Indeed describes health information management (HIM) is a field that aims to provide quality patient care through attaining, analyzing and protecting patient health information — this is the intersection of electronic health record (EHR) management, accessibility and the security of patient data. The field is a combination of business and science concerns and depends heavily on the use of technology and information management to deliver healthcare.
HIM professionals prioritize maintaining the integrity of health records, supporting healthcare administrators, developing policy, conducting research, analyzing data, ensuring quality improvement/quality assurance and maintaining compliance with regulatory requirements. Aspiring healthcare administration professionals can develop insights into managing health information through Murray State University’s online Master of Business Administration (MBA) with a concentration in Healthcare Administration program.
How Healthcare Administrators Use Health Information
The American Health Information Management Association (AHIMA) states that HIM professionals are responsible for the management of healthcare data and information resources. They ensure the best information is available to those making healthcare decisions.
Healthcare administrators oversee the daily operations of medical records. They utilize HIM to standardize health information systems, make sure operations are efficient and work to improve health outcomes to streamline the workflow process. Healthcare professionals pull health information from EHRs, electronic health information exchanges and medical coding to collect and analyze data.
Benefits of Health Information Management
HealthIT.gov acknowledges numerous benefits to HIM, including streamlined healthcare, reduced paper waste, timely reimbursement and the security of protected health information. HIM also ensures seamless communication among the healthcare team, promoting coordination and continuity of care. Additionally, HIM can identify data trends, develop unique treatment approaches and support advances in medicine.
These benefits are vital for clinical practice, decision-making, reducing administrative burdens and eliminating errors in records. HIM bridges the gap between patient care and technology, promoting efficient, cost-effective, high-quality healthcare.
Challenges of Health Information Management
Although a key component in healthcare, HIM is not without its challenges. The HIPAA Journal identifies the cost of integrating, implementing and maintaining a health information system as a hurdle to administrators. An organization may find it difficult to implement a user-friendly system, depending on the resources available and the skill of the staff.
Health administrators must also maintain the security of protected health information, prevent data breaches, understand how the internal networks and systems operate, stay on top of the latest compliance regulations and be aware of software and technology developments. To turn these challenges into successes, healthcare administrators must identify and convey the organizational and patient benefits and rely on experts in the field for a seamless transition.
Implementing a Health Information Management System
To successfully implement a HIM, an organization must realize the process is complex and involves several critical steps. The Journal of the American Medical Informatics Association outlines the following ten considerations:
- Clarify the problem: Find the issue the technology needs to help tackle and perform a needs assessment. Ask the following questions: What does the facility need? What data needs to be managed?
- Build a consensus and involve and engage key stakeholders: Include healthcare providers, administrative staff and technology professionals. Their input is essential for buy-in.
- Review your options: List the pros and cons of different systems and build a case for your best option.
- Consider clinical needs and the budget: Consider a system that fits the facility’s requirements. These can include compliance with HIPAA and other healthcare organizations, user-friendliness and affordability.
- Plan your implementation: Determine if implementation will be in phases or all at once. Making plans known early will minimize disruptions.
- Evaluate infrastructure: Consider your current technology status and what updates you will need for new systems. Establish reliable maintenance to quickly address technical issues. Also, have a plan to keep the security system and software updated.
- Ensure training: Adequate training is necessary for all users, ensuring staff satisfaction and compliance with new technology.
- Test system and continuously evaluate progress: Before full implementation, test the system in a controlled environment and immediately address any issues. After implementation, continue getting user feedback and respond promptly. Continuous monitoring identifies areas for improvement.
- Maintain the system: Revisit periodically to update as needed, ensure regulation compliance and keep costs low.
- Stay the course: Benefits may not be realized immediately, and it may take some time to recoup costs. Maintain a positive attitude, keep the goal in mind and allow the technology to work for you.
Learn to Manage Health Information for Promising Job Opportunities
Murray State University’s online MBA in Healthcare Administration program prepares students for dynamic careers that require HIM insights. Graduates have the tools to thrive in roles in hospital administration, health services management, health information management, medical facility administration or pharmaceutical brand management.
Learn more about Murray State University’s online Master of Business Administration with a concentration in Healthcare Administration program.
