How to become A Health Information Manager

By guaranteeing accurate and complete documentation of their medical data, Health Information Managers enhance patient safety and outcomes at every touchpoint in the healthcare delivery cycle.

• Medical Information Manager

What do Health Information Managers do?

A Health Information Manager would typically need to:

• Act as a bridge to connect administrative, clinical, and operational functions; ensure traditional and digital medical data remains accurate, accessible, and secure
• Make sure a patient’s medical data includes established diagnoses and symptoms, completed and recommended procedures, and anticipated outcomes
• Ensure healthcare practitioners have access to the patient’s medical history and can monitor their progress over time
• Develop and implement systems to guarantee accurate health data collection and documentation in compliance with prescribed medical, legal, and ethical standards
• Compile, organise, maintain, and preserve confidential medical records; enter and monitor the accuracy of the information in electronic health records (EHRs); report and document the offence in case patient data is breached or stolen
• Supervise medical coders and billers to ensure accuracy; set up and keep track of departmental budgets
• Study medical reimbursement data to identify payers with audit or denial histories; keep tabs on outstanding payments
• Oversee data-driven projects; analyse clinical data for research, process improvement, and reporting in the medical and broader community
• Leverage data analytics to identify health trends, disease patterns, and risk factors, leading to targeted interventions and preventive strategies
• Contribute to the implementation and optimisation of health information technologies, such as computerised physician order entry (CPOE) systems and decision support tools
• Meet with the senior management to present findings and recommend improvements; educate staff on the importance of documentation
• Implement and observe quality improvement measures to refine patient outcomes;  work with healthcare staff to strengthen documentation

Although Health Information Officers usually work in office settings with administrators, physicians, and insurance companies, the increased use of EHRs has enabled many to work remotely through telecommunications while remaining on-call for emergencies.

Full-time Health Information Manager put in 40-hour weeks during standard business hours, remaining on-call to handle emergencies. Medical facilities that are open 24/7 may include evening and night shift schedules. 

Research suggests that flexible hours and generous telework policies appeal more than salary to the younger generation. There has been an incremental increase in employers willing to give promising employees a chance to adjust their schedules per the job demands.

Finding a new job may be challenging. Health Information Managers can boost their job search by asking their network for referrals, contacting companies directly, using job search platforms, going to job fairs, leveraging social media, and inquiring at staffing agencies. Freelancing for contractual and short-term projects is a viable option.

Health Information Managers are generally employed by:

• Hospitals
• Clinics
• Physicians’ Offices
• Government Agencies
• Research Institutions
• Health Insurance Companies
• Long-Term Care Facilities
• Home Health Care Agencies
• Nursing Homes
• Public Health Offices
• Pharmaceutical Firms
• Software Companies
• Consultancies
• Outpatient Care Centres
• Rehabilitation Clinics

Professional associations and organisations, such as the American Health Information Management Association (AHIMA), are crucial for Health Information Managers interested in pursuing professional development or connecting with like-minded professionals in their industry or occupation. 

Professional associations provide members with continuing education, networking opportunities, and mentorship services. Membership in one or more adds value to your resume while bolstering your credentials and qualifications.

• Effective management of sensitive patient health information while protecting it from breaches and unauthorised access
• Failure to keep up with constantly evolving healthcare technologies due to lack of training and adaptation to new software platforms and EHR systems
• Seamless and secure exchange of health information across different healthcare  settings, systems, and software
• Preservation of data integrity, accuracy, and quality while leveraging data analytics for reporting, decision-making, and improving patient care outcomes
• Recruitment and training of qualified staff members who possess the necessary technical skills and understanding of constantly changing industry requirements
• Keeping up with regulatory changes and implementation of necessary updates to ensure compliance across the organisation
• Optimising streamlined workflows in fast-paced healthcare environments while maintaining data integrity

Most health information management programmes are a judicious mix of theoretical and practical education. Prospective Health Information Managers will benefit from tasks outside the classroom that sync with lessons inside it. 

One may also hear countless stories from more experienced professionals and obtain valuable hands-on experience in medical communication when they turn seemingly routine incidents into unique learning moments.

A summer internship with medical facilities or insurance companies can help you gain expertise in working with medical records and related systems and valuable insight into how a company or institution operates while providing an opportunity to build your professional network.

Entry-level administrative positions, such as front desk clerk, health services financial clerk, or medical records technician in a medical facility, also offer a taste of the career, help build valuable contacts, and improve one’s prospects of getting a permanent job.

Experienced registered nurses and medical health technicians can advance to Health Information Manager roles after completing relevant accredited programmes and earning requisite certifications. 

The experience may also help determine whether the public, private or voluntary sector is best suited to realise one’s ambitions. Your educational provider’s career service department can provide information about viable work placements, internships and voluntary work opportunities in diverse sectors.

Even while in high school, interested individuals can check with a teacher or counsellor about relevant work-based learning opportunities available in their school or community to help connect their school experiences with real-life work. 

Join clubs focused on healthcare, health sciences, and technology, or volunteer with local hospitals, clinics, and medical offices. Participate in student government, public speaking, and extracurricular activities to foster leadership and communication skills.

Read about the profession and interview or job shadow experts in health information management to prove your commitment to course providers and prospective employers.

Health Information Managers must know how to manage and evaluate data systems and electronic health information while creating and implementing their own systems. 

An accredited associate, bachelor’s, or master’s degree in health information management or healthcare management teaches students all they need to know about medical terminology, medical coding, health data management and healthcare administration/ethics/operations. 

Some education providers offer online certificate and associate degree programmes in healthcare coding and health information technology accredited by national health information management associations to prepare graduates for examinations leading to certifications.

Also included would be classes in health science research, accounting and budgeting, human resources administration, information technology, and professional standards. 

