Chapter 8: Healthcare Administration and Informatics
Katie Baker
health information technology (HIT) refers to administration of the software and hardware required to maintain key information about patients and about a medical practice. Individuals who work in HIT have training in computers and technology and have particular training in medical records and patient charting systems. A staff member who works in HIT would be responsible for ensuring that technology updates are installed on all clinic computers, that all computers and tablets used by employees are working properly, and that any hardware or software problems are addressed in a timely manner, just like any information technology (IT) employee for an organization.
Privacy requirements and security are key to successful health information technology programs but do not fall under the umbrella of HIT. Processing of the data used in a technological system is an example of health information management (HIM). HIM refers to policies and procedures used to help protect patient data during its collection, storage and release.
HIM employees can use technology to provide medical records that are complete and accurate, which helps patients to receive the best care by ensuring that providers have all the information that they need to make the best recommendations. They can also work with both providers and coders to ensure documentation and coding accuracy improves care and insurance reimbursement. Finally, HIM staff can work with all clinical employees to make sure that medical record laws, whether state or federal, relating to security, HIPAA, and record completion are met (Burkot,2023).
A career in HIM or HIT may interest you if you would like to be a part of an organization that helps people, but you are not interested in direct patient care. If you have a strong background in computers or you would like to further develop your skills in information technology or record-keeping, the jobs listed in the next section might just be for you!
Possibilities in the Field of Health Information
Health Information Technician
The entry level position in the field of HIT/HIM. This position is usually charged with keeping electronic medical records (MPH Staff, 2022). These employees may be in charge of fulfilling records requests via mail, email or fax as well as processing outgoing requests, receiving outside medical records and incorporating them into the patient’s medical chart.
Health Information Specialist
A position that provides support to a department or organization in scanning and filing medical reports, lab reports and imaging into a patient chart (MPH Staff, 2022). HIS staff will also need to verify and improve accuracy of charting key identifying information. The ability to use document imaging software is a necessity for this position.
Medical Chronologist
An employee who reviews charting to establish a timeline for legal cases, including malpractice suits and personal injury cases (MPH Staff, 2022). Medical chronologists can create reports to summarize treatments and costs for medical professionals.
Medical Records Clerk
An entry-level position in the field of health information specialists, a medical records clerk will pull and file paper charts when patients come for a visit (MPH Staff, 2022). As medical records become electronic in more locations, employees in these positions will need to become more comfortable with electronic communications. An associate’s degree in a related field can improve job opportunities for individuals in this field.
Compliance Officer
A compliance officer in healthcare ensures that the providers and the organization as a whole follows state and federal rules with regard to patient care, privacy and security of medical records. This includes educating new staff and providers on policies and procedures that are mandated by law. A bachelor’s degree in business, finance or criminal justice is common for compliance officers.
Clinical Informatics Coordinator
An individual, frequently a registered nurse, who focuses on purchasing and implementing medical software. They are frequently the liaison between the HIT department and the staff. This role will include evaluating different software vendor offerings and making recommendations about purchases. In addition to an RN certification, many CICs also have bachelor’s degrees in their area of specialty. There are additional graduate certification programs available in specialized areas.
Systems Analyst
An HIM systems analyst frequently re-evaluates an organization’s performance. Using medical records, patient surveys and financial reports, they provide reports to upper-level management on ways to improve performance and efficacy and to reduce costs. In addition, they may be tasked with developing patient dashboards. In addition to a bachelor’s degree in health information, they may also be required to maintain certifications in information systems for their employment.
Data Architect
A data architect is responsible for developing and maintaining the structure of databases used in medicine. These individuals may work for vendors to create a software or database system for healthcare providers or they may work within a medical facility to create customized databases for the organization’s sole use. Both bachelor’s degrees and advanced degrees are available in this field with differences in starting salary reflecting the difference in educational experience (USF Health, 2022).
EHR Implementation Specialist
An Electronic Health Records (EHR) Implementation Specialist works for an EHR vendor to support client organizations during the process of beginning to use electronic health records and to continue support throughout the contract. No formal education is required for this position, but many companies seek employees who have a basic degree (associate’s or bachelor’s) in a medically-related or technical field, due to the focus of the position.
Many other jobs exist that combine two or more of these examples and different organizations may have similar, but different, names for these positions. For more information, consider reviewing job descriptions on employment websites or searching for career opportunities on the websites of community college program offerings in this area.
The digital systems relating to the storage, security, and transferring of patient information including medical records.
An individual who works within the administration of a healthcare facility.