Health Information Management (HIM)

Overview

• HIM Professionals' Role:

  • Serve as connectivity brokers for health information.
  • Ensure healthcare systems are efficient and effective.
  • Work predominantly in hospitals and health facilities.

• Key Responsibilities:

  • Ensure patient information is accessible, secure, and timely.
  • Facilitate quality data reviews for best practices.

Key Occupations in HIM

1. Health Information Manager (HIM):
2. Clinical Coder (CC):

Professionals in HIM

• Industry Solutions Director:

  • Travels globally, helping health organizations utilize data efficiently.

• Classification Analyst:

  • Develops classification systems for public hospital services.

• Clinical Coder:

  • Codes inpatient episodes, submits data to health funds and Department of Health.
  • Translates clinical data into alphanumeric codes.

• Clinical Information Manager:

  • Handles diverse roles including business analytics and medico-legal requests.

Roles and Opportunities

• Health Information Management Trainee:

  • Rotates through hospitals and departments including clinical coding and medical records.

• General Manager:

  • Provides contract clinical coders and auditors in health facilities.

Attraction to HIM

• HIM profession offers a dynamic, multifaceted environment.
• Opportunities to combine technology and healthcare.
• Increases in remote coding with electronic records.

Skills Needed for HIM Professionals

• Organization and Attention to Detail:

  • Ensures accuracy in medical record coding.

• Interpersonal Skills:

  • Essential for collaboration across healthcare levels.

• Leadership and Risk-taking:

  • Important for advancing in the profession.

Career Paths

• Traditional Routes:

  • Coding, education, auditing, and management.

• Emerging Opportunities:

  • Research, data analytics, IT advancements.

• Advanced Roles:

  • Department head, executive positions, privacy legislation, business analytics.

Importance of HIM

• Data Management:

  • Ensures patient safety and quality healthcare.

• Funding and Research:

  • Provides evidence-based data for healthcare funding.

• Patient Information Custodian:

  • Manages patient data privacy and security.

• Healthcare Transformation:

  • Drives changes and reforms in healthcare organizations.

Conclusion

• HIM is vital for integrating and managing health information.