Health information specialists are essential to a healthcare industry that has experienced a major transformation over the past decade. As a result of the widespread use of Internet, electronic medical records and improved storage capabilities, it is now easier than ever before to collect and manage huge amounts of vital patient data.
This role is ideal for EMTs interested in a less direct contact with patients career. The field is one that provides a high degree of job security, as well as excellent career advancement opportunities.
What is a health information technologist?
A health information technologist's role is to collect medical records, process them, and then file them. This is done with computer software and a classification system.
These programs help organize, categorize and analyze the huge amounts of medical data that is collected each day. This allows the health care industry to better serve patients and control costs.
A health information technician may work in hospitals, home healthcare agencies, and physician practices. In addition, positions are available in insurance companies and government agencies.
How to Become A Health Information Technician
You need an associate's degree in medical technology or another related field to become a health information technologists. You can also earn an undergraduate degree in the same area or a master’s in health management. You will be able to develop more specialized skills with a Master's and prepare for a career in advanced fields.
Accreditation as a Health Information Technologists
The American Medical Association and the American Health Information Management Association offer a variety of professional certifications to health information technologists, medical registrars and other professionals. These credentials are not required for employers but can provide you with a competitive edge when looking for employment or career advancement.
You must meet educational and work experience requirements to qualify for the certifications. Employers prefer candidates who have at least a Bachelor's Degree. You can earn a certificate from an accredited institution or an associate's degree. Online programs in data sciences or other related areas can help you gain the skills necessary to get into the field.
Your responsibilities can differ depending on the organization that you work for. Software can be used to classify diagnostics, procedures, and other information in order for reimbursement or scientific research. You may also need to keep up with the latest health care laws and regulations to ensure you comply with privacy law.
What is the average salary for a health information technician?
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the median annual salary for a Health Information Technologist is $39,000. Those who have worked in the field for several years can expect to make more than $70,000 per year.
What are the best places to earn a degree?
BLS estimates that between 2020 and 2030, the demand for health information technicians will grow by 9 percent. This is a much faster growth rate than the average for all occupations.
FAQ
What will be the impact on the health care industry if there will be no Medicare?
Medicare is an entitlement program that provides financial aid to low income individuals and families who can not afford their premiums. This program covers more than 40 million Americans.
Without this program, millions of Americans would lose coverage because some private insurers would stop offering policies to those with pre-existing conditions.
What are the different health care services?
A health care facility is one that offers healthcare services to patients. A hospital is an example of a healthcare facility. It typically contains many departments such the emergency room, intensive care unit and operating room.
What information should I have about immunizations
Immunization refers to the stimulation of an immune response to vaccines. The body reacts to the vaccine by producing antibodies (immunoglobulins), which protect against infection.
What are you opinion on the most pressing issues in public health?
Many people are affected by obesity, diabetes and heart disease. These conditions lead to more deaths every year than AIDS or car crashes. High blood pressure, strokes, asthma and arthritis are all caused by poor nutrition, exercise and smoking.
Statistics
- The health share of the Gross domestic product (GDP) is expected to continue its upward trend, reaching 19.9 percent of GDP by 2025. (en.wikipedia.org)
- Consuming over 10 percent of [3] (en.wikipedia.org)
- Foreign investment in hospitals—up to 70% ownership- has been encouraged as an incentive for privatization. (en.wikipedia.org)
- Over the first twenty-five years of this transformation, government contributions to healthcare expenditures have dropped from 36% to 15%, with the burden of managing this decrease falling largely on patients. (en.wikipedia.org)
- Price Increases, Aging Push Sector To 20 Percent Of Economy". (en.wikipedia.org)
External Links
How To
How do I find home care services
Home care facilities assist people who require help at home. Home care facilities can be used by elderly or disabled individuals who are unable to get around on their own, as well those suffering from chronic diseases like Alzheimer's. The services offered by these facilities include personal hygiene, meal preparation, laundry, cleaning, medication reminders, transportation, etc. They often work with rehabilitation specialists, social workers and medical professionals.
Referrals from friends, family members or local businesses are the best way to locate a home care provider. Once you have identified one or more providers, you should ask about their qualifications as well as their experience. Look for providers that offer flexible hours to accommodate your needs. Also, make sure they offer emergency assistance 24/7.
Your doctor or nurse might be able to refer you. If you don't know where to start looking, try searching online for "home health care" or "nursing home". You could, for example, use websites such Angie's List HealthGrades or Yelp.
For further information, you may call the Area Agency on Aging (AAA), or Visiting Nurse Service Associations (VNA). These organizations will have lists of agencies in your area that specialize in providing home care services.
It is crucial to find a quality home care agency, as many charge very high fees for patients. In fact, some agencies charge up to 100% of a patient's income! To avoid this problem, you should be sure to choose an agency that has been rated highly by the Better Business Bureau. Get references from former clients.
Some states require home-care agencies to register with their state's Department of Social Services. For more information, contact your local government office.
There are several things to keep in mind when choosing a home care agency :
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Be cautious of companies that require you to pay upfront in order to receive services.
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Look for a reputable and well-established business.
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Get proof of insurance, especially if you're paying out of pocket.
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Check that your state licenses the agency you are about to hire.
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Get a written contract that outlines all costs involved with hiring an agency.
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Verify that follow-up visits are provided by the agency after discharge.
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Ask for a list if credentials and certifications.
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Do not sign anything without reading it first.
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Read any fine print carefully.
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Insure and bond the agency.
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Ask the agency how long they have been in business.
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Verify that the State Department of Social Welfare licenses the agency.
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Find out if complaints have been filed against the agency.
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Contact your local government office that regulates home-care agencies.
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Ensure that the staff member answering the phone is qualified to answer questions about home care.
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Talk to your accountant or attorney about the tax implications for home care.
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For every home care agency you contact, always get at least three bids
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You can choose the lowest price, but not less than $30 an hour.
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Keep in mind that you might need to pay more than one home care agency visit per day.
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Always read the contract carefully before signing it.