Health Information Specialist

Health Information Specialist

 

 Health Information Specialists work in tandem with Coding specialists and Health Information Technicians in handling medical data. Unlike positions in coding or IT, advanced study beyond a high school diploma is unnecessary. However, most positions prefer previous experience in the field and knowledge of healthcare IT systems, which can be obtained through courses at a junior college. Interested students should obtain a basic knowledge of information technology, communication arts (both written and oral), and computer science. A basic knowledge of Microsoft Office software, medical terminology, database fundamentals, and document imaging software is also often required. Employers prefer workers with problem solving skills, organizational skills, customer service skills, and the ability to multitask.

Salary: $47,000 - $61,000

Education:
 
In order to find an entry-level position, aspiring health information management specialists need to be familiar with basic medical vocabulary and insurance coding techniques. Most employers hire candidates that have earned an associate's degree in health information management. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, in 2008 there were over 200 schools in the United States accredited to offer such a program through the Commission for Accreditation for Health Informatics and Information Management Education. Courses in these programs focus on topics that include medical terminology, anatomy, medical coding, statistics and database security.


 

I am not interested in becoming a health information specialist because you have to work many hours in the field. I would also not like to become one because there annual income is very low .