Are you interested in learning more about the roles and responsibilities of a professional with the title Health Information Technician? If you would like to benefit from growth in the healthcare industry, it is important to explore all of your career options before you select a degree program or a title. The Health Information Technician, which is also commonly referred to as an HIT or a medical records technician, plays an important role in managing medical records and other health information in various types of settings so that the records are safe and accurate. Read on, and learn more about the duties of an HIT and what steps you must take to become one.
The Medical Coding Specialists in an Organization or Facility
One of the vital duties in health information positions is to maintain accurate records through a process that is commonly referred to as medical coding in the field. The roles of technicians are heavily focused are medical coding, where you will need to be familiar with various codes and assign these codes to diagnostic and treatment records so that a patient’s file is complete. Not only does the coding need to be accurate to ensure that insurance companies pay the correct benefits, it also needs to be complete to ensure that the data that is used for medical research is as accurate as possible. To specialize in this process, you will need to study coding through a certificate or a degree program.
Updating Patient Data on Complicated Health Information Systems
The world of health information is advancing on a regular basis. With new systems being released frequently, you may need to stay updated on system updates or entirely new programs as a Health Information Technician. Since your job is to insert data into a patient’s medical record, you will need to be computer savvy and have a very strong ability to pay attention to detail. As a Health Information Technician in hospitals, medical offices, research centers and other facilities, you must make a commitment to keep all data confidential for the protection of patients. While you do not typically interact with patients when you hold this title, you will need communications skills to exchange information and ask questions of healthcare workers and physicians.
How to Become a Health Information Technician
The demand for Health Information Technician professionals is high. In fact, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the field will grow by 22% within the next eight years. To compete in a market where the demand is high, you will need to earn the minimum of an associate’s degree. You may also be able to compete if you complete a certificate program that qualifies you to test to become a Registered Health Information Technician. A majority of employers are looking to hire RHIT’s because they have met the strict standards of the American Health Information Management Association.
Related Resource: Master’s in Healthcare Administration
As more and more seniors require healthcare and the number of citizens who have insurance increases, the need for professionals in this field will grow. With the outlook in the field at an all-time high, now is the time for people to begin completing their formal training so that they can get hired by healthcare employers. Read more about the qualifications to become a Health Information Technician and take a step to better your future.
