Today’s healthcare system faces significant challenges, including rising costs, compliance concerns, and data privacy issues. However, it also offers promising opportunities, largely driven by technological advancements. Many professionals seek to reduce expenses and improve patient care by leveraging these technologies, but sometimes, this very effort can lead to new complications.
Therein lies the value of health information management, which ensures that a growing volume of health data is used responsibly. This is a complex, but important field, holding huge implications for the future use of technology in the healthcare sector.
Because it involves such a unique blend of information technology, data analytics, and business management, the growing field of health information management increasingly calls for a highly targeted skill set, including competencies that many otherwise valuable degree programs may fail to touch on.
Yes, degrees in healthcare administration and health services management can be useful in certain contexts, but these days, tech-driven healthcare professionals look to a more targeted program for guidance, which is health information management degrees.
Not sure if you’re the ideal fit for the field health information management (HIM) or for pursuing an HIM degree? Below, we will uncover the most promising opportunities in this rapidly growing niche, revealing what is health information management and what can you do with a health information management degree?
What Is Health Information Management?
Understanding health information management begins with recognizing all that health information encompasses in the modern healthcare sector. This involves a wealth of data, largely centered around patients’ medical history, including everything from lab results to diagnoses, procedures, and even outcomes. Health information shapes modern healthcare, allowing clinical professionals to draw on extensive information as they assess patients and develop treatment plans.
The only problem? Poorly organized information can bring dramatic inefficiency to the healthcare sector, even if it is meant to streamline medical decision-making. Therein lies the need for health information management, which brings a structured approach to collecting and making sense of a growing volume of healthcare data.
Blending business, healthcare, and information technology, health information management (HIM) The American Health Information Management Association (AHIMA) defines this as the “practice of acquiring, analyzing, and protecting digital and traditional medical information vital to providing quality patient care.”
Key Areas of HIM:
The field of health information management is broad, encompassing many administrative complications along with the systems and solutions designed to gather, organize, and store clinical or billing data.
- Medical Records Management. Detailed patient records ensure that healthcare professionals maintain easy access to critical information regarding diagnosis and treatment plans. Effective management of these records should encompass secure solutions for storing and organizing patient information.
- Medical Coding and Billing. Without accurate coding, it would be difficult to secure necessary payments for services rendered, including reimbursements from insurance providers. Coding facilitates streamlined payment processes by forming a universal language to convey diagnoses and other medical information.
- Health Data Security and Privacy. While electronic records can improve clinical professionals’ access to crucial information, this can also present considerable security and privacy concerns. Healthcare data systems must protect patients’ information. Compliance with the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) is essential but should be supplemented by strong cybersecurity measures to limit the potential for breaches.
- Data Analysis and Health Informatics. The rapidly growing field of informatics makes it possible to secure actionable insights based on an abundance of patient data. Advanced algorithms can be used to reveal key trends and support strategic decision-making. This could have huge implications for everything from medical facilities management to patient care.
- Compliance and Regulatory Management. HIPAA represents just one of many regulatory frameworks by which today’s healthcare providers must abide. As they leverage health information, providers must also meet stringent requirements established in the Affordable Care Act (ACA) and other relevant regulations.
- Electronic Health Records (EHR) Management. Providing a convenient electronic format for storing essential patient information, EHRs form the cornerstone of modern health information management. Well-developed EHR systems can boost care coordination by streamlining digital access, but previously mentioned concerns such as cybersecurity and HIPAA compliance must remain top of mind.
- Clinical Documentation Improvement (CDI). Defined by the American Academy of Professional Coders (AAPC) as the “process of reviewing medical record documentation for completeness and accuracy,” clinical documentation improvement can bridge the gap between documentation and coding, ensuring that coding professionals are equipped with the right information. AAPC adds that this typically involves “entries made by a provider or clinical staff member who is responsible for the patient’s care.”
