4/8/2019 HIM Careers - Health Information 101

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HEALTH INFORMATION 101 Search

WHAT IS HEALTH WHY CHOOSE REAL HIM STORIES

INFORMATION? HEALTH INFO? ALL STUDENT AND CAREER
CENTER

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What Is Health Information?
Health information is the data related to a person’s medical history, including symptoms, Helpful Resources
diagnoses, procedures, and outcomes. Health information records include patient
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histories, lab results, x-rays, clinical information, and notes. A patient’s health information
can be viewed individually, to see how a patient’s health has changed; it can also be Career Map
viewed as a part of a larger data set to understand how a population’s health has Mentor Match Program
changed, and how medical interventions can change health outcomes.
Salary Snapshot
Health information management (HIM) is the practice of acquiring, analyzing, and
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protecting digital and traditional medical information vital to providing quality patient care.
It is a combination of business, science, and information technology. The AHIMA Foundation Merit
Scholarships
HIM professionals are highly trained in the latest information management technology
applications and understand the workflow in any healthcare provider organization from Student Membership Brochure
large hospital systems to the private physician practice. They are vital to the daily RHIT to RHIA Proviso
operations management of health information and electronic health records (EHRs). They
ensure a patient’s health information and records are complete, accurate, and protected.

Health information management (HIM) professionals work in a variety of different settings ADVERTISEMENT

and job titles. They often serve in bridge roles, connecting clinical, operational, and Career Assist: Job Bank
administrative functions. These professionals affect the quality of patient information and Find Jobs
patient care at every touch pointin the healthcare delivery cycle. HIM professionals work
on the classification of diseases and treatments to ensure they are standardized for Risk Adjustment Manager
clinical, financial, and legal uses in healthcare. Health information professionals care for Klamath Falls, OR - Cascade
Comprehensive Care, Inc.
patients by caring for their medical data.
Quality Informatics Specialist (Full
HIM professionals are responsible for the quality, integrity, and protection of patient’s Time)
Yonkers, NY - Elizabeth Seton Children's
health information, which can include any or all of the following: Center

A history and physical exam Supervisor Physician Coding &

Education
Lab results—blood tests, urine tests, etc. Coral Gables, FL - Baptist Health South
Clinical information (nursing notes, physical therapy notes, and many others) Florida
X-rays and other radiology procedures Physician Practice E&M Educators
And so much more Coral Gables, FL - Baptist Health South
Florida
Having skilled HIM professionals on staff ensures an organization has the right information GC
on hand when and where it is needed while maintaining the highest standards of data Post a Job More jobs
integrity, confidentiality, and security. As technology advances, the role of the HIM
professional expands. The HIM professional’s duty is to adapt to new methods of Powered by
capturing healthcare information, storing that information, and easily accessing it
electronically. Their role is important in order to maintain organized and accurate
electronic data that allows daily healthcare routines to carry on smoothly with the new
technological advancements.

Health information technology (HIT) refers to the framework used to manage health
information, and the exchange of health information in a digital format. Professionals who
work in HIT are focused on the technical side of managing health information, working
with software and hardware used to manage and store patient data. HIT professionals are
usually from information technology backgrounds, and provide support for EHRs and
other systems HIM professionals use to secure health information. As technology
advances, HIT professionals are necessary to ensure the electronic data HIM
professionals manage is maintained and exchanged accurately and efficiently

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4/8/2019 HIM Careers - Health Information 101
Health Informatics (HI) is a science that defines how health information is technically MYAHIMA MEMBERSHIP STORE AWC
captured, transmitted, and utilized. Health informatics focuses on information systems,
informatics principles, and information technology as it is applied to the continuum ofCONFERENCES
TRAINING STUDENT &
healthcare delivery. ItCERTIFICATION
is an integrated discipline with
& EDUCATION
HIM TOPICS
specialty domains that include & EVENTS CAREER CENTER
management science, management engineering principles, healthcare delivery and public
AHIMA &
health, patient safety, information science and computer technology. Health informatics
OUR WORK
programs demonstrate uniqueness by offering varied options for practice or research
focus.

There are four major focus research areas in informatics education reflecting various
disciplines:

1. Medical/Bio Informatics—physician- and research-based; attracts medical students

2. Nursing Informatics—clinical- and research-based; attracts nursing students
3. Public Health Informatics—public health- and biosurveillance-based; attracts public
health students
4. Applied Informatics—addresses the flow of medical information in an electronic
environment and covers process, policy and technological solutions; attracts HIM
students

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