AHEC

What does a health information manager do?

Health information managers (registered record administrators, accredited record technicians, and certified coding specialists) are professionals who secure, analyze, and integrate a variety of health care and financial data used to evaluate patient care, plan health care activities, and help providers.

What might a health information manager do in a workday?

Registered Record Administrator (RRA):

interacts with medical, financial, and administrative staff to interpret data for patient care, research, statistical reporting, and planning.
protects the privacy of patients’ health information.

Accredited Record Technician (ART):

examines medical records for accuracy.
reports patient data for reimbursement.
creates disease registries for researchers.

Certified Coding Specialist (CCS):

assigns a code to each diagnosis and procedure found in a patient’s record.
reports codes to insurance companies to pay for a patient’s medical expenses.

How much does a health information manager earn?

$30,000 - $55,000

How do I become a health information manager?

Students interested in health information careers should take high school courses in business, computer science, physiology, math, biology, English, and chemistry.

Registered record administrators must earn a bachelor’s degree from an accredited college program and pass a certification exam.

Accredited record technicians must complete an associate degree from an accredited college program or through the American Health Information Management Association’s Independent Study Program and by passing a credentialing exam. Certified coding specialists must have a high school diploma, on-the-job-training, a coding education from seminars or college classes, and pass a certification program.

Where else can I learn about becoming a health information manager?

Virginia Health Information Management Association
213 S. Jefferson Street, Suite 900 / Roanoke, VA 24011
tel: (540) 224-6836 / web: www.vhima.org

American Health Information Management Association
233 N. Michigan Avenue, 21st Floor / Chicago, IL 60601-5809
tel: (312) 233-1100 / web: www.ahima.org

The Professional Association of Healthcare Coding Specialists
218 E. Bearss Avenue #354 / Tampa, FL 33613
tel: (888) 708-4707 / web: www.pahcs.org

Educational Institutions in Virginia for Health Information Managers:

What does a health services administrator do?

Health services administrators typically direct and coordinate the functions and staff activities at hospitals, health systems and other health care organizations. They oversee organizational strategy, financial planning, personnel administration, purchasing, public relations, contract negotiations and patient services.

What might a health services administrator do in a workday?

maintain and develop institutional standards, policies and procedures.
administer fiscal operations, such as budgeting and accounting.
plan and oversee marketing activities for services.
direct medical, nursing, allied health, technical, volunteer, clerical, service and/or maintenance departments and staffs.
oversee hiring and training.
develop or expand programs/services, such as research or rehabilitation.
serve as liaison to community and business leaders and the medical staff.
represent the organization at community events and meetings.

Developing a career as a Health Services Administrator:

In small organizations, health services administrators direct daily operations. In larger hospitals and health systems, they supervise others responsible for these functions. Health services administrators may work in health maintenance organizations, preferred provider organizations, health insurance companies, voluntary health agencies, clinics, medical practices, nursing homes and other specialized medical facilities. Some health services administrators are physicians who have received additional training in administration; others have backgrounds in business or nursing.

How much does a health services administrator make?

$35,000 - $165,000

How do I become a health services administrator?

Students intending to pursue a career in health services administration should prepare by taking challenging high school courses in science, math, business and English, including advanced placement courses. A graduate degree in health or business administration and significant experience are preferred but not necessary.

Where else can I learn about becoming a health services administrator?

Virginia Community Health Care Associations
2112 W. Laburnum Avenue, Suite 206 / Richmond, VA 23227
tel: (804) 353-9101 / web: www.vacommunityhealth.org

American Health Care Association
1201 L Street N.W. / Washington, DC 20005
tel: (202) 842-4444 / web: www.ahca.org

Virginia Hospital & Healthcare Association
4200 Innslake Drive, Suite 203 / Glen Allen, VA 23060
tel: (804) 965-1227 / web: www.vhha.com

American Hospital Association
155 N. Wacker Drive / Chicago, IL 60606
tel: (312) 422-3000 / web: www.aha.org

American Hospital Association
325 7th St., N.W. / Washington, DC 20004-2802
tel: (202) 638-1100 / web: www.aha.org

American College of Healthcare Executives
1 N. Franklin, Suite 1700 / Chicago, IL 60606-3529
tel: (312) 424-2800 / web: www.ache.org

Central Virginia Healthcare Executive Group
VCU Department of Health Administration
P.O. Box 980203 / Richmond, VA 23298-0203
tel: (540) 998-0803 / web:
www.cvheg.org

Educational Institutions in Virginia for Health Services Administrators:

What does a physician do?

