The Value of a Data Analytics Certification for Healthcare

The Value of a Data Analytics Certification in Healthcare is immense

Transition of the Medical Record from a Paper Record to a Digitized Record has created the Electronic Medical Record with an unending amount of Data.

We can all agree >> Data is a relevant, everyday factor in all walks of life especially, in the delivery of healthcare. Information and data are especially important for the Health Information Professional – a key person At The Table and Leading the Electronic Medical Record Documentation, Classification of Diseases, Privacy and Security, and Data Legality – all occurring in multiple healthcare-related settings.

Recognizing the importance that Data has for modern Healthcare and the value a Data Analyst can offer, AHIMA created the Certified Health Data Analyst certification and offered the exam to AHIMA members and non-members starting 2009.

After years of a declining pass-rate for the CHDA, AHIMA has undertaken an analysis of the lack of success. The study offers insight into the reasons for the low pass-rate and future options to improve the CHDA pass-rate as well as, AHIMA's commitment to the CHDA certification.

Some Highlight from the study:

… the pass-rate has continued to decline with only 10 percent of first-time test-takers passing the CHDA exam for the 2020 year (down from 26% in 2018)

… age of the individual is a deciding factor — test-takers aged 50 and above are more likely to pass the test

… educational level — most likely to pass if you have a master’s degree or higher

… job setting / working / not-working — is not a determining success factor although more analysis is needed

… other credentials — CCS/CCS-P/RHIT/RHIA/ etc. not a factor in passing the CHDA

The probability of first-time test-takers passing the CHDA, based on highest educational degree --- ranges from zero probability for High School and AHIMA Independent Study Program individuals to a pass-rate of 56.6 for an individual with a Doctorate degree – the highest probability of passing on the first attempt.

One take-away >> CHDA is an Advanced Practice credential

With these statistics, time and cost, why would one want to attempt the CHDA?

First, a certification shows a person’s commitment to their profession or industry. It demonstrates that one has invested the time and resources to enhance their knowledge for a given specialty or area of work.

Second, the CHDA certificate proves that a person has the technological and analytical expertise to perform healthcare analysis at the highest levels … while maintaining the sensitivity and ethical standards that matter to the delivery of healthcare, patients, governance and regulations.

The reward of a certification is multifold …. A certification provides credibility for the given area of work, shows an individual has competency in this area, and has made a commitment to their career and personal goals. And, with an increase in education and knowledge often presents a competitive advantage and an increase in salary --- $$$.

How can we improve the CHDA pass-rate?

Data “is and will” continue to impact the Future of Healthcare and Data — all reason to continue and support the CHDA certification. Knowledge gained from the CHDA certification can prepare the Health Information Professional to lead in ways that are sure to impact healthcare – use of artificial intelligence for one.

It is imperative that we continue the CHDA certification. However, AHIMA must increase the number of credentialed CHDA holders in order to have a positive impact for the Healthcare Information Professional and healthcare data overall. AHIMA must devote resources to the success of the CHDA —such as, bring back the “onsite” training as was presented in Austin Tx in 2015. In addition, study groups and mentors can greatly increase an individual’s confidence and pass-rate.

It is my hope that AHIMA will find the CHDA credential meaningful and relevant to the Health Information Professional of today and the future and support it financially and physically including, mentors to help one prepare for the exam, study groups, engage social media, and most notably, showcase the value to the healthcare workplace.

Full article is available at AHIMA PERSPECTIVES, Fall 2021 edition and, worth the read for anyone considering the CHDA credential as well as, everyone involved in Data Analytics, AHIMA and Health Information.

Share your thoughts – is a Data Analytics credential valuable for your career?

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