Health Information

Question: Health Information ? How is health care conditions/treatments / prescriptions shared within nursing homes/ hospitals/outpatient clinics and pharmacies mail order and retail ? how do patients opt out ? it does not seem to make a difference if you use insurance or if you pay cash / the records still seem to exist ? how are all of these linked ? how does a citizen avoid getting on all the lists ? obviously , i know , don't use the services LOL but that isn't possible always :-) any help would be appreciated

Answer: Actually, according to HIPAA, any exchange of information is only to be used specifically for the treatment needed. And, only that information that is pertinent to the treatment being provided. Your pharmacy is not privy to any info other than what is needed for the medications they are about to dispense to you. They don't need to know that you had a broken leg 4 years ago (for example). When a hospital shares info with a nursing home or other facility it is not automatic. It only occurs after the patient or guardian has given permission for this outside facility to treat the patient or the patient to be transferred to that facility. Then the information exchange occurs. I'm not sure this is the information you needed, but I'm kind of lost as to what "list" you could be talking about. Hospitals and other faiclities are very strict about the information they have on a patient and how that informatin is traded and when it can be traded to another faiclity. It is NEVER used as a mailing LIST, or any other marketing type.

Question: What are some health websites doctor's use to research information? I'm trying to find some additional health information on some conditions, but would like to know some websites that doctors use themselves. Sites that are different from the typical WebMD and Yahoo! Health.

Answer: Here is a main one: Free golden links for Doctors: http://www.goldenlinks4doctors.com/preliminaryresults.php Here are other ones that may already be posted on the above link, but might not be: (1)http://www.emedicine.com/ (2)http://www.medscape.com/home (3)http://www.hon.ch/ (4)http://familydoctor.org/online/famdocen/home.html (5) Textbooks to read online: http://www.merck.com/pubs/ And another Merck website and on the right hand side, you can click to go to more doctor information sites: http://www.merckmedicus.com/pp/us/hcp/hcp_home.jsp?WT.svl=1.1

Question: What does a health information technology do? What does a health information technology do? Is it a hard career to break into? Is the pay any good? What are their duties and roles? What should someone major in to break into this career?

Answer: Medical Coding, Medical records, Medical consulting, Medical billing It is the most pleasant and soothing job on the market. Get Faye Brown's coding book on Amazon.com and do some of the ICD 9 and CPT 4 codes and see if it is for you. I do tax returns for them and they can make $67,000 a year easily

Question: Who can share health information about a Shi Tzu? Saturday, My Husband and I adopted a 4 year old rescue Shi Tzu. I really do not know much about them as a breed. I felt this is the place to find good tips and info to keep him healthy. Are there any special health problems they can develop? Thank you in advance for any and all useful information. I appreaciate it.

Answer: You have to read this! (the best info lol) TEMPERAMENT: The Shih-Tzu is an alert and spunky little dog. Happy and hardy, endowed with loads of character. They are royally dignified, courageous and sometimes arrogant. This breed does well with polite, careful children. The gentle loyal Shih-Tzu makes friends easily and although obstinate can respond well to consistent patient training. A very alert watch dog, the Shih-Tzu likes to bark, but is usually quiet inside the house. They are stubborn and clever. Shihs can get snappish if they are surprised or peeved. Playful and lively, this affectionate little dog needs to be with people and are generally good with other pets. Some can be difficult to housebreak. HEALTH PROBLEMS: They tend to wheeze and snore. Some bloodlines are prone to ear, eye and respiratory problems. Spinal disc disease caused by a long back and short legs may be a problem. Their teeth need regular veterinary attention, as they tend to be lost early. These dogs gain weight easily and should not be overfed. LIVING CONDITIONS: The Shih Tzu is good for apartment life. They are fairly active indoors and will do okay without a yard. This breed is sensitive to the heat. EXCERSIZE: The Shih Tzu need a daily walk. Play will take care of a lot of their exercise needs, however, as with all breeds, play will not fulfill their primal instinct to walk. Dogs who do not get to go on daily walks are more likely to display behavior problems. They will also enjoy a good romp in a safe open area off lead, such as a large fenced in yard. Do not over feed this breed or it will quickly become fat. LIFE SPAN: About 15 years or more. GROOMING: These little dogs require a good daily grooming using a bristle brush. A topknot is usually tied with a bow so that the dog can see properly. Some owners prefer to have them trimmed to make the coat easier and less time consuming to care for. Keep the ear passages and area around the eyes clean. Shih-Tzu's have sensitive eyes that should be keep clean. There is special drops you can buy to put in them if needed. Ask your vet what to use on your dog. This breed sheds little to no hair and are good for allergy suffers if their coats are kept very well groomed. (Due the fact that they shed little skin dander.)

Question: What a good web site to research for health information, I am working on a expository topic? I need a website with information on why health is important for us, can anyone help me?

Answer: Try Medscape.com ,

Question: How do I get a job in Health Information Management? I have a degree in Journalism. I work in banking currently doing Risk. I would like to obtain a career in Healthcare. Not specifically dealing directly with patients, but something related to the business side of healthcare. With my experience in Risk and a bachelor's in Journalism, what entry level position can I get in Health Information Management?

Answer: Just off the cuff, I'm thinking that without formal training in HIM, perhaps a medical records (health information) clerk position. (Please note that most medical records clerk jobs include high volume filing and can be pretty physical in nature.) Even a medical coding job requires graduation from an accredited program and a couple years experience doing coding tasks as well as certification(s) in the field and then one may possibly get employed as a coder. The medical billing jobs are pretty sparse as well despite what those private $$ schools proclaim. For more info on HIM: http://www.ahima.org For general career info: http://www.bls.gov/oco and can search 'medical records and health information technicians', 'medical and health services managers' or such. If deciding to go for HIM, please forgo those private expensive schools and only consider schools and program that are accredited within the industry.

