Health Information Technician Job Description [Updated for 2024]

In the era of digital healthcare, the role of Health Information Technicians is more vital than ever.

As the healthcare industry evolves, the demand for skilled individuals who can organize, manage, and protect our health information systems continues to grow.

But let’s delve deeper: What’s truly expected from a Health Information Technician?

Whether you are:

• A job seeker trying to understand the core responsibilities of this role,
• A hiring manager drafting the ideal candidate profile,
• Or simply fascinated by the intricate dynamics of health information management,

You’ve come to the right place.

Today, we present a customizable Health Information Technician job description template, designed for easy posting on job boards or career sites.

Let’s delve right into it.

Health Information Technician Duties and Responsibilities

Health Information Technicians play a critical role in managing patient health information, including medical histories, symptoms, examination results, diagnostic tests, treatment methods, and all other healthcare provider services.

They have the following duties and responsibilities:

• Compile, process, and maintain patients’ medical records to document condition and treatment, ensuring accuracy, completeness, and compliance with regulations, standards, and laws
• Retrieve patient medical records for physicians, technicians, or other medical personnel
• Review records for completeness, accuracy, and compliance with regulations
• Process patient admission or discharge documents
• Enter data, such as demographic characteristics, history and extent of disease, diagnostic procedures, or treatment into computer
• Code patients’ medical information for insurance purposes
• Release information to persons and agencies according to regulations
• Manage and maintain databases, systems and patient files
• Protect the security of medical records to ensure that confidentiality is maintained

 

Health Information Technician Job Description Template

Job Brief

We are looking for a detail-oriented Health Information Technician to manage and ensure the accuracy of healthcare data.

The Health Information Technician will be responsible for maintaining and updating patients’ medical records, coding hospital data, and coordinating with physicians and healthcare staff to ensure accuracy and compliance with relevant laws and regulations.

Our ideal candidate has a deep understanding of health information systems, medical coding, and data management.

A background in healthcare administration and a certification as a Registered Health Information Technician (RHIT) is highly desirable.

 

Responsibilities

• Review patient records for timeliness, completeness, accuracy, and appropriateness of data
• Organize and maintain data for clinical databases and registries
• Track patient outcomes for quality assessment
• Use classification software to assign clinical codes for insurance reimbursement and data analysis
• Protect patients’ health information for confidentiality, authorized access for treatment, and data security
• Ensure compliance with relevant laws and regulations
• Communicate with physicians and other healthcare professionals to clarify diagnoses or to obtain additional information

 

Qualifications

• Proven work experience as a Health Information Technician or similar role in a healthcare setting
• Knowledge of medical terminologies and classifications
• Proficiency in health information management (HIM) systems and databases
• Ability to maintain quality, safety, and/or infection control standards
• Excellent organizational and data management skills
• Attention to detail and accuracy
• Registered Health Information Technician (RHIT) certification is highly desirable
• Associate’s or bachelor’s degree in Health Information Technology or a related field

 

Benefits

• 401(k)
• Health insurance
• Dental insurance
• Retirement plan
• Paid time off
• Continued education opportunities

 

Additional Information

• Job Title: Health Information Technician
• Work Environment: Hospital or healthcare facility. This role may require working during non-standard hours, including evenings and weekends.
• Reporting Structure: Reports to the Health Information Manager or Director of Health Information.
• Salary: Salary is based upon candidate experience and qualifications, as well as market and business considerations.
• Pay Range: $45,000 minimum to $65,000 maximum
• Location: [City, State] (specify the location or indicate if remote)
• Employment Type: Full-time
• Equal Opportunity Statement: We are an equal opportunity employer and value diversity at our company. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, age, marital status, veteran status, or disability status.
• Application Instructions: Please submit your resume and a cover letter outlining your qualifications and experience to [email address or application portal].

 

What Does a Health Information Technician Do?

Health Information Technicians, also known as Health Information Technologists, work primarily in healthcare settings such as hospitals, clinics, nursing homes, or insurance companies.

They are responsible for organizing and managing health information data by ensuring its quality, accuracy, accessibility, and security in both paper and electronic systems.

They use various classification systems to code and categorize patient information for insurance reimbursement purposes, for databases and registries, and to maintain patients’ medical and treatment histories.

Health Information Technicians regularly communicate with physicians and other healthcare professionals to clarify diagnoses or to obtain additional information.

They track patient outcomes for quality assessment and use electronic health records (EHRs) software for the collection and analysis of data.

Also, they are often tasked with protecting patients’ health information for confidentiality, authorized access for treatment, and data security.

They must stay up-to-date with evolving information technology, current or proposed laws about health information systems, and trends in managing complex health information.

In the case of errors or if information is misused, Health Information Technicians are responsible for troubleshooting and correcting the issue to maintain the integrity of the healthcare information system.

