Contents
A HIM Tech is a medical records professional who uses technology to manage patient health information.
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Job Description
A HIM tech is responsible for the maintenance and organization of health records. They may work in a hospital, doctor’s office, or other healthcare facility. The HIM tech may also be responsible for coding patient records and ensuring that the records are compliant with state and federal regulations.
Duties
As a health information management (HIM) technologist, you will be responsible for overseeing the electronic health records (EHR) of patients in a healthcare setting. You will ensure that all medical records are accurate and up to date, as well as maintaining the security of the EHR system. In addition to these duties, you may also be responsible for training new staff on how to use the EHR system, and troubleshooting any issues that may arise.
Skills
Most employers prefer to hire medical records and health information technicians who have completed a postsecondary education program in health information technology, although some positions may be available to candidates with experience and relevant training.
Aspiring medical records and health information technicians can complete a certificate or associate degree program in as little as one year, although some programs may take up to two years to complete. These programs usually include coursework in medical terminology, anatomy and physiology, healthcare reimbursement systems, coding and classification systems, healthcare statistics, and healthcare information management principles and systems.
Education and Training
HIM techs are healthcare information management technicians who organize and maintain patient health records. They play a vital role in healthcare facilities by keeping accurate records of patient treatments and diagnoses. In order to become a HIM tech, one must complete a health information management program at a college or university.
Associate’s Degree
An Associate’s degree in HIM will give you the knowledge and skills you need to start working in the field of HIM. The coursework for an Associate’s degree includes general education classes, as well as classes specific to HIM. Many community colleges offer an Associate’s degree in HIM, and some universities offer the opportunity to complete an Associate’s degree online.
Community college programs generally take two years to complete, while online programs may take longer or shorter, depending on your schedule and other factors. Once you have completed your Associate’s degree, you will be eligible to sit for the Registered Health Information Technician (RHIT) exam, which is administered by the American Health Information Management Association (AHIMA).
Certification
To become a certified HIM technician, individuals must complete a postsecondary educational program and earn a passing score on a credentialing exam. Some states may require technicians to be licensed. Once certified, HIM technicians can use the credential “Registered Health Information Technician” (RHIT).
Salary
How much does the average HIM tech make? What are the most common positions for an HIM tech?
Job Outlook
HIM technicians can expect a lot of good news when it comes to job outlook. The Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) reports that employment of medical records and health information technicians is expected to grow by 11% from 2016 to 2026, which is much faster than the average for all occupations. In addition, as the Baby Boomer population ages and health care facilities treat more elderly patients, there will be an increasing demand for technicians to maintain patient records.
Career Path
So you’re interested in becoming a HIM Tech? A HIM Tech is a professional who helps to manage and protect the confidentiality of patient healthcare information. They also work to ensure that this information is accurate and accessible to those who need it. If you’re looking for a career in healthcare that is both challenging and rewarding, then a career as a HIM Tech may be the perfect choice for you.
Promotion
Promoting from within is always a great option and many times there are already-trained HIM techs who are looking for a promotion. They likely have a good understanding of the department’s processes and procedures and could be a valuable asset in a leadership role. To promote from within, management may require the tech to complete additional coursework or earn another certification, such as theRegistered Health Information Technician (RHIT) credential.
Job Titles
In the healthcare industry, there are many different job titles that fall under the umbrella of health information management (HIM). Here are some of the most common HIM jobs:
-Medical coding specialist
-Medical records technician
-HIM analyst
-HIM coordinator
-HIM director
