Health information technology training covers computer skills and applications related to the healthcare industry. Health information technicians utilize their skills to assist with the management of electronic patient records, data security and additional health information technology (HIT) applications used in healthcare organizations. Data security and integrity are crucial to patient care. Inaccurate or outdated patient records can cause errors in patient care treatment. Qualified health information technicians take the lead in ensuring that healthcare information systems receive proper maintenance, are up-to-date and compliant and promote efficiency across the organization.
Daily Tasks in Health Information Technology Careers
Health information technology careers fulfill an important role in today's healthcare industry. In hospitals, clinics, nursing homes and other patient care settings, health information technicians utilize information systems to assist in the management of healthcare services. By ensuring the accuracy and completeness of patient records, they assist doctors and nurses with the creation of care plans and in carrying out treatment. They also review patient records to ensure compliance with regulations. The healthcare industry is one of the most heavily regulated. The regulations apply to electronic medical records as well as patient care standards.
Information security is a priority within the healthcare industry. Your medical history is private information and a health information technician is responsible for making sure that confidential patient information is protected. HIPAA regulations specify when and who should have access to your medical history. By following regulatory guidelines for access, patients can have peace of mind in knowing that their information is secure.
Those who work in the health information technology field can expect to perform many data quality tasks, including:
- Digitally organizing patient information
- Entering treatments as they are performed
- Reviewing prescription medication data
- Confirming medical histories
- Confirming test results
A career in health information technology is unique in that it is one of the few healthcare-related occupations with little to no direct contact with patients. Health information technologists work in an office environment, spending the majority of their time in front of a computer. The day-to-day activities of a health information technician can vary from special projects to essential tasks related to the accuracy and completeness of electronic health records and their distribution across the healthcare organization in a secure manner.