Physicians diagnose and treat human diseases and injuries and practice preventive medicine. Some also conduct research and/or teach in medical schools. There are currently five medical schools in Virginia–four allopathic schools with physicians receiving M.D. degrees or Doctor of Medicine and one osteopathic school having physicians receiving D.O. degrees or Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine.

Osteopathic medicine is the philosophy and system of alternative medical practice emphasizing the interrelationship between structure and function of the body and recognizing its ability to heal itself using the practitioner to facilitate that process. Allopathic medicine is the practice of conventional medicine that uses pharmacologically active agents or physical interventions to treat or suppress symptoms or pathophysiologic processes of diseases or conditions. Allopathic medicine often refers to the broad category of medical practice that is sometimes called Western medicine, biomedicine, evidence-based medicine, or modern medicine.

What might a physician do in a workday?

Specialists diagnose and treat illnesses, conditions and/or injuries related to a specific branch of medicine or part of the human body. Descriptions of some medical specialties are:

Anesthesiologists administer anesthesia (numbness or sleep) to patients who undergo surgery.
Cardiologists treat heart diseases.
Dermatologists treat skin conditions.
Gastroenterologists diagnose and treat disorders of the digestive system.
Geriatricians specialize in the specific health care needs of the elderly.
Gynecologists educate patients in the prevention and treatment of disorders of the female reproductive system.
Neurologists specialize in brain and central nervous system disorders.
Obstetricians care for pregnant women and deliver babies.
Oncologists treat patients with cancer.
Ophthalmologists diagnose and treat eye disorders.
Orthopedists educate patients in the prevention of skeletal deformities or ailments and treat these ailments.
Osteopathic physicians emphasize a whole-person approach to patient care that emphasizes wellness and prevention. D.O.s often use a system of hands-on diagnosis and treatment called osteopathic manipulative medicine that can reduce pain, increase range of motion and contribute to overall health by improving the body’s structure and functions.
Pathologists interpret and diagnose changes in tissue caused by disease.
Physiatrists specialize in physical and rehabilitative medicine.
Psychiatrists educate patients in the prevention of mental illnesses, and study and treat mental illnesses.
Pulmonologists treat lungs and respiratory systems.
Sports medicine physicians treat and help prevent athletic injuries.
Surgeons perform operations to correct deformities, repair injuries, treat diseases, and improve functions of patients. Among the many subspecialties are neurosurgery (brain), orthopedic surgery (bones) and cardiothoracic surgery (hearts and lungs).
Urologists treat urinary tract disorders.
Radiation oncologists oversee care of patients undergoing radiation therapy.

How much does a physician earn?

$100,000 - $250,000

How do I become a physician?

Students interested in becoming physicians should take the most challenging high school courses available in science, math, and English. To enter medical school, students must have a bachelor’s degree with a high grade point average in a premedical program or other related major. They must pass a national examination (MCAT) and undergo extensive interviews.

Upon completion of medical school, the M.D. or D.O. degree is granted. Most physicians then enter postgraduate training (internships and residencies), receiving specialized instruction and practice. The length of postgraduate training is determined by the area of specialty.

Where else can I learn about becoming a physician?

Medical Society of Virginia
2924 Emerywood Parkway, Suite 300 / Richmond, VA 23294-3746
tel: (800) 746-6768 / web: www.msv.org

American Osteopathic Association
142 E. Ontario Street / Chicago, IL 60611
tel: (800) 621-1773 / web: www.osteopathic.org

American Medical Association
515 N. State Street / Chicago, IL 60610
tel: (800) 621-8335 / web: www.ama-assn.org

American Association of Colleges of Osteopathic Medicine
5550 Friendship Boulevard, Suite 310 / Chevy Chase, MD 20815-7231
tel: (301) 968-4100 / web: www.aacom.org

Association of American Medical Colleges
2450 N Street N.W. / Washington, DC 20037-1126
tel: (202) 828-0400 / web: www.aamc.org

State License Requirements for Physicians:

A license is required to practice as a Physician in the Commonwealth of Virginia. For more information on licensure, applications, and forms, visit www.dhp.virginia.gov/medicine.

Virginia Board of Medicine
Perimeter Center
9960 Mayland Drive, Suite 300 / Henrico, VA 23233
Phone: (804) 367-4600 / Email: medbd@dhp.virginia.gov

Educational Institutions in Virginia for Physicians:

What does a nursing home administrator do?

