A Day in the Life of a Health Information Technician

Health information management training covers computer skills and applications related to the healthcare industry. One of the positions within this subsection of healthcare is that of health information technician. Here we share more about this role, including the tasks they may perform during a typical day.

What Does a Health Information Technician Do?

Health information technicians utilize their skills to assist with the management of electronic patient records. They also play a role in data security and use a variety of health information technology (HIT) applications often found in healthcare settings.

Data security and integrity are crucial to patient care. Inaccurate or outdated patient records can cause errors in patient care treatment. Qualified and trained health information technicians take the lead in ensuring that healthcare information systems receive proper maintenance, are up-to-date and compliant, and promote efficiency across the organization.

Daily Tasks in Health Information Management Careers

Health information management careers fulfill an important role in the healthcare industry. Whether working in hospitals, doctor’s offices, or insurance companies, health information technicians utilize information systems to assist in the management of healthcare services.

By ensuring the accuracy and completeness of patient records, these professionals assist doctors and nurses with the creation of care plans and in carrying out treatment. They also review patient records to ensure compliance with legal regulations, which is critical since the healthcare industry is one of the most heavily regulated.¹

Information security is a priority within the healthcare field. A person’s medical history is private information and a health information technician is responsible for making sure that confidential patient information is protected.

HIPAA (Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act) regulations specify when and who should have access to a person’s medical information. By following regulatory guidelines for access, patients can have peace of mind knowing that their information is secure.

What a Day May Look Like for a Health Information Technician

Those who work in the health information management field can expect to perform many data-quality tasks during their workday. These tasks may include:

• Digitally organizing patient information
• Entering treatment information into a patient’s medical records
• Reviewing prescription medication data for completeness
• Confirming medical histories and test results are inputted accurately

A career in health information management is unique in that it is one of the few healthcare-related occupations with little to no direct contact with patients. Health information technicians work in an office environment, spending the majority of their time in front of a computer.

Overall, the day-to-day activities of a health information technician can vary from special projects to essential tasks related to the accuracy and completeness of electronic health records and their distribution across the healthcare organization in a secure manner.

Taking the Next Step: Health Information Management Training

If the idea of working as a health information technician appeals to you, taking a training course can help you prepare for this role. Ultimate Medical Academy offers an online Health Information Management associate degree program that can be completed in 18 months.²

Why UMA? Because we care about our learners, even beyond graduation. If you need help with your coursework, are struggling to find a job, or face challenges at home, let us know. We can look for and connect you with resources that can help, including one-on-one tutoring, resume and interview assistance, and other programs that might be available, if you qualify.

No matter what type of healthcare career you want to pursue, we’ll do what we can to help. And if you’re unsure what your career path may look like, we can help with that too. Take our fun (and short) healthcare career quiz to learn what roles may be a good fit for you!