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What is the primary purpose of information governance in healthcare?

To reduce operational costs

To ensure the integrity, availability, and protection of health information throughout its lifecycle

To eliminate the need for paper records

To standardize billing procedures across all departments

to track

2026 Statistics

Key Facts: RHIA Exam

150

Exam Questions

AHIMA format guidance

3.5h

Exam Time

AHIMA format guidance

300

Passing Score (scaled)

AHIMA format guidance

$229/$299

Member/Non-Member Fee

AHIMA pricing page

200

Practice Questions Here

OpenExamPrep RHIA bank

Content Domains

AHIMA content outline

AHIMA's RHIA exam is a 150-question, 3.5-hour exam with a scaled passing score of 300. It covers 5 domains: Data and Information Governance (17-20%), Compliance with PHI (15-18%), Data Analytics and Informatics (23-26%), Revenue Cycle Management (20-23%), and Management and Leadership (23-26%). RHIA is required for many HIM management positions.

Sample RHIA Practice Questions

Try these sample questions to test your RHIA exam readiness. Each question includes a detailed explanation. Start the interactive quiz above for the full 200+ question experience with AI tutoring.

1What is the primary purpose of information governance in healthcare?

A.To reduce operational costs

B.To ensure the integrity, availability, and protection of health information throughout its lifecycle

C.To eliminate the need for paper records

D.To standardize billing procedures across all departments

Explanation: Information governance provides a framework for managing health information throughout its lifecycle—from creation through destruction—ensuring data integrity, availability, confidentiality, and protection. While cost reduction and billing standardization may be benefits, they are not the primary purpose.

2Which document serves as the foundation for maintaining a complete and accurate health record?

A.The Notice of Privacy Practices

B.The Authorization for Release of Information

C.The legal health record definition

D.The Business Associate Agreement

Explanation: The legal health record definition establishes what constitutes the official business record of the organization and serves as the foundation for record retention, destruction policies, and disclosure requirements.

3What is the recommended method for correcting an error in a paper health record?

A.Use correction fluid to cover the error completely

B.Draw a single line through the error, write "error," add correct information, and initial and date

C.Remove the page containing the error and replace it

D.Write the correction over the original error

Explanation: The proper correction method involves drawing a single line through the error (so the original remains legible), writing "error" above it, entering the correct information, and signing and dating the correction. This maintains the audit trail and integrity of the record.

4Which of the following best describes the Master Patient Index (MPI)?

A.A list of all physicians with admitting privileges

B.A database containing unique patient identification information to prevent duplicate records

C.A directory of all insurance companies used by the facility

D.An index of all medical diagnoses treated at the facility

Explanation: The Master Patient Index (MPI) is a database that maintains unique patient identifiers and demographic information to prevent duplicate patient records and ensure accurate patient identification across the organization.

5According to HIPAA, what is the minimum retention period for medical records?

A.5 years

B.6 years

C.10 years

D.HIPAA does not specify a minimum federal retention period for medical records

Explanation: HIPAA does not specify a federal minimum retention period for medical records. Instead, record retention periods are governed by state laws, which vary by state, and Medicare Conditions of Participation requirements (5 years for hospitals).

6What is the purpose of a data dictionary in healthcare information systems?

A.To translate medical terms into billing codes

B.To define data elements, their characteristics, and relationships within a database

C.To store patient passwords securely

D.To create backup copies of electronic health records

Explanation: A data dictionary defines data elements, their formats, allowable values, relationships, and business rules. It ensures consistent data definition and usage across the organization and supports data quality and interoperability.

7Which of the following is a key component of data quality management?

A.Data duplication

B.Data integrity

C.Data deletion

D.Data compression

Explanation: Data integrity—the accuracy, completeness, and consistency of data—is a fundamental component of data quality management. Other key components include data validity, reliability, timeliness, and accessibility.

8What is the primary function of the legal health record?

A.To support quality improvement initiatives

B.To serve as the official business record for evidentiary purposes

C.To provide data for research studies

D.To generate billing reports

Explanation: The legal health record serves as the official business record of the healthcare organization and is the record that would be produced in response to a subpoena or court order. It represents what the organization defines as its complete record for legal purposes.

9A hospital discovers that two patient records were created for the same person with slightly different names. What is this called and how should it be addressed?

A.Overlapping records; merge immediately without documenting

B.Duplicate records; perform MPI cleanup with proper merging procedures

C.Shadow records; delete the older record

D.Split records; create a third combined record

Explanation: Duplicate records occur when the same patient has multiple medical record numbers. Proper MPI cleanup involves identifying duplicates, verifying identity, merging records according to policy, maintaining an audit trail, and updating all connected systems.

10Which data quality characteristic refers to the extent to which data is available when needed?

