Health Information Technology Job Description [Updated for 2025]

In today’s digitized healthcare landscape, the role of Health Information Technology professionals is increasingly critical.

As healthcare technology advances, the need for skilled experts who can manage, develop, and protect our health information systems is on the rise.

But what exactly does a job in Health Information Technology entail?

Whether you are:

• A job seeker trying to understand the specifics of this role,
• A hiring manager outlining the perfect candidate,
• Or simply curious about the dynamics of Health Information Technology,

You’ve come to the right place.

Today, we’re presenting a customizable Health Information Technology job description template, designed for simple posting on job boards or career sites.

Let’s dive in.

Health Information Technology Duties and Responsibilities

Health Information Technologists are professionals who manage and organize all medical records and databases, ensuring they are complete, accurate, and protected.

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.

The duties and responsibilities of Health Information Technologists include:

• Compiling and maintaining patients’ electronic health records
• Ensuring the accuracy, accessibility, and security of health information data
• Using classification software to assign clinical codes for insurance reimbursement and data analysis
• Electronically recording data for collection, storage, analysis, retrieval, and reporting
• Protecting patients’ health information for confidentiality, authorized access for direct patient care and other appropriate uses
• Interacting with healthcare providers and patients to gather and interpret data
• Translating medical terminology and diagnoses into the coded format
• Managing the release of information requests and ensuring compliance with privacy regulations
• Performing regular audits and quality improvement activities
• Using computer applications to assemble and analyze patient data for the purpose of improving patient care or controlling costs

 

Health Information Technology Job Description Template

Job Brief

We are seeking a skilled Health Information Technician to manage our health information data.

Your responsibilities will include ensuring accuracy, accessibility, and security in both paper and electronic systems.

Our ideal candidate is familiar with data management and medical record keeping.

You should also have a deep understanding of medical terminologies and legal aspects of health information.

Ultimately, the Health Information Technician should be able to ensure our medical data is reliable and can be used to better our health services.

 

Responsibilities

• Reviewing patient records for accuracy and completeness
• Organizing and maintaining data for clinical databases and registries
• Tracking patient outcomes for quality assurance
• Using classification software to assign clinical codes for insurance reimbursement and data analysis
• Protecting patients’ health information for confidentiality, authorized access for treatment, and data security
• Communicating with physicians and other healthcare professionals to clarify diagnoses or to obtain additional information
• Perform regular audits and quality improvements

 

Qualifications

• Proven work experience as a Health Information Technician
• Knowledge of medical terminologies, pharmacology and anatomy
• Familiarity with CPT and ICD-10 coding
• Proficiency in MS Office and EHR systems
• Excellent organizational and multitasking skills
• Attention to detail, with an ability to spot numerical errors
• Degree in Health Information Management or relevant field
• Certification of Registered Health Information Technician (RHIT) or Registered Health Information Administrator (RHIA) is preferred

 

Benefits

• 401(k)
• Health insurance
• Dental insurance
• Retirement plan
• Paid time off
• Professional development opportunities

 

Additional Information

• Job Title: Health Information Technician
• Work Environment: Hospital setting with options for remote work depending on the situation.
• Reporting Structure: Reports to the Health Information Manager or Administrator.
• Salary: Salary is based upon candidate experience and qualifications, as well as market and business considerations.
• Pay Range: $45,000 minimum to $75,000 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 Technology Do?

Health Information Technology professionals, often referred to as Health IT specialists, work in the intersection of healthcare and technology.

They primarily function within healthcare facilities, technology firms servicing healthcare clients, or as independent consultants.

Their job is to manage, store, retrieve, and exchange health care information in a secure and efficient manner.

They ensure that the correct information reaches the right healthcare professionals at the right time, to aid in making decisions related to patient care.

Health IT specialists design, develop, implement, and maintain electronic health records (EHR) systems and other healthcare databases.

They ensure the accuracy and completeness of these data repositories.

They apply complex algorithms to analyze healthcare data and extract insights, contributing to medical research and enhancing healthcare delivery.

They also ensure that all healthcare information systems adhere to relevant laws and regulations related to patient privacy and confidentiality.

Health IT specialists often provide technical support to healthcare staff and train them on the use of new systems or technologies.

Moreover, they regularly update the technology infrastructure of the healthcare facility to keep up with advancements in the field of health information technology.

They also play a crucial role in disaster recovery planning and risk management to ensure continuity of operations and data security in case of any technology failures or cyber threats.

 

Health Information Technology Qualifications and Skills

A qualified health information technology professional should have the skills and qualifications that align with the job responsibilities, such as:

• Technical skills to manage, store, and exchange health-related information using information technology systems.
• Knowledge of health care laws, regulations, and standards, including the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA).
• Strong analytical skills to understand and interpret complex health data, aiding in healthcare decision-making processes.
• Problem-solving abilities to troubleshoot and resolve issues with health information systems and software.
• Communication skills to effectively convey complex technical information to healthcare staff, administrators, and patients.
• Attention to detail and organization skills for accurate data entry, coding, and record-keeping of sensitive health information.
• Interpersonal skills to work effectively in a multidisciplinary team and provide excellent customer service to patients and healthcare providers.
• Knowledge of electronic health records (EHR) systems, coding, and medical terminology.
• Understanding of data privacy and security measures to safeguard patients’ medical information.

