Frequently Asked Questions
Find clear answers to common questions about our services, policies, processes, and support.
What is HFMA?
Healthcare Financial Management Association, or HFMA, is a professional association that helps healthcare finance professionals and organizations improve financial performance and navigate changes in the healthcare industry.
What does HFMA do?
HFMA provides resources, education, and networking. It establishes financial reporting standards, offers professional certifications, and provides tools to help hospitals, health systems, and insurers navigate complex industry challenges.
Some resources are:
- Healthcare finance education
- Professional certifications
- Industry events
- Regulatory and operational guidance
- News and analysis
- Career resources
- Local chapters
- Professional communities
Who should join HFMA?
HFMA serves healthcare finance professionals, business partners, students and faculty across areas such as revenue cycle, accounting, reimbursement, operations, technology and executive leadership.
Is HFMA only for hospital finance professionals?
HFMA serves people working across hospitals, health systems, physician practices, health plans, consulting firms, vendors and other healthcare organizations.
Is HFMA a professional association?
Yes, it’s a professional organization.
Is HFMA a nonprofit organization?
Yes, HFMA is a not-for-profit, nonpartisan organization. It is specifically registered as a 501(c)(6) business league to support and elevate the field of healthcare finance through education, professional certifications, and industry collaboration.
Where is HFMA located?
HFMA’s headquarters is located in Downers Grove, Il. It also maintains an office in Washington, DC.
How can I contact HFMA?
For more information about memberships or current membership, call or email our Member Services Center.
Does HFMA publish healthcare finance research and guidance?
Yes. HFMA regularly publishes regulatory updates, current healthcare finance news, articles, industry research, best practices, case studies and technical guidance. Hfm is the award-winning magazine of HFMA.
What are the benefits of HFMA membership?
Membership offers most certifications at no additional cost as well as access to many other resources and networking opportunities. View full list of membership benefits.
How much does HFMA membership cost?
There are multiple membership types. Visit our membership page for detailed information.
What types of HFMA membership are available?
HFMA has multiple Individual as well as organizational level memberships available. New users can also sign up as a guest for access to limited number of free articles per month. Visit the membership page to view all options.
What is the difference between individual and enterprise membership?
An individual HFMA membership belongs to the person who enrolls and can remain with them if they change employers. An enterprise membership is provided through a participating organization and is tied to that organization. Enterprise membership access generally ends when the individual is no longer covered by the organization’s membership agreement.
Can students join HFMA?
HFMA currently offers student membership to qualifying full-time students and requires a .edu email address during the enrollment process.
How do I know whether my employer has an HFMA enterprise membership?
You can quickly check here: Confirm Enterprise Membership. If you’re still unsure, reach out to your organization. You may also contact HFMA Member Services for help confirming whether your organization has an active enterprise membership and whether you are eligible to enroll.
How do I join HFMA?
Visit our membership page to access the Join HFMA page.
How do I renew my HFMA membership?
Visit our membership page to renew.
How can I check my HFMA membership status?
Sign in to your account and go to My Account for your membership information.
What happens if my HFMA membership expires?
For certifications that require an active HFMA membership as part of the maintenance requirements, your certification status depends on maintaining your membership and, in some cases, completing other requirements.
If your membership expires, you have a 60-day grace period to renew. Once renewed, your certification credentials will be reinstated and will remain active. If you do not renew within the 60-day grace period, additional requirements may apply to regain active certification status.
Can I transfer my HFMA membership to another employer?
If your company reimburses you for an individual membership, the membership remains tied to you and can move with you if you change employers. Enterprise memberships are tied to the organization and are not transferable.
Does HFMA membership include a local chapter?
Yes, each member is assigned to a local chapter based on the ZIP code provided at registration. Members may also choose from any of HFMA’s 59 chapters. Members with international addresses are not assigned a chapter by default but may add a chapter of their choice through their profile page.
How do I find my local HFMA chapter?
Are HFMA courses and certifications included with membership?
