The health information technology or more commonly known as Health IT, involves the exchange of health information in an electronic environment. The widespread use of health IT within the healthcare industry has improves the quality of health care, reduced healthcare costs, increase administrative efficiency and reduce the paper works.
Job Description
Health IT specializes in medical terminology, such as the disease process and electronic health records systems. They work collaboratively as a health team member even though they do not work closely with the patients.
Health Information Technology usually works full time with night and weekend shifts depending on the facility and employer. Generally, they spend their working hours in the office and work directly with the health team and third party providers. They clarify ambiguities in medical records, orders, and validate entries in patient medical records.
Education
In order to become a health IT, they may get a six month certification in Medical Technology or a two year degree in Health Information Management or Medical Technology. Another option is to enroll in a degree in Health Information Technology directly which involves coursework in anatomy, medical terminology, health statistics and computer systems, etc.
It is important that the college or university they study holds accreditation from the Commission on Accreditation of Health Informatics and Information Management Education. Once they have completed the educational requirements, they should work their way towards becoming a registered health information technician since most employers prefer to hire those with professional certification.
Salary
Salary rates for Health IT very due to many factors such as their geographical location, level of education, years of experience, and certifications are just among the few of the many variables that can affect their salary. The average Health Information Technology salary according to the U.S Bureau of Labor Statistics was $17.27 per hour or $35,920 annually.
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Casey Velez is a regular contributor in blog salary site. She writes mostly about job definition and salary information of popular jobs on the market.











