Everyone knows that healthcare is an incredibly lucrative field with lots of high-paying positions, but few are aware of the many subcategories that exist under the healthcare umbrella. Healthcare information is becoming more critical as hospitals modernize and digitize records. The Bureau of Labor Statistics reports that there will be a large number of openings in 2016, and the demand for employees is likely to grow. There’s a need for coders, information managers and record keepers, and that means there’s a lot of room for people from different backgrounds in these high-paying jobs.
1. Clinical Data Specialist
Clinical data specialists are responsible for ensuring that medical coding is both accurate and complete. They interpret data to determine who deserves reimbursement and who doesn’t, and they validate data relating to disease registries and outcome management programs. They also conduct clinical research and they monitor patient demographics. This job requires a BA in HIM along with RHIA, RHIT, CHDA, CCS or CCS-P certification.
2. Coding Manager
Coding managers fill one of the most important positions within any medical organization. Their responsibilities include hiring personnel, developing policies and procedures, improving productivity, monitoring coding systems to ensure optimal performance and many other tasks. Entry into this job requires three to five years of experience in both coding and management as well as RHIA, RHIT or CCS certification.
3. Professional Fee Coder
Professional fee coders are primarily responsible for coding and managing billing systems. They constantly update their knowledge of the latest coding techniques and governmental regulations. It’s their job to ensure that money exchanges hands as quickly and efficiently as possible, and that all of a physician’s questions concerning coding and billing are answered as quickly as possible. They need an AHIMA approved coding certificate as well as RHIA, RHIT, or CCS-P certification.
4. Data Quality Manager
Data quality managers report directly to the vice president of their organization and they’re responsible for maintaining optimal standards within every department. They have to assess risks and come up with solutions that are applied across the entire system for the sake of ensuring that accurate data is available to doctors without delay. A BA in HIM plus ten years of experience is required for this position.
5. HIM Compliance Specialist
HIM compliance specialists keep watch over coders within and outside of an organization to ensure that everyone adheres to the HIM standards dictated by those above him. He’s responsible for developing educational programs to inform coders of exactly what they need to do in order to remain compliant, and he also monitors trends within the system to ensure that data remains as accurate as possible. This position requires RHIA certification and five years of hospital coding experience. Managerial and communication skills are also a must.
Compensation
Nearly every job within the health information field comes with a high salary. Entry level positions often require two years of schooling and some form of certification, and those jobs pay $32,000 per year. Positions that require more knowledge, experience and the willingness to take on major responsibilities pay anywhere between $60,000 and $100,000. Those who wish to earn a large paycheck while making it easier and more convenient for people to receive the healthcare they need should look into the field.
Editor’s Note: Trent Call is an avid blogger. If you’re thinking of a career in health informatics, check out the program at healthinformatics.uic.edu.