With the exception of a few courses and the CHCRS certification, members enjoy free certifications, courses, live and on-demand webinars, bite-size learning, and discounts on events.
What healthcare finance certifications does HFMA offer?
View all certifications offered by HFMA.
Which HFMA certification should I earn?
The right program depends on your role, experience and career goals. Check out the Career Pathways page for guidance.
What is the CHFP certification?
The Certified Healthcare Financial Professional (CHFP) is designed to validate deep knowledge in healthcare finance, risk mitigation, and strategic business practices. View all certifications.
What is the CRCR certification?
The Certified Revenue Cycle Representative (CRCR) certification demonstrates foundational knowledge of the healthcare revenue cycle, from patient access through billing and collections. It is designed for revenue cycle professionals as well as employees who need a broader understanding of how healthcare organizations are paid. View all certifications.
What is the EHRC certification?
Executive of Healthcare Revenue Cycle (EHRC) is designed to validate executive-level expertise, strategic capability, and leadership in managing healthcare revenue cycle operations. View all certifications.
What is the FHFMA designation?
Fellows of the Healthcare Financial Management Association is recognized as an industry leaders and act as ambassadors to the profession by raising the standard of practice through consistent participation in professional development activities and service to the healthcare finance industry. Fellows can maintain their FHFMA designation by teaching courses, making presentations, publishing, participating in special interest groups or attending educational events. Learn more about FHFMA.
Are HFMA certifications recognized by employers?
HFMA certifications are recognized by many healthcare employers. Some large healthcare systems and enterprise organizations specifically require or prefer HFMA credentials in job postings. The Certified Revenue Cycle Representative (CRCR) credential is one of the most frequently requested or recommended HFMA certifications, particularly for roles in patient access, registration, billing, collections, and revenue cycle management.
How do I enroll in an HFMA course or certification?
View the education catalog to find what you’re looking for. Enrollment in most offerings is included with HFMA membership.
Are HFMA courses online?
Yes, all programs are online, self-directed and available through HFMA’s learning platform.
How long do I have access to an HFMA course?
Access to enrolled courses depends on your membership status:
- HFMA members have access to their enrolled courses for as long as their membership remains active.
- Nonmembers have 12 months from the date of enrollment to access and complete their courses.
We recommend completing your course within your access period to ensure you can review materials and earn any applicable credit.
Does HFMA offer continuing professional education credits?
Yes. Many HFMA educational programs offer Continuing Professional Education (CPE) credits. The number and type of credits available vary by program. For details about CPE information, visit the Learn more about CPEs page or review the course details for the specific program you’re taking.
How do I access my HFMA courses?
Access your learning dashboard on the HFMA learning platform accessible to once you’re signed in with your HFMA account.
How do I download a course completion certificate?
Upon successful completion of an eligible program, a certificate of completion is sent to your email.
You can also view, download, or print your certificate at any time from the learning platform using either of these methods:
- From your Transcript: Click your name in the upper-right corner, select Transcript, locate the completed course, and click View in the Certificate View column.
- From your Dashboard: Go to the Certificates tab, locate the course title, and click View Certificate. A personalized PDF certificate will open, which you can download or print.
Does HFMA issue digital badges?
HFMA issues digital badges through, Credly, to provide verifiable and shareable recognition for completed certifications and certificate programs. Learn more about digital badging.
How do I maintain my HFMA certification?
Learn more about maintaining your certification.
Where do I report certification maintenance hours?
Who should I contact about an HFMA certification?
For more information about HFMA certifications, email career services.
What events does HFMA offer?
HFMA offers conferences, live webinars, local chapter events as well as executive councils. View the live events page for upcoming events. View a list of live webinars.
What is the HFMA Annual Conference?
HFMA’s Annual Conference is the premier gathering for healthcare finance professionals, bringing together leaders from across the industry to tackle complex challenges, share insights, and explore innovative solutions that shape the future of healthcare finance.
What is the Revenue Cycle Conference?
HFMA’s Revenue Cycle Conference (RCC) brings together healthcare finance and revenue cycle leaders to share insights, address today’s challenges, and explore practical strategies to strengthen financial performance and improve the patient financial experience.
