need advice please - RHIT exam

I got mine from www.amazon.com but you can purchase from many secondary market book sellers. If you put the title of book in search bar of your browser you will be surprised how many there are. Another site I use to compare prices is pricegrabber.com.

Good luck on the exam.

Thanks you so much.PFinEONJ

Lily;
Thanks for your advice. I will continue on studying and I will let you know if I need addtional assistance. Thanks for you support.

Am looking at all the RHIA/RHIT programs that are accredited by AHIMA and want to do it as inexpensive as possible. Particularly looking at Western Nebraska and San Juan, but am open to others. Can you please share your experiences with each program relating to cost, education with regard to preparation for the certification exams, preparation of RHIT to convert to RHIA, etc. I am thinking of pursuing RHIA with University of Cincinnati due to cost, but would like to be prepared for it through a good RHIT program.

Thanks,

Robin

PFinNJ in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania said: Congradulation to JBinNC and to all who pass the RHIT exams thanks for the tips on the exams .I graduate 2 years ago and still not sit for the exams but I would like to start studying for it.How long did you had to study for and what PRG stands for.Can I find it at Barnes&Nobel.JBinNC pleas respond.
THANKS.

Hello PFinNJ. I started studying in March and studied all Summer long. I made it my top priority. I studied the Professional Review Guide (2008 edition) because that was the book the my school recommended to us in our last semester. I did not study the coding sections but studied all of the other sections repeatedly and also used the cd that came with the book. Yes, you can find the book at Barnes & Noble. I looked at the 2009 edition the other day, and it is the same book, so one with also work for you. Good luck.

I just want to say thank you all, I found this forum very, very reassuring. I have been studying the PRG for 3 months and have the darned thing practically memorized. I ordered the AHIMA guide and got very discouraged because I am not doing so well on the practice exams from that book as I am from the PRG. High 70's on the AHIMA book and over 90 on the PRG.

I'm sitting for my RHIT on Thursday and am absolutley terrified. I had to leave work today due to stress. I just saw on the AHIMA site, roughly 70% pass the RHIT the first time...somehow I'm not reassured by that. I really, seriously think I am just going to be sick with anxiety.

Thank you everyone for the good advice. I just have today and tomorrow to study before my test Thursday!

Hello,
Don't be discouraged about how you are doing on the AHIMA review tests. You will be surprised how much you know when sitting for the RHIT exam. It sounds to me that you really know your stuff. Don't sell yourself short. I passed the RHIA exam in Aug. 2009 after studying the PRG.

My advice, get a lot of rest on Wed., eat a good meal on Thurs., get to the testing site in plenty of time to reclaim your calm and while taking the exam take deep breaths.

Good luck and let us know how you do!!

Go get that RHIT!!

Hello to all,

Just would like to know if anyone order the "new AHIMA study guide for the RHIT exam" and if you did, what is your thought on the book compare to the PRG?
Also do anyone understand the new "Scaling Score" that AHIMA is now using to score the RHIT test results? Also what is your thoughts? To hear your thoughts would be GREAT!!!

I took my RHIT today and passed!

I used the PRG and the AHIMA book. I found the PRG to be more helpful overall but the practice tests on the CD are really lacking. The PRG only had one mock RHIT whereas the AHIMA exam prep book had three. The AHIMA CD also had learning modes and simulation modes. I liked the AHIMA practice tests on the CD better but liked the PRG book better. I think using both prepared me really well but my sister who is also an RHIT used just the PRG and came out just fine too.

I didn't like the AHIMA book so much becasue the references in the book refer you to the author's other books, so if you don't have her other books you're at a loss. The answer key reads (Johns Chapter 7) over and over and over. I liked the PRG because it showed you how to do the math problems in depth and did explain answers here and there (but not every one).

The scoring though I can't really say I completely understand. I got a 352 out of 400. Honestly I didn't really care so long as I passed. Thank goodness we only have to pass the test once. I couldn't deal with that level of stress again!

Overall, it was hard but I think you'll do just fine if you put a lot of time into studying and read all the questions and make sure you are very clear on what it is they are asking.

Congratulations, Debby in Jackson Michigan on passing the RHIT exam!!!

congrats!

Congradulation Debbie I hope you are still celebrating.How was the exam? was it hard ,I will try to take the exams next year have a lot of refreshing to do. I will be buying the PRG book to study.

Good luck and keep that big smile on your face.