Question: What is the best online school to take Health Information Technology? I went to Harrison Career Institute(on-campus) for Medical Office Assitant and obtained a certification. Now I want to continue my education onward to an associate degree to become a registered health information technician (RHIT). I want to work at my own pace.

Answer: It's good to work at your own pace wherein there's no pressure at all and you can manage your own time. You could check this site http://eduinfoforyou.com/, maybe this could help you.

Question: What is the demographic profile of people who use the Internet to find pet health information? I am trying to figure out what the demographic snapshot is of people who use the internet to find pet health information? If possible please show male vs female %, average age, income, and if they are single or married. Any other info would also be apreciated!

Answer: Im not looking for information

Question: Are there jobs for Health Information Management? Hi Currently i m going to community college, and i m planning to go in a medical filed, but i do not want to go for doctor, or nursing or any of that sort. So i was wondering if i get my bachelors in Health Information Management, will i be able to find a job. And what is the work environment like?

Answer: Of course you will be able to find a job! Health Information Management is becoming a hot topic. If you want to find your job prospectus you should consider checking out online job boards. I recommend http://www.nursingemploymentfinder.com/. I have had many friends who work in the nursing field use this site to get connected with employers in their area. As far as the work environment goes, it really depends if the facility is using a paper or electronic filing system. So you will either be behind a computer or surrounded by filing cabinets or both. P.S. Your compensation will be well worth it.

Question: Is Health Information Technology a good program for college? I want to know if health information technology associates degree gives you more options for a job. What kind of jobs can you get with this degree?

Answer: There are many options you can go with an AS in HIT: First of all after achieving an associates degree, you will want to get the following credentials. There are more, but start off with these two. RHIT - Registered Health Information Technician CCS - Certified Coding Specialist One of them is Medical Coding which is the classificiation of diseases into numeric codes that are grouped together to determine reimbursement into a healthcare facility. In other words...certified medical coders determine how much money comes in. With experience one can be a consultant or even work from their home office. However I teach my students to work outside the box. Aside from medical coding and medical records management. One of the emerging trends is the electronic medical record. Companies are are looking for inidividuals who can help physician offices and healthcare facilities transition from "paper to paperless".

Question: Everywhere says health information careers pay really well but where do they get that from? Careers such as medical records clerk, medical billing/coding, registered health information technician/administrator..they suppose to pay really good and be in high demand but from what I have researched the pay ranges from 10-16 per hour. Is this what people are considering "good money" or do these types of jobs pay more?

Answer: These are excellent wages for the jobs you listed. Try www.salary.com. wages will differ depending on locations and experience. The careers you listed usually require an associate's degree. Hope this helps.

Question: Is this a bad time to get a degree in Health Care Information/Administration? I'm thinking of a degree in Health Information Technology, you know the person who encodes your medical records, corresponds with patients, doctors, health insurance companies. I didn't know if the upcoming changes Obama is planning will affect this job. In other words, am I going to find myself obsolete and laid-off or having to learn everything all over again?

Answer: I think it's a good idea whatever happens with Obama's plans. More and more doctors are doing away with paper files and will need older files updated into the data system. Administration is also a good bet, since the baby boomers will soon flood the existing nursing homes and require more to be built. However, since the majority of those will be Medicaid beds, don't expect a very high salary.

Question: What is the future benefit of a minor in Health Information Management? Im currently majoring in Health Administration and thinkin of also minoring in Health Information Managment what would be the benefit towards my career if I do this?

Answer: I work in the Health Information Management field. It would be beneficial to add as a minor because right now we are working with many different clients (doctors offices) who are switching from the old paper charts to electronic medical records. In the future many more hospitals and offices will be implementing the same types of systems that we offer. It is definitely the wave of the future. We also offer billing services to doctors. We help them manage their insurance claims, collections, etc. so they can focus on the actual practice of medicine. This is a really common thing within smaller practices (1-10 doctors) that can't afford to employ every type of employee that they need. If you are versed in information management you can offer solutions to your place of employment to cut overhead costs by outsourcing some of the more menial aspects of running a hospital or office.

Question: What kind of job can I get with a Health Information Technology degree? I am going to school for Health Information Technology and am just wondering what kind of jobs I can get when I graduate. It will be an associates degree. All of the descriptions that I get on the internet are very vague. Also if you know of anyone with this degree, do tell! Thank You

Answer: While I'm not sure about the CNA part, you are going to have to start entry level. There are all types of positions you can get, but make sure you get the certification for RHIT after you graduate. You can be a Patient Rep, Scheduler, Medical Secretary, Financial person. Normally you work your way into the coding and billing jobs.

Question: Is getting a degree in Health Information Technology a good choice? Well at first I wanted to do either medical assisting or pharmacy technician, but i've heard a lot of negative things about both. All 3 mentioned programs are available at my school and each is a associates degree when you graduate. Does anyone know if Health Information Technology is the best choice? Any help at all will be greatly apprecriated. Thanks in advance

Answer: Yes it is, Health information technology is a profession that is in demand, not as much as medical assistant but you'll find a good number of opening out there.Health information technology uses the tools of today's technology like internet,fax ect. to improve health services by keeping physicians aware of their clients needs..

Question: What is the federal law that governs PHI, Protected Health information? HELP! can someone please identify the federal law that governs Protected Health Information (PHI) and can you tell me the elements of compliance? In addition, can somenone please describe 2 detailed examples of improper disclosure and can you tell me about the challenges of maintaining strict confidentiality in a medical office setting?

Answer: HIPPA