 

Health Information Technician Qualifications and Skills

A proficient Health Information Technician should possess the following skills and qualifications:

• Technical proficiency in managing and maintaining health records, both electronic and paper-based, to ensure accuracy and security.
• Understanding and complying with the laws and regulations related to health information, including the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA).
• Strong attention to detail to ensure the accuracy of data and information, and to detect any inconsistencies or anomalies in medical records.
• Proficiency in medical terminology, clinical coding and classification systems to accurately record patient diagnoses and treatments.
• Excellent communication skills to interact with healthcare providers and clarify information, as well as to explain policies and procedures to patients and their families.
• Good analytical and problem-solving skills to interpret and analyze health data, identify discrepancies, and generate reports for physicians, administrators, and researchers.
• Basic knowledge of information technology and data management systems used in healthcare settings.
• Ability to maintain confidentiality and adhere to ethical standards for the handling of sensitive patient information.

 

Health Information Technician Experience Requirements

Entry-level candidates for Health Information Technician positions usually have 1 to 2 years of experience, often gained through internships or part-time roles in health information management.

These professionals can also gain practical experience in roles such as Medical Records Clerk, Health Data Analyst or other healthcare-related roles.

Candidates with 2 to 5 years of experience often have honed their skills and knowledge in Health Information Systems, Medical Coding, or Health Data Management.

They typically have proficiency in using various health information management systems and are well-versed in healthcare data privacy regulations.

Those with more than 5 years of experience are typically considered seasoned professionals.

They may have leadership experience and may have supervised teams in managing healthcare information.

At this level, technicians might have a Certified Health Data Analyst (CHDA) or Registered Health Information Technician (RHIT) certification.

They may be ready for a managerial or team-lead position, overseeing a team of Health Information Technicians or a healthcare facility’s information management department.

 

Health Information Technician Education and Training Requirements

Health Information Technicians typically have a postsecondary certificate or associate’s degree in health information technology.

These programs include courses in medical terminology, anatomy and physiology, health data requirements and standards, classification and coding systems, healthcare reimbursement methods, healthcare statistics, and computer systems.

In addition to a postsecondary education, some technicians may also need to earn a Registered Health Information Technician (RHIT) certification.

This certification demonstrates a technician’s ability to maintain patient records and handle classified health information.

Most employers prefer to hire Health Information Technicians who have certification, which requires candidates to pass an exam.

Some Health Information Technicians may also pursue a bachelor’s or master’s degree in health information management or healthcare management.

Ongoing training and education is important as healthcare processes and technology are constantly evolving.

Therefore, Health Information Technicians often participate in continuing education courses to keep their skills current.

 

Health Information Technician Salary Expectations

A Health Information Technician earns an average salary of $42,630 (USD) per year.

The salary can vary based on factors such as level of experience, certification, and geographical location.

 

Health Information Technician Job Description FAQs

What skills does a Health Information Technician need?

Health Information Technicians should have strong technical skills to manage electronic health records.

They should also have a good understanding of medical terminology, anatomy, and physiology.

Analytical skills are crucial for interpreting and coding medical records.

They should also be detail-oriented to ensure accuracy in record keeping and data entry.

 

What qualifications are required to become a Health Information Technician?

To become a Health Information Technician, you typically need a post-secondary certificate or associate degree in health information technology.

Programs usually include coursework in medical terminology, anatomy and physiology, health data requirements and standards, classification and coding systems, healthcare reimbursement methods, and healthcare statistics.

 

What should you look for in a Health Information Technician resume?

When reviewing a Health Information Technician’s resume, look for a degree or certificate in health information technology or a related field.

Certifications, such as Registered Health Information Technician (RHIT) or Certified Tumor Registrar (CTR), can also be beneficial.

Experience in electronic health record (EHR) systems, as well as coding and billing software, is also important.

 

What qualities make a good Health Information Technician?

A good Health Information Technician should be detail-oriented to ensure accurate record keeping.

They should have strong analytical skills to interpret and code medical records and should have a sound understanding of medical terminology, anatomy, and physiology.

They should also have good technical skills to work with health record systems and software.

 

What is the career progression for a Health Information Technician?

With additional education and experience, a Health Information Technician could progress to become a Health Information Manager.

This role involves overseeing the operation of health information systems in healthcare settings.

They could also specialize in areas such as cancer registry and become a Certified Tumor Registrar (CTR).

Some choose to pursue further education to become a healthcare administrator or health services manager.

 

Conclusion

There you have it.

Today, we’ve unraveled the intricacies behind what it truly means to be a Health Information Technician.

Guess what?

It’s not just about managing health records.

It’s about shaping the future of healthcare, one piece of information at a time.

Armed with our definitive Health Information Technician job description template and realistic examples, you’re ready to take that crucial step.

But why halt your momentum here?

Dig deeper with our job description generator. It’s your best ally for creating razor-sharp job listings or polishing your resume to perfection.

Remember:

Every piece of health information contributes to the bigger healthcare panorama.

Let’s shape that future. Together.

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