If you are the type of person who loves playing with numbers on Excel and finding ways to save money, then you will love a career as a medical data analyst. A medical data analyst is responsible for keeping track of trends in billing for patients. You will have the opportunity to create your own reports that analyze cost evaluation and the efficiency of your office.
Recommended Online Medical Data Analyst Degree Programs
- BA in Health Informatics from Ashford University
- BS in Health Studies – Health Informatics – Walden University
- B.S. Health Informatics – Western Governor’s University
Basic information about being a medical data analyst
The information that you provide to your supervisor will help a medical office to run at its full potential. A supervisor may even implement changes in the office space due to the information that you provide to him or her. Maybe you have always wanted to have this type of role in a medical office and have asked, “How do I become a medical data analyst?” You can find comfort in knowing that becoming a medical data analyst does not require years of experience or education.
What’s it like to be a medical data analyst?
One of your main tasks as a medical data analyst will be to compile patient reports. You will need to gather patient data and analyze it to determine the effectiveness of your office’s treatment. You may also need to compile data to send off to insurance companies. More advanced medical data analysts may have the responsibility of monitoring trends in patients who have a particular illness. They may need to compare all of the treatment options that are available for patients with a particular illness.
One of your most important tasks is figuring out ways that your medical office can cut costs. You will need to figure out ways to save your office money in the treatments that it offers to patients. A doctor may want you to research different ways of obtaining a medication. You may also research insurance plans to find out which ones your office will be able to accept in the future.
Education Requirements
If you want to become a medical data analyst, then you will need to obtain an associate’s degree or bachelor’s degree. The requirements that you need to complete will vary. Larger medical offices may have reduced educational requirements for individuals applying for medical data analyst positions. A small medical office may need to delegate more important responsibilities to a medical data analyst, and it may require that individuals possess a four-year degree. The courses that you complete should have a focus on statistical analysis and math. It is also important to have a science background and an ability to understand all of the medical terms that are used in reports. If you want to increase your earning power, then you may wish to complete a master’s degree. Completing a master’s degree will also give you the ability to take on a role as a manager within a medical office.
Salary & How to Get a Job
The average salary of a medical data analyst is about $46,000 a year. A medical data analyst usually works on a full-time basis. If you want to find a job as a medical data analyst, then you can submit your information to medical placement companies. You can also apply for positions on your own with health care entities. You may be able to find a position working for a private practice too.
Being a medical data analyst is a fun career for people who enjoy working with numbers and seeing how those figures relate to real life issues. Your spreadsheets can have an impact on the way that a medical office serves its patients in the future. You may also help a medical practice cut down on its costs.
Sources:
1. http://education-portal.com/articles/Job_Description_of_a_Medical_Data_Analyst.html
2. http://www.bls.gov/ooh/healthcare/medical-and-clinical-laboratory-technologists-and-technicians.htm