Health care IT managers specialize in health care information technology.
Health care information technology managers oversee the administration of health care information systems. These IT specialists usually have several years of experience in information technology management, some of which may be in the specialized field of health care information. The health care IT manager may work in an individual setting such as a hospital or within a larger regional health care system, engaged in regular travel to perform his job.
Training and Support
A quick perusal of several Internet job postings for health care managers in the IT sector reveals that most positions in this field require similar duties. Duties of the health care IT manager revolve around providing support to physicians and those working in physician offices who utilize the health care information system. IT managers may be responsible for implementing training and support programs to keep physicians and their staffs abreast of any significant changes to the IT system and its utilization.
Problem-Solving Duties
As the chief liaison between the IT department and the health care offices that utilize the information system, the health care IT manager also serves as a support agent. The manager responds to inquiries coming from the health care office that are of a technical nature. Inquiries may be general questions or requests for technical assistance to solve a problem. In some cases, IT managers may delegate responsibility to other IT professionals who address the problems on their behalf. IT managers also maintain information systems at optimal levels in order to minimize the need to provide troubleshooting services.
Network Architecture Duties
Information technology professionals, especially managers, must remain aware of significant technological developments in the field that may impact the quality and types of technologies used. In instances where technology must be upgraded in order to keep up with the changing face of technology, health care IT managers move beyond their traditional roles of network and database administrators to take on the role of network architects. Network architects analyze, suggest and implement computer network and information system technologies in various settings. In the health care information sector, health care IT managers oversee the replacement of outdated technology. This may require them to implement both hardware and software solutions on a regular basis. They must also take responsibility for any security-related issues and address any security problems to protect the confidentiality of health care records.
Tags: health care, care information, care managers, health care information, care manager, health care manager