Students may also learn how to handle business dilemmas related to medical law, compliance, and risk management. 

Courses in healthcare informatics will help them master potentially useful software and technology. Applicants with relevant credits or work experience can fast-track their academic programmes.

A master’s degree is optional for a career in health information management, although it can improve one’s chances of employment. Aspirants with a bachelor’s degree in business administration, computer science, nursing, or healthcare administration can pursue a postgraduate certificate or master’s programme. 

In addition to building on the skills learned in the bachelor’s programme, a master’s degree will focus on leadership and systems implementation. Applicants may need to take the GRE and prerequisite courses if their undergraduate degree is not in health information management.

Individuals who score good grades in advanced math, biology, and computer science courses in high school stand a better chance of being considered for admission to accredited programmes.

In addition, high schoolers can explore online tutorials and courses to develop proficiency in using electronic health record (EHR) systems, data analysis tools, or health information management software.

Remember that completing a particular academic course does not guarantee entry into the profession. Be that as it may, professional qualifications and transferable skills may open up more than one door.

Do your homework and look into all available options for education and employment before enrolling in a specific programme. Reliable sources that help you make an educated decision include associations and employers in your field. 

Certification demonstrates a Health Information Manager’s competence in a skill set, typically through work experience, training, and passing an examination. Successful certification programs protect public welfare by incorporating a Code of Ethics.

Certification in coding and health information administration from an objective and reputed organisation can validate your expertise in data management, help you stand out in a competitive job market, and carry a significant salary premium of up to 18 per cent. Although they may vary across regions, typical requirements include completing an accredited bachelor’s or master’s degree in health information management.

Certification in health information administration will give prospective Health Information Managers a comprehensive understanding of medical records and patient health information.

Health Information Managers may also need to undergo an employment background check including but not limited to a person’s work history, education, credit history, motor vehicle reports (MVRs), criminal record, medical history, use of social media, and drug screening.

Relevant experience, exemplary performance, and acquiring additional professional qualifications drive the career progression of Health Information Managers who may assume director or executive roles in the organisation.

The desire to accelerate career growth and personal development has an increasing number of millennials choosing to job hop and build a scattershot resume that showcases ambition, motivation, and the desire to learn a broad range of skills.

Studies prove that job hopping, earlier dismissed as “flaky” behaviour, can lead to greater job fulfilment. Employees searching for a positive culture and exciting work are willing to try out various roles and workplaces and learn valuable, transferable skills along the way.

Detail-oriented individuals with a master’s degree in health information management, certification in coding and health information administration, strong communication, technical, and medical writing skills, and the ability to create clear, concise, and compelling medical letters have the best job prospects.

Continuing professional development (CPD) is essential for public well-being and career progression in the healthcare sector. It embraces several new learning objectives, educational methodologies, and novel technological developments, especially in education, management, and IT.

Reflective learning, interaction with peer groups, comprehensive inclusion, workshops, and professional publications educate, influence, support, and foster lifelong enlightenment in all career-grade Health Information Managers.

A master’s degree in health administration and advanced knowledge of healthcare IT systems will enhance career opportunities. Accredited certifications in data analysis, healthcare privacy and security, and documentation improvement are ideal for incumbents who use data to improve patient care. Prerequisites may vary based on one’s academic qualifications and credentials.

Prove your expertise in compliance, data analytics, privacy and leadership to become a Registered Health Information Technician; success in tests on information governance, compliance, data informatics and management will qualify you as a Registered Health Information Administrator. Both credentials help further your career prospects.

Attend health information management workshops, seminars, or conferences in your area to keep abreast of current trends and technologies in data management. Other ways to stay updated on the latest advances and developments include reading industry publications, subscribing to relevant newsletters or blogs and following reputable sources.

Health Information Management vs Health Informatics

Both focus on healthcare technology and data. 

However, health information management emphasises the people and processes that manage technology and data to store and retrieve patient data accurately and securely. Health informatics addresses developing, maintaining, and using technology and data analytics to improve patient care delivery.

Are You Aware That

Medical coding, an integral part of health information management, includes the International Classification of Diseases (ICD) system, which evolved from a simple list of causes of death in the 19th century to a comprehensive coding system widely used for medical billing and statistical purposes.

Electronic Health Records (EHRs) have replaced traditional paper-based records, providing healthcare professionals immediate access to patient information, facilitating coordinated care, and reducing errors.

Current Scenario

The employment outlook of a particular profession may be impacted by diverse factors, such as the time of year, location, employment turnover, occupational growth, occupation size, and industry-specific trends and events that affect overall employment.

An ageing baby boomer generation that needs more healthcare services and the widespread and growing use of EHRs will continue to create demand for Health Information Managers. In addition, community and service organisations that partner with healthcare facilities will offer more opportunities to these professionals.

Potential Pros & Cons of Freelancing vs Full-Time Employment

Freelancing Health Information Managers have more flexible work schedules and locations. They fully own the business and can select their projects and clients. However, they experience inconsistent work and cash flow, which means more responsibility, effort and risk.

On the other hand, full-time health Information Managers have company-sponsored health benefits, insurance, and retirement plans. They have job security with a fixed, reliable source of income and guidance from their bosses. Yet, they may experience boredom due to a lack of flexibility, ownership, and variety.

When deciding between freelancing or being a full-time employee, consider the pros and cons to see what works best for you.

Babylonian physicians were known to keep medical records on clay tablets as early as 2000 BCE.

Problem-solvers who possess technical skills, Health Information Managers combine business, information technology, and scientific knowledge to substantiate their reputation as trustworthy overseers of sensitive patient data, constantly at risk of external or internal hacks.

New insights, perspectives, and groundbreaking solutions can be found at the intersection of medical science and digital innovation in an equitable and inclusive work environment.