Candidate Guide To Certification
National Association ofHealthcare Access ManagementCertified Healthcare Access Manager (CHAM) andCertified Healthcare Access Associate (CHAA)National Association of Healthcare Access Management (NAHAM)2001 K Street NW3rd Floor NorthWashington, DC 20006Telephone: 202.367.1125 info@naham.orgFax: 202.367.2125 www.naham.orgAS OF 2017 ALL POLICIES, PROCEDURES, AND FEES SUBJECT TO CHANGE. COPYRIGHT 2018,NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF HEALTHCARE ACCESS MANAGEMENT. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED.2020CandidateGuide toCertification
WelcomeCongratulations on taking the first step toward earning the Certified HealthcareCandidate Guide to2credential. The National Association of Healthcare Access Management(NAHAM) established the CHAM and CHAA programs to promote the higheststandards of patient access services through the credentialing of those workingin access at both the front line and manager and above levels.HOW TO USE THIS GUIDEThis Guide summarizes key aspects of the NAHAM credential program and is intended to helpyou understand policies and procedures and the steps to earning the CHAM or CHAA credential.The NAHAM credential program continues to grow and be refined with the evolution of patientaccess services and best practices associated with professional certification programs. Nodocument can address every potential question, policy detail, or future program change. Use thisGuide to help you make your decision whether to pursue certification, to learn the benefits ofcertification, and to learn about the steps to follow to become certified in the field of patientaccess services.NAHAMAccess Manager (CHAM) or the Certified Healthcare Access Associate (CHAA)
3CONTENTSAbout NAHAM42020 Certification Commission4Purpose of the Candidate Guide4How the NAHAM Credential Program was Developed5Purpose of the NAHAM Credential Program6Benefits of Certification6Examination Development6Overview of the CHAM Examination7Overview of the CHAA Examination7The Examinations-at-a-Glance7CHAM Examination Content Outline8CHAA Examination Content Outline10Examination Preparation12The Certification Process12Eligibility Requirements13Critical Dates & Deadlines14Candidate Responsibilities14Application Procedures15Examination Fees15Computer-Based Testing16Cancellation & Refunds16Deferral of Examination Date or Period16Re-Examination16Scoring Information17Examination Results17Special Needs18Statement of Nondiscrimination18Copyright Information18Examination Security & Grounds for Dismissal18Principles of Conduct19Certification Maintenance20Sample Examination QuestionsCHAM Sample Examination Questions21CHAA Sample Examination Questions21Proctor Responsibilities24Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)24Appeals ProcessSample Examination Questions Answer Keys2627Candidate Guide to4NAHAMContact Information
CONTACT INFORMATION4The National Association of Healthcare Access Management (NAHAM) is a professional organizationdedicated to promoting excellence in the management of patient access services in all areas ofhealthcare delivery.Patient access services professionals provide quality services in registration and all of its supportprocesses to patients, providers, and payers throughout their healthcare experience. Patient accessservices includes hospital and other healthcare providers admissions, scheduling, registration,patient finance, guest relations, and other related services.NAHAM is the source for valuable education and support on issues impacting patient accessservices.2020 NAHAM CERTIFICATION COMMISSIONGina McKenna, CHAM, Certification Commission ChairKatie Harwood, CHAMSarah Branish, CHAMDeborah Dehnhoff Krofa, CHAM, CHAALinda Dejoie, CHAMAngela Keehn, CHAMBeth Kolberg, CHAMNatasha Reliford, CHAAJessica Sklenar, CHAASandra Waggoner, CHAMDale Sanders, DO, MBA, Public MemberPURPOSE OF THE CANDIDATE GUIDEThe purpose of this Candidate Guide is to provide you with substantive information on theNAHAM credential program. Persons looking to pursue the CHAM or CHAA certificationbenefit from reviewing this document and assessing their preparedness. By providinginformation on examination development and sample questions, one’s preparation for theCertified Healthcare Access Manager (CHAM) and the Certified Healthcare Access Associate(CHAA) can be enhanced.NAHAMABOUT NAHAMCandidate Guide toNational Association of Healthcare Access Management (NAHAM)NAHAM Certification Commission2001 K Street NW, 3rd Floor NorthWashington, DC 20006Telephone: (202) 367-1125 Fax: (202) 367-2125E-mail: info@naham.org Web: www.naham.org
