
If the person in charge is a CCS, they are unlikely to hire RHITs or RHIAs. They know the credential isn't enough and they also worry that the RHIT or RHIA will step right over them into higher levels or even push them right out of their jobs.
An RHIT is unlikely to hire an RHIA for the same reason. They will often balk hiring other RHITs.
An RHIA will hire a CCS or RHIT, but will avoid another RHIA. They will be especially leery of hiring one of the new breed of RHIAs who already have a master's degree.
If they do accept another RHIA, it will usually be a younger and less experienced one they can "mentor." They will also accept an older one who has excellent coding skills and a demonstrated dislike of management positions.
Your message makes sense to me, especially since my RHIT friend can't code - LOL
[ In Reply To ..]My friend, an RHIT, told me the reason she can't code is they really didn't do much of it when she was in school and she can't remember the tiny bit they did cover.
Personally, I think the best thing is to have a CCS and CPC, so you are prepared for whatever jobs happen to be available.
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