Duke in Springboro, Ohio said: You may be correct however, when I started I didn't have experience just my degree. I didn't have experience as a cancer registrar but I was able to get a great job in a registry in PA.

Certainly the economy does have something to do with lower than normal number of jobs. Do you have a RHIT or other credential? Do you belong to and/or attend professional organization meetings? I am a member of several and I can't emphasize enough the magic of networking.

Good luck!

I have an associates in Liberal Arts, been a medical transcriptionist for 22 years, am thinking of enrolling in Devry University as they are AHIMA accredited. I have 2 years of coding in home health care, it seems that there are jobs advertised for RHIT, think I am wasting my time? Transcription used to pay 100,000 a year back in the day, and I traveled doing that....was hoping to travel with RHIT........am I setting myself up for a disappointment? I think I can do anything, never had a problem with getting a job, taught transcription to myself and started my own business, but know I have to have credentials for RHIT, then maybe go for RHIA???? Any advise?

I think you could definatly travel with an RHIT. I see postings for jobs all the time for coders who will travel. If you look on the Job Bank on AHIMA's web site you'll find several. Most want at the very least 2 or 3 years of experience so I doubt you'd be able to travel until you get your feet wet. But I'm seeing several listings for just what you're looking for.

THANK YOU guys for the congrats! I'm a little in shock right now because I've spent the last 15 months in college to get my degree as quickly as humanly possible and just hammering away with these classes, then studying like mad...now I've passed and I don't quite know what to do with myself! I have all this time on my hands! I've applied for a few positions but now it's "hurry up and wait" for the phone call.

The test was challenging but I feel like I was very well prepared. I did a lot of studying with the PRG and AHIMA's guide and came out very well. Although I got the AHIMA guide really late in the game (only 3 days before my test). I really liked the AHIMA giude as well because I got to the point I had the PRG memorized. I'm ebaying them now...I don't ever, EVER want to look at them again!

I wish you the best of luck. I received my degree from Devry in 6/08 and passed my RHIT in 10/08 and still have not been able to get a posititon. I also have not got a response. I began to call and see why I was not called. I was told on many times that I did not have enough experience. This is very fustrating. I have a degree and certification and don't qualify due to lack of experience but can't get the experience because I can't get hired. I am paying on a degree that seems to be worthless. I just keep trying.

Hi Jess in Ohio,

Don't be too picky where or on what shift you begin in healthcare. I had to take a job on second shift in a downtown location. I worked this position for a year, got my experience, then looked for a first shift position doing what I really wanted to do. I was selected for a first shift coding position and I don't regret starting from the bottom to get to where I am now 13 years later.

I can't say this enough, network, network, network!!

I just got my RHIT in July and I am getting ready to move to Oklahoma for a medical coding job. I will be moving to a small town and will be working at a small hospital that will have endless possibilities. You have to be flexible on where you go. You may not be able to stay were you currently are. I think with the bigger cities they can be picky on who they hire, but the smaller cities do not have that option. I have been told on numerous occasion those that are flexible will make it big in the HIM world. I will be working in Woodward, OK at Woodward Regional Hospital and the corporation that runs this is Community Health Systems (CHS). They typically run a lot of the smaller hospitals and typically in smaller cities. Plus I also found this job through a head hunter as well. Check out CHS and see if they have something for you. Good Luck!

Theresa in Round Lake, Illinois said: I graduated from college in 2005 in health information technology and due to family problems, I had to put aside taking the RHIT exam. Now, 2 1/2 years later, I wanted to persue it. But most of the stuff I learned, including the coding part, might be obsolete now. I need advice on what to do. Do I go back and get another associate in HIT and start over again or can I just buy the new editions of the books I used when I was studying to study for the RHIT exam? Thanks!

Commenting on the coding section of the RHIT. Even though the codes changes every October. The basic guidelines for the inpatient and outpatient coding doesn't change. I'd encourage you to get a copy of the inpatient and outpatient guidelines. Study it until you know it. Re-familiarize yourself with your inpatient and outpatient code books. Lots of PRACTICE will sharpen your skills. AHIMA has great resources to help you practice the medical cases. Also, re-study the RHIT resources that you already have. The "theory" part of your RHIT resources may be the same. Also, FAYE Brown 2009 (with answers)is a great reference to help brush up on your coding. You've come this far....if getting your RHIT is your goal. Challenge yourself to study for it. It'll be a great investment for your life. alohaM.Maka

I am from OKLA. You will like Woodward, I love OK. Been in transcription x22 years, am taking RHIT at Devry, will graduate in October..........I hope I am lucky as you to find a good job in a small town......When I traveled transcribing, you are right, I went to small towns, and I want to travel as a coder. I have 3 years in coding as well, so am hoping that I can finish out the next 10-15 years as a coder...........can I do it?

