Health Information Specialist: Role & Growth
What is a health information specialist?
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A health information specialist falls under the broader category of medical records and health information technicians. They can work in hospitals or in doctor's offices and clinics. They primarily handle medical records, and are responsible for compiling, organizing, and maintaining highly confidential patient records in accordance with proper rules and regulations. They are also responsible for data entry and play significant roles in medical billing and coding.
Entry-level positions typically require an associate's degree. While certification is not always required, individuals who possess certification as a Registered Health Information Technicians through the Commission on the Accreditation of Health Informatics & Information Management (CAHIIM), can certainly expect to make more money than those who do not.
There is a lot of room for growth within this position as well, and if you are an ambitious and willing to put in the effort, you can pursue a Bachelor's Degree in Health Information Management and certification as a Registered Health Information Administrator to move up in the industry. With this more advanced degree and certification, you may potentially work in managerial positions within health care information departments at a medical institution.
How much will I make?
Great question! According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the median annual wage for medical records and health information technicians was $38,040 in May 2016.
The outlook for this position is pretty good, as well, with employment estimated to grow 15 percent from 2014 to 2024.
What exactly is a typical day like?
If the education requirements have not scared you off, read on! This is what you can expect to do on a daily basis:
- Processing Information
- Health information specialists are responsible for taking patient information and assigning an ICD code that corresponds to his or her diagnosis and medical procedures. This is an extremely important responsibility as it can affect how your particular healthcare organization gets reimbursed for various procedures.
- Documenting/Recording Information
- Most healthcare organizations nowadays have transitioned from paper records to electronic records, but you may have the opportunity to work for an organization that is still in the middle of this transition. What an exciting time for you to join such an organization! You would have the opportunity to scan and index paper forms and organize them into an electronic format. You may also have the opportunity to teach fellow co-workers as this is surely a big, and perhaps daunting transition.
- Interacting With Computers
- As mentioned above, most healthcare organizations are transitioning from paper records to electronic records. You will more than likely spend most of your day in front of a computer. As technology continues to advance, you will have a front row seat to new and exciting improvements when it comes to maintaining and organizing healthcare data. Try to avoid ergonomic injuries, such as carpal tunnel syndrome, and eye strain that may result from staring at a computer screen for too long.
- Organizing, Planning, and Prioritizing Work
- Although this is viewed as a 'desk job,' that certainly doesn't mean that you don't have to do a lot of work! We live in an aging society, and as people live longer with chronic illnesses, the more there is to keep track of, such as maintaining accurate data for cancer registries and bone marrow registries. To prevent yourself from drowning in piles of work, the ability to prioritize and manage your time successfully is key.
- Communicating with Supervisors, Peers, or Subordinates
- Although you will not have direct patient contact, you will certainly be in frequent contact with healthcare providers (such as physicians, nurses, and other members of the interdisciplinary team) and insurance companies.
- Evaluating Information to Determine Compliance with Standards
- Being responsible for private and confidential patient information is a tremendous responsibility! You must make sure that their information is as accurate as possible, and kept secure. You may have the opportunity to audit patient records, and even have to speak to certain healthcare providers who are not documenting their information accurately and adequately. You must have a great eye for detail in this position. Your role is a big one, as it can impact reimbursements to your organization.
If this sounds like a good fit for you, go for it! Research some schools where you might want to pursue your associate's or bachelor's degree. Attend local career fairs and shadow a health information specialist, if possible. Put yourself out there: show them that you are interested and highly motivated. Best of luck!
Lesson Summary
Health information specialists are also known as medical records technicians or health information technicians. You will need at least an associate's degree for an entry-level position. You are strongly encouraged to pursue certification as a Registered Health Information Technicians through the Commission on the Accreditation of Health Informatics & Information Management (CAHIIM). Job outlook is great, with a projected faster-than-average job growth of 15% from 2014-2024.
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BackHealth Information Specialist: Role & Growth
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