What are Some Career Options in Health Information Management?

Important Facts about This Occupational Field

Sources: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics

Job Description

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.

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.

Careers at Various Educational Levels

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.

Associate's Degree

An individual with an associate's degree in health information management can work as a:

• 
  Health data analyst
• 
  Patient information coordinator
• 
  Physician practice manager
• 
  Clinical coding specialist

Bachelor's Degree

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:

• 
  Health information management department director
• 
  Information security officer
• 
  Consultant
• 
  Health information management system manager

Companies That Employ Health Information Managers

Health information management professionals can work in almost any type of health care company. Some examples include:

• 
  Hospitals
• 
  Insurance companies
• 
  Rehabilitation centers
• 
  Consulting and law firms
• 
  Pharmaceutical companies
• 
  Long-term care facilities