Explore the crucial role of a health information technician and how they impact medical records, patient care, and healthcare facilities. Discover why this career is in high demand.
The healthcare industry consists of many dynamic professions that work together to ensure that patients receive the care and treatment they need to recover from their illnesses. One of these professions is health information technology (HIT), which plays a critical role in healthcare management by organizing, managing, and disseminating patient information.
What is a Health Information Technician?
Health information technicians (HITs) are critical members of the HIT team. HITs work with electronic health records (EHRs) to ensure that all medical records are accurate, complete, and confidential. Furthermore, they collaborate with other healthcare professionals to ensure that patient records are up-to-date and a valuable resource for improving healthcare delivery and patient outcomes.
Explore The Role Of A Health Information Technician
In this blog post, we will explore the role of a health information technician in detail and discuss the different tasks that they perform daily.
Education and Skills Required for Health Information Technicians
Health information technicians require a relevant associate’s degree or certification in health information technology. Certification is preferred by most employers because it improves your chances of getting hired. However, additional certifications like Registered Health Information Technician (RHIT) and Certified Coding Specialist (CCS) can make you more marketable in the workforce. Most HIT programs take up to two years to complete and cover a variety of disciplines, including anatomy, medical coding, and healthcare ethics.
Roles and Responsibilities of Health Information Technicians
Health information technicians manage medical records in various healthcare settings, including hospitals, physician offices, and nursing homes. One primary responsibility of HITs is to ensure that medical records are accurate and complete, including diagnosis, laboratory tests, and patient demographics. Moreover, HITs use specialized software to code patient information and track healthcare delivery to improve patient outcomes.
HITs have a critical role in maintaining confidential patient data. Therefore, HITs must comply with applicable privacy laws and medical information security procedures. They also perform medical data quality control checks to ensure accuracy and completeness. They collaborate with other healthcare professionals to ensure accurate and up-to-date patient records. HITs also frequently train other healthcare staff on health information technology applications and procedures.
Career Advancement Opportunities for Health Information Technicians
Health information technicians are in high demand, and as healthcare continues to grow and integrate technology, the demand for HITs will continue to increase. HITs can advance to supervisory or managerial positions or transition into a healthcare field related to health information technology. Specialties in HIT include coding, transcription, and data analytics.
How Do You Become a Health Information Technician at ATA College?
Do you crave a career in the healthcare industry but don’t want to become a doctor or a nurse? Consider becoming a Health Information Technician instead. ATA College offers a comprehensive Health Information Technician program that prepares students for the essential responsibilities of this vital healthcare role.
In this program, students will learn how to maintain and organize medical records, navigate electronic health record systems, and ensure that confidential patient information is kept secure. Furthermore, students will have the opportunity to gain practical experience through internships and clinical rotations.
After completing the program, graduates will be well-equipped with the knowledge and skills necessary to enter the in-demand field of Health Information Technology.
Conclusion:
A health information technician is an essential member of the healthcare team, responsible for compiling, storing, tracking, and protecting patient information. With healthcare organizations using electronic systems for patient management, the role of HITs has become increasingly important.
The valuable contribution of HITs ensures that the healthcare system functions efficiently and results in continuous improvement of patient care. If you want to work in health information technology, pursue certification and a relevant degree program to gain the necessary skills and knowledge.