Joni Joyner in Tulsa, Oklahoma: What has your experience been like at Devry? I too was considering going to that school but have been curious as to whether someone completely new to the medical field would be successful with this accelerated program. Did you feel like you really learned a lot and how was the interface on the computer and with your teachers?

JBinNC said: I took the RHIT exam on Wednesday and passed. There quite a few Statistic questions on my exam, but the majority of the questions were about Clinical Classification Systems, Human Resources, and Confidentiality, Ethical, Legal, & Privacy Issues. It is a great relief to be done with it and now I am ready to move on to the next phase. For those about to take the exam, I wish you all the best.

Pleas, I am from Winston Salem and I am studying for the exam, I am loosing my mind,did you order any study guide, I order 2 different study guides, one from Merida Johns from AHIMA , and other one 2008 RHIM/RHIT exam preparation.Thank you

xhuli in Winston Salem, North Carolina said: Pleas, I am from Winston Salem and I am studying for the exam, I am loosing my mind,did you order any study guide, I order 2 different study guides, one from Merida Johns from AHIMA , and other one 2008 RHIM/RHIT exam preparation.Thank you

I used the 2008 PRG Study Guide, and that is all that I used. I considered other sources, but decided to stick with the PRG because that is what DeVry University supplied us with during our last semester. If you study and take the practice tests on the cd, you should do fine. Good luck.

Joni Joyner in Tulsa, Oklahoma said: I have an associates in Liberal Arts, been a medical transcriptionist for 22 years, am thinking of enrolling in Devry University as they are AHIMA accredited. I have 2 years of coding in home health care, it seems that there are jobs advertised for RHIT, think I am wasting my time? Transcription used to pay 100,000 a year back in the day, and I traveled doing that....was hoping to travel with RHIT........am I setting myself up for a disappointment? I think I can do anything, never had a problem with getting a job, taught transcription to myself and started my own business, but know I have to have credentials for RHIT, then maybe go for RHIA???? Any advise?

Hello Joni. Since you already have 2 years of coding experience, why don't you apply with Lexicode? They are always looking for experienced coders and want people that will travel. I applied with them when I got my RHIT last month but they turned me down because I was a new graduate. I am SO sick of this excuse that everyone is giving me about not having any experience. I am seeing a lot of double standards in this field and I'm beginning to think that I made the wrong career choice.

Tammy in Phoenix, Arizona said: I just got my RHIT in July and I am getting ready to move to Oklahoma for a medical coding job. I will be moving to a small town and will be working at a small hospital that will have endless possibilities. You have to be flexible on where you go. You may not be able to stay were you currently are. I think with the bigger cities they can be picky on who they hire, but the smaller cities do not have that option. I have been told on numerous occasion those that are flexible will make it big in the HIM world. I will be working in Woodward, OK at Woodward Regional Hospital and the corporation that runs this is Community Health Systems (CHS). They typically run a lot of the smaller hospitals and typically in smaller cities. Plus I also found this job through a head hunter as well. Check out CHS and see if they have something for you. Good Luck!

Tammy, how did you locate the head hunter that helped you locate your new job? Thanks.

I agree. It's been a year now since I become certified and I still can not get a job due to lack of experience. Let me know if you ever find a way in to the field.

Well I enrolled in Devry today and can graduate by next December....am hoping.

lellerbrock1 in Lafayette, Colorado said: Joni Joyner in Tulsa, Oklahoma: What has your experience been like at Devry? I too was considering going to that school but have been curious as to whether someone completely new to the medical field would be successful with this accelerated program. Did you feel like you really learned a lot and how was the interface on the computer and with your teachers?

Letterbrock1, send me an e-mail @ bgrey@devry.edu I can' give you some information so you can make an informed decision, plus a couple referrals of people currently in the program.

Lily in Galena, Ohio said: Lori, the job search is really very frustrating for me. I tried very hard to get my foot in the door but have no luck at all. I have my AS HIT degree but no experience. I have only four interviews for clerk position in the past five months. I am not even qualified for EHR imaging/scanner position, which I applied several times and didn't even have a call. This is the first time in my life I have spent almost half year in the job market still no job. I will keep myself positive during the super long job search process.

