Health information technology services and 3 Gen Consulting operations

for-Profit Business/Consulting

Health Information Technology (HIT) is a term that is used to refer to comprehensive management and control of health information throughout computerized systems and its safe exchange between various stakeholders in the health care system. Health Information Technology has emerged as the most significant and promising technique for enhancing the safety, quality, and efficiency of the delivery of health care services. HIT is viewed as a tool that will enhance the quality and effectiveness of health care, enhance productivity and efficiency in this industry, lessen health care costs and errors, expand access to affordable care services, and lessen paperwork. As a result, Health Information Technology is increasingly applied in various segments in the health care industry including for-profit consulting business that deals with various HIT functions like coding and billing consultants.

Gen Consulting

An example of a for-profit consulting business that deals with the HIT (Health Information Technology) functions like coding and billing consultants, security/HIPAA consultants, and health record off-site storage centers in 3 Gen Consulting. 3 Gen Consulting was initiated in 2006 as a healthcare consulting company that seeks to be global in its presence and impact as an outsourcing partner in the health care industry (3Gen Consulting, 2014). The firm recently became a full-service Medical Billing and Coding company that seeks to provide its clients with comprehensive and individualized patient accounting services and cost-effective claims billing. This initiative was fueled by clients' demands for more services and as an ordinary expansion of the company's services.

Gen Consulting is a full-service Medical Billing and Coding firm following its recognition of the difficulties associated with navigating the health care system, the time consuming process of collecting payments, and the increased costs in running an office. Despite the significance of these aspects of running a health care practice, physicians and health care organizations are usually distracted to an extent that they don't give patients the required attention. The firm also recognizes the ever-changing nature of the health care industry that requires physicians to remain competitive and in business through efficient management of health practices. As a healthcare billing service, 3 Gen Consulting helps to improve the efficiency and competitiveness of physicians through dealing with HIT functions related to claims, billing and coding, patient billing and follow-up, and management of authorization.

Necessary Education and Experience

In order to work in this setting i.e. coding and consulting setting, HIT professionals are required to meet the academic requirements and experience related to Health Information Technology. Given the nature of their work, HIT professionals must obtain a minimum of an associate's degree in Health Information Technology though advancement in this field requires a bachelor, master or doctoral degree (Education Portal, n.d.). Notably, these professionals must undertake courses in health care management and medical terminology, pathophysiology, and medical information systems. In addition to the educational requirements, these professionals must be competent in computer and information systems as well have strong skills in coding and data analysis and research. Moreover, the professionals should have experience in health information management in order to work in this setting.

Responsibilities and Regulation of HIT Industry

The Office of the National Coordinator is mandated with the responsibility of regulating the Health Information Technology industry. This industry is regulated by the Health Information Technology for Economic and Clinical Health Act (HITECH Act). This legislation is basis for the establishment of the Office of the National Coordinator, which is the regulatory body in the Health Information Technology industry. The Affordable Care, Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act, and the FDA Safety and Innovation Act are other legislation related to the work of this regulatory body. The regulatory body works with the Department of Health and Human Services in the United States to enhance quality, safety, and efficiency of health care through promoting health IT and secure electronic health information exchange ("Health IT Legislation and Regulations," 2014).

Risks and Legal Issues Related to Working in this Setting

Even though Health Information Technology is considered as one of the major elements in streamlining the process of delivery of quality and affordable healthcare, working in this setting is associated with some risks and legal issues. These risks and legal issues originate from the legal, ethical, and professional issues associated with health information security. Some of the major risks in working in this setting is the risk of loss privacy of health information, probable compromise of health information security, and potential failure of the computerized systems to achieve their respective goals and objectives. These risks contribute to legal issues based on regulations of Health Information Technology. HIT professionals are likely to experience legal issues associated with privacy and security of health information given their legal, moral, and ethical responsibility to safeguard all clinical and research information.

Conclusion

Health Information Technology is viewed as one of major processes in aligning the process of offering healthcare to enhance quality and lessen costs. This has contributed to its application in various settings in the health care field including coding and billing setting. 3 Gen Consulting is an example of a for-profit coding and billing consulting firm that applies Health Information Technology. While HIT professionals have various roles in such settings, they must have certain academic requirements and skills and deal with risks and legal issues in their work.