- Health Information Technology (HIT). Providing reliable tools and systems for processing, storing, and exchanging health information, HIT involves the purpose-driven development and optimization of healthcare-specific information systems, which are, as TechTarget explains, increasingly “automated and interoperable.” The EHR may serve as the central component of HIT’s expanding infrastructure, but picture archiving and communication systems are also impactful, as these
- Revenue Cycle Management. Revenue cycle management, starting with patient registration and continuing through insurance verification, billing, and payment collection, ensures timely payments for healthcare services. This process supports the financial health of both providers and the industry.
- Patient Data Accessibility and Exchange. Patients should be able to access their own health information, typically via patient portals or applications. This allows patients to take a more active and engaged role in their own care. Meanwhile, health information exchanges (HIEs) facilitate sharing across multiple providers to ensure consistent access to accurate patient information.
What Is a Health Information Management Degree?
Many degree programs cover EHRs, informatics, and health information, but aspiring HIM professionals now need career-focused programs. These should primarily emphasize the intersection of business management and IT within the healthcare sector.
However, because so many healthcare-oriented degree programs reference topics relevant to HIM, potential students may wonder, what is a health information management degree? This program aims to prepare students for successful HIM careers, integrating a range of career-centric concepts to drive a holistic understanding of how health information technologies and systems function within the modern healthcare sector. This program also prepares students to pass the Registered Health Information Administrator (RHIA) exam.
Key Components of a Health Information Management Degree
HIM degree programs cover a wide range of concepts, including many of the career-driven concerns highlighted above. Ideally, graduates will come away with a comprehensive understanding, including detailed knowledge in these core areas:
- Healthcare Knowledge. A basic understanding of the modern healthcare system can go a long way toward shaping the effective use of technology within that system. Hence, the importance of exploring healthcare policies and operations, including an overview of the various factors that influence healthcare delivery and patient experiences.
- Health Data Management. Through HIM coursework, students learn how to collect and organize health records and discover the nuances of health information exchanges. Informatics classes and other targeted HIM courses highlight systems and mechanisms used to enhance access to health data without compromising patient privacy. These courses also highlight emerging trends in data management.
- Medical Coding and Classification Systems. A thorough understanding of coding can help HIM professionals live up to high standards regarding data quality and integrity. This can also influence the efficacy of overarching healthcare IT systems, so coding knowledge can help HIM leaders navigate and optimize these solutions. Coding essentials include the International Classification of Diseases ICD-10-Procedure Coding System, the Current Procedural Terminology (CPT), and the Healthcare Common Procedure Coding System Level II — all of which are explored in-depth through dedicated coding coursework.
- Health Information Technology (HIT). HIM professionals need to understand how information systems are designed and implemented within the modern healthcare industry. In addition to covering crucial technologies such as EHRs and health information exchange platforms, HIM programs explore cutting-edge technologies and encourage students to gain confidence in navigating these through experiential learning and real-world application.
- Data Analytics and Decision Support. Data-driven strategies have a powerful role to play in shaping healthcare delivery and even revenue cycle management. Digital literacy and strategic decision-making are clear priorities across numerous HIM courses and capstone experiences.
- Leadership and Management Training. HIM leaders build and maintain diverse teams that draw on expertise in coding, clinical documentation, informatics, and compliance. Leadership acumen can help these high-level professionals drive organizational change while fostering collaboration. Leadership-focused coursework reveals how future HIM professionals can optimize recruitment, hiring, and performance management while leading productive and harmonious teams.
Why Choose a Degree in Health Information Management?
Now that you understand what a health information management degree involves, you may be wondering, is a degree in health information management worth it? Depending on your interests and career goals, the answer could be a definitive yes. This degree isn’t ideal in every situation, but it has a lot to offer:
High Demand for HIM Professionals
As health information continues to grow, there is a strong need for managers who can handle the complexities of health IT. They must also ensure smooth coordination, address compliance concerns, manage risks, and tackle issues that advanced technologies may intensify.
Experts at AHIMA point to growing demand in all areas of this profession, with the Texas Health Information and Management Association (TxHIMA) adding that this represents “one of the fastest growing occupations in one of the fastest growing industries.”
