Often considered the backbone of a successful health system is the Health Information System. The Health Information System is the network of Information Technology systems that are involved in healthcare. The HIS systems consist of design, development, maintenance, and user experience, according to TechTarget.
History
In the 1960’s, the information technology devices that supported the healthcare industry were so huge that multiple hospitals had to share mainframes and storage. The extent of the technology was directed towards accounting. Throughout the 1970’s and 1980’s, the technology advanced in some ways, but still was mostly tied to billing and accounting, according to Health Catalyst. It wasn’t until early 2000’s when technology had caught up with the demand in the healthcare industry. Health Information Systems were now able to offer services like patient record storage, budgeting, patient care services, and analytics.
Types of Health Information Systems
The central part of the Health Information System is the Electronic Health Record, or EHR. This is each patient’s official health record, stored digitally within the healthcare system. Records are updated with each visit by doctors, nurses, and other healthcare staff, and a portion is maintained by the patient. This technology has improved the communication between doctors, patients, and other doctors and medical offices and has reduced the number of prescription errors and has improved the level of knowledge for each patient.
The entire field of radiology within the healthcare system has improved greatly with the advancement of picture archiving technology which stores patients’ medical images for diagnosing and historical reference purposes.
Careers
There are numerous careers that have developed within Health Information Systems. From IT-specific software development jobs to more patient-focused positions that configure and analyze the data received from patient evaluation. Technicians and Specialists in various areas of healthcare exist within the Health Information System in hospitals, clinics, schools, and medical offices. Hospitals have created a Chief Medical Information Officer position. The CMIO is responsible for managing the information through IT systems and to ensure a high level of patient care and technology integration.
Education
To meet the demand that the advancement of health information technology has placed on the industry, higher education has answered the call with more programs that integrate the medical and technology fields. For example, a PhD in Health Informatics may be required to attain the positon of CMIO, while certificate and diploma programs are available for those that are looking to specialize in a certain area. Most health information technician, and medical billing and coding, positions require a minimum of an associate’s degree to be considered for the position. Managers and directors in the field would have completed a bachelor or master’s degree in health administration, HIS, or business administration.
Related Resource: Certified Medical Manager
Healthcare Information Systems is a perfect combination of medicine and technology. You are able to construct networks and information storage, analyze and interpret data, and improve on patient care, while knowing that the work that you do has a positive effect on the health of others.