Over the past several decades, all types of healthcare providers throughout the industry have adopted health information technology (HIT). Health information technology refers to any type of technology that is used to store, transfer or communicate health information using electronic or digital devices. This advanced technology not only streamlines operations at healthcare facilities; it also enhances patient safety and improves outcomes. Discover more about the pivotal part it plays in today’s dynamic healthcare landscape.
What Is Health Information Technology?
Health information technology is defined by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services as electronic technology that stores patient data information, communicates healthcare information or processes healthcare data. It involves the management and use of digital health information systems — such as electronic health records and health information exchanges — in order to ensure accurate, accessible and secure patient data.
The Importance of HIT in Modern Healthcare
Health information technology, often referred to as HIT in the healthcare industry, is assuming an increasingly essential role in the modern healthcare landscape. It simplifies operations within the healthcare field and reduces operational costs, making it easier for providers to collaborate and for patients to access their critical healthcare data. The role of health information technology in healthcare includes:
Enhancing Patient Safety and Quality of Care
All types of health information technology are designed to elevate the quality of care patients receive and reduce medical errors. According to the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists, health information technology improves patient safety by allowing providers to view comprehensive patient data at a glance, offering medication alerts and other life-saving prompts as well as giving providers quick access to diagnostic testing results.
Improving Efficiency and Reducing Costs
The digital information systems used by most healthcare providers across the country allow them to minimize time spent on administrative tasks, maximize time with patients and streamline medical billing claims. By boosting operational efficiency, healthcare providers can reduce overall operational costs while improving the patient experience — which can increase both patient satisfaction ratings and workplace morale.
Data-Driven Decision Making
All types of health information technology collect, process and store vast amounts of data. Providers can leverage analytics tools that allow them to identify trends, improve population health management and allocate resources effectively. For example, some hospitals use the data collected by health information technology to evaluate and analyze readmission rates, and they adjust their policies and procedures accordingly in order to reduce those rates.
Patient Engagement and Access to Care
The average modern patient is comfortable using patient portals and other telehealth solutions, allowing them to remain engaged and informed throughout their treatment. Offering patients secure access to their health data, providers empower patients to review their records, schedule their appointments and communicate directly with their providers. Not only does this boost engagement, but it also reduces the strain of an overburdened healthcare system. These digital tools are key to improving accessibility and reducing healthcare costs in rural or underserved areas, too.
Core Functions and Systems Within HIT
A wide range of health information systems are used by healthcare providers today. Some of the most common types of health information technology include:
Electronic Health Records (EHRs)
According to the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services, electronic health records are health information technology platforms that store comprehensive patient histories, diagnostic results and treatment plans in a centralized digital format. EHRs have helped automate information access in the modern era and are key to improving continuity of care across multiple providers.
Health Information Exchanges (HIEs)
Similar to electronic health records, health information exchanges, or HIEs, are internal platforms that allow healthcare organizations to share information securely. According to the Assistant Secretary for Technology Policy, HIEs enable providers to quickly access vital information about patients, ultimately reducing the amount of time it takes to treat patients.
Coding and Billing Systems
Cloud-based technology has been integral to streamlining the coding and billing systems that healthcare organizations use for billing and insurance reimbursement. These coding and billing systems convert patient diagnoses and treatments into standardized codes that are used for medical billing and insurance. By improving the accuracy of medical coding, providers are able to receive payments quicker, and patients see fewer errors in their medical bills.
Clinical Decision Support (CDS)
According to the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality, clinical decision support systems are tools that providers can use to complement their own healthcare practice. These advanced technology tools help providers make evidence-based decisions by offering best-practice guidelines, alerts and order sets at the point of care. Clinical decision support systems can reduce the amount of time spent on routine tasks, ultimately supporting smoother operations and improving the overall patient experience.
