Patient Health Data Specialist in New York Career Overview
As a Patient Health Data Specialist, you play a vital role in the healthcare industry by managing and analyzing patient health information. Your responsibilities include:
Data Management: You are responsible for collecting, organizing, and maintaining health data from various sources, ensuring its accuracy and accessibility for healthcare providers and professionals.
Data Analysis: Your expertise enables you to analyze patient data to identify trends, inform treatment plans, and support research initiatives, ultimately improving patient outcomes.
Compliance and Security: You ensure that patient health information is handled in accordance with legal and ethical standards, safeguarding sensitive data from unauthorized access.
Collaboration: You work closely with healthcare teams, IT professionals, and administrative staff to facilitate the integration of health data systems, improving efficiencies across departments.
Reporting: You generate reports that provide insights into patient care, operational efficiencies, and compliance metrics, helping organizations make informed decisions regarding services and resource allocation.
The role of a Patient Health Data Specialist is essential for supporting healthcare practices in making data-driven decisions, enhancing patient care quality, and optimizing operational effectiveness within the healthcare system. By bridging the gap between clinical data and practice, you contribute to advancing healthcare delivery and patient safety.
Patient Health Data Specialist Salary in New York
Data sourced from Career One Stop, provided by the BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics wage estimates.
Required Education To Become a Patient Health Data Specialist in New York
To become a Patient Health Data Specialist, you typically need a combination of formal education and specialized training in specific areas. Here are the relevant college degree programs that can prepare you for this career:
Health Information Management: This degree program focuses on managing patient health information and involves coursework in health data management, information technology, and health care regulations.
Medical Informatics: A degree in medical informatics will provide you with the knowledge to analyze and utilize data in healthcare settings. This program covers subjects such as database management, data analytics, and health information systems.
Health Information Technology: This program offers training in the technology used to manage health information systems. Coursework includes health data systems, data security, and software applications relevant to the healthcare sector.
Health Medical Claims Examiner: This specialized training prepares you for roles that focus on reviewing and processing medical claims. The program typically includes study in medical coding, billing procedures, and health insurance regulations.
Bioinformatics: A degree in bioinformatics combines biology with information technology and data analysis, preparing you for roles that require expertise in managing biological data systems relevant to patient health.
Choosing one of these educational pathways will equip you with the foundational knowledge and skills necessary to work effectively as a Patient Health Data Specialist.
Best Schools to become a Patient Health Data Specialist in New York 2024
DeVry University-Illinois
University of Phoenix-Arizona
Western Governors University
Ivy Tech Community College
Capella University
University of Illinois Chicago
- Compile, process, and maintain medical records of hospital and clinic patients in a manner consistent with medical, administrative, ethical, legal, and regulatory requirements of the healthcare system.
- Classify medical and healthcare concepts, including diagnosis, procedures, medical services, and equipment, into the healthcare industry's numerical coding system.
- Includes medical coders.
Patient Health Data Specialist Required Skills and Competencies in New York
Analytical Skills: You must be adept at examining complex data sets to identify trends, patterns, and anomalies that may impact patient care and health outcomes.
Attention to Detail: A sharp focus on accuracy is essential, as even minor errors in data entry or analysis can lead to significant consequences in healthcare settings.
Technical Competence: Proficiency with electronic health record (EHR) systems, database management software, and data analysis tools is critical. Familiarity with health informatics standards and protocols is also necessary.
Communication Skills: You should possess strong verbal and written communication abilities to effectively convey data insights and collaborate with healthcare professionals, stakeholders, and patients.
Problem-Solving Skills: Your capability to develop solutions for data-related issues, as well as to think critically about challenges in patient health management, is vital.
Understanding of Healthcare Regulations: A solid grasp of HIPAA regulations and other compliance standards relevant to patient health data ensures you handle sensitive information appropriately.
Teamwork: Collaboration with multidisciplinary teams is common, so being an effective team member who can work toward shared goals while supporting colleagues is important.
Project Management: Strong organizational and time-management skills will help you manage multiple projects and deadlines efficiently.
Adaptability: The healthcare landscape is continually evolving, so your ability to quickly learn new technologies and methodologies is beneficial.
Interpersonal Skills: Building rapport with colleagues, patients, and other healthcare personnel enhances collaboration and fosters an effective work environment.
Data Visualization: The ability to create clear and informative visual presentations of data findings will help convey insights to non-technical stakeholders.
Ethical Decision-Making: An understanding of ethical issues surrounding data use and patient privacy will guide your decisions in handling health data.
Job Duties for Patient Health Data Specialists
Assign the patient to diagnosis-related groups (DRGs), using appropriate computer software.
Compile and maintain patients' medical records to document condition and treatment and to provide data for research or cost control and care improvement efforts.
Consult classification manuals to locate information about disease processes.
Data base user interface and query software
- Microsoft SQL Server
- Structured query language SQL
Desktop communications software
- Eko
Medical software
- Epic Systems
- eClinicalWorks EHR software
Job Market and Opportunities for Patient Health Data Specialist in New York
The job market for Patient Health Data Specialists in New York is robust, driven by the increasing emphasis on data-driven decision-making within healthcare systems. Here are key aspects of the current landscape:
High Demand: As healthcare organizations strive to optimize patient care and streamline operations, the demand for professionals skilled in managing health data is increasing. The push towards electronic health records and data analytics has accelerated the hiring of Patient Health Data Specialists across various settings.