The Certified Healthcare Access Manager (CHAM) credential program is designed to elevate professionalstandards, enhance individual performance and designate those who demonstrate knowledge essentialto the practice of patient access management. This program is targeted for those with at least two (2)years of management experience in a patient access management position. The program wasdeveloped in 1977 and was originally known as the Accredited Admitting Manager (AAM) credential.The name of this certification was changed to Certified Healthcare Access Manager in the late 1990sto align the examination’s name with the name of the association and to more broadly reflect the scopeof practice of those working in patient access services.The Certified Healthcare Access Associate (CHAA) credential program was launched in the fall of 1999and was developed to elevate professional standards, enhance individual performance, anddesignate individuals that demonstrate the knowledge essential in patient access services at the frontline staff level with at least one year experience in the healthcare or finance industry.5Candidate Guide toHOW THE NAHAM CREDENTIAL PROGRAM WAS DEVELOPEDThe eligibility requirements and test materials for the CHAM and the CHAA examinations aredeveloped based on a thorough study of the scope of practice and current state of knowledge inpatient access services. A national job analysis study of those working in patient accessservices is conducted every five to eight years to define the scope of practice and determinethe content areas appropriate for both examinations. These studies identify the knowledge usedby patient access staff in the day-to-day performance of their jobs. A representative panel of expertsreviews the results of the studies and identifies the scope of practice for both examinationsbased on this data, thus ensuring that the content of the exams reflects the practice of those workingin patient access services nationwide.NAHAMNAHAM contracts with Schroeder Measurement Technologies (SMT), a professional testingcompany, to apply the most appropriate technologies, methodologies, and psychometric modelsto administer the NAHAM credential program.The CHAM and CHAA exam questions are written by separate working groups of individuals whohold these credentials. The exam question bank is continually updated to reflect currentpractices in patient access services. Individual questions that have been shown by statisticalanalysis to be unfair or unclear are modified or deleted from the bank.Both the CHAM and CHAA certification examinations have been designed to meet testingindustry standards for validity and reliability. The activities related to the NAHAM credentialprogram are organized and overseen by the NAHAM Certification Commission.The Certification Commission, with the assistance and advice of professionals, has developed thesetwo credentials to recognize accepted levels of expertise in the profession with the goal of improvingprofessional standards in patient access services.Candidates who achieve a passing score on the CHAA or CHAM exam may use the designation whenrepresenting themselves in their credentials. Continued use of the designations must be maintained throughthe NAHAM certification maintenance program.
PURPOSE OF THE NAHAM CREDENTIAL PROGRAM6 BENEFITS OF CERTIFICATIONCertifications can help employers match job requirements with a candidate’s qualifications.The certifications you hold can be the difference between you and a lesser-qualifiedcandidate.Certification demonstrates to employers that one honors commitment and follow-through; twotraits that employers recognize and appreciate. It shows that one possesses the determination andskills to complete a challenging program, revealing highly prized traits of self-discipline and problemsolving.Studies have shown that certified professionals are more productive in their work. Because oftheir knowledge and skills, access to special resources, and problem-solving abilities, certifiedemployees are able to implement solutions more quickly and with fewer problems than their noncertified counterparts. And surveys show that certified professionals, in general, are paid morethan their non-certified counterparts.Additionally, certification programs allow individuals to control their own career and professionaldevelopment. Whether one’s current employer supports staff certification or not, individuals candevelop themselves and take control of their knowledge, skills, and future by becoming certified intheir field.Benefits of certification for employers include increased productivity, enhanced professionalism,less training time needed to bring employees up-to-speed, and increased staff morale andsatisfaction.EXAMINATION DEVELOPMENTNAHAM has contracted with Schroeder Measurement Technologies (SMT) to develop, score, andadminister the CHAM and CHAA examinations. SMT is an established, full-service internationaltesting company serving the needs of licensing boards and credentialing agencies with a widerange of test development and computer-based administration services.The development of a valid examination for the NAHAM certification process begins with a clearand concise definition of the knowledge, skills, and abilities needed for competent jobperformance. Using interviews, surveys, and group discussions, NAHAM works with.NAHAMEstablish the body of knowledge of front line staff and managers for patient accessservices;Distinguish those professionals who demonstrate an established level of expertise inpatient access services in a valid and reliable manner;Encourage professional growth and raise awareness in the field;Formally promote industry standardsServe the employers and the public by providing a means to identify quality professionals inpatient access services. Candidate Guide toThe purpose of the credential program is to:
