If you are passionate about making a difference in the medical field but don’t want to work directly with patients, a career in health information is ideal for you! In every health setting, patients’ health data and information is collected and preserved in their medical record, and here is where health information specialists come into play. Health information specialists have the expertise and abilities necessary to handle and safeguard this data and information.
Below, we have listed the top ten best career paths for health information management and the benefits of earning a degree in this field, so stay tuned to find out more!
What Is Health Information Management?
Health Information Management (HIM) is a distinct field concerned with the business of healthcare and is the application of information management to health and health care. In other words, health information management is the activity of evaluating and safeguarding digital and traditional medical information, which is essential for providing high-quality patient care.
In addition, health information management deals with gathering, analyzing, storing, and protecting the quality of patient health information. This data can be paper-based, a combination of paper and digital (hybrid), or, more commonly, a totally electronic health record (EHR).
Health Information Management: Career Path
A degree in health information management will open many new doors and help you get high-paying job in the field.
With the right degree and relevant expertise, professionals in this field can earn a good living. In addition, they can advance in health information and enjoy enormous rewards.
1. Get the right degree
If you are planning to work in health information management, you should consider the right degree that will qualify you for the career you aim to pursue. Most of the degrees in the field will expose students to courses in health care reimbursement and financial management, health care outcomes, health data analytics, population health management, quality management, health information systems, and health informatics at various academic levels.
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2. Get the relevant experience
Expertise will always give you extra salary benefits and qualify you for higher job positions. The relevant experience in the health information management field will allow you to take on more leadership and managerial positions. While advancing in your career and earning the right degree, you will be able to gain enough experience to do the job in the best way possible.
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10 Best Career Paths for Health Information Management
Health management will pave the way for your career as it will allow you ta take on different job positions. Hospitals, clinics, consulting businesses, government organizations, health insurance companies, and software suppliers are all places where HIM experts operate.
Some examples of entry-level HIM jobs include:
Health information exchange project manager
A Health Information Exchange Project Manager is accountable for ensuring that projects are completed on schedule and within budget while providing the anticipated value to the practices and stakeholders. They are responsible for managing the HIE project planning and implementation.
Also, they keep track of all project deliverables and responsibilities, such as project scheduling, risk management, change management, issue management, and status reporting.
Health information exchange project managers make an average annual salary of $98,000 in the United States.
Healthcare information manager
A Health Information Manager is responsible for processing and safeguarding patient information records. They develop and implement policies for recording and documenting patient records and retrieving them when a physician requests a diagnosis. The health information manager also ensures that any patient information obtained by the healthcare facility is safely stored under all state and federal data privacy rules.
Health information managers make an average salary of $62,259 per year in the United States.
Data analyst
Data analysts are in charge of assessing the company’s statistics and making sound recommendations to management. They are in charge of the organization’s data sets, which are typically tied to market performance, finance, or human resources. In addition, data analysts are responsible for evaluating existing data, identifying trends, interpreting what the data and trends indicate, and making recommendations to help the business perform better.
Data analysts make an average annual salary of $108,140 per year in the United States.
Medical coder
The main function of a medical coder is to evaluate and analyze a patient’s medical record and translate specific details based on the universal medical alphanumeric code. Furthermore, a medical coder is primarily responsible for verifying that the translations are correct, as this is a critical aspect of processing insurance and receiving treatments. Aside from that, a medical coder must always cooperate with other hospital workers, especially when there are inconsistencies in the records.
Medical coders make an average salary of $59,354 per year in the United States.
Medical auditor
Medical auditors are responsible for accurate documentation, unaccountable operations, and identifying areas for improvement in any healthcare business. Their tasks include conducting internal and external assessments of coding accuracy, policies, and strategies to ensure that care is delivered methodically and practically. They also look for any incorrect or lost documentation that could have a detrimental impact on their equipment.
Medical auditors make an average salary of $78,528 per year in the United States.