 

Health Information Technology Experience Requirements

Entry-level candidates in Health Information Technology often have a degree in health informatics, health information management, or a related field.

They may also have 1 to 2 years of experience, typically gained through an internship or part-time role in a healthcare setting, such as a hospital or clinic.

These professionals can also gain experience in roles like Medical Records Clerk, Health Information Technician or other IT-related roles in healthcare.

Familiarity with electronic health records, medical coding, and data analysis are crucial skills gained during this early stage of their careers.

Candidates with more than 3 years of experience usually have developed their technical skills and knowledge in entry-level Health Information Technology roles.

They would have gained proficiency in various healthcare IT systems, medical terminologies, and regulations related to healthcare data management.

Those with more than 5 years of experience often have leadership or managerial experience in their background.

They may have overseen a team of health information technicians or managed an entire health information department, making them suitable for higher managerial roles or consulting positions within Health Information Technology.

Advanced certifications such as Registered Health Information Administrator (RHIA) or Certified Health Data Analyst (CHDA) can further enhance the career progression of experienced professionals in the Health Information Technology field.

 

Health Information Technology Education and Training Requirements

Those seeking a career in Health Information Technology typically need to have a minimum of an associate’s degree from a reputable institution.

Common areas of study include health information management, health informatics, or a related field.

Courses often cover subjects like medical terminology, anatomy and physiology, health data requirements and standards, clinical classification and coding systems, data analysis, healthcare reimbursement methods, healthcare statistics, and computer systems.

After acquiring an associate’s degree, many individuals opt to continue their education and earn a bachelor’s degree or even a master’s degree in health information management or healthcare informatics.

To boost their career prospects, many health information technologists also choose to earn professional certification.

The Registered Health Information Technician (RHIT) and the Certified Tumor Registrar (CTR) are among the most common certifications in this field.

To maintain certification, professionals typically need to complete continuing education credits every few years.

In addition to formal education and certification, Health Information Technologists need to be proficient in using medical software and database systems.

They also should have strong analytical, attention to detail, integrity, and technical skills.

Knowledge of healthcare laws and regulations is also essential in this profession.

 

Health Information Technology Salary Expectations

A Health Information Technology professional earns an average salary of $61,050 (USD) per year.

The actual salary can vary depending on factors such as level of experience, specific skills, additional training, and geographical location.

 

Health Information Technology Job Description FAQs

What skills does a health information technologist need?

Health information technologists should possess a strong understanding of medical terminology, healthcare statistics, and data management systems.

They should also have excellent IT skills, as they’ll be using software for coding and classification systems, data analysis, and health information databases.

Strong attention to detail, excellent communication, and problem-solving skills are also vital for this role.

 

Do health information technologists need a degree?

Yes, a degree is typically required for health information technologists.

Most employers seek candidates with a bachelor’s degree in health information management or a related field.

In some cases, an associate’s degree may be acceptable.

Additionally, obtaining certification, such as Registered Health Information Administrator (RHIA) or Registered Health Information Technician (RHIT), can enhance job prospects.

 

What should you look for in a health information technologist resume?

When reviewing a health information technologist’s resume, look for a degree in health information management or a similar field.

Also, check for any relevant certifications such as RHIA or RHIT.

Look for experience with healthcare data management, coding systems, and health informatics.

Any experience with electronic health records (EHR) systems is also a plus.

 

What qualities make a good health information technologist?

A good health information technologist is detail-oriented and can handle large volumes of data accurately and efficiently.

They should be proficient in using technology and have a thorough understanding of healthcare data privacy regulations.

Excellent problem-solving skills are also essential as they will need to troubleshoot any issues that arise with the healthcare information systems.

 

Is it difficult to hire health information technologists?

Hiring health information technologists can be challenging due to the specific skillset and knowledge required for the role.

It’s important to offer competitive salaries and benefits, opportunities for continued education, and a supportive work environment to attract qualified candidates.

 

Conclusion

And there we have it.

We’ve just unraveled the intricate details of what it truly means to be in the realm of Health Information Technology.

Surprised?

It’s more than just managing databases or installing software.

It’s about shaping the landscape of healthcare, one data point at a time.

Armed with our comprehensive Health Information Technology job description template and real-world examples, you’re ready to stride ahead.

But why halt your journey here?

Venture further with our job description generator. It’s your secret weapon for creating precision-crafted job listings or sharpening your resume to its finest edge.

Remember:

Each piece of health information data contributes to a broader picture.

Let’s shape the future of healthcare. Together.

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