experts in the field of patient access services to delineate critical job components. The knowledgeand skill bases for the questions in the examinations are derived from the actual practice of theprofessional in the field of patient access services including admissions, scheduling, registration,patient finance, the patient experience, and other related services.7The CHAM examination consists of 115 multiple choice questions and candidates are limited to two (2)hours to test. The registration fee is 225 for NAHAM members and 425 for non-members. The retake fee is 75 for both members and nonmembers.Candidates that do not pass the exam on the initial attempt may re-apply and re-take the exam at adiscounted rate in a subsequent testing window. Candidates may re-take the exam as many timesas they would like, however, the discounted re-take fee only applies if the candidate paid full price in themost recent attempt. Therefore, if the candidate does not pass their second attempt, theywill be required to pay full price for the exam again on their third attempt, before receiving a second re-takediscount.Through obtaining your CHAM, you will gain expanded knowledge of in-depth insights into every aspect ofpatient access management and national professional recognition from supervisors, peers, staff, andvolunteer leaders that all value the CHAM designation.OVERVIEW OF THE CHAA EXAMINATIONThe Certified Healthcare Access Associate program was established in 1999 and is available to patientaccess staff who meet the eligibility requirements.The CHAA examination consists of 115 multiple choice questions and candidates are limited to two (2)hours to test. The registration fee is 155 for both NAHAM members and nonmembers. The retake feeis 60.Candidates that do not pass the exam on the initial attempt may re-apply and re-take the exam at adiscounted rate in a subsequent testing window. Candidates may re-take the exam as many timesas they would like, however, the discounted re-take fee only applies if the candidate paid full price in themost recent attempt. Therefore, if the candidate does not pass their second attempt, theywill be required to pay full price for the exam again on their third attempt, before receiving a second re-takediscount.THE EXAMINATIONS-AT-A-GLANCEThe CHAM and CHAA examinations are both 115-question multiple choice examinations designed to testand challenge the candidate’s knowledge of and experience in the field of patient access services. TheCHAM examination is designed to test manager-level or above individuals, while the CHAA examination isdesigned to test associate-level individuals.Both examinations are two (2) hours long and are proctored. Examinations are Internet-based.The composition of both examinations is guided by extensive research on the job tasks performed andknowledge needed by those working at patient access services. Please note that the questions from eachcontent area will be mixed throughout the examinations. The questions will not be presented in the orderlisted on the content outlines.The following is a detailed outline of the major content areas which will be used to guide thecomposition of the CHAM and CHAA examinations, with an indication (in parentheses) of theapproximate percentage of the test devoted to each area.NAHAMA voluntary certification effort founded in 1977, the Certified Healthcare Access Manager program isdesigned to elevate professional standards, enhance individual performance, and designate those whodemonstrate knowledge essential to the practice of patient access services.Candidate Guide toOVERVIEW OF THE CHAM EXAMINATION
CHAM EXAMINATION CONTENT OUTLINE8Pre-Arrival (25%)A. Patient and Family Experience1. Deliver quality service and customer satisfaction2. Analyze patient satisfaction surveys (eg. Press Ganey, Gallup, etc.)3. Employ service recovery measuresB. Admission and Transfer Services1. Manage intra- and inter- facility referrals/transfers2. Comply with contractual, legal and regulatory requirementsC. Scheduling1. Assess customer expectations and special needs of the patient(eg. age specific, interpretive service, and physical, cultural & emotional needs)2. Arrange and schedule location, equipment, and/or staff (resources) and documentpertinent schedule information3. Identify information required to confirm service for a specific date4. Inform patients of clinical prerequisitesNAHAMI.Candidate Guide toThe CHAM examination addresses the following subject matter. Candidates are required todemonstrate proficiency by answering questions that evaluate their knowledge of facts, concepts,and processes required to complete the tasks described below. This content outline is effective as ofOctober 2016 and can be found on the Certification page of the NAHAM websiteat www.naham.org/CHAMContentOutline.D. Pre-Registration1. Maintain integrity of enterprise master patient index (EMPI)a. Create patient accountb. Validate/initiate medical record to ensure identification and safety2. Perform financial clearancea. Identify accurate payerb. Validate and meet payer requirementsc. Inform and/or collect customer financial obligations prior to serviced. Adhere to regulatory compliance standards (eg. federal, state, local)e. Perform financial clearance (eg. financial counseling, ensure payer authorization is obtained)f. Verify benefitsII. Arrival (35%)A. Patient Check-in, Admission, Registration1. Administer patient registration processes:a. Validate or obtain demographic, admission source, clinical, and financialinformation (eg. patient identification, validation)b. Provide and explain patient registration forms (e.g., The Patient Bill of Rights andResponsibilities, HIPAA)c. Execute consents, signatures, and other required documentsd. Comprehend medical terminology and coding2. Validate ordered levels of care (eg. inpatient, observation, outpatient and status changes)3. Verify payer plan coverage (eg. governmental payers, workers compensation and insurance)
