What Can You Do With a Health Information Management Degree?
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As the name suggests, health information management refers to collecting, storing, and analyzing data related to health and healthcare. To provide quality patient care, a patient’s medical records must be preserved and managed effectively. As technology becomes ubiquitous and healthcare institutes veer away from physical medical records, the need for well-trained health information managers increases. These professionals are responsible for collecting, preserving, analyzing, and releasing medical records to patients and other healthcare professionals, as required.
Health information management programs train candidates in all aspects of information management, the use of computer software, as well as different aspects of healthcare. Health information managers may take up various roles such as health information technician, billing specialist, clinical informatics specialist, coding manager, and data quality manager. Usually, these positions require a bachelor of science or arts degree, though some positions may require special certifications and a master’s degree.
Given below are a few careers that students with a health information management degree can pursue.
Become a Clinical Data Analyst
Description
Clinical data analysts produce critical reports and analytics about areas such as finance, human resources, clinical, and other data-driven projects. They perform data analysis, standardization, reconciliation, and data transformation. They prepare reports such as billing, accounts receivable, scheduling, and reimbursement. This role is also involved in special projects and is required to meet the appropriate accuracy standards and deadlines.
Responsibilities
The day-to-day responsibilities of a clinical data analyst include automating internal and external reports, creating executive-level dashboards, and presenting information to help hospital executives and others understand the operational implications of the data.
Skills Required
Candidates applying for this job must have strong data management skills. It is also important to be able to learn new applications and software quickly, translate data into management reports and presentations, be comfortable interacting with other individuals, establish priorities and meet deadlines, and work with minimal supervision.
Education required
Education requirements include BA or BS degree, although a master’s degree would be preferred.
Work Experience
Two to five years of experience working with a medical lab. Experience in the mapping of ICD-10 and CPT codes would be considered. Experience in using Microsoft Office Suite is also required.
Salary Average (PayScale Jan. 2023): $70,467 per year
Salary Percentiles : 10% – $50,000; 50% (median) – $70,000; 90% – $92,000
Become a Clinical Informatics Specialist
Description
Clinical informatics specialists manage a significant number of medical records. They build user interfaces and train the clinical staff to use them. More of a generalist, this role interacts with individuals providing access to records and directs others who perform data entry and evaluation. This is generally a full-time job, with regular business hours.
Responsibilities
This position is responsible for troubleshooting and resolving software and hardware problems to ensure patient care, consulting, coordinating, and planning information system integration, evaluating existing systems and making recommendations to improve functionality, and directly working with staff to train and alter usage for better security, data, and patient care.
Skills Required
Candidates applying to this position need specific skills in information technology. They must understand the function and structure of complex database technology and have a broader understanding of the commonalities and vocabulary of large information systems and customer relation databases.
Education required
For this position, registered nursing credentials are required such as a bachelor of science in nursing (BSN) degree, RN License, and ANCC certification.
Work Experience
Various organizations require clinical informatics specialists to have several years of clinical experience in an environment certified by the Joint Commission on Accreditation of Healthcare Organizations (JCAHO).
Salary Average (PayScale Jan. 2023): $79,740 per year
Salary Percentiles : 10% – $61,000; 50% (median) – $80,000; 90% – $111,000
Become a Coding Manager
Description
Coding managers supervise medical coding staff members who oversee patients’ medical records. They typically work in hospitals and other medical facilities. In addition, they also serve as a technical resource for staff members and ensure that all relevant information is accurate, up-to-date, and meets professional coding standards.
Responsibilities
A coding manager leads the coding staff in a facility. Their responsibilities include managing the coding staff, monitoring their productivity levels, providing education and support to the coding staff, and troubleshooting coding issues. Coding managers are also responsible for monitoring budgets, utilizing operational resources, and participating in program development.
Skills Required
Professionals applying for this position must have knowledge of current software and network security details concerning the medical records they maintain. They should have in-depth knowledge of medicare and various other payer coding, billing, and reimbursement guidelines. They should also demonstrate strong leadership and communication skills.
Education required
A bachelor’s degree is required for this position, but a master’s degree is preferred. Certifications such as CPC or RHIT/RHIA or CCS-P/CCS, or a combination is required.
Work Experience
A minimum of five years of experience with coding and medical records are generally required for this position.
Salary Average (PayScale Jan. 2023): $75,509 per year
Salary Percentiles : 10% – $52,000; 50% (median) – $76,000; 90% – $99,000
Become a Collections Specialist
Description
As the name suggests, a collections specialist is responsible for collecting debt owed to their organization. They use different means to contact individuals who have defaulted on debts or have not paid past bills. Collections specialists usually work in a call center. They perform appropriate audits to ensure compliance with government and state rules and regulations.
Responsibilities
A collections specialist monitors and maintains assigned accounts through regular follow-up; makes collection and billing calls to reduce the loss of assets of a company; provides education to all appropriate personnel; and visits assigned facilities to review, monitor, and audit the provision of medicare services provided within the facility.
