What is a Health Information Specialist Job?
A Health Information Specialist, also known as a Medical Records Technician or Health Information Technician, is a professional who manages and organizes medical records and health information data. This data includes patient medical histories, laboratory test results, diagnoses, and treatment plans. Health Information Specialists are responsible for ensuring the accuracy, completeness, and security of these records. They play an essential role in the healthcare industry, as accurate medical records are vital for patient care, billing, and research purposes.
What Usually Do in This Position?
Health Information Specialists are responsible for a wide range of tasks related to medical records and health information management. They review and analyze medical records to ensure that they are complete, accurate, and comply with legal and regulatory requirements. They also enter patient information into electronic health record (EHR) systems, and assign medical codes for diagnoses and procedures.
In addition to these duties, Health Information Specialists may also be responsible for maintaining patient confidentiality, retrieving and releasing medical records, and answering patient questions related to their medical records. They may also work with healthcare providers to improve the quality and accuracy of medical records, and assist with the implementation of new EHR systems.
Top 5 Skills for Position
- Attention to detail
- Organizational skills
- Medical terminology knowledge
- Computer skills
- Interpersonal skills
How to Become This Type of Specialist
To become a Health Information Specialist, an individual typically needs a postsecondary certificate or an associate's degree in Health Information Management (HIM) or a related field. Some employers may also require certification from the American Health Information Management Association (AHIMA) or the Registered Health Information Technician (RHIT) credential.
Coursework in an HIM program typically includes medical terminology, anatomy and physiology, coding and classification systems, and healthcare data analysis. Students also learn about healthcare laws, regulations, and ethical standards related to medical records management.
Average Salary
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), the median annual salary for Health Information Technicians was $42,630 as of May 2020. The lowest 10 percent earned less than $28,240, and the highest 10 percent earned more than $71,150.
Roles and Types
Health Information Specialists may work in a variety of healthcare settings, including hospitals, clinics, nursing homes, and physician offices. Some may specialize in a particular area, such as cancer registry or coding. Others may work in health information management, overseeing the maintenance and security of medical records.
Locations with the Most Popular Jobs in USA
According to the BLS, the top five states with the highest employment levels for Health Information Technicians as of May 2020 were California, Texas, New York, Florida, and Pennsylvania. These states also had the highest annual mean wages for the occupation.
What Are the Typical Tools
Health Information Specialists typically use a variety of tools and software to manage medical records and health information. These may include electronic health record (EHR) systems, coding and classification software, and database management systems. They may also use office software such as Microsoft Excel and Word to create reports and manage data.
In Conclusion
Health Information Specialists play a critical role in the healthcare industry, managing and organizing medical records and health information data. They require a combination of technical skills, such as medical terminology and coding knowledge, as well as interpersonal and organizational skills. With the growing demand for healthcare services, the job outlook for Health Information Specialists is positive, making it an excellent career choice for those interested in healthcare and data management.