Career Paths in Health Information Technology

Patient information is an invaluable resource for any healthcare provider. Using patient histories, physicians keep track of how to care for patients effectively and learn new ways to improve the healthcare industry. Caregivers use technology to manage the large data volumes created by patients’ medical records and trust highly trained individuals to maintain the data’s integrity. Health information security specialists train in the healthcare business and information technology. Organizations ranging from private healthcare practices to large healthcare providers rely on these individuals to manage information vital to caregiving operations, and as the field expands, career opportunities grow proportionally.

Using Information to Heal

Caregiving institutions must store patient medical and personal records for later access. Institutions may access the records individually or evaluate group metrics to advance community interventions. Health information technology training involves digital gathering, storing, and protecting this data. The discipline combines business, healthcare, and technology. Healthcare information specialists work with varying establishments, ranging from large caregiving networks to private practices. These individuals play a critical role in daily operations.

Technology Aids the Process

Health information technology (HIT) systems enable caregivers to efficiently and effectively manage patient records digitally. HIT specialists practice within the technical arena of caregiving, offering support for electronic health records (EHRs), among other information systems, and assist medical organizations to stay current with technological advancements and developments. Some HIT specialists work closely with physicians and other medical experts. This skill is in high demand due to new regulations that require caregiving institutions to digitize medical records.

Preparation for a Critical Role

A career in healthcare information technology requires prior training in medicine, computer science, and business management. Additionally, people who work in this field must have a genuine desire to help others and the ability to handle a large workload with optimum accuracy and organization. Potential HIT candidates can begin preparation for this career track with advanced classes at the high school level, followed by education at an appropriate higher learning Information security school. Advanced education can be through a Master of Science in Health Informatics and a Post-Master’s Certificate in Health Informatics.

Certification Is Essential

In addition to a degree, HIT professionals candidates may obtain certification. For medical coding, candidates may earn the entry-level Certified Coding Associate (CCA) certification, or for experienced coders, the Certified Coding Specialist-Physician Based (CCS-P) or the Certified Coding Specialist (CCS). To apply for the Registered Health Information Technician (RHIT) certification, candidates must earn an associate’s degree. The certification informs employers that a HIT specialist has demonstrated competence in technical skills relevant to patient information. The Registered Health Information Administration (RHIA) certification necessitates a bachelor’s degree, such as a Bachelor of Science in Health Information Management, and qualifies candidates as HIT managers.

Health Information Career Paths

Health information technology specialists can follow several career paths. Health information technicians validate patient database information and abstract data for reimbursement or research. Medical coders translate diagnoses and procedures into numerical codes. Caregiving institutions rely on these specialists to record information accurately. Healthcare information managers oversee the collection, privacy, and analysis of patient data.