Skills Required
The required skills for this position are a sound knowledge of the application of state standards of care, strong interpersonal and communication skills, and written and verbal skills.
Education required
Many collections specialists have at least a bachelor’s degree in finance, economics, or a related field. However, it is not an industry-wide requirement for a collections specialist to hold a college degree.
Work Experience
A minimum of two years of experience in healthcare data entry and at least one year of previous healthcare-related billing experience is required for this position.
Salary Average (PayScale Jan. 2023): $48,620 per year
Salary Percentiles : 10% – $35,000; 50% (median) – $49,000; 90% – $65,000
Become a Compliance Officer
Description
A compliance officer is in charge of supervising and handling issues related to compliance with laws or regulations. They ensure that the company is up-to-date with its licensing requirements. They often report their findings to the organization’s governing body and recommend any required changes. There is a wide range of work environments for compliance officers.
Responsibilities
A compliance officer conducts periodic internal reviews or audits. They assess products, compliance, or operational risks and develop risk management strategies. They direct the internal investigation of compliance issues and oversee and monitor activities for compliance with company, state, and federal regulations.
Skills Required
Some of the required skills for this position include knowledge of healthcare compliance requirements, a working knowledge of federal and state reimbursement program requirements, and management of an effective ethics and compliance program. They must also possess a high degree of computer proficiency.
Education required
A bachelor’s or clinical degree in a healthcare-related field will be considered for this role, while a master’s degree is preferred. Certification in healthcare compliance designation is also preferred.
Work Experience
A minimum of five years of healthcare industry experience is required for this position.
Salary Average (PayScale Jan. 2023): $72,851 per year
Salary Percentiles : 10% – $47,000; 50% (median) – $73,000; 90% – $117,000
Become a Data Quality Manager
Description
A data quality manager ensures that a company’s products meet a client’s or consumer’s demands. If an item doesn’t meet quality standards, the quality manager must be able to spot the mistake and correct it immediately. A leader of the quality management department, a data quality manager meets with a company’s management team to develop creative and effective ways to manage product quality.
Responsibilities
A data quality manager leads the quality management department at a company. On a day-to-day basis, these professionals assist in ongoing assessments; coordinate and delegate program activities; develop departmental goals; study healthcare industry standards; and stay current on industry changes.
Skills Required
Decision-making and leadership skills, critical thinking, creative problem-solving, knowledge of financial markets, ability to build and maintain positive relationships are some of the skills required by a data quality manager.
Education required
This position requires a BA in business administration, health information management, or any other related healthcare field.
Work Experience
Eight to ten years of industry experience in data and information management within a data warehouse is generally required for this position.
Salary Average (PayScale Jan. 2023): $70,873 per year
Salary Percentiles : 10% – $45,000; 50% (median) – $71,000; 90% – $116,000
Become a Health Information Technician
Description
Health information technicians prepare medical records of patients for scanning. They scan documents into an electronic system and review that all patient information is correct. They also release medical records with valid authorizations, following state regulations and HIPAA.
Responsibilities
These professionals prepare and scan medical documents, upload documents to electronic health records, and if needed, retrieve information for patients on request. Since patient records contain sensitive details, they must keep their records confidential.
Skills Required
To apply for this position, professionals must have strong computer skills, deal professionally with co-workers and staff, and have an eye for detail. They must also demonstrate thorough knowledge of legal medical record requirements and ability to use equipment such as printers, barcode scanners, and fax machines.
Education Requirements
Applicants to this job require a high school diploma or GED equivalent, plus the equivalent of one year of college. Previous experience as a medical record technician is a plus. Certifications such as RHIA, RHIT, CCS or CCS-P are also considered.
Work Experience
One year of experience in health information or related activities, involving the use of computers, and familiarity with health information forms is required.
Salary Average (Bureau of Labor Statistics May 2021): $48,310 per year for “medical records specialists”
Salary Percentiles: 10% – $29,430; 50% (median) – $46,660; 90% – $74,200
Become a Medical Billing Specialist
Description
Billings specialists work in an office. Their role typically requires the completion of the company’s billing and accounting needs. Their working hours depend on the company’s needs, and this position may be part-time or full-time.
Responsibilities
The responsibilities of a billing specialist include handling customer service calls, obtaining detailed patient information, providing information and answering service questions, and creating and maintaining patients’ records. They are also responsible for resolving issues related to payments by clients, such as rejection and communicating with clients, legal staff, or others.
Skills Required
Billing specialists must have excellent personal skills to communicate effectively with clients, supervisors, and assistants. Additionally, they must also possess superb computer skills. Along with knowledge of billing and best collection practices, they must be adept at reading, understanding, and following oral and written instructions.
Education required
A high school diploma or GED is a must for this position, but a bachelor’s degree and experience in accounting or finance is preferred.
