The work of health information management merges different fields and skill sets, including administration, health, IT, and data analysis. Basically, a health information manager works almost exclusively with data. They protect and handle patient data of all kinds, including diagnoses, symptoms, test results, medical histories, and procedures.
The health information manager, HIM, ensures that the information is accurate, accessible, secure, and of high quality. This position is particularly vital in health institutions with a mix of traditional and digital records.
It is a kind of career which is well suited to those with technical talents and organizational skills. Health information management professionals plan information systems, develop health policy, and identify current and future information needs.
In addition, they may apply the science of informatics to the collection, storage, analysis, use, and transmission of information to meet legal, professional, ethical and administrative records-keeping requirements of health care delivery.
The Work of Health Information Management
Just as their work is about the practice of analyzing and protecting digital and traditional medical information vital to providing quality patient care, we will be dissecting originally and particularly the work of health information management.
Undoubtedly, with the widespread computerization of health records, traditional (paper-based) records are being replaced with electronic health records (EHRs). The tools of health informatics and health information technology are continually improving to bring greater efficiency to information management in the health care sector.
Below are some of the work of health information management. At least these are common to the position:
Medical Records Technician
Also known as medical coders, health information specialists, and healthcare data analysts, these professionals are tasked with ensuring the correct recording and cataloging of patient health information. They verify records for accuracy and provide secure storage.
They also perform regular analysis of database information to find better cost structures and patient care methods. If you have strong organizational skills and pay close attention to detail, this job might be for you.
Compliance Officer
The compliance officer ensures that the health information department plays by the rules. Compliance officers regularly advise middle and upper-level leadership on whether the health information department follows the rules and guidelines set out by the American Health Information Management Association and federal and state laws governing the security and privacy of health records. They perform frequent audits of the health systems and processes used in the facility.
Patient Information Coordinator
Patient information coordinators play the role of educators. These professionals help patients through the process of submitting and managing their health information. Also, they help patients understand what options they have for insurance and providers.
Read Also: Differences and Similarities Between Environment Health Sanitarian
Patient coordinators need to be great communicators to thrive in their jobs, and they need in-depth knowledge of both IT and medicine.
Medical and Health Services Manager
Medical and health services managers are in charge of the day-to-day running of a health institution’s information or records department. They plan, coordinate, and direct record-keeping operations. This job title is more common in larger health facilities, where the health information systems are complex enough to need a dedicated department.
Director
This is an upper-management role, which you can rise to after getting experience in a lower position. HIM directors are in charge of the entire department, including operations and personnel. While the manager runs daily operations, the HIM director regularly collaborates with executives to work out the health information department’s long-term strategies and goals.
Consultant
An HIM consultant is a type of management consultant. They help health companies solve their health problems. They may also advise the company on which medical records management processes and systems to implement.
