HIM Certifications

American Health Information Management Association (AHIMA)

To ensure that its members meet professional standards of excellence, the American Health Information Management Association (AHIMA) issues credentials in health information management and coding. Following certification, AHIMA members must maintain their credentials through continuing education requirements.

Health Information Management

• Registered Health Information Administrator (RHIA) Exit Disclaimer: You Are Leaving www.ihs.gov 
• Registered Health Information Technician (RHIT) Exit Disclaimer: You Are Leaving www.ihs.gov 

Coding Specialist

• Certified Coding Associate (CCA) Exit Disclaimer: You Are Leaving www.ihs.gov 
• Certified Coding Specialist (CCS) Exit Disclaimer: You Are Leaving www.ihs.gov 
• Certified Coding Specialist-Physician-based (CCS-P) Exit Disclaimer: You Are Leaving www.ihs.gov 

Other AHIMA Professions

• Certified Documentation Improvement Practitioner (CDIP®) Exit Disclaimer: You Are Leaving www.ihs.gov 
• Certified Health Data Analyst (CHDA®) Exit Disclaimer: You Are Leaving www.ihs.gov 
• Certified in Healthcare Privacy and Security (CHPS®) Exit Disclaimer: You Are Leaving www.ihs.gov 
• Certified Healthcare Technology Specialist (CHTS) Exit Disclaimer: You Are Leaving www.ihs.gov 
• Certified Professional in Health Informatics (CPHI™) Exit Disclaimer: You Are Leaving www.ihs.gov 

To find an accredited AHIMA program you may access the Commission on Accreditation for Health Informatics and Information Management Education (CAHIIM) program directory Exit Disclaimer: You Are Leaving www.ihs.gov . CAHIIM supports graduate competencies and job marketability, and recruitment opportunities.

Ethics

Integrity, ethics and professionalism are essential to the HIM profession. The following links provide further guidance:

• IHS Ethics Policy
• AHIMA Code of Ethics Exit Disclaimer: You Are Leaving www.ihs.gov 
• AHIMA Standards of Ethical Coding Exit Disclaimer: You Are Leaving www.ihs.gov 
• AHIMA Ethical Standards for Clinical Documentation Improvement (CDI) Professionals Exit Disclaimer: You Are Leaving www.ihs.gov 
• AAPC Code of Ethics Exit Disclaimer: You Are Leaving www.ihs.gov 

American Academy of Professional Coders (AAPC)

The American Academy of Professional Coders (AAPC) Exit Disclaimer: You Are Leaving www.ihs.gov  currently provides certification for coders, auditors, documentation experts, risk adjustment, practice manager and payer in an HIM environment.

• Certified Professional Coder (CPC®)
• Certified Outpatient Coding (COC™)
• Certified Inpatient Coder (CIC™)
• Certified Professional Medical Auditor (CPMA®)
• Certified Documentation Expert Outpatient (CDEO®)
• Certified Professional Compliance Officer – CPCO
• Certified Risk Adjustment Coder (CRC™)
• Certified Physician Practice Manager (CPPM®)
• Certified Professional Coder – Payer (CPC-P®)

Healthcare Information and Management Systems Society (HIMSS)

HIMSS vision is "Better health through information and technology". It is to positively transform health and healthcare through the best use of information and technology in the United States and Canada. HIMSS provides thought leadership, community building, professional development, public policy, and events. HIMSS certifications are:

• CAHIMS (Certified Associate in Healthcare Information and Management Systems)
• CPHIMS (Certified Professional in Healthcare Information and Management Systems)