What Health Information Managers Do

Health information management is the organization and maintenance of patients' medical records. Professionals working in health information management are experts on healthcare information, designing and running systems to store and access information. They are also responsible for coding diagnoses and procedures for reimbursement. They make sure that patients' health information remains confidential and is only released per federal and state laws. There are many different possible career paths with an education in health information management.

Types of Work Environments

  • Hospitals
  • Hospices
  • Insurance companies
  • Rehabilitation and chemical dependence facilities
  • Long-term care facilities
  • Remotely, as self-employed consultants

Education and Training Requirements

Health information managers receive either an associate's or bachelor's degree in health information management from an accredited program. It is also possible to receive a post-graduate certification or secondary degree for those who already have a bachelor's degree in another subject. The American Health Information Management Association also administers exams to register and certify health information management professionals. There are two types of certifications: Registered Health Information Administrators (RHIAs) and Registered Health Information Technicians (RHITs).

Salary

According to the Bureau of Labor and Statistics, the median salary for health information managers is approximately $110,680 per year.

Professional Organization

The American Health Information Management Association

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