subject: Health Information Technology Jobs [print this page] What is health information technology or HIT? It is the management and organization of patients' medical records. These records are now usually in electronic form and are known as Electronic Medical Records or EMR. The professionals who manage these files are health information technologists. Jobs in this medical field also consist of coding and billing tasks. As a whole this industry in health care is fairly new and is growing. More and more physician's clinics and hospitals are maintaining electronic records, which is why it is clear that the job outlook for health information technology careers is very good.
Despite the availability of jobs in this career, anyone who want to pursue a profession in this area should still earn a degree from an accredited school. With the right education, experience, and skill, you will be able to get the job you like along with a very decent salary.
The responsibilities of a health information technician include maintaining and inputting accurate and updated medical records and files, financial data, administrative data, and other medical information via specialized computer systems. These technicians usually interact with doctors and other healthcare specialists to guarantee that all records and files are correct. Those in this occupation do not deal with patients directly. Other tasks that they may perform include medical transcription along with coding and billing.
Many kinds of health information technology jobs can be found. A couple of these positions include insurance claims adjuster, professional trainer for software programs, manager or administrator of the health informatics department, billing and coding technician informatics technician, database manager, and database administrator. The hours of work vary depending on the individual's position and work environment, however, generally those in this industry work 40-hour weeks. There are some medical facilities like hospitals that may require these individuals to work night shifts.
In the United States, there are more than 100,000 health information technician jobs available. Most of these availabilities can be seen in hospitals. The average amount earned by individuals in this career is $30,610 each year. Though it can go anywhere between $24,500 to $39,500. In many instances, high positioned technicians can make as much as $42,760. There is a big demand for health information technicians and it is even seen to grow more in the years to come. All in all, the employment outlook for certified HIT professionals is very good compared to the average.
HIT jobs are seen in clinics, hospitals, nursing care facilities, insurance companies, public health departments, and other medical establishments. This is a new area in health care that is quite exciting. Individuals who are interested in healthcare and have a passion for computers may see this career is suitable for them. With the right degree and skills, you will find that you will land the job that you have been hoping for.
