Health Care Informatics Val H. Kollath Manager, Information Systems Applications Fremont Area Medical Center 2/24/2019

Introduction Definition of Healthcare Informatics (I.T.) Examples of Healthcare I.T. What career opportunities exist What type of training is required How can you get a job in this field What the future holds for this field 2/24/2019

What is Healthcare Informatics? The use of computer technology to automate patient care Goal is to improve quality and lower healthcare costs 2/24/2019

Examples of Healthcare I.T. Converting Medical Records from Paper to computerized records Electronic Prescriptions Radiology Imaging – moving from the x-ray film to a live movie showing the body’s images Lab tests being done by machines Electronic claims with insurance companies Computerized systems that monitor patient vitals and record them in the chart 2/24/2019

Career Opportunities – Types of Jobs Networks and Hardware support Working in a hospital to configure software to work in the organization Programming – Working for a Software Company Working in the Insurance Industry Consulting – lots of travel!! 2/24/2019

What Training is Needed? Technical for Network and Hardware Programming and software engineering Healthcare career with an emphasis in I.T. How I became involved in Healthcare I.T. Initially worked in clinical areas Worked in Healthcare Management Recruited to work in I.T. – Involved with conversion project 25 years in Healthcare – 10 in I.T. 2/24/2019

How People are Hired in this Field Strong experience is needed – it helps to do an internship, volunteer for a system conversion or have other experience Training in a clinical area and then moving into I.T. (nursing, lab, radiology, doctors) Attending a college that has a strong computer programming curriculum Advanced training 2/24/2019

What the Future holds Current Pay ranges (starting pay $40,000 + and increases with skill and flexibility) 2004 Salary Survey Government emphasis on expanding I.T. Technology is exploding There is a shortage of qualified people 2/24/2019

Summary Healthcare I.T. is a changing career path with lots of opportunity It is a career that is on the cutting edge of technology and is always challenging It is a great way for someone with technical skills to make a difference in the lives of people 2/24/2019

Where to Get More Information Biohealthmatics.com Find a school that has a strong emphasis on computer technology Look for a college that has advanced degrees in Healthcare I.T. Talk to people who work in the profession (I.T. professionals and Clinical Professionals)                                            2/24/2019