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Health information management (HIM) involves the collection, analysis, storage, and protection of patient health information. It’s a multidisciplinary field that integrates health information technology, business savvy, and clinical knowledge. The growing reliance on electronic health records (EHR) has led to a high demand for health information professionals who can maintain data accuracy, security, and accessibility. Although this profession does not involve direct patient care, it is undeniably vital to the healthcare industry. Health information administrators drive data innovation, playing a crucial role in ensuring quality patient care. 

Professional Disciplines in HIM 

Health information management (HIM) is an interdisciplinary field that incorporates several professional domains to form a robust, patient-centered healthcare information ecosystem. Because it enables seamless communication between healthcare providers and empowers patients by giving them easy access to their records, health information management is essential to improving health outcomes and supporting the overall efficiency of healthcare delivery systems. The health information management field integrates several disciplines, including: 

• Business administration: Healthcare is one of the largest sectors of the U.S. economy, and business expertise is fundamental for HIM professionals. HIM professionals need a comprehensive understanding of concepts like strategic planning, financial management, and resource allocation. 
• Management and leadership: Management skills are essential for coordinating both people and projects. HIM leaders oversee teams, manage deadlines, and ensure smooth information flow across departments. 
• Health information technology: Information technology forms the backbone of modern healthcare environments. HIM professionals must understand how to leverage healthcare-specific technologies to streamline processes and enhance efficiency. 
• Healthcare data management: Professionals in this field need skills in data analysis, visualization, and organization to effectively manage and interpret health data. This expertise directly enables informed decision-making across the healthcare system. 

Data Flow and Utilization

Health information data travels through a complex and multifaceted journey, beginning with individual patient encounters in clinical settings, then extending to various departments and stakeholders. This process transforms raw data into valuable insights that influence healthcare practices and shape policies. After a patient’s initial appointment with a provider, their health information will usually continue through the following path: 

• Medical staff rely on patient records to support clinical decision-making and develop evidence-based best practices for patient care. Insurance companies use patient data for accurate and efficient reimbursement processing. 
• Healthcare administrators analyze patient records to make informed decisions about resource allocation and organizational strategy. Clinical researchers in pharmaceutical companies leverage the data to advance medical treatments and drug development. 
• Public health administrators use aggregated health information to track population health trends at local and regional levels. Federal organizations rely on large-scale health data to inform policy decisions on everything from environmental health issues to biomedical initiatives.

Role of Health Information Management 

What does a health information manager do? Daily responsibilities for this role differ depending on the work environment, industry, and employer. However, each role shares the same key goals of protecting patient privacy, enhancing care quality, and maximizing healthcare system efficiency. 

With a health information degree, you can pursue healthcare positions that actively shape the future of healthcare. Some examples of roles that you can apply for with a health information management degree ¾±²Ô³¦±ô³Ü»å±ð:ÌýÌý

• Compliance Officer 
• EHR Specialist 
• Director Of Clinical Informatics 
• Health Systems Manager 
• Clinical Data Analyst 
• Chief Medical Information Officer 
• Medical Records Technician

While health information managers’ job duties and work settings can vary, most HIM professionals handle the following:

• Reviewing paper and electronic health records for completeness, accuracy, and timeliness 
• Maintaining clinical databases 
• Tracking patient outcomes 
• Organizing medical records to share with other providers 
• Finding new ways to protect patient privacy in healthcare settings 
• Managing other staff members in healthcare information positions 
• Writing reports about the collection, organization, and protection of patient data 
• Ensuring compliance with healthcare regulations, data privacy laws, and industry standards

Salary and Career Growth in Health Information Management 

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), medical records specialists, including health information managers, earned a of $48,780 as of May 2023. Several factors influence health information management salary, including education, experience, and certifications. Earning a relevant healthcare degree and a HIM certification can pave the way to a promising future—and a higher income. More than half of new health information graduates with bachelor’s degrees start with salaries in the $30,000 to $50,000 range, according to the BLS, but after gaining on-the-job experience, it’s possible to earn upwards of $70,000 annually. 

Work Environment for Health Information Management 

A health information manager job offers a dynamic, highly rewarding career option because all professionals in this field share a single primary focus: improving the quality of patient care. It is also one of the areas of healthcare with the greatest opportunity for growth and improvement. Health information technicians work in a diverse range of settings, from hospitals and physicians’ offices to nursing and residential care facilities and government agencies. Most health information technicians are full-time employees, and some work at health facilities that are open 24/7, which can require evening, weekend, or overnight hours.  

Health information management roles are in high demand. This is especially welcome news for those who currently work in healthcare and want to pursue credentials that will elevate their careers. For many healthcare professionals seeking career advancement, online healthcare degree programs provide the flexibility they need to complete coursework while juggling professional and family responsibilities. Competency-based degree programs in healthcare information management—like the one offered at WGU—give students the power to complete their degrees as fast as they learn, ultimately expanding their knowledge and skill set and boosting their earning potential. 

How to Launch a Career in Health Information Management 

To thrive in a health information management job, you’ll need a mix of technical abilities, soft skills, and education. Whether you already work in healthcare or you’re just starting your professional journey, now is the perfect time to earn an industry-relevant degree in health information management from WGU. WGU’s Health information management program is accredited by the Commission on Accreditation for Health Informatics and Information Management Education (CAHIIM) and includes industry-aligned courses that provide invaluable insights into real-world health information management operations and functions. 

With WGU’s degree, you’ll also be eligible to take the Registered Health Information Administrators (RHIA) exam. According to the (AHIMA), a RHIA certification stands out to employers because it shows that you have knowledge of managing patient information systems. WGU’s health information management even includes an option to earn a CompTIA certification, which can demonstrate your IT expertise. Together, these credentials will provide essential proof of your knowledge and skills, positioning you for continued success in the health information management field. 

characterizes health information management as one curriculum encompassing multiple disciplines: medicine, management, finance, information technology, and law. This unique combination opens up a wide array of job possibilities for graduates. The American Health Information Management Association also reports that its members work in more than 40 job categories and hold more than 200 unique job titles. Check out this to see how these titles are described and broken down into four main categories.  

Health informatics workers play crucial roles in today’s highly data-driven healthcare system. They bridge the gap between clinicians, administrators, tech designers, and IT professionals, facilitating collaboration and innovation across domains. If you’re seeking a job that makes a tangible difference in modern healthcare systems, a health information management degree from WGU can help you get there. Maximize your potential for a thriving, meaningful future in this exciting field by applying today.