How to Be Health Information Technician - Job Description, Skills, and Interview Questions

The demand for Health Information Technicians is increasing due to the need to manage and organize the increasing amount of healthcare data. This is because the healthcare industry is rapidly changing and growing, resulting in an increase in the number of medical records, insurance forms, and other patient data that must be tracked. As a result, health information technicians are needed to ensure that this data is properly managed, organized, and secured.

They are responsible for coding and classifying medical records, verifying data accuracy, and ensuring compliance with government regulations. Health Information Technicians also help to improve efficiency by introducing technological solutions to streamline processes and improve accuracy. This increased demand for Health Information Technicians is creating new career opportunities and higher salaries, making it an attractive option for those looking to enter the healthcare industry.

Steps How to Become

1. Obtain a high school diploma or equivalent. Most employers require health information technicians to have at least a high school diploma or equivalent.
2. Pursue postsecondary education. Many employers prefer to hire technicians who have completed postsecondary education in health information technology. Associate's and bachelor's degree programs are available, and some schools even offer online programs.
3. Earn certification. Certification is not required for health information technicians, but it may help job seekers stand out from the competition. The American Health Information Management Association (AHIMA) offers the Certified Tumor Registrar (CTR) credential.
4. Gain experience. Many employers prefer to hire technicians with prior experience in the field. Internships and volunteer opportunities can be great ways to gain experience and make valuable contacts in the industry.
5. Stay on top of changing technology. Technology is constantly changing in the world of health information technology, and technicians must stay up-to-date on the latest developments in order to be successful in their jobs. Attending conferences and taking continuing education courses can help technicians stay current.

As a Health Information Technician, it is important to stay updated and competent. To do this, it is essential to keep up with advancements in the field, attend educational seminars and conferences, and stay informed of changes in regulations and laws. Being proactive in learning new technologies and techniques is also important.

staying on top of industry trends and working collaboratively with other professionals in the field can help to ensure that one remains knowledgeable and competent. All of these actions are critical for Health Information Technicians to stay up-to-date and provide the best service possible.

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Job Description

1. Collect, enter, and maintain patient health information into electronic databases and manual filing systems.
2. Verify accuracy of patient data, including demographic information, medical history, and insurance information.
3. Prepare insurance forms and other related paperwork.
4. Generate reports, correspondence, and other documents as needed.
5. Respond to requests for health information in accordance with established procedures.
6. Assist healthcare providers with locating and utilizing patient health records.
7. Maintain confidentiality of patient information according to legal and healthcare standards.
8. Monitor the quality and accuracy of data entered into the system.
9. Perform periodic audits of medical records to ensure accuracy and completeness.
10. Update and maintain current coding systems for diagnosis and procedures.
11. Assist with training new staff on health information system use and policies.
12. Assist with medical coding when needed.

Skills and Competencies to Have

1. Knowledge of medical terminology and coding systems
2. Familiarity with medical records and HIPAA regulations
3. Understanding of filing systems and medical documents
4. Strong organizational and communication skills
5. Ability to interpret health data
6. Proficiency in computer applications related to healthcare
7. Attention to detail and accuracy
8. Ability to work with confidential patient information
9. Critical thinking and problem-solving skills
10. Time management and multitasking abilities

Health Information Technicians are essential to the healthcare industry, as they are responsible for organizing and maintaining accurate patient records. This important role requires several key skills, such as strong communication, attention to detail, and technological proficiency. Communication is particularly important for this role, as Health Information Technicians must effectively communicate with healthcare providers and other staff to ensure accuracy of patient records.

Attention to detail is also necessary, as Health Information Technicians must ensure that patient records are accurate and up-to-date. Finally, technological proficiency is key, as Health Information Technicians must be able to use Electronic Health Records (EHR) systems, as well as other technologies, to manage patient records. With these important skills, Health Information Technicians can ensure that patient records are organized and accurate, which helps ensure quality of care and patient safety.

