Medical Data Processing Technology

Major: Medical Data Processing Technology

Overview: The Medical Data Processing Technology program is designed to train students in managing, analyzing, and securing medical data within healthcare systems. This major focuses on health informatics, electronic health records (EHR), medical coding, and data privacy regulations. Graduates are prepared for careers in hospitals, clinics, health IT companies, and insurance firms, where they play a critical role in ensuring accurate and secure handling of medical information.

Key Learning Objectives:

• Understand the fundamentals of medical data management and health informatics.
• Develop skills in electronic health records (EHR) systems and medical coding (e.g., ICD-10, CPT).
• Learn techniques for data analysis, reporting, and ensuring compliance with healthcare regulations (e.g., HIPAA, GDPR, Turkish Personal Data Protection Law - KVKK).
• Explore principles of data security, privacy, and ethical considerations in healthcare.
• Analyze and improve healthcare workflows using data processing technologies.
• Develop critical thinking, problem-solving, and technical skills for effective medical data management.

Core Courses:

1. Introduction to Health Informatics

   • Overview of health informatics, EHR systems, and the role of technology in healthcare.

2. Medical Terminology and Coding

   • Study of medical terminology, ICD-10, CPT coding, and billing processes.

3. Electronic Health Records (EHR) Management

   • Techniques for managing EHR systems, data entry, and retrieval.

4. Healthcare Data Privacy and Security

   • Principles of data security, compliance with HIPAA/GDPR/KVKK, and ethical handling of patient information.

5. Medical Data Analysis and Reporting

   • Techniques for analyzing healthcare data, generating reports, and supporting decision-making.

6. Healthcare IT Systems

   • Overview of healthcare IT infrastructure, software applications, and integration of systems.

7. Medical Billing and Insurance Processing

   • Principles of medical billing, insurance claims, and revenue cycle management.

8. Data Quality and Integrity in Healthcare

   • Techniques for ensuring accuracy, consistency, and reliability of medical data.

9. Internship/Practicum

   • Hands-on experience in hospitals, clinics, or health IT companies.

10. Capstone Project in Medical Data Processing

    • Comprehensive project applying skills in EHR management, medical coding, or healthcare data analysis.

Assessment Methods:

• Practical exams on medical coding and EHR management.
• Case studies on healthcare data privacy and security.
• Projects on medical data analysis and reporting.
• Internship evaluations and reports.
• Capstone projects on improving healthcare workflows or data management systems.

Recommended Resources:

• "Health Informatics: Practical Guide for Healthcare and Information Technology Professionals" by Robert E. Hoyt and Ann Yoshihashi.
• "Medical Coding Training: ICD-10-CM" by the American Academy of Professional Coders (AAPC).
• Guidelines from World Health Organization (WHO), Turkish Ministry of Health, and Healthcare Information and Management Systems Society (HIMSS).
• HIPAA/GDPR/KVKK compliance resources for healthcare data protection.

Prerequisites:

• Basic knowledge of IT, healthcare, or data management.
• Interest in health informatics, data processing, and healthcare technology.

Duration:

• Typically 1–2 years for a certificate or associate degree.
• 4 years for a bachelor’s degree in Health Informatics or related fields.

Certifications:

Graduates can pursue certifications such as:

• Certified Professional Coder (CPC) from AAPC.
• Certified Electronic Health Records Specialist (CEHRS).
• Certified Healthcare Technology Specialist (CHTS).

Career Paths:

1. Medical Records Technician:

   • Manage and organize patient records in hospitals or clinics.

2. Health Information Technician:

   • Ensure the accuracy and security of medical data in healthcare facilities.

3. Medical Coder:

   • Translate medical diagnoses and procedures into codes for billing and insurance purposes.

4. EHR Specialist:

   • Implement and manage electronic health record systems.

5. Health Data Analyst:

   • Analyze healthcare data to improve patient care and operational efficiency.

6. Medical Billing Specialist:

   • Process insurance claims and manage billing cycles in healthcare settings.

7. Health IT Consultant:

   • Advise healthcare organizations on data management systems and compliance.

8. Clinical Data Coordinator:

   • Support clinical trials and research projects by managing data collection and analysis.

Why This Major?

• Growing Demand: Increasing adoption of EHR systems and digital health records creates a high demand for skilled professionals.
• Critical Role: Play a key part in ensuring accurate, secure, and efficient handling of medical data.
• Tech-Driven Career: Combine healthcare knowledge with IT skills in a rapidly evolving field.
• Diverse Opportunities: Careers in hospitals, clinics, insurance companies, government agencies, and health IT firms.