It’s becoming increasingly necessary for medical facilities to store larger amounts of health information, so the position of health analyst continues to grow in demand. Also referred to as health data analysts, these medical record technicians are responsible for combining their knowledge of healthcare and information technology. They create accurate, coherent, and timely health documents that can be processed efficiently by medical personnel. Are you interested in pursuing a career in the thriving healthcare industry? Do you want to help ensure the validity of medical records for the highest quality patient care? The following is an overview of the job description and a guide for getting started on a rewarding career as a health analyst.
Daily Duties for a Health Analyst
Medical reports must be frequently reviewed by various healthcare works for quality control purposes. Health analysts have the responsibility of ensuring all health data is transformed into a report that can be clearly interpreted. Health analysts often participate in the analyses of healthcare data as well as projects related to:
- health services delivery
- quality patient care
- insurance coverage
- healthcare costs
- access to healthcare
In advanced leadership positions in health information technology, health data analysts may also play a big role in process improvement for streamlined record-keeping practices.
Health analysts often spend their time:
- designing reports
- analyzing healthcare data
- identifying accurate formats for summarizing data
- communicating specifications for medical record databases
- using software analysis tools to report healthcare data
- providing data support for customized queries
- reviewing reports for accuracy of presented information
- developing written or graphic presentations
When new health information technology emerges, health analysts may also train other staff on how to access health information.
Health Analyst Work Environment
It may seem that healthcare facilities like hospitals and clinics are the only employment opportunities. Health analysts can also be found working in:
- clinical research facilities
- pharmaceutical or biotechnology companies
- universities
- insurance companies
- government agencies
- residential care facilities
Health analysts usually work in an office setting and spend the majority of their time at a computer. Although most health data analysts are employed on full-time schedules to work 40 hours a week, some may have to work irregular night shifts in certain healthcare facilities.
Educational Requirements for Becoming a Health Analyst
Due to the job description of a health analyst, it’s no surprise that these health information professionals must exhibit comprehensive knowledge of:
- accounting
- economics
- finances
- computer science
- business administration
- medical terminology
- statistics
- mathematics
According to the American Health Information Management Association (AHIMA), health analysts must have a bachelor’s degree with three years of healthcare data experience or a master’s degree with one year of healthcare data experience for certification. It is also common for health analysts to pursue the healthcare information management credentials of RHIT or RHIA for increased job opportunities in the field.
Resource: Top 10 Best Online MBA in Healthcare Management Degree Programs
Do you enjoy working with numbers? Are you interested in a career that enables you to apply your analytical skills in the in-demand healthcare field? It’s highly recommended that you consider entering this growing position. As a health analyst, you will become a vital member of the health information technology team for transforming vital medical information into clear reports for healthcare staff to make accurate patient treatment decisions.