Health Information Technology – Online Schools & Degree Programs
Health Information Technology (Health IT) is the term used to describe, in its most basic sense, the migration of vital medical information such as patient records from paper to electronic storage. There are many benefits to the advent of Health IT. Chiefly, electronic storage of data makes it easier to retrieve efficiently by health care professionals. Without quick access to accurate records, medical decisions that may save the life of the patient may not be made in time. The goal of Health IT is to simplify and combine complex medical records that may previously have been stored in physician files all over the country, as well as reducing costs associated with paper waste. Eventually, with the help of a government initiative, Health IT professionals hope to create a national database for patient records that can be accessed by professionals, patients, and other parties in order to streamline medical processes of all kinds.
Duties
Health IT positions are usually filled by individuals with IT experience who want to use their skills to in the service of the public well-being. The general duties of a health IT technician are very similar to that of a database administrator. Such a specialist will review and cross match patient records for accuracy, generate reports, and otherwise analyze information for the benefit of both patients and doctors. Technicians generally only require an Associates Degree in Health IT or solid background in technology to begin work.
Health IT specialists with Associates Degrees can also work as a medical coder or medical secretary, both positions of enormous importance to the industry. A medical coder is responsible for translating patient records into numeric sequences used by medical databases to retrieve information. Working as a medical coder is a great first step for a new graduate who wants to enter the health IT industry. A medical secretary is a clerical position that involves the care, updating, and storage of patient records. IT specialists with an educational background in health care or business can move into health care information management, a position that includes the supervision of all patient records.
New positions and areas of specialization will continue to be created as the health IT field grows in stature.
Education
As states above, it is possible to enter the health IT industry with an Associates Degree in Health Informatics or Applied Science. Such a degree takes approximately 2 years to complete. For seasoned professionals with full-time jobs, earning a certificate may be a better choice. Certificates in Health IT can often be earned online and will supplement work experience with skills related specifically to the health care industry, such as patient billing and filing. Professionals who want to move into upper management should investigate earning a Bachelors Degree in Health Informatics. Continuing and rigorous education will ensure that individuals stay up to date on the swiftly changing procedures and methods of Health IT.
Employment Opportunities and Salary
Health information technology is such a young field that much of its internal structure has yet to be created. Therefore all professionals currently working within the industry are the originating the framework for what will be an important component of the health care in the near future. Health IT jobs are not suffering from outsourcing, making it a field that offers both security and competitive pay. A recent graduate with an Associates Degree who begins work as medical coder can expect to earn $30,000 per year to start. With work experience and continuing education it is possible to earn over $70,000 per year. Top executives may even earn 6-figure salaries as the health IT industry becomes more established.
