Health Information Management: Top Jobs in the Field

Health Information Management: Top Jobs in the Field

Have you ever considered the skill it takes to update the medical information that is accumulated over just one patient's lifetime? From the basics like contact information, date of birth and social security number, to the extended health history that encompasses a person's experiences in doctor's offices and hospitals, all of this data must be maintained in an organized and secure method.

Now multiply that by hundreds in one practice alone. Thousands in a hospital system. Hundreds of thousands across a healthcare management company. The number of people who need the reassurance that their valuable information is available for their medical providers to access at a moment's notice is staggering.

Someone needs to put those systems in place, enter the data, and maintain it securely.

Why Health Information Management is Important

According to The American Health Information Management Association (AHIM), professionals in this field can work in varying settings and have differing titles, but consistently are responsible for ensuring the accurate organization and protection of any and all information pertaining to patients. Medical records, confidential diagnoses, doctors’ notes and prescribed medications are all part of the information that is handled as a part of this growing field.

A future in health information management might appeal to you if:

  • You are a person who enjoys the excitement of a field that is both diverse and necessary to the efficiency of medical practices across the country;
  • You are comfortable working either alone or in a traditional office setting (particularly with others like doctors and nurses);
  • You want to work in the health field but don't feel comfortable working directly with the patients
  • You enjoy the challenge of computers, science, management and law, and feel that you can excel in a position that uses knowledge drawn from these areas of study.

One caution to note is that the rules and laws, as well as the varying types of technology that are used, are continually changing to keep up with the needs of the time. Adaptability is a key component to finding success for anyone who chooses to enter the Health Information Management arena, as you must be prepared to learn and grow with the changes as they come.

 What is a Health Information Technician?

Also known as 'medical records', health information technicians typically works in nursing care facilities, hospitals, and physician offices, as well as in private administrative settings. Some technicians are able to work from home, but always under the supervision and guidance of a primary healthcare facility.

What is a Medical Coder?

Another very important aspect of health information management is the ability to correctly enter the proper codes into the system, based on the notes and transcripts provided by doctors and other healthcare providers. This job is called a medical coder and must know the appropriate coding for preexisting conditions, procedures, statistics, and for proper billing; coders are also often called upon to work as a go-between with the healthcare facility and the place of billing. To ensure patients are treated correctly, it is critical that coders are educated and trained properly and stay up-to-date on the procedural changes that occur.

What is a Cancer Registrar?

For those who have a passion for helping patients with a cancer diagnosis, there is the option to specialize in the field as a cancer registrar. With this position, you would:

  • Assess records and reports to ensure everything is correct;
  • Enter proper coding to reflect the diagnoses;
  • Regularly follow up with the patients to compile and assess recovery and survival rates;
  • Keep up with medical data for the cancer patients to ensure local, regional, and national information is accurate, to further research and fully assist patients afflicted by this disease.

What is the next step toward a degree in Health Information Management?

If any of these jobs appeal to you, pursuing a degree in the field of health information management might be right for you. With year-round classes and accelerated learning, you could earn your degree in as little as 18 months. Contact ECPI University today to receive information about obtaining an Associate of Applied Science in Health Information Management degree.

It could be the Best Decision You Ever Make!

Learn more about ECPI's College of Health Science TODAY!

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