Health Information and Medical Records Technicians

🗂️ Health Information and Medical Records Technicians

Health Information Technicians (HITs), also known as medical records technicians, play a vital role in the healthcare system by managing and safeguarding patients’ health data. They ensure that information is accurate, complete, and secure in both paper and electronic formats.

In Western Massachusetts, the demand for Health Information Technicians is growing as healthcare providers transition to electronic health records (EHRs) and focus more on data security, insurance reimbursement, and health outcomes. This career is ideal for individuals who are detail-oriented, tech-savvy, and interested in the intersection of healthcare and information management.

🩺 What Health Information Technicians Do

Health Information Technicians typically:

• Organize and manage patient health information in electronic databases and paper records
• Review medical records for completeness and accuracy
• Assign standardized codes to diagnoses and procedures for insurance billing and statistical analysis
• Ensure compliance with legal, ethical, and regulatory standards such as HIPAA (Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act)
• Protect patient confidentiality while allowing access to data for providers and insurers
• Collaborate with healthcare providers, billing staff, and IT professionals
• Some technicians specialize in cancer registries, quality assurance, or data analysis for health systems.

🏥 Where Health Information Technicians Work

Health Information Technicians work in:

• Hospitals and health systems
• Physician’s offices
• Skilled nursing facilities
• Insurance companies
• Behavioral health agencies
• Government and public health departments
• Medical billing and coding companies
  💼 Many positions are remote or hybrid, offering flexibility for those who prefer a non-clinical role.

➡️ Visit MassHire JobQuest to view current job openings.

🎓 Education and Training Requirements

To become a Health Information Technician, you typically need:

• A high school diploma or GED
• Completion of an associate degree program in Health Information Technology, often offered at community colleges
• Passing scores on the Registered Health Information Technician (RHIT) exam, administered by the American Health Information Management Association (AHIMA)
•  Some positions may require or prefer certification in medical coding (e.g., Certified Coding Specialist – CCS or CCA). High school students should be prepared for 10th-grade-level reading, writing, and math, as well as courses in biology and computer applications.

🧠 Key Skills and Qualities

Successful Health Information Technicians typically demonstrate:

• Attention to detail and a high level of accuracy
• Understanding of medical terminology, anatomy, and physiology
• Strong computer and database skills, including electronic health records (EHRs)
• Familiarity with coding systems (ICD-10-CM, CPT, HCPCS)
• Integrity and respect for patient confidentiality
• Ability to work independently and as part of a healthcare or administrative team
• Problem-solving and organizational skills
• This role does not involve direct patient care but is essential to ensuring the quality and efficiency of clinical services.

📚 Professional Resources

• American Health Information Management Association (AHIMA)
• Massachusetts Health Information Management Association (MaHIMA)
• Commission on Accreditation for Health Informatics and Information Management Education (CAHIIM)
• U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics: Medical Records and Health Information Specialists

Updated: 7/28/2025