Health Information Technician
A Health Information Technician organizes and manages health data, ensuring its accuracy, accessibility, and security in both paper and electronic systems. They commonly work with electronic health records and are key to the efficient operation of healthcare facilities.
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Sample Job Descriptions for Health Information Technician
Below are the some sample job descriptions for the different experience levels, where you can find the summary of the role, required skills, qualifications, and responsibilities.
Junior (0-2 years of experience)
Summary of the Role
A Junior Health Information Technician is responsible for managing and organizing health information data. They ensure its quality, accuracy, accessibility, and security in both paper files and electronic systems. They use various classification systems to code and categorize patient information for insurance reimbursement purposes, databases and registries, and to maintain patients' medical and treatment histories.
Required Skills
- Strong organizational skills
- Critical thinking and problem-solving abilities
- Effective communication and interpersonal skills
- Proficiency in computer and database management
- Ability to work independently with minimal supervision
Qualifications
- Associate's degree in Health Information Technology or a related field.
- Knowledge of medical terminology, coding, and classification systems.
- Familiarity with health information regulations, including HIPAA.
- Proficiency with electronic health records (EHR) and data management software.
- Attention to detail and accuracy in data entry and management.
- Ability to maintain confidentiality of health information.
Responsibilities
- Organize and maintain patient health information in both electronic and hard copy formats.
- Review medical records for accuracy and completeness, and correct any discrepancies.
- Use classification software to assign clinical codes for insurance reimbursement and data analysis.
- Protect patient health information by ensuring the security of medical records and adhering to privacy regulations.
- Communicate with healthcare professionals to verify information or to clarify diagnoses.
- Participate in the implementation and maintenance of health information management systems.
- Prepare and maintain reports on patient data for compliance with healthcare policies.
Intermediate (2-5 years of experience)
Summary of the Role
As an intermediate Health Information Technician, the candidate will be responsible for managing and organizing health data, ensuring its accuracy, accessibility, and security in both paper and electronic systems. The role involves working with a range of healthcare professionals to support billing processes, coding for insurance reimbursement, and maintaining patients' medical records in compliance with legal and regulatory guidelines.
Required Skills
- Strong organizational and data management skills.
- Keen attention to detail.
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
- Ability to maintain confidentiality and handle sensitive information.
- Proficiency in using healthcare IT software and coding programs.
- Understanding of healthcare billing and insurance processes.
- Analytical thinking and problem-solving capabilities.
Qualifications
- An associate's degree in Health Information Technology or a related field.
- 2-5 years of experience in health information management.
- Certification such as Registered Health Information Technician (RHIT) preferred.
- Working knowledge of medical terminology, ICD-10 and CPT coding.
- Familiarity with EHR systems and health data standards.
Responsibilities
- Maintain electronic health records (EHR) and ensure they are accurate and up-to-date.
- Review and verify data entered into health information systems.
- Use classification software to assign clinical codes for insurance reimbursement and data analysis purposes.
- Ensure the security and confidentiality of health information according to HIPAA standards.
- Regularly communicate with healthcare professionals to clarify diagnoses or to obtain additional information.
- Perform quality assurance audits on health data.
- Participate in the development and implementation of health information management policies and procedures.
Senior (5+ years of experience)
Summary of the Role
As a Senior Health Information Technician, you will be responsible for managing and ensuring the accuracy, privacy, and security of patient health information. You will work closely with healthcare professionals to organize, analyze, and maintain electronic health records (EHRs) and ensure compliance with regulatory standards.
Required Skills
- Strong leadership and team management skills.
- Excellent attention to detail and the ability to maintain confidentiality of sensitive information.
- Superior organizational and time management skills.
- Strong analytical and problem-solving abilities.
- Effective communication skills, both written and verbal, with the ability to convey complex information in an understandable way.
- Proficiency in EHR systems and healthcare software.
- Ability to oversee and deliver training programs for health information management staff.
Qualifications
- Bachelor's degree in Health Information Management, Health Informatics or a related field.
- Certification as a Registered Health Information Technician (RHIT) or Registered Health Information Administrator (RHIA).
- Minimum of 5 years' experience in health information management, with a track record of increasing responsibility.
- Thorough knowledge of medical terminology, coding systems, and EHR software.
- Experience with health data standards, such as HL7, and health information privacy laws, such as HIPAA.
Responsibilities
- Oversee the daily operations of health information management within the organization.
- Ensure patient health information is accurate, accessible, and secure in compliance with federal and state laws.
- Conduct audits and quality improvement initiatives to maintain the integrity of health information.
- Manage a team of health information technicians, providing training and guidance as needed.
- Collaborate with IT professionals to maintain EHR systems and troubleshoot any technical issues.
- Act as a liaison between clinical staff and administrative departments regarding health information matters.
- Prepare and maintain reports on patient data and health information activities for senior management.
- Stay up-to-date with advancements in health informatics and technologies and propose improvements to current systems.
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