Diverse Career Opportunities
While HIM may seem like a highly targeted field, the skills identified above are relevant across a surprisingly broad range of career fields. As AHIMA reveals, HIM professionals can find work with “healthcare organizations, academic institutions, consulting agencies, government agencies, and healthcare software companies.” Because they possess such a wide array of transferable skills, those with HIM-focused training can also find work in aligned fields such as revenue cycle management or healthcare administration.
Blend of Healthcare, Business, and Technology
Many aspiring healthcare professionals feel compelled to make their mark in a crucial sector but are also intrigued by cutting-edge technologies. HIM promotes the purpose-driven integration of multiple areas of interest, revealing the innovative possibilities that can emerge when technological solutions and business practices are strategically applied within the fast-paced healthcare environment.
Impact on Patient Care and Healthcare Operations
HIM has a huge impact on the healthcare industry. AHIMA explains that HIM professionals form a crucial link “between clinicians, administrators, technology designers, operations, and information technology professionals.” Implications could include considerable cost savings and stronger data privacy. Beyond this, HIM professionals can take pride in knowing that they contribute to positive patient outcomes by equipping clinical workers with the accurate and timely information they require.
Opportunities for Career Advancement
In addition to the numerous specializations highlighted above, the field of HIM provides ample opportunities to climb the career ladder and move into leadership or executive roles. Upon acquiring experience as health information managers, professionals may pursue higher-level roles such as director of health information technology. Meanwhile, consulting opportunities grant HIM professionals greater autonomy and flexibility, which many find appealing.
Flexibility and Remote Work Options
While many healthcare career paths require professionals to be physically present, this is not always the case in healthcare information management. Many HIM-related tasks and responsibilities can be carried out on a remote basis. Flexible hours may also be available, making it easier for HIM professionals to achieve work-life balance. Consultants, in particular, enjoy strong flexibility and work-life balance, although this can also be achieved in many traditional 9-to-5 roles.
What Can You Do with a Health Information Management Degree?
As you explore emerging opportunities in HIM, be mindful of this field’s most relevant roles and how they align with your unique skills and interests. Once you secure your HIM degree, you should be prepared to take on these exciting opportunities.
- Health Information Manager. As one of the most commonly pursued roles among HIM graduates, health information manager positions involve the coordination and oversight of health information systems. This includes a strong emphasis on maintaining the accuracy and security of patient records.
- Medical Records and Health Information Technician. Often focused on the technical nuances of health data management, technicians should possess a thorough understanding of medical terminology and coding systems. This entry-level role can help aspiring health information managers break into the field and acquire valuable experience.
- Medical Coder. Translating various healthcare diagnoses and procedures into standardized codes, medical coders analyze clinical documentation and assign codes accordingly. Their work facilitates accurate billing and insurance claims processing.
- Compliance Officer. Committed to upholding compliance with regulatory standards such as HIPAA, compliance officers develop compliance-oriented policies and also audit health information processes or strategies to pinpoint and address potential compliance concerns.
- Health Data Analyst. Collecting and interpreting data for decision-making purposes, health data analysts can transform a huge volume of information into meaningful insights that have a discernible impact on patient outcomes.
- Clinical Documentation Improvement Specialist (CDIS). Working closely with clinical professionals such as physicians and nurses, CDI specialists guide documentation practices to ensure that patient details are captured accurately. This role also involves detail-oriented evaluations of clinical documentation to spot discrepancies or reveal opportunities for improvement.
- Health Information Technology Specialist. Revealing how health information systems can be used to boost healthcare delivery, HIT specialists help implement user-friendly EHR systems while promoting interoperability and compliance. They may also be involved in data analysis, with the goal of extracting insights to support IT-related decision-making.
Start Your HIM Degree at Baker College
Do you feel driven to make a difference in the healthcare field? Baker College offers the unique opportunity to earn a Bachelor of Science in Health Information Management. This program could prepare you for a bright future in a promising field that integrates business savvy and cutting-edge technology while driving change in the healthcare system. Reach out today to learn more.