Health information management focuses on collecting, analyzing, protecting, and managing patient health data used in medical care. As health records are increasingly electronic, these professionals apply advanced information technologies while understanding health care workflows across hospitals and physician practices. They ensure medical records are complete, accurate, secure, and properly maintained. Working in diverse roles and settings, health information management professionals bridge clinical, operational, and administrative functions. Their work supports standardized classification of diseases and treatments for clinical, financial, and legal use, directly impacting data quality and patient care throughout the health care delivery cycle.

Education, Training and Experience

• Health information management (HIM) careers can begin with an associate or bachelor's degree.
• Programs should be accredited by the Commission on Accreditation for Health Informatics and Information Management Education.
• Coursework includes biomedical sciences, health law, coding, data management, statistics, databases, quality improvement, and health IT.
• Many professionals pursue master's degrees in health information management or health informatics as health care systems grow more complex.
• Graduates often earn national certifications, such as Registered Health Information Technician or Administrator, with additional credentials available.

Detailed Work Activities

• Health information management professionals typically work a 40-hour week, with occasional overtime.
• Some roles offer flexible options such as remote work or evening and night shifts, especially in hospitals.
• They work in a wide range of settings beyond hospitals.
• Common employers include pharmaceutical companies, insurance firms, long-term care facilities, public health organizations, physician practices, consulting firms, and computer systems design companies.