Information Technology for Health Professionals

According to the Health Resources and Services Administration of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, health information technology involves the application of information and communication technologies within the health care field. This includes the collection, storage, transmission and dissemination of individual health records, electronic communications, clinical alerts, financial information and any other electronically stored information within the health care infrastructure.

Significance

• During the majority of the 20th century most medical records and health care information was stored in paper files. These files could be cumbersome to maintain and difficult to research. Sharing information among qualified health care professionals was slow and challenging. Health information technology is moving toward assembling such health information as patient medical history, symptoms, diagnostic tests and results, treatment methods and other health-related information into a secure, accurate and accessible format.

Function

• Health information technologists and technicians work with both hardware systems and software systems to improve the flow of pertinent health-related information among qualified health care professionals. Hardware systems may include computers, telephones and other communication systems, linked medical devices and networks. Software systems may include databases and medical coding specialties.

Types

• There are numerous types of positions in the health information technology field. Health information technicians are typically involved in processing and maintaining Electronic Health Records (EHR). Specialized health information technicians may work in cancer registry or other disease-tracking fields. Technicians with additional experience and education may advance into health information management.

Effects

• Health information technology is expanding into all fields of health services. It is sometimes referred to as "informatics." This specialty integrates specific disciplines such as finance, nursing, pharmaceuticals and other medical sciences with computer science and information technology resulting in more efficient and more accurate flow if information to the appropriate end user. Better information, provided faster, allows for better decision-making by health care providers.

Benefits

• The demand for professionals in the health information technology field is expected to grow much faster than the average for all other careers through 2018, according to the U.S. Department of Labor's Bureau of Labor Statistics. Those with advanced degrees are expected to be in the greatest demand. According to BioHealthMatics.com public health informatics specialists may earn in excess of $100,000 per year with the possibility of salary increases and bonuses.