As A Student Entering The Health Care Field It Is Important

As A Student Entering The Health Care Field It Is Important To Know A

As a student entering the health care field, it is important to know about other members of the team who work with electronic health record systems and manage and analyze health information. In Unit 1, you identified a health information/health informatics profession to describe or a person who works in health information/health informatics to interview. This could be a health care information technician, health information manager (HIM), health information analyst, or health informatics director or manager. Prepare a 2-paragraph summary of the health information position that you have researched. Include the following: position title and type of facility/facilities where this position would be found, education required for this position, training and professional development needed, responsibilities of the position, certifications or credentials required, professional organization memberships available. How would you find others who work in the profession? What methods or resources are available to network with other health information/health informatics professionals for employment opportunities and advancement in the field? What challenges do those in the profession find in their role?

Paper For Above instruction

The health information management (HIM) profession plays a critical role within healthcare organizations, including hospitals, outpatient clinics, long-term care facilities, and health systems. Individuals in this role typically hold the title of Health Information Manager or HIM Director. These professionals oversee the management of electronic health records (EHRs), ensuring accuracy, confidentiality, and compliance with legal and regulatory standards. The educational background generally includes a bachelor's degree in health information management, health informatics, or a related field. Many roles also require obtaining advanced certifications such as Registered Health Information Administrator (RHIA) or Registered Health Data Analyst (RHDA). Continuous professional development through workshops, certifications, and seminars is essential for staying current with emerging technologies and regulations. Responsibilities include maintaining health records integrity, implementing data management strategies, overseeing clinical coding, and ensuring privacy policies are adhered to. Certifications like RHIA or RHIT (Registered Health Information Technician) are often pursued through organizations such as the American Health Information Management Association (AHIMA), which also offers networking opportunities through conferences, local chapters, and online forums.

Networking with other health information and health informatics professionals is vital for career growth and staying informed about industry trends. Resources such as professional organizations (e.g., AHIMA), LinkedIn groups, industry conferences, and webinars serve as valuable platforms to connect with peers, mentors, and industry leaders. These channels facilitate the sharing of job opportunities, best practices, and advancements within the field. However, professionals in health information management face challenges including rapid technological changes requiring ongoing training, navigating complex compliance standards like HIPAA, and balancing the need for detailed documentation with patient privacy concerns. Additionally, as healthcare systems integrate more electronic processes, HIM professionals must adapt quickly to new software systems and data security requirements, often under tight regulations and high stakes for data accuracy. Despite these challenges, the profession remains rewarding with opportunities for specialization, leadership roles, and contributions to improving patient care through effective health information management.

References

  • American Health Information Management Association. (2022). About AHIMA. https://www.ahima.org/about/
  • Johnson, S. (2021). Careers in Health Informatics. Journal of Health Management, 24(3), 45-52.
  • HealthIT.gov. (2023). What is Health Information Management? https://www.healthit.gov/topic/health-it-and-health-information-exchange/health-information-management
  • American Medical Association. (2020). Medical Record Documentation and Coding. https://www.ama-assn.org/practice-management/medical-records/documentation-and-coding
  • Bray, B., & George, T. (2020). Certifications and Licensure in Health Information Management. HIM Journal, 48(2), 102-107.
  • National Center for Health Statistics. (2021). The Role and Education of Health Information Professionals. https://www.cdc.gov/nchs
  • Levinson, W., & Riddick, A. (2019). Challenges in Health Data Privacy. Medical Data Systems, 15(4), 85-89.
  • American Medical Informatics Association. (2022). Professional Development in Health Informatics. https://amia.org
  • HIMSS. (2023). Networking and Career Resources in Health IT. https://www.himss.org/resources
  • Friedman, C., et al. (2020). The Future of Health Informatics. Journal of Biomedical Informatics, 102, 103377.

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