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What is a health information specialist and how to become one
Health information specialists gather, analyze, and code patient data for redistribution and indexing in medical records. They ensure the accuracy and completeness of patient data for research and analysis. They also manage and organize patient data by coding and categorizing information for clinical databases and registries. They are also responsible for ensuring that patient health information is confidential. Health information specialists can choose to focus their professional careers on a particular field, such as medical coding or cancer information registration.
Specialists must have analytical skills, technical skills, interpersonal skills, problem-solving skills, organizational skills, and customer service skills. They must also be able to multitask. They must have a basic knowledge of Microsoft applications, database fundamentals, medical terminology, and document imaging software.
Health information specialists can work in hospitals, hospices, ambulatory facilities, and doctors' offices. They often work with registered nurses and other health care professionals to clarify patient data.
Avg. Salary $33,343
Avg. Salary $59,228
Growth rate 11%
Growth rate 0.3%
American Indian and Alaska Native 1.26%
Asian 8.73%
Black or African American 9.31%
Hispanic or Latino 17.51%
Unknown 4.20%
White 58.99%
Genderfemale 84.91%
male 15.09%
Age - 46American Indian and Alaska Native 3.00%
Asian 7.00%
Black or African American 14.00%
Hispanic or Latino 19.00%
White 57.00%
Genderfemale 47.00%
male 53.00%
Age - 46Stress level is manageable
7.1 - high
Complexity level is intermediate
7 - challenging
Work life balance is excellent
6.4 - fair
Health information specialist career paths
Key steps to become a health information specialist
Explore health information specialist education requirements
Start to develop specific health information specialist skills
Skills Percentages Patients 26.06% HIPAA 10.92% Medical Terminology 9.83% Patient Care 9.79% Data Entry 3.68% Complete relevant health information specialist training and internships
Accountants spend an average of Less than 1 month on post-employment, on-the-job training. New health information specialists learn the skills and techniques required for their job and employer during this time. The chart below shows how long it takes to gain competency as a health information specialist based on U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics data and data from real health information specialist resumes.Gain additional health information specialist certifications
More About CertificationsHealth information specialist certifications can show employers you have a baseline of knowledge expected for the position. Certifications can also make you a more competitive candidate. Even if employers don't require a specific health information specialist certification, having one may help you stand out relative to other applicants.
The most common certifications for health information specialists include Certified Billing and Coding Specialist (CBCS) and Registered Health Information Technician (RHIT).
Research health information specialist duties and responsibilities
- Manage chart completion (ICD-9-CM and CPT coding/abstracting), chart assembly and analysis, patient admission and patient information privacy/security.
- Review and audit medical records for correct DRG and APC assignment.
- Certify requests for subpoenas, court orders, legal cases and training of employees.
- Utilize Cerner and Centricity systems to assist in ancillary services.
Prepare your health information specialist resume
When your background is strong enough, you can start writing your health information specialist resume.
You can use Zippia's AI resume builder to make the resume writing process easier while also making sure that you include key information that hiring managers expect to see on a health information specialist resume. You'll find resume tips and examples of skills, responsibilities, and summaries, all provided by Zippi, your career sidekick.
Choose from 10+ customizable health information specialist resume templates
Build a professional health information specialist resume in minutes. Browse through our resume examples to identify the best way to word your resume. Then choose from 10+ resume templates to create your health information specialist resume.
Apply for health information specialist jobs
Now it's time to start searching for a health information specialist job. Consider the tips below for a successful job search:
- Browse job boards for relevant postings
- Consult your professional network
- Reach out to companies you're interested in working for directly
- Watch out for job scams
How did you land your first health information specialist job
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Average health information specialist salary
The average health information specialist salary in the United States is $33,343 per year or $16 per hour. Health information specialist salaries range between $25,000 and $42,000 per year.
What am I worth?
How do health information specialists rate their job?
Updated January 8, 2025
