Clinical Information Specialist

Clinical Information Specialists (CISs) serve as an active, valuable member of the healthcare team, providing real-time charting for physicians by shadowing them throughout their shifts and performing a variety of helpful tasks that improve workflow, patient care, and satisfaction. CISs minimize the healthcare provider's clerical functions while maximizing his/her clinical role, all while gaining hands-on experience that develops an in-depth understanding of the medical environment, terminology, and fundamentals of medical providers. Training and working as a CIS will help you gain rare clinical experiences that will help you grow as a person and as a professional.

For aspiring physicians, physician assistants, nurses, and healthcare professionals, serving as a CIS provides valuable experiences. While nothing can completely prepare you for the rigors of medical school, CISs gain perspective into day-to-day operations, learn medical terminology, and experience the challenges and rewards they can expect in their future careers. Set yourself apart from the rest of the graduate school applicants and become a highly trained, skilled, CIS.

For others, being a CIS can provide an opportunity to make a positive contribution in the lives of both patients and healthcare providers while creating a career path with advancement opportunities in clinical information management, both with CIMS and in the medical field at large.

A Clinical Information Specialist:

  • Follows a physician through the clinical shift, charting patient encounters in real time using Electronic Health Record software, and other templates.
  • Provides assistance with the clerical activities of doctors and mid-level providers.
  • Is under the direct oversight of the physician. The physician will review and approve actions to be taken at key junctures during patient care.
  • May gather laboratory results, radiology reports, medical records, and other data for review by the physician.
  • May independently obtain past medical history, review of systems, social, and family history.
  • Gathers data for all medical encounters.
  • Prepares discharge paperwork and/or prescriptions.
  • Serves as a customer service liaison.
  • Prepares plans for follow-up care.