Health Information Manager (HIM) Career Guide

A health information manager (HIM) merges different fields and skill sets, including administration, health, IT, and data analysis. This career is well suited to those with technical talents and organizational skills. Here's what you need to know if you want to start down this career path.

Despite HIM being defined as a career within itself, you'll likely end up in one of a set of related positions in this field. Below are some of the most common jobs for HIM professionals.

• Medical records technician: Also known as medical coders, health information specialists, and healthcare data analysts, these professionals are tasked with ensuring the correct recording and cataloging of patient health information. They verify records for accuracy and provide secure storage. They also perform regular analysis of database information to find better cost structures and patient care methods. If you have strong organizational skills and pay close attention to detail, this job might be for you.
  
• Compliance officer: The compliance officer ensures that the health information department plays by the rules. Compliance officers regularly advise middle and upper-level management on whether the health information department follows the rules and guidelines set out by the American Health Information Management Association and federal and state laws governing the security and privacy of health records. They perform frequent audits of the health systems and processes used in the facility.
• Patient information coordinator: Patient information coordinators play the role of educators. These professionals help patients through the process of submitting and managing their health information. Also, they help patients understand what options they have for insurance and providers. Patient coordinators need to be great communicators to thrive in their jobs, and they need in-depth knowledge of both IT and medicine.
• Medical and health services manager: Medical and health services managers are in charge of the day-to-day running of a health institution’s information or records department. They plan, coordinate, and direct record-keeping operations. This job title is more common in larger health facilities, where the health information systems are complex enough to need a dedicated department.
• HIM director: This is an upper-management role, which you can rise to after getting experience in a lower position. HIM directors are in charge of the entire department, including operations and personnel. While the manager runs daily operations, the HIM director regularly collaborates with executives to work out the health information department’s long-term strategies and goals.
• HIM consultant: An HIM consultant is a type of management consultant. They help health companies solve their health problems. They may also advise the company on which medical records management processes and systems to implement.

The above positions can all be considered health information managers (with differences in scope and/or responsibilities).

Employers prefer to hire HIM professionals with both education and experience, especially for senior roles. Furthermore, to succeed at your job, you will need to have a deep understanding of multiple disciplines, such as information technology, medicine, medical law, management, and finance.

To get a job as a health information manager, you will need a bachelor’s degree in health information management. This kind of degree program will help you learn about the combination of healthcare and information and how they work together in the industry. When applying for a degree program in health information management, be sure to check whether it is accredited or not. You can easily do this by searching for the institution on the CAHIIM website.

Since employers are looking for highly skilled and experienced individuals in this field, the more qualifications you have, the better your career prospects. You can even consider pursuing a master’s degree to help you progress. Such a degree can also help you negotiate a higher salary. 

With these qualifications, your chances of landing a lucrative position in health information management will increase.

American Health Information Management Association Certification

While it's not strictly expected to have any extra certifications as a health information manager, many employers require candidates to have the Registered Health Information Administrator certification (RHIA). This certification is provided through AHIMA. To qualify for accreditation, you should have completed a CAHIIM-accredited bachelor’s or master’s degree in health information management.

If you want to work in a nursing home or other long-term care facility, you will also need to have a license. The conditions differ from state to state. You can find your location's requirements on the National Association of Long Term Care Administrator Boards website.