I work for a military hospital and I know they hire RHIT's for coding. Check USAJOB.gov in your area. The government is a great place to work.

JP46 in Lawrenceville, Georgia said: Hello to all,

Just would like to know if anyone order the "new AHIMA study guide for the RHIT exam" and if you did, what is your thought on the book compare to the PRG?
Also do anyone understand the new "Scaling Score" that AHIMA is now using to score the RHIT test results? Also what is your thoughts? To hear your thoughts would be GREAT!!!

I purchased the prep book, but the tests are kind of hard, so I'm not sure if it's me or the book. We'll see, I'm going to take the exam soon.

If anyone is looking for something in Michigan, let me know...I've got a giant list of every hospital in lower Michigan and they all have career websites that can be gone through. I've had pretty good luck with it! (debbyhazel@yahoo.com)

I'm selling my Professional Review Guide (2009) and AHIMA RHIT Exam Prep (2010) on Ebay if anyone is interested! Both books for $100 with free shipping.

Thanks guys!

ijazz26@yahoo.com in Toccoa, Georgia said: thanks for the advice, I have my associates in health information, I'm not certified , but do this school have a BA program

I have cpc thourgh aapc just wondering is RHIT worth getting if Im already a coder. Which one pays more

Hope RHIT, that is what I am going for! How much do coders make, because if you travel and have experience, you can really rake in the bucks with either I understand. Where did you go to get your coding certificate. I am going to Devry. Hope it is worth it.

Robin in Southington, Connecticut said: Am looking at all the RHIA/RHIT programs that are accredited by AHIMA and want to do it as inexpensive as possible. Particularly looking at Western Nebraska and San Juan, but am open to others. Can you please share your experiences with each program relating to cost, education with regard to preparation for the certification exams, preparation of RHIT to convert to RHIA, etc. I am thinking of pursuing RHIA with University of Cincinnati due to cost, but would like to be prepared for it through a good RHIT program.

Thanks,

Robin

I am taking RHIT all on line classes and it is certified through AHIMA and they have accelerated classes. I start Monday, actually already enrolled.

Debby in Jackson, Michigan said: I think you could definatly travel with an RHIT. I see postings for jobs all the time for coders who will travel. If you look on the Job Bank on AHIMA's web site you'll find several. Most want at the very least 2 or 3 years of experience so I doubt you'd be able to travel until you get your feet wet. But I'm seeing several listings for just what you're looking for.

THANK YOU guys for the congrats! I'm a little in shock right now because I've spent the last 15 months in college to get my degree as quickly as humanly possible and just hammering away with these classes, then studying like mad...now I've passed and I don't quite know what to do with myself! I have all this time on my hands! I've applied for a few positions but now it's "hurry up and wait" for the phone call.

The test was challenging but I feel like I was very well prepared. I did a lot of studying with the PRG and AHIMA's guide and came out very well. Although I got the AHIMA guide really late in the game (only 3 days before my test). I really liked the AHIMA giude as well because I got to the point I had the PRG memorized. I'm ebaying them now...I don't ever, EVER want to look at them again!

Did you go to Devry?

Joni in Tulsa, Oklahoma said: Did you go to Devry?

First of all, congratulations! I'm studying for the RHIT and I see everyone saying the PRG is so good, but I've looked at it, and I'm just not understanding. If the questions are not on the test, how does this really prepare you for the exam. The references are books that I don't even have. Can someone please help me with that?

Thanks!

Joni in Tulsa, Oklahoma said: Did you go to Devry?

I did my entire program online through Rasmussen College.

Regina Nolen in Chesapeake, Virginia said: First of all, congratulations! I'm studying for the RHIT and I see everyone saying the PRG is so good, but I've looked at it, and I'm just not understanding. If the questions are not on the test, how does this really prepare you for the exam. The references are books that I don't even have. Can someone please help me with that?

Thanks!

I liked the PRG because you can use it to see where you need further study. You can't really specifically study from the book itself because it's just a guide. I used the book and CD, took notes on anything I wasn't familiar with and then got online and did research where I needed to. I had kind of the same issue. I didn't have any of my text books because I sold them all to help out when I was on maternity leave.