C. Revenue Cycle1. Capture data elements necessary for accurate billing2. Strategically align with case management, utilization review, clinical documentation,health information management (HIM/medical records, billing, follow-up, cash posting,and accounts receivable3. Mitigate denials management4. Collaborate with managed care department (eg. communicate payer issues)D. Information Systems1. Manage timely input of data2. Understand impact of patient management system transactions (eg. electronic datainterface, electronic medical records and ancillary systems)3. Educate on system down time and recoveryIII. Access Management (40%)A. Statistical Reporting1. Determine benchmark processes to improve outcomes2. Facilitate process improvement3. Monitor trending areas of interest (eg. payment, patient flow and denials)4. Develop, review, and refine key performance indicators5. Track ProductivityB. Patient Experience and Management1. Protect patient confidentiality2. Measure customer satisfaction3. Anticipate and manage customer expectationsC. Professional Development and Competency1. Develop and measure perform2. Oversee quality metricsD. Leadership and Management1. Collaborate with human resource management2. Establish effective communication3. Drive strategic planning4. Adhere to regulations for compliance5. Participate in disaster preparedness6. Manage financial performance7. Maximize employee engagement8. Embrace change managementCandidate Guide toB. Patient and Family Experience1. Utilize services to help reduce patient and family stress and increase customersatisfaction2. Facilitate internal and external way finding (eg. transportation, parking, and drop-off signage)3. Identify relevant information to provide to patient and family (room number, visiting hours, etc)4. Manage patient directory exclusions5. Employ service recovery measures (eg. validating parking and free meal tickets)9NAHAM4. Determine coordination of benefits5. Perform point of service collection6. Provide financial counseling
The CHAA examination addresses the following subject matter. Candidates are required todemonstrate proficiency by answering examination questions that evaluate their knowledge offacts, concepts, and processes required to complete the tasks described below. In October of2017, a new CHAA content outline will go into effect. View this new content outline on ourwebsite.I. Patient Access Foundations (40%)Candidate Guide toCHAA EXAMINATION CONTENT OUTLINENAHAMA. Customer Experience1. Customer Assessmenta. Identify customer expectations and concerns (eg confidentiality, emotional, spiritual)b. Identify clinical concerns and patient needsc. Identify financial concerns and patient needsd. Arrange customer literacy & comprehensive services (eg interpreter services, meaningful use)2. Quality and Customer Servicea. Employ strategies to deliver quality service and customer satisfaction (eg in-person and remotely)b. Interpret results from customer satisfaction metrics (eg HCAHPS, patient satisfaction survey)c. Recognize the purpose of benchmark processes to improve outcomesd. Recommend the process and quality improvement initiativese. Comprehend key performance indicators (KPIs), best practices and dashboardsf. Employ principles of effective communication (eg written, verbal, age appropriate)g. Utilize national patient safety guidelines (eg two patient identifiers, physical safety)B. Regulatory Compliance1. Recognize requirements of OIG (eg EMTALA, Patient's Rights & Respo
access services and best practices associated with professional certification program s. No document can address every potential question, policy detail, or future program change. Use this Guide to help you make your decision whether to pursue certification, to learn the benefits of certification, and to learn about the steps to follow to become certified in the field of patient access .
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1. Upon the applicant's status being updated to 'certification candidate,' they will be permitted to purchase the certification exam. Completion of payment for the exam will result in issuance of an authorization to test letter confirming the candidate's eligibility to sit for the certification examination. 2.
This Candidate Handbook provides information about National Healthcareer Association (NHA) and the certification examinations and credentials it offers in . When applying for full certification, a candidate is required to provide proof of graduation (high school diploma, GED certification or other documentary proof
Certification Candidate Handbook 4301 N. Fairfax Drive Suite 301 Arlington, VA 22203-1633 www.aami.org 703-525-4890 . certification. To test as a candidate for any of the certifications, an applicant must meet ONE of the following minimum eligibility requirements as of the application deadline: 1. Associate degree or higher in biomedica l
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