Health information technologists and medical registrars are experts on electronic healthcare systems.
They analyze and manage data and help organizations use their
health information systems to improve the delivery of patient care.
These healthcare IT professionals develop databases to help track diseases and treatment outcomes.
For example, they may review cancer patients’ records and pathology reports,
assign codes to different data in the record, and track treatment, follow up care, survival, and recovery.
Because accuracy is so vital to their work,
medical records and health information specialists take steps to verify and validate patients’ health information.
While they work in an office setting,
they communicate regularly with healthcare workers to clarify diagnoses or to get additional information.
Health information technologists and medical registrars also have a broader role in healthcare organizations
to educate staff and help them troubleshoot the correct use of healthcare information systems,
particularly around information privacy and security awareness.
Strong detail orientation, the ability to work with a variety of people,
and respect for confidentiality are essential qualities for workers in these fields.
An associate’s degree qualifies candidates for some positions;
other positions may require a bachelor’s or higher degree. Certification may be required or preferred.