Work Experience
The more experienced an applicant is, the better they pay. However, work experience is not an important criterion for this job.
Salary Average (PayScale Jan. 2023): $41,087 per year
Salary Percentiles : 10% – $31,000; 50% (median) – $41,000; 90% – $58,000
Become a Medical Credentialing Specialist
Description
Medical credentialing specialists ensure that medical staff members’ credentials and licenses are valid and up-to-date. They usually work in a medical facility, such as a clinic, hospital, or private practice. They ensure that practitioners adhere to staff policies, department regulations, and government laws.
Responsibilities
A medical credentialing specialist is responsible for managing, gathering, researching, screening, and updating physician credentials for appointment and reappointment, reviewing the OIG for excluded providers, preparing summary evaluations of practitioner credentials for committee review, and updating national provider identifier (NPI) information. They may also be tasked with researching potential new employees to ensure they possess the necessary licenses and credentials. They obtain insurance contracts and keep copies of credentials, licenses, and related documents.
Skills Required
Medical credentialing specialists must have strong research and organization skills, auditing abilities, communication and interpersonal skills, and the ability to think critically and work independently. Additionally, they must be adept at time management, and organizing and managing multiple responsibilities.
Education required
Some positions require a bachelor’s degree, while others require only a high school diploma. Credentialing specialists should also be certified and may need to take a course and pass a test to obtain certification.
Work Experience
Prior experience in a healthcare setting or in a medical staff office is preferred.
Salary Average (PayScale Jan. 2023): $46,263 per year for “credentialing specialists”
Salary Percentiles : 10% – $35,000; 50% (median) – $46,000; 90% – $63,000
Become a Patient Care Coordinator
Description
Patient care coordinators provide continuity of care by ensuring a smooth transition between care settings. They provide appropriate educational materials to the patient as requested and inform them of their financial responsibility for medications. They develop a trustworthy relationship with patients to identify a patient’s individual needs best.
Responsibilities
A patient care coordinator is responsible for making outbound calls; delivering messages to patients; taking inbound calls from patients, physicians, and other customers; explaining benefits to patients as needed; capturing and recording a patient’s information thoroughly and accurately; capturing patient demographics; and releasing medical records to patients.
Skills Required
Patient care coordinators must have strong organization and problem-solving skills, basic computer skills, including familiarity with Windows, and a good understanding of medical terminology. Additionally, they must be able to read and comprehend simple instructions and have excellent customer service skills.
Education required
A high school diploma or GED equivalent is required for this position, while an associate degree is preferred.
Work Experience
Previous experience in a call-center environment, healthcare office, corporate setting, healthcare insurance company, or pharmacy is highly desirable for this position.
Salary Average (PayScale Jan. 2023): $51,263 per year
Salary Percentiles : 10% – $35,000; 50% (median) – $51,000; 90% – $82,000
Become a Patient Registrar
Description
A patient registrar is tasked with collecting patients’ information and performing various administrative activities as part of their job. They generally work in a healthcare environment, such as within a hospital or doctor’s office.
Responsibilities
Patient registrars perform many responsibilities, such as greeting patients and visitors, answering the telephone, preparing a new patient’s medical charts with correct information and paperwork, obtaining patient signatures, and following all other company procedures.
Skills Required
Excellent telephone manners and etiquette, interpersonal skills, typing and computer skills, the ability to read, understand and follow oral and written directions in a preferred language, and sufficient knowledge of grammar, punctuation, and spelling are some of the requirements for this position.
Education required
A high school diploma or an equivalent degree is preferred.
Work Experience
A year of experience in a medical office, computer and word processing experience, and knowledge of medical terminology is preferred for this position.
Salary Average (PayScale Jan. 2023): $38,095 per year
Salary Percentiles : 10% – $30,000; 50% (median) – $38,000; 90% – $53,000
Become a Release of Information (ROI) Specialist
Description
Release of information specialists generally provide different types of information to the appropriate parties for their organizations. They typically work in an office environment, with regular business hours, and may report their progress to a supervisor within the department.
Responsibilities
They are responsible for providing excellent customer service when clients approach them with queries in-person, over the phone, or through any other digital means. They also collect documents to be scanned into the electronic health record. Additionally, they also perform quality control checks to ensure the accuracy of a patient’s name, account number, medical record number, and document titles. Then, they analyze each chart for completeness. When patients and third-party requestors need medical records, they are the ones who release them.
Skills Required
Release of information specialists must be proficient with data entry software and possess good interpersonal and computer skills. They should have a thorough knowledge of word processors, database queries, and spreadsheet programs.
Education required
A high school diploma is generally required for this position. Industry certifications are also helpful.
Work Experience
Prior experience in the field is highly beneficial.
Salary Average (PayScale Jan. 2023): $39,837 per year
Salary Percentiles : 10% – $32,000; 50% (median) – $40,000; 90% – $59,000
