A health information technician, also known as a medical records technician, is in charge of keeping track of medical records in healthcare facilities. A medical record contains vital information about a patient, such as insurance information, diagnoses, and treatment. The health information technician’s job entails ensuring that these records are accurate and in order. One of the most common responsibilities is medical coding.
Medical coding typically entails going through patient records and assigning codes to each piece of diagnostic or treatment data. These codes are in part for the benefit of insurers who need to figure out how much the healthcare provider owes them. The data gathered from coding can be used for research both inside and outside of the healthcare industry. Medical coding is a specialty for some health information technicians.
A health information technician can also specialize in cancer registries. Over time, a large amount of data on cancer patients is collected, which can be compared to provide insights into treatment options and preventive measures. Specialist health information workers may combine and analyze cancer registries from various healthcare organizations. Without specialized training, specializing in medical coding or cancer registry may not be possible.
Health information technicians are needed in a variety of healthcare settings, including hospitals, health centers, and nursing homes. Other workplaces that store patient data and, as a result, employ health information technicians include pharmaceutical companies and law firms. He or she will most likely work in an office setting, and his or her work will be overseen by senior office staff. There are opportunities to advance to senior positions in health information on occasion.
A health information technician must be computer savvy because they use computers on a daily basis. In health information roles, attention to detail, a commitment to patient confidentiality, and a willingness to work unsociable hours are all desirable qualities. Although health information technicians are unlikely to interact with patients on a regular basis, they must be able to communicate with other healthcare professionals.
The qualifications required for positions in health information vary by location and employer. Some community colleges in the United States offer associate degree programs geared specifically toward those interested in careers in health information. A candidate can choose to take an exam to become a Registered Health Information Technician after completing a Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs (CAAHEP) accredited course (RHIT). For more information, contact the American Health Information Management Association.