By Leah Grebner, PhD, Director of Health Information Management
Have you considered a career in the medical field, but just don’t feel that patient care is a good fit for you? There are a variety of healthcare career opportunities that you may want to explore that require anywhere from one to four years of education to prepare.
Medical coding and billing generally requires at least a diploma level of education that includes courses such as medical terminology, anatomy and physiology, law and ethics, and courses focused on multiple coding systems and billing software. A student may obtain a diploma in medical coding and billing by attending full-time for approximately one year. The coding systems include ICD-10-CM, ICD-10-PCS, CPT, and HCPCS. Medical coders and billers are employed at hospitals, physician offices, long-term care facilities, insurance companies, billing companies, and other healthcare providers.
An associate degree in Health Information Technology may be obtained by going to school full-time for two years. This type of program includes courses from the Medical Coding and Billing diploma, plus additional specialty courses and general education. Many people are unsure of what exactly Health Information Technology is. Health Information Management is the career field that encompasses much of the non-clinical side of healthcare. It includes what used to be known as medical records, coding, revenue cycle management, release of information, statistics, compliance, security, data analytics, decision support, performance and quality management, research, and many other behind-the-scenes functions. Health Information Technology is simply the industry standard terminology for the associate degree level of a degree in Health Information Management. Health Information Technology graduates are best prepared for careers in coding, release of information, compliance, and some of the more technical aspects of the field.
Health Information Administration is the term used to represent the bachelor degree level of education in Health Information Management. The Health Information Administration degree includes everything that is in the Health Information Technology degree, plus higher level general education courses and additional specialty courses that are focused on management, performance and quality management, statistics and data analysis, and evolving trends in healthcare. Graduates at this level are prepared for careers in data analytics, management, and performance/quality management.
Individuals who seek positions in the Health Information Management career field usually have an interest in the medical field, but don’t wish to do direct patient care. They are generally detail-oriented, work well independently, and are self-motivated. One of the exciting things about working in this career field is the dynamic nature of the healthcare industry, which constantly presents new learning opportunities. Because of this, professionals are required to complete continuing education throughout their careers.
For more information about Midstate College, please visit www.midstate.edu or call 309-692-4092.