What are Some Career Options in Health Information Management?
Health information management professionals utilize health information, management and information technology. There are many career options for health information management professionals that vary based on a person's field, education and employer.
Career Options in Health Information Management
Health information and records are a cornerstone of the health care industry, giving health information managers a wealth of career options. Health information management professionals can work in:
- Medical records management
- Risk management
- Medical coding
- Privacy
- Corporate compliance
<h3 id="section---ImportantFactsAboutThisOccupationalField">Important Facts about This Occupational Field</h3><p></p><table border="1"><tr><td> Median Salary (2021) </td><td> $48,310 <i>(for all medical records and health information technicians)</i></td></tr>
<tr><td> Job Outlook (2021-2031) </td><td> 7% <i>(for all medical records and health information technicians)</i></td></tr>
<tr><td> Required Education </td><td> Bachelor's degree <i>(for medical and health services managers)</i></td></tr>
<tr><td> Key Skills </td><td> Problem-solving, technical, detail oriented, communication, analytical, interpersonal <i>(for medical and health services managers)</i></td></tr>
</table><p><i>Sources: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics</i>
</p><h3 id="section---JobDescription">Job Description</h3><p>Some health information management professionals choose to work as medical coders or department directors. Medical coders convert verbal descriptions of diseases and injuries into numeric labels. The health care industry uses medical coding to receive reimbursement from insurance companies and to evaluate the efficiency and effectiveness of health care.
</p><p>Health information management department directors supervise the health information staff. They work directly with patients, doctors and insurance companies to ensure records and information are accurate. Most report to the chief financial officer or the chief information officer.
</p><h3 id="section---CareersAtVariousEducationalLevels">Careers at Various Educational Levels</h3><p>A health information management professional's career options can vary based on his or her education. Opportunities are available for people with an associate's degree or a bachelor's degree.
</p><h4 id="section---AssociateSDegree">Associate's Degree</h4><p>An individual with an associate's degree in health information management can work as a:
</p><ul><li>Health data analyst
</li><li>Patient information coordinator
</li><li>Physician practice manager
</li><li>Clinical coding specialist
</li></ul><h4 id="section---BachelorSDegree">Bachelor's Degree</h4><p>Earning a bachelor's degree opens up opportunities in the upper ranks of health information management. An individual with a bachelor's degree in health information management can work as a:
</p><ul><li>Health information management department director
</li><li>Information security officer
</li><li>Consultant
</li><li>Health information management system manager
</li></ul><h3 id="section---CompaniesThatEmployHealthInformationManagers">Companies That Employ Health Information Managers</h3><p>Health information management professionals can work in almost any type of health care company. Some examples include:
</p><ul><li>Hospitals
</li><li>Insurance companies
</li><li>Rehabilitation centers
</li><li>Consulting and law firms
</li><li>Pharmaceutical companies
</li><li>Long-term care facilities</li></ul>