Telehealth and Remote Monitoring
Health information technology also encompasses telemedicine platforms, wearable health devices and home monitoring systems. Telehealth and remote monitoring technology allow providers to expand their care beyond the clinical setting — thereby ensuring long-term compliance with treatment plans and elevating patient outcomes.
Cybersecurity Measures
Cybersecurity plays a crucial role in the health information technology field, requiring health information managers to be proficient in the data security protocols that must be implemented in order to protect sensitive health information and bolster patient trust.
Career Opportunities with a HIT Degree
Those who are considering furthering their education in health information technology will find that a degree program equips them with the skills and knowledge needed to pursue a variety of careers. Below are potential career opportunities that may be available if you earn a degree in health information technology:
Health Information Technician (HIT) Roles
Most often, graduates with a health information technology degree pursue industry-specific roles. According to Indeed, one role health information graduates may pursue is that of a health information technician. These technicians are professionals who manage patient data, ensure compliance with regulations, maintain electronic health records systems and train healthcare workers who are new to the technology.
Data Analytics and Informatics
After gaining professional experience as a health information technician or health information manager, you may be able to move into the field of data analytics. Health informatics professionals work with healthcare organizations to extract insights from health data in hopes of improving patient outcomes and streamlining operations at healthcare facilities. As the need for data-driven decision-making in healthcare continues to rise, there will likely be a heightened demand for health informatics professionals.
Compliance and Regulatory Positions
Because patient privacy and data must be protected at all costs, the health information technology field is heavily regulated. In some cases, health information technology graduates may go on to focus on the legal and regulatory aspects of health information to ensure healthcare organizations adhere to laws like the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA).
Vendor and Consulting Positions
For a career with more flexibility and autonomy, health information graduates may consider vendor and consulting positions. Healthcare organizations around the country often partner with technology vendors or consulting firms to implement new healthcare information systems, adopt new technology or optimize workflow at their facilities.
Leadership Roles
There is room for growth and new opportunities in the field of health information technology, with many experienced health information technicians who pursue management and leadership positions throughout their careers. Those who proceed to become health information managers, project managers or department directors have the chance to oversee large professional teams and guide strategic decisions at healthcare organizations.
Advantages of Earning a HIT Degree
A health information technology degree equips students with the technical and practical skills required to navigate the leading health information technology and implement health information systems. Some of the specific benefits of earning a HIT degree include:
Industry Demand
Healthcare organizations of all sizes and across all specialties are becoming increasingly dependent on data-driven care models, thus increasing the demand for skilled HIT professionals. According to CIO, the rise in telehealth services along with the use of health information portals is leading to an uptick in healthcare employers looking for health information technology graduates.
Transferable Skills
In addition to focusing on advanced technology skills (like coding and database management), a health information technology degree program also emphasizes the importance of soft skills such as communication, collaboration and problem-solving. Soft skills are considered some of the most in-demand transferable skills across all industries, giving graduates flexibility in their chosen career path.
Continuous Growth and Advancement
Health information technology professionals have the ability to specialize in niche areas — such as cybersecurity, data analytics or project management — enabling them to carve out a career path that aligns with their strengths, interests and professional goals. This flexibility encourages lifelong learning to support career advancement.
Impact on Patient Care
While health information technicians do not typically work directly with patients, they can take pride in the fact that their work actively improves patient care and outcomes. Indirectly, they make a positive impact on people’s lives and overall health.
Alignment With Future Trends
Health information technology will continue to play a central part in the evolving healthcare landscape. Emerging technologies, such as artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning technology, will further expand the importance of secure and optimized health information technology. With a HIT degree, graduates are better positioned at the forefront of these innovations and prepared to catapult their careers to new heights.
Start Your Health Information Technology Degree at Baker
Health information technology in healthcare is ever-evolving, filling critical gaps that exist in today’s complex healthcare system. That is why Baker College offers an Associate of Applied Science in Health Information Technology that allows students to become proficient in health data management, information policy and the role of information technology in healthcare, preparing them for careers in health information management. Request more information about our degree programs today.