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Frequent Interview Questions

• What experience do you have in Health Information Technology?
• How comfortable are you working with computers and software programs?
• What challenges have you faced while working in Health Information Technology?
• How familiar are you with medical coding systems such as ICD-10 and CPT codes?
• Are you comfortable managing patient records and medical histories in an electronic health record system?
• Describe a time when you had to troubleshoot an issue with a Health Information Technology system.
• What strategies do you use to ensure accurate data entry?
• How do you stay up to date with changes in the Health Information Technology field?
• What steps do you take to ensure patient privacy and security of health data?
• How would you handle a situation where a doctor requests information that you do not have access to?

Common Tools in Industry

1. Database Software. A software used to store, organize, and manipulate data (eg: Microsoft Access).
2. Electronic Medical Record (EMR) Software. A software used to store patient medical records electronically (eg: Cerner).
3. Medical Terminology Lookup Software. A software used to lookup medical terms (eg: ICD-10).
4. Health Statistics Software. A software used to analyze health trends and data (eg: SPSS).
5. Spreadsheet Software. A software used to organize and calculate data (eg: Microsoft Excel).
6. Health Information Exchange System. A system used to securely exchange health information between healthcare providers (eg: Carequality).
7. Coding Software. A software used to accurately code medical diagnoses and procedures (eg: ICD-10-CM/PCS).
8. Document Management Software. A software used to manage health information documents (eg: EMR Direct).

Professional Organizations to Know

1. American Health Information Management Association (AHIMA)
2. American Medical Informatics Association (AMIA)
3. National Alliance for Health Information Technology
4. Health Level Seven International (HL7)
5. National Electronic Health Records Organization (NEHRO)
6. Healthcare Information and Management Systems Society (HIMSS)
7. Certification Commission for Health Information Technology (CCHIT)
8. American Association of Medical Transcriptionists (AAMT)
9. American Society for Health Informatics Managers (ASHIM)
10. American College of Medical Informatics (ACMI)

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Common Important Terms

1. Electronic Health Record (EHR). A digital version of a patient’s medical history, containing medical information such as diagnoses, treatments, allergies, medications, and immunizations.
2. Health Information Systems (HIS). Technology used for the collection, storage, and analysis of patient health records.
3. Clinical Data Repository (CDR). An electronic database designed to store clinical data for later retrieval and analysis.
4. Coding System. A set of rules and standards used to organize medical information for accurate and efficient retrieval.
5. Medical Terminology. The language used by medical professionals to accurately communicate diagnoses, treatments, and other medical information.
6. Classification System. A system of organizing and classifying medical information into categories.
7. Quality Improvement. The practice of continually monitoring and improving the quality of healthcare services delivery.
8. Regulatory Compliance. The practice of following laws and policies relating to the confidentiality of patient health information.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is a Health Information Technician?

A Health Information Technician is a professional that is responsible for maintaining patient health information and medical records.

What qualifications are needed to become a Health Information Technician?

To become a Health Information Technician, one must complete a postsecondary certificate or associate's degree program in health information technology. Additionally, certification from the American Health Information Management Association (AHIMA) may be required for certain positions.

What types of duties does a Health Information Technician perform?

Health Information Technicians typically perform duties such as coding medical diagnoses and procedures, maintaining patient records, processing insurance claims, performing quality assurance reviews and ensuring information accuracy.

What type of environment does a Health Information Technician work in?

Health Information Technicians typically work in healthcare facilities such as hospitals, physician offices and other clinical settings.

What is the job outlook for Health Information Technicians?

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, employment of Health Information Technicians is projected to grow 11% from 2019 to 2029, much faster than the average for all occupations.

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Web Resources

• What is a Health Information Technician? - Western Governors … www.wgu.edu
• What Is a Health Information Technician? | UMA - Ultimate Medical www.ultimatemedical.edu
• What Is a Health Information Technician? A Sneak … www.rasmussen.edu