Health Information Management
What is it?

    Health information managers direct and manage the activities of a health information center in health care facilities, such as hospitals, outpatient facilities, home health agencies, research centers, professional review organizations, and health insurance companies. The health information manager may also be responsible for the following areas:

• The development and maintenance of a patient information system.
• The control of data quality.
• The management of a computer based information system.
• The coordination of performance improvement programs.
• The daily supervision of personnel.

    A health information center houses and permanently preserves all data related to a person's medical condition. This data may be stored on paper (hard copy), microfilm or computer, and includes information such as: a patient's medical history and physical examination, reports of x-ray and other lab tests, diagnosis and treatment plans, reimbursement information, allied health notes, medications, doctor's notes/orders, and nurses' notes.

    As manager of this body of information, the health information manager is directly involved with safeguarding the confidentiality of health information while acting as liaison between other medical units in the same facility, as well as outside agencies. Access to health information data is vital in terms of its use for research, insurance claims, legal actions, professional review of treatment and medications prescribed, and for training medical personnel. In addition, health information is used to evaluate the quality and cost of medical procedures, and to plan health care in the community at large.

    Because incorrect or misplaced health information could affect the health of a patient, the health information manager must pay close attention to detail and exercise responsible management skills. Health information managers must be able to get along with others and inspire their cooperation, for much of the work consists of gathering data from various sources including physicians, nurses, and other medical units. An awareness of the medical, administrative, ethical, and legal requirements of the health care delivery system is also essential.

    Although the health information manager is frequently unseen by the patient or the family, he/she is an essential member of the health care team and works closely with other health care professionals to gather and supply the health information needed to provide high quality patient care. The credentialed health information management professional is a Registered Health Information Administrator (RHIA).

Important Links:

Oklahoma Health Information Management Association
American Health Information Management Association
National Institutes of Health
Healthcare Information and Management Systems Society
Joint Commission on Accreditation of Healthcare Organization
National Committee for Quality Assurance
Oklahoma Foundation for Medical Quality
Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services 
Medicinenet.com
Web MD