If you’re interested in pursuing a career in health information management (HIM), you may have a few questions about this healthcare field and the roles within it. At Ultimate Medical Academy (UMA), we want you to have the information you need to decide whether this is the career path for you. So, here we share several career-related health information management questions and their answers. Let’s get started.

Why Should I Consider a HIM Degree?

Health information management (HIM) is a growing field.1 It’s also an important aspect of healthcare because it involves collecting, storing, tracking, and protecting private patient health information. If you want to work in healthcare and have an interest in technology or enjoy working with computers, a career in health information management may be a good fit.

Is Getting a Degree a Health Information Management Education Requirement?

Not always; however, the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) does indicate that individuals typically need a postsecondary education to enter these roles.2 A degree program can help you learn what you need to know to perform your HIM duties effectively and efficiently.

What Jobs Can I Pursue with a Degree in Health Information Management?

Several entry-level job titles fall under the umbrella of HIM in healthcare. They include:

• Health Information Specialist
• Medical Records Specialist
• Medical Office Assistant
• Insurance Coordinator
• Customer Service Representative

With more education and/or experience, you may be qualified to pursue higher-level health information management roles.

What Types of Health Information Management Technology Might I Use?

• Health information technology is constantly changing, evolving, and advancing. That said, some of the key components of HIM systems today are:3
• Electronic health records (EHRs) – digital patient charts that contain their medical history, diagnoses, test results, and treatment plans
• Electronic health information exchanges (HIEs) – electronic systems that allow different healthcare providers to share patient information securely
• Medical coding and classification systems – universal medical codes that healthcare providers use to seek reimbursement; also used to track public health trends
• Data analysis and reporting – inspecting and modeling data to help with decision making; also used to improve patient care and optimize healthcare resources

What Do You Learn in a Health Information Management Program?

Your health information management courses can vary depending on the school’s curriculum. UMA’s Health Information Management associate degree program is designed to give you the knowledge and skills needed to perform entry-level health information management duties. It includes core HIM courses such as these:

Healthcare Law, Policies, and Ethics – As a HIM professional, it’s important to store and use patients’ private health information responsibly. So, this course discusses legal and ethical principles and regulations in the use and release of this information (like HIPAA). It also covers topics such as malpractice and fraud.

Healthcare Reimbursement & the Revenue Cycle – Health information management professionals sometimes have medical billing and coding duties. At a minimum, it’s important to understand healthcare reimbursement and payment processes. This course gives an overview of both. You also learn about how data is shared between providers.

Information Technology in the Healthcare Environment – Technology allows healthcare organizations to record and share medical information electronically. This HIM course covers how information technology is used, along with emerging technologies and how they can be applied responsibly.

Statistics and Data Sets in Healthcare – Researchers and public health officials can use patient health information to identify health trends within certain demographics (such as diseases that affect women more than men) or across the population as a whole. This course dives into how this data is identified, collected, and analyzed, along with highlighting research methods and healthcare statistics.

Can I Get a HIM Degree Online?

Some schools have an online HIM program, others do not. At UMA, we like to offer our learners the convenience of online healthcare courses combined with real-world experience to grow their skills and confidence. That’s why our Health Information Management associate degree program includes both online instruction and a 90-hour on-site practicum.4 This enables you to gain the knowledge needed to work in this role, also providing the opportunity to practice hands-on skills in an actual healthcare setting.

If you think HIM might be a good career path for you but still have questions, contact us and we’ll do our best to provide answers (or direct you to other resources that can help). We can also talk about how to get started if you’re ready. Either way, we look forward to speaking with you!