Growth Potential: The growth of this profession is bolstered by several trends:
- Expansion of Telehealth Services: The rise of telehealth has generated a significant need for data management tailored to virtual care settings.
- Regulatory Compliance: Ongoing changes in healthcare regulations require organizations to maintain accurate health data for compliance purposes, thus enhancing job security in this field.
- Data Analytics Integration: The integration of analytics into healthcare is prompting the emergence of new roles focused on interpreting patient data to improve outcomes.
Geographical Hotspots:
- New York City: As a hub for many healthcare institutions, city-based roles are often concentrated in hospitals, insurance companies, and healthcare technology firms.
- Westchester County: This area is witnessing growth in healthcare facilities and research organizations, creating additional opportunities for specialists in patient health data management.
- Long Island: With a significant number of medical institutions and healthcare providers, Long Island presents various job prospects for Patient Health Data Specialists.
Diverse Work Environments: Opportunities are available across multiple settings, including:
- Hospitals
- Outpatient clinics
- Health insurance companies
- Government agencies
- Research organizations
The overall outlook for Patient Health Data Specialists indicates a promising trajectory, with a favorable job market reflecting the expanding role of data in enhancing healthcare delivery.
Top Related Careers to Patient Health Data Specialist 2024
Additional Resources To Help You Become a Patient Health Data Specialist in New York
American Health Information Management Association (AHIMA)
Access resources related to health information management, certifications, and continuing education.
Website: AHIMAAmerican Academy of Professional Coders (AAPC)
AAPC offers training and certification for medical coding, billing, and health data management professionals.
Website: AAPCHealthIT.gov
This U.S. government site provides resources and information about interoperability, electronic health record (EHR) implementation, and health data standards.
Website: HealthIT.govOffice of the National Coordinator for Health Information Technology (ONC)
The ONC provides extensive policies and guidelines regarding the use of health information technology in the healthcare industry.
Website: ONCHealthcare Information and Management Systems Society (HIMSS)
HIMSS offers a plethora of resources including webinars, forums, and case studies concerning healthcare technology and data management.
Website: HIMSSNational Association of Healthcare Access Management (NAHAM)
NAHAM's resources include education and certification for professionals focused on patient access and health data management.
Website: NAHAMNational Institutes of Health (NIH)
NIH is a valuable resource for research articles, studies, and data concerning health information and patient data analytics.
Website: NIHCenters for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)
The CDC provides data resources and guidance on public health data management and surveillance systems.
Website: CDCSAS Health Analytics
Provides written resources and tools for data analytics in healthcare, covering areas such as patient data management and predictive analytics.
Website: SAS Health AnalyticsCoursera and edX
Both platforms offer online courses related to health informatics, data management, and analytics in healthcare, facilitated by leading universities.
Websites: Coursera | edXLinkedIn Learning
LinkedIn Learning features numerous courses on health data management, using data for decision-making in healthcare, and health informatics systems.
Website: LinkedIn Learning
These resources will help you gain further knowledge, stay updated on industry trends, and enhance your professional skills as a Patient Health Data Specialist.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About Patient Health Data Specialist in New York
What does a Patient Health Data Specialist do?
A Patient Health Data Specialist is responsible for managing and organizing patient health data. This role involves ensuring data accuracy, maintaining privacy standards, and analyzing health information to support patient care and organizational decision-making.What qualifications are required to become a Patient Health Data Specialist?
You typically need a bachelor's degree in health information management, health informatics, or a related field. Professional certifications, such as Registered Health Information Technician (RHIT) or Certified Health Data Analyst (CHDA), may enhance your credentials and job prospects.What skills are important for Patient Health Data Specialists?
Key skills include:- Proficiency in electronic health record (EHR) systems
- Strong analytical abilities
- Attention to detail
- Understanding of health regulations and standards (e.g., HIPAA)
- Effective communication skills
Where do Patient Health Data Specialists typically work?
You can find employment in various settings, including hospitals, clinics, healthcare information technology firms, insurance companies, and government agencies.What is the job outlook for Patient Health Data Specialists in New York?
The job outlook is positive due to the increasing emphasis on data-driven healthcare, advancements in technology, and the growing volume of health data. The demand for skilled professionals in this field is expected to continue to rise.What is the average salary for Patient Health Data Specialists in New York?
Salaries can vary based on experience, education, and location, but as of the latest data, the average annual salary for a Patient Health Data Specialist in New York is around $70,000 to $90,000, with potential for higher earnings in advanced roles.What are the career advancement opportunities in this field?
You can advance to roles such as Health Information Manager, Data Analyst, or Health Informatics Director. Gaining additional certifications and specialized training can facilitate career growth.Are there networking opportunities for Patient Health Data Specialists?
Yes, networking opportunities exist through professional organizations such as the American Health Information Management Association (AHIMA) and local health information management chapters. Attending workshops, conferences, and seminars can also help build valuable connections in the field.Can I work remotely as a Patient Health Data Specialist?
Many organizations offer remote or hybrid work options, especially in roles that primarily involve data management and analysis. However, specific arrangements may vary by employer and job requirements.What continuing education options are available for Patient Health Data Specialists?
Continuing education can be pursued through workshops, online courses, and professional certifications to keep up with industry trends and regulations. Organizations like AHIMA and other accredited institutions provide various resources for skill enhancement and knowledge retention.