Medical Information Specialist Job Description (With Skills)

Updated 10 April 2023

Medical information specialists, also known as health information specialists, manage, and organise medical records and support healthcare providers. Pharmaceutical companies often need them to provide timely and accurate responses to enquiries about their products. If you take an interest in the role of a health information specialist, understanding their roles, and responsibilities can help you learn if it aligns with your interests, abilities and career goals. In this article, we discuss, what a medical information specialist is, list their responsibilities and skills, share their educational requirements, provide a sample job description and answer some frequently asked questions.

Please note that none of the companies, institutions or organisations mentioned in this article are associated with Indeed.

What Is A Medical Information Specialist?

A medical information specialist communicates with the public to provide them with accurate and non-promotional data. They provide information related to products or compliance through reference checks from confidential company data and published literature. They are also responsible for communicating accurate medical, and scientific information on off-label usage, safety information and product administration.

Responsibilities Of A Health Information Specialist

Here are some responsibilities of a health information specialist:

Maintain medical records

Health information specialists use electronic health record (EHR) systems to gather and maintain medical records. These records can include a patient's history, lab results, X-rays, clinical information, and observations. They also collect, and review medical literature to provide current and accurate information. This helps them maintain a thorough understanding of pharmaceutical products and treatment options.

Provide education and training to patients

Health information specialists respond to any medical queries from patients, and communicate complex information in a clear and concise manner. This includes explaining procedures, assisting patients with filling out forms and answering their questions. They may also educate patients on health literacy and adult general health. They communicate with patients through secure messaging systems or telehealth platforms to answer questions and provide guidance on managing their health.

Collaborate with healthcare experts

Collaboration is essential in healthcare to streamline and share data across multiple platforms. Health information specialists collaborate with healthcare experts such as physicians, medical and IT staff and clinicians, to develop educational materials and presentations. This helps them support clinical trials, and research studies, conduct literature studies and achieve the collective goal of providing quality care.

Educational Qualifications

Health information specialists generally require a bachelor's degree in health care administration, business, computer information systems or a relevant field. They can also pursue a Master of Science (MSc) in health information management, which covers topics such as health informatics, hospital administration and medical transcription. This helps them get familiar with the usage of medical terminology, and understand the challenges in healthcare and information technology (IT).

Skills Of A Medical Information Specialist

Here are some skills required for this role:

Familiarity with medical terminology

Medical terminology helps describe medical conditions, procedures, treatments and anatomical structures in the medical field. A strong understanding of medical terminology allows health information specialists to communicate with other medical experts to describe medical conditions, procedures and treatments. This helps ensure that patients have a clear understanding of their medical information, which is important for their involvement in the diagnostic and treatment process.

Computer literacy

Proficiency in using computers and information systems helps health information specialists manage patient data, perform data entry and apply data and evidence into practice. Computer literacy creates a reliable, and efficient background for their daily activities, such as accessing patient records, performing clerical duties and making reports. It also helps them work with medical information systems, electronic health records and telecare solutions.

Communication

Health information specialists often communicate with individuals in the pharmaceutical, and healthcare sectors to gather and provide medical information. Having good communication skills can help them incorporate various communication methods like teach-back and shared decision-making to help people make informed health-related decisions. This helps them understand and access health information while incorporating medical ethics into deploying patient data.

Integrity

Health information specialists facilitate the communication, and translation of regulatory and IT requirements between departments. This is important to ensure the integration, accessibility, accuracy, and confidentiality of patient health information, such as medical history, treatments and test results. It also helps them maintain high levels of professionalism and ethical standards.

Analytical thinking

Strong analytical skills are essential for health information specialists to interpret medical documentation, assess diagnoses and code patient information into medical records. It helps them analyse complex data and use it to improve patient care. Strong analytical skills also enable them to identify data trends and make conclusions based on the data.

Medical Information Specialist Job Description

Here is an example of a job description that contains job responsibilities and the requisite qualifications of a candidate applying for the position:

We are growing rapidly and are looking for suitable candidates for the following position with MKL Clinics. We appreciate you taking the time to review the job posting and apply for the position. You may still apply for the position even if you do not meet all the qualifications.

Position: Medical Information Specialist

Job Location: Delhi

Desired Profile:

Have a good understanding of medical terminologies
2-3 years of experience with electronic health record systems
Ability to work well both independently and as part of a team, within and across culturally and geographically diverse environments

Your duties may include the following:

Respond accurately and professionally to medical information enquiries received via phone, email or chat regarding pharmaceutical or device products
Ensure the medical accuracy of advertising, scientific and promotional materials of the company
Maintain medical information documents by ensuring that responses are medically, and scientifically accurate and meet customer's needs
Maintain a thorough knowledge of corporate policies, and procedures including client products, protocols and applicable regulatory requirements
Evaluate medical literature and information in various formats
Provide medical review for promotional and other medical affairs
Assist in supporting product launches

Required skills and qualifications

Bachelor's degree in medical science or related field
2-4 years of experience working in a hospital or other healthcare settings
Familiarity with medical terminology and coding
Excellent written and verbal communication skills
Proficiency in computer and software applications
Good interpersonal skills
Ability to multitask and prioritise tasks in a fast-paced environment

Please share your updated resume with hiring@mklclinics.com

Thanks

Hiring manager, MKL Clinics

Frequently Asked Questions About Medical Information

Here are some frequently asked questions about medical information you can expect:

Who are the typical employers of health information specialists?

Healthcare organisations, government agencies, pharmaceutical companies, healthcare software companies and consulting agencies often employ health information specialists. They may work in other healthcare settings, including inpatient long-term care facilities, physician offices and outpatient clinics. Researching a specific company or agency can help understand the job requirements and skills required.

What is the work environment?

Health information specialists usually work in the healthcare and medical fields. They often work in collaborative environments that involve working closely with physicians, nurses, pharmacists and other healthcare experts. They may work with research, and development (R&D) teams and clinical operations.

What are the most important qualities for success in the medical information field?

Success in the medical information field requires a combination of technical, and soft skills, such as the knowledge of health information management, medical billing and coding, effective communication and writing skills and analytical skills. Strong attention to detail is important when coding medical records and sharing patient information with other providers. Specialists also require adapting to changing situations, such as new regulations or emerging medical trends.