What is the Leadership Summit?
HFMA’s Leadership Summit brings together healthcare finance leaders to build critical leadership skills, exchange ideas, and explore strategies for guiding teams and organizations through change while shaping the future of healthcare finance.
Does HFMA offer virtual events and webinars?
All live webinars are virtual but HFMA does not currently offer virtual conferences. Live webinars are only available to members of HFMA.
Are HFMA in-person events open to nonmembers?
Yes, nonmembers are able to attend at the nonmember rate.
Can I earn CPE credits at HFMA events?
Yes. Many HFMA conferences, webinars, and educational events offer Continuing Professional Education (CPE) credits. However, CPE eligibility varies by event and session, and not all activities qualify for credit. Details about available CPE credits, eligibility requirements, and instructions for claiming credit are provided in the event materials or on the course enrollment/catalog page.
How do I find HFMA events near me?
View the live events page for upcoming events.
How do I register for an HFMA event?
The live events page has links to event websites where attendees can register.
How can I speak at an HFMA event?
HFMA communicates RFP application windows for each of their conferences via email and on event websites.
How can my organization sponsor or exhibit at an HFMA event?
Visit the HFMA Marketing Opportunities page for more information on sponsorships.
Does HFMA have an online member community?
Yes! HFMA Community is available to members.
How can I volunteer with HFMA?
View volunteer opportunities for HFMA members.
What healthcare finance topics does HFMA cover?
Below is an abbreviated list of topics covered by HFMA:
- Revenue cycle management
- Accounting and financial reporting
- Payment and reimbursement
- Value-based care
- Price transparency
- Healthcare business strategy
- Regulatory compliance
- Technology and artificial intelligence
- Leadership
- Operations management
- Consumer financial experience
Does HFMA provide revenue cycle management resources?
Yes. View Healthcare Revenue Cycle Management (RCM) – What It Is & How It Works
Does HFMA provide Medicare and reimbursement guidance?
Yes, view latest articles on healthcare reimbursement.
Does HFMA publish regulatory updates?
Yes, latest updates as well as fact sheets are available on Regulatory and Accounting Resources.
Where can I find HFMA comment letters and policy positions?
They are available on Regulatory and Accounting Resources.
Where can I find HFMA articles and healthcare finance news?
Latest new are available on the Healthcare Finance News page.
Does HFMA publish hfm magazine?
Yes, hfm is available digitally or in print.
Are HFMA articles available to nonmembers?
Yes, a limited number of articles are available for free every month to nonmembers.
Does HFMA offer healthcare finance tools and benchmarks?
Yes. Check out the Data + Insights page for more information.
Does HFMA have healthcare finance career resources?
Take HFMA’s career self-assessments to identify your strengths and areas for improvement. View healthcare finance jobs on HFMA’s job board.
Can I cite or reproduce HFMA content?
You may cite and link to content on hfma.org with proper attribution. However, reproducing or republishing HFMA content—including substantial excerpts, images, tables or logos—requires prior written permission. View full terms of use.
How do I create an HFMA account?
Do I need to be an HFMA member to create an account?
No, you can create a free guest account.
How do I sign in to HFMA.org?
How do I reset my HFMA password?
One the sign in/login page, click on. “Forgot password?” link.
Why can’t I access a member-only resource?
If you’re having trouble signing in with a valid membership, contact Member Services Center.
Why can’t I access the HFMA Learning Center?
The HFMA Learning Center catalog is public but access to your dashboard or course detail pages requires signing in to your HFMA account.
How do I update my email address or profile?
Update on My Account page
Why am I not receiving emails from HFMA?
Visit your Communication Preferences page to check what newsletters you’re signed up for. Or, check your junk mail. If problem persists, ask your IT department to make sure your organization is not rejecting emails from HFMA.
How do I change my communication preferences?
Access the Communication Preferences page.
Who should I contact if I still need help?
Email or call us during regular business hours. Visit our Contact Us page.