Health information management

Health information management (HIM) is the practice of acquiring, analyzing, and protecting digital and traditional medical information vital to providing quality patient care. It is a combination of business, science, and information technology.

Overview

Health information management professionals are highly trained in the latest information management technology applications. They understand the workflow process in healthcare provider organizations, from large hospital systems to private physician practices, and are vital to the daily operations management of health information and electronic health records (EHRs). They ensure a patient’s health information is complete, accurate, and protected.

History

The health information management profession has been around for over a century, originally focused on managing health records in paper form. With the advent of modern technology, the role has evolved to include the management of electronic health records, ensuring their accuracy, quality, and security.

Roles and Responsibilities

Health information management professionals often serve in bridge roles, connecting clinical, operational, and administrative functions. These professionals affect the quality of patient information and patient care at every touch point in the healthcare delivery cycle. They work on the classification of diseases and treatments to ensure they are standardized for clinical, financial, and legal uses in healthcare. Health information professionals care for patients by caring for their medical data.

Education and Certification

Education in health information management often includes courses in health data management, health informatics, and information technology. Certification is often required, with the Registered Health Information Administrator (RHIA) and Registered Health Information Technician (RHIT) being common certifications.

Future of Health Information Management

The future of health information management is bright, with the advent of new technologies such as Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning. These technologies promise to revolutionize the field, making it easier to manage and analyze large amounts of health data.

See Also

• Electronic health record
• Health informatics
• Medical classification