Clinical systems manager
Clinical Systems Managers are in charge of managing and leading other application leaders and system workers. They will ensure that the team operates as a customer-focused, service-oriented team that provides the best quality services. In addition, the clinical systems managers plan, assign, organize, schedule, and control the team’s workflow.
Clinical system managers make an average annual salary of $187,712 in the United States.
Privacy officer
A Privacy Officer is in charge of an organization’s privacy program, which includes day-to-day operations and the formulation, implementation, and maintenance of policies and procedures. They are also in charge of monitoring program compliance, investigating and tracking occurrences and breaches, and ensuring patients’ rights in accordance with federal and state legislation.
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Privacy officers make an average salary of $213,484 per year in the United States.
HIM consultant
Health informatics consultants are support specialists who are in charge of the systems and databases used by health care organizations and facilities to keep patient records. Consultants in health informatics set up, manage, and update systems and networks. In addition, they verify that federal regulations are followed and enforced.
HIM consultants make an average annual salary of $117,930 in the United States.
Population health analyst
A population health analyst is responsible for assessing medical institutions’ and government agencies’ health care policies and programs and identifying process improvement and cost-cutting measures without losing quality care services for citizens. Population health analysts develop medical initiatives, and the requirements of existing programs are adjusted as needed based on public needs and the present climate.
Population health analysts make an average salary of $97,958 per year in the United States.
Director of Health Information Exchange (HIE)
In an organization, a Director of Health Information Exchange (HIE) is in charge of formulating and executing policies, as well as overseeing the organization’s administration and management. Moreover, a Director of Health Information Exchange (HIE) is responsible for planning and evaluation, policy development and administration, personnel and fiscal management, and customer assistance.
Directors of Health Information Exchange (HIE) make an average salary of $96,867 per year in the United States.
Final Thoughts
Health information management is a rewarding field for anyone who decides to enter it. The constant possibility of advancing in the career and the high earning potential are just some of the elements that make this degree worth it. So, if you’ve been puzzled about which profession combines medicine and business the best, we are here to tell you that health information management is the answer.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What skills are important for a career in Health Information Management?
Essential skills include knowledge of medical terminology, coding systems (e.g., ICD-10, CPT), health information technology (HIT), data analysis, compliance with healthcare regulations (e.g., HIPAA), and strong organizational and communication skills.
Is certification necessary for a career in Health Information Management?
Certification, such as the Registered Health Information Administrator (RHIA) or Certified Coding Specialist (CCS), can enhance career prospects by demonstrating proficiency and adherence to industry standards. Many employers prefer or require certification.
What are the job prospects and salary potential in Health Information Management?
The demand for HIM professionals is growing due to increased healthcare digitization and regulatory requirements. Salaries vary based on factors like location, experience, and specialization, with potential for advancement into managerial roles.
How does Health Information Management contribute to healthcare quality and efficiency?
HIM professionals play a crucial role in ensuring accurate patient records, improving clinical documentation, supporting healthcare decision-making through data analysis, and facilitating interoperability of electronic health records.
What are the emerging trends and technologies in Health Information Management?
Emerging trends include the adoption of artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning in health data analytics, telehealth and remote patient monitoring, interoperability standards, cybersecurity measures, and patient engagement technologies.
How can someone prepare for a career in Health Information Management?
Education pathways typically include a bachelor’s degree in Health Information Management or a related field. Gaining experience through internships, pursuing certifications, and staying updated on industry trends are beneficial.
What are the ethical considerations in Health Information Management?
HIM professionals must adhere to ethical standards regarding patient privacy, confidentiality, and data security. Understanding and complying with regulations such as HIPAA is essential to maintaining trust and integrity.
How can networking and professional development enhance a career in Health Information Management?
Joining professional associations (e.g., AHIMA, AAPC), attending conferences, participating in webinars, and networking with peers and industry experts can provide opportunities for learning, career advancement, and staying current in the field.