Nursing home administrators plan, organize, and direct the operations of nursing homes or other long-term care facilities.

What might a nursing home administrator do in a workday?

direct medical, nursing, and technical personnel and fiscal management activities.
maintain and develop standards, policies, programs, and operating procedures.
direct fiscal operations, such as budgeting and accounting, and establish rates for services.
direct employee hiring and training.
compile, analyze, and prepare reports.
speak at community gatherings and conduct public relations and marketing activities.
meet with families of individuals seeking admittance to a nursing home.

Developing a career as a Nursing Home Administrator:

Most nursing home administrators work in a nursing home; others may work in the business offices of a large nursing home corporation that manages several facilities. They are accountable to a proprietor or governing board. Some administrators may also be involved in teaching, research, or other professional activities.

How much does a nursing home administrator earn?

$50,000 - $100,000

How do I become a nursing home administrator?

Students intending to pursue a career as a nursing home administrator should prepare by taking the most challenging high school courses available in science, math, business, and English.

In Virginia, licensed nursing home administrators must hold a bachelor’s degree or higher in nursing home administration or in a health administration field. They also must have completed a 400-hour program in nursing home administration and a national exam. Some nursing home administrators also are trained as physicians, registered or licensed practical nurses, or allied health professionals.

Nursing home administrators also can qualify by successfully completing an Administrator-n-Training (AlT) program as specified by the certifying board. The 2,000 hour program must be completed in 24 months and a national examination must be completed successfully.

Where else can I learn about becoming a nursing home administrator?

Virginia Association of Nonprofit Homes for the Aging
4201 Dominion Boulevard, Suite 100 / Glen Allen, VA 23060
tel: (804) 965-5500 / web: www.vanha.org

American Health Care Association
1201 L Street, N.W. / Washington, DC 20005
tel: (202) 842-4444 / web: www.ahca.org

Virginia Association of Area Agencies on Aging
24 E. Cary Street, Suite 100 / Richmond, VA 23219
tel: (804) 644-2804 / web: www.vaaaa.org

State License Requirements for Nursing Home Administrators:

A license is required to practice as a Nursing Home Administrator in the Commonwealth of Virginia. For more information on licensure, applications, and forms, visit http://www.dhp.virginia.gov/nha.

Virginia Board of Long-Term Care Administrators
Perimeter Center
9960 Mayland Drive, Suite 300 / Henrico, VA 23223
tel: Phone: (804) 367-4595 / Email: ltc@dhp.virginia.gov

Educational Institutions in Virginia for Nursing Home Administrators:

What does an internist do?

Internists are physicians who provide primary care and/or subspecialty care (in fields such as cardiology, gastroenterology, endocrinology, pulmonology, etc.) to adolescent, adult, and geriatric patients. They provide continuous comprehensive medical care for acute and chronic diseases and preventive and wellness care. Internists specialize in the diagnosis and nonsurgical treatment of adult patients.

What might an internist do in a workday?

diagnose and treat those with serious diseases, such as diabetes, heart disease, and AIDS.
treat common health problems, such as hypertension, pneumonia, or influenza.
prescribe and administer drugs and treatments.
immunize patients to protect them from preventable diseases.
educate patients for healthier lives.
may be general internists who provide comprehensive medical care for all adults or subspecialty internists who have an expertise in a particular area, such as infectious diseases or cardiology.

Developing a Career as an Internist:

Internists may work in private practice, hospitals, and/or clinics. Many also are involved in teaching and research. The demand for trained internists is rapidly increasing because of their broad base of medical knowledge.

How much does an internist earn?

$110,000 - $190,000

How do I become an internist?

Students interested in becoming an internist should take the most challenging high school courses available in science, math and English, including advanced placement courses.

To enter medical school, students must have a bachelor’s degree with a high grade point average in a premedical program or other related major. They must pass a national examination (MCAT) and undergo extensive interviews.

Upon completion of medical school, students enter three years of postgraduate training (residency) during which they receive training specific to internal medicine. Those who wish further training may undertake a fellowship in a subspecialty field such as cardiology or infectious diseases.

Where else can I learn about becoming an internist?

American College of Physicians
190 N. Independence Mall West / Philadelphia, PA 19106-1572
tel: (215) 351-2400 or (800) 523-1546 / web: www.acponline.org

Society of General Internal Medicine
1500 King Street, Suite 303 / Alexandria, VA 22314
tel: (202) 887-5150 or (800) 822-3060 / web: www.sgim.org