Job Summary:
A Health Information Technician (HIT) is responsible for managing and organizing health information data. They ensure that patient records are accurate, secure, and accessible in compliance with healthcare regulations such as HIPAA. This role involves managing electronic health records (EHRs), processing health data, coding medical information, and maintaining confidentiality while working closely with healthcare providers, administrative staff, and IT professionals.
Key Responsibilities:

• Health Record Management:
• Maintain, organize, and update electronic and paper-based patient health records.
• Ensure patient records are accurate, complete, and securely stored according to healthcare regulations and organizational policies.
• Retrieve and file patient records in response to requests from physicians, nurses, or other healthcare providers.
• Medical Coding and Classification:
• Assign appropriate ICD, CPT, and HCPCS codes to patient diagnoses, procedures, and treatments based on physician documentation.
• Ensure coding accuracy for billing, insurance claims, and reimbursement purposes.
• Review and ensure compliance with coding standards, regulations, and policies.
• Compliance and Legal Requirements:
• Ensure that health information is managed and stored in compliance with legal and regulatory requirements, including HIPAA and other privacy laws.
• Process requests for medical records, including release of information (ROI), in accordance with patient privacy policies.
• Stay current on changes to healthcare regulations, coding guidelines, and EHR technology.
• Data Management and Reporting:
• Process, update, and maintain patient health information in databases or electronic health records (EHR) systems.
• Generate and analyze reports related to patient data for administrative, clinical, or regulatory purposes.
• Assist with audits to ensure the integrity and quality of health data.
• Collaboration with Healthcare Providers:
• Collaborate with healthcare providers to clarify patient information and resolve discrepancies or issues in medical records.
• Communicate with physicians, nurses, and other healthcare professionals to obtain missing or incomplete patient information.
• Provide technical support and training to healthcare staff on proper documentation and health information management practices.
• Health Information Technology (HIT) Systems Management:
• Utilize and manage health information technology systems (EHRs, electronic medical records, databases) to enter, update, and retrieve patient data.
• Assist in troubleshooting IT issues related to health information systems and collaborate with IT departments to resolve technical problems.
• Assist in the implementation and optimization of new health information technologies and software.
• Confidentiality and Security:
• Maintain the confidentiality and security of patient health information at all times.
• Monitor access to sensitive data to ensure compliance with privacy policies and guidelines.
• Educate staff and patients about the importance of maintaining the privacy and security of health records.
• Administrative Support:
• Assist with scheduling appointments, admissions, and discharges by updating patient information in the system.
• Process and distribute patient-related documents, forms, and referrals.
• Manage inventory of health information materials and supplies, ordering when necessary.

Required Qualifications:

• Education:
• Associate’s degree in Health Information Management, Health Information Technology, or a related field.
• Bachelor’s degree in Health Information Management or a related field may be preferred for some roles.
• Certification:
• Certification from the American Health Information Management Association (AHIMA) or American Academy of Professional Coders (AAPC) as a Certified Coding Specialist (CCS), Certified Professional Coder (CPC), or Certified Health Data Analyst (CHDA) is preferred.
• Certification in Health Information Technology (RHIT or RHIA) is a plus.
• Experience:
• Previous experience in a healthcare setting, particularly in health information management or medical coding, is preferred.
• Familiarity with Electronic Health Records (EHR) systems and health information technologies is an advantage.
• Skills:
• Strong knowledge of medical coding, classification systems, and healthcare regulations (e.g., HIPAA).
• Proficiency in using health information systems, EHRs, and databases.
• Excellent attention to detail and ability to maintain accurate and organized records.
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills to collaborate with healthcare staff and respond to patient record requests.
• Ability to work independently and manage multiple tasks in a fast-paced environment.