A.Validity

B.Timeliness

C.Reliability

D.Precision

Explanation: Timeliness refers to data being available when needed for decision-making. Validity means data conforms to defined formats; reliability refers to consistency across sources; precision relates to the level of detail.

About the RHIA Exam

The RHIA is AHIMA's premier credential for health information management professionals, validating expertise in data governance, HIPAA compliance, data analytics, revenue cycle management, and leadership in healthcare settings.

Questions

150 scored questions

Time Limit

3.5 hours

Passing Score

300 (scaled)

Exam Fee

$229 member / $299 non-member (AHIMA (Pearson VUE))

RHIA Exam Content Outline

17-20%

Data and Information Governance

Health record content, documentation standards, data integrity, data quality management, Master Patient Index (MPI), record retention, filing systems, coding standards, and quality reporting requirements

15-18%

Compliance with Access, Use, and Disclosure of PHI

HIPAA Privacy and Security Rules, breach notification requirements, Release of Information (ROI) procedures, patient access rights, authorization requirements, minimum necessary standard, and compliance audits

23-26%

Data Analytics and Informatics

EHR systems support, database management, healthcare statistics, data visualization, Clinical Documentation Improvement (CDI) programs, registry systems, Health Information Exchange (HIE), interoperability standards, and data warehousing

20-23%

Revenue Cycle Management

ICD-10-CM and CPT coding accuracy, CDI for revenue integrity, claims management, denial management, chargemaster maintenance, value-based care programs, fraud and abuse prevention, and reimbursement methodologies including MS-DRGs

23-26%

Management and Leadership

Organizational initiatives, accreditation standards (Joint Commission, DNV), training and development programs, human resources management, budgeting and finance, contract management, project management, change management, performance improvement, and strategic planning

How to Pass the RHIA Exam

What You Need to Know

Passing score: 300 (scaled)
Exam length: 150 questions
Time limit: 3.5 hours
Exam fee: $229 member / $299 non-member

Keys to Passing

Complete 500+ practice questions
Score 80%+ consistently before scheduling
Focus on highest-weighted sections
Use our AI tutor for tough concepts

RHIA Study Tips from Top Performers

1Understand HIPAA Privacy and Security Rules in depth — know the difference between Privacy Rule (uses/disclosures) and Security Rule (administrative, physical, technical safeguards)

2Master healthcare statistics formulas including census data, occupancy rates, length of stay, and mortality rates

3Study management principles including SWOT analysis, PDSA cycles, Six Sigma, and Lean methodologies

4Review Joint Commission accreditation standards and CMS Conditions of Participation related to medical records

5Understand MS-DRG assignment logic and how documentation affects reimbursement

6Practice analyzing data quality issues and developing data governance policies

Frequently Asked Questions

Who should take the RHIA exam?

RHIA is designed for health information management professionals seeking leadership positions in hospitals, health systems, physician practices, insurance companies, and government agencies. Candidates typically have a baccalaureate degree in HIM from a CAHIIM-accredited program or meet AHIMA's alternative eligibility pathways.

What is the RHIA exam format?

AHIMA's RHIA exam is 150 questions (130 scored + 20 pretest) administered over 3.5 hours. The exam is delivered at Pearson VUE testing centers. It includes multiple-choice questions covering the five domains of health information management.

How is RHIA different from RHIT?

RHIA (Registered Health Information Administrator) requires a baccalaureate degree and focuses on management, leadership, and strategic HIM functions. RHIT (Registered Health Information Technician) requires an associate degree and focuses on technical coding and data management. RHIAs typically hold management positions while RHITs work in technical roles.

What are the eligibility requirements for RHIA?

Primary pathway: Complete a baccalaureate-level HIM program accredited by CAHIIM. Alternative pathways include holding a graduate degree in a related field plus specific HIM coursework or experience. All candidates must verify their educational credentials through AHIMA before scheduling the exam.

How hard is the RHIA exam?

RHIA is considered moderately challenging with pass rates estimated at 70-75%. The exam requires broad knowledge across all five domains including management principles, HIPAA regulations, data analytics, and coding. Success requires comprehensive understanding of HIM principles beyond just coding.

What jobs can I get with an RHIA credential?

RHIA credential holders work as HIM Directors, Compliance Officers, Privacy Officers, Data Analytics Managers, Revenue Cycle Managers, Quality Improvement Directors, EHR Implementation Managers, and Healthcare Consultants. RHIAs are in demand in hospitals, health systems, physician practices, insurance companies, and healthcare IT vendors.

What is a passing score on the RHIA exam?

RHIA uses scaled scoring with a passing score of 300. The exam has 130 scored questions and 20 unscored pretest questions. Results are provided immediately upon completion at Pearson VUE testing centers.