I got by just fine without a ton of books, I used the PRG, AHIMA guide and the internet for research on topics I was fuzzy on.

I am taking RHIT, do you think getting the PRG and just study it a couple of hours a week to go along with your studies, then really get down before the test? How bad is the math part? I made low scores in Algebra but aced everything else.

I have been in transcription 22 years and want to switch over, did about 2-3 coding long time ago, so I am glad to hear it is possible to go on-line and come out ahead. THANKS AND CONGRATS.

coders make from 16-23 dollars it depends on experience. what school diid you find on line that you provided the full course and did you poass the exam part I am a classroom person I know I can do someonline so give me more infor.

Devry University. I have just enrolled, I already have college so I will graduate next December 2011. I know KForce and Lexicode pays you really good money when you get the credentials. Transcription used to be the money-maker and I made plenty but it has dried up and now I think coding is the new money-maker.

Regina Nolen in Chesapeake, Virginia said: First of all, congratulations! I'm studying for the RHIT and I see everyone saying the PRG is so good, but I've looked at it, and I'm just not understanding. If the questions are not on the test, how does this really prepare you for the exam. The references are books that I don't even have. Can someone please help me with that?

Thanks!

Ok, thanks. I have only a couple of weeks before the exam and I guess it couldn't hurt to get the PRG as an extra reference.

I don't know to much about Devry, Last I looked they were pretty expensive. I'm graduating from the local community college and transferring to the Univ of Cinn online BS program.

Joni in Tulsa, Oklahoma said: I am taking RHIT, do you think getting the PRG and just study it a couple of hours a week to go along with your studies, then really get down before the test? How bad is the math part? I made low scores in Algebra but aced everything else.

That is exactly what I did. I got the PRG 2 semesters before I graduated and just studied when I had time, then hit it hard the 3 weeks in between the end of college and the RHIT exam and ordered the AHIMA guide.

You don't really have to worry about the math. During the exam on the bottom of the screen there is a icon for the calculator and another icon for formulas. The math was all very basic. One of my huge concerns was remembering all the formulas but they make those avalible to you dirning the exam. You just have to be able to pick out the correct formula and use it. That was as far as the math went for me...I don't think you need to worry there.

What a relief, algebra is the only thing I have been worried about. I think I am getting an internship to work at the VA so I will have 1 year's recent experience. I want this sooooooooo bad! When I traveled with K-Force, they said you could make 100,000 plus they pay all your hotels and expenses if you could do that. That is what I want to do. Thanks so much for taking time to share.

For those that took the RHIT exam, on a scale of 1-10 how hard would you say it was?

Thanks for the help!

Regina Nolen from VA asked:

For those that took the RHIT exam, on a scale of 1-10 how hard would you say it was?

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This is a pretty subjective question. So I will answer it based on my education and preparation for the exam. I would have to say on a scale of 1-10 with 10 being the most difficult I would have to rate the exam I took as an 8.5.

Good luck on the exam!!

I am going to Devry with one year to go. Has anyone completed this program on-line and once you get your HIT degree, do they prepare you for the exam?

Robin in Southington, Connecticut said: Am looking at all the RHIA/RHIT programs that are accredited by AHIMA and want to do it as inexpensive as possible. Particularly looking at Western Nebraska and San Juan, but am open to others. Can you please share your experiences with each program relating to cost, education with regard to preparation for the certification exams, preparation of RHIT to convert to RHIA, etc. I am thinking of pursuing RHIA with University of Cincinnati due to cost, but would like to be prepared for it through a good RHIT program.

Thanks,

Robin

Hey Robin,
Have you looked at Sinclair Community College in Dayton, OH. They have an accredited two-year degree program. A lot of their grads transfer to the University of Cincinnati after they graduate.

Here is their website: www.sinclair.edu/academics/lhs/departments/him/?searchTerm=health%20information%20management

Good luck no matter where you land.

I don't about DeVry other than it is very expensive.

Joni in Tulsa, Oklahoma said: Devry University. I have just enrolled, I already have college so I will graduate next December 2011. I know KForce and Lexicode pays you really good money when you get the credentials. Transcription used to be the money-maker and I made plenty but it has dried up and now I think coding is the new money-maker.

KForce and LexiCode usually restrict their hiring to experienced professionals. They do pay pretty good money but it isn't enough to just be certified you also need at least 4 years of coding experience. This experience includes all types; inpatient, outpatient, physician office, long term care, rehab, etc...