Healthcare IT Fundamentals: EHR, HIPAA, & Interoperability

“This course contains the use of artificial intelligence.”

The healthcare industry is currently navigating a complex era of digital transformation, driven by evolving regulatory mandates and an urgent need for data interoperability. As healthcare organizations shift from volume-based to value-based care models, the reliance on robust Information Technology (IT) infrastructure has never been more critical. This course provides a comprehensive, enterprise-grade examination of the Health IT landscape, designed for professionals seeking to understand the intersection of clinical workflows, technical standards, and regulatory compliance.

This curriculum is structured to bridge the knowledge gap between administrative operations and technical implementation. We begin by tracing the foundational shift from fragmented paper records to integrated digital ecosystems, analyzing the legislative catalysts—specifically the HITECH Act and the 21st Century Cures Act—that have shaped modern adoption. Learners will gain a clear understanding of the regulatory environment, with a deep dive into HIPAA Privacy and Security Rules, ensuring that all data handling meets federal standards for protection and confidentiality.

Moving beyond theory, the course deconstructs the architecture of Electronic Health Records (EHR) and Electronic Medical Records (EMR). We examine the operational realities of clinical environments, detailing how data flows from patient registration and insurance verification to Computerized Provider Order Entry (CPOE) and discharge. A key focus is placed on Clinical Decision Support (CDS) systems, illustrating how automated alerts and logic-based safeguards actively reduce medication errors and improve patient safety outcomes.

In the latter modules, the focus shifts to connectivity and the technical standards that facilitate communication between disparate systems. Participants will navigate the taxonomy of health data, including ICD-10 and SNOMED CT coding, while exploring data transport standards such as HL7 v2 and the modern FHIR (Fast Healthcare Interoperability Resources) protocols. We also address the critical domain of cybersecurity, identifying high-priority threats like ransomware and social engineering, and outlining the defense-in-depth strategies required to protect sensitive Personal Health Information (PHI).

By the conclusion of this course, professionals will possess a holistic view of the Health IT ecosystem, equipped with the vocabulary and strategic insight necessary to function effectively within hospitals, technology vendors, or public health organizations. This training is current for the 2024–2025 landscape, reflecting the latest industry shifts toward interoperability and patient-centric data access.