A Career in Health Information Management

As the medical industry continues to grow and technology advances, healthcare professionals are turning to new, innovative methods to manage and improve their services. Health information management is the practice of maintaining hospital records, from patient health records to administration function records. Here’s a look at the health information management profession and the educational route to take to get there.

What is a health information manager?

Health information managers secure, analyze, and maintain medical records and information with a view to providing quality patient care. They work in accordance with other healthcare professionals, such as doctors, nurses, and information technicians, to ensure that the records are accurate and easily accessible when required.

Having organized medical and administrative records enables healthcare professionals to be prompt in identifying health problems, allocating resources in a way that is most beneficial to a patient. It also helps organizations set the right priorities, identify problems within the system, and work out solutions.

Where do health information managers work?

Health information managers are trained in computerized medical administration applications and have an understanding of the workflow of a healthcare facility. Health information managers can find employment in:

· Public and private hospitals and nursing homes

· Private physician practices

· Nursing care facilities

· Home health care services

What are the educational requirements to enter the health information management field?

In order to enter the health information management field a student must at least have a bachelor’s degree in a healthcare field. This degree prepares students for jobs such as medical and health services managers, coding data coordinators, health information technologists, clinical information systems technologists, inpatient/outpatient coders, and many more.

In order to gain advancement in the profession, a student can always opt for a master’s degree in healthcare administration, business administration, public health, health services etc. Many accredited colleges like Stevens-Henager College provide their students with the option of pursuing their degree online, making it all the more convenient for students with other responsibilities. Review websites shed light upon Stevens-Henager accreditation, student services, financial aid assistance programs, and more.

Though courses may vary with the program, nearly all related bachelor’s degrees cover subjects such as:

· Accounting

· Healthcare information systems

· Medical coding

· Epidemiology

· Human resources management

· Medical terminology, law, and ethics

What is the employment outlook and salary of health information managers?

A degree in health information management offers diverse working opportunities in a variety of healthcare settings. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the employment opportunities for health services managers are expected to increase by 22 percent between 2010 and 2020. Medical and health services managers can earn salaries anywhere between $51,280 and $144,880, depending on position, location, education, and experience, making it an appealing career option for many.

Health information management is a good career path for someone who would like to work in the healthcare industry without having direct contact with patients and who also has an aptitude for management, law, and information technology.