REDEFINING THE RESPONSIBILITIES OF HEALTH INFORMATION MANAGER

The Healthcare sector has evolved significantly in the past few years. Technology has transformed operations and management of almost all the sectors. New sub-departments have emerged in the industry, paving ways for more people to barge in this field. The health sector professionals are always in demand; unlike other sectors, people seek healthcare service all year round. The COVID-19 pandemic has put the healthcare staff in a prominent spot and regard them as superheroes.

Students who want to give back to the community find the healthcare industry ideal. It gives them plenty of chances to serve humanity and have good job prospects. Health information manager is not a new designation but lately has become one of the notable healthcare titles. The department is vital for running hospitals, clinics, agencies, and other organizations that strive to provide healthcare facilities. In this platform, a healthcare information manager does more than just managing the operations. He looks after working in several departments and makes sure that the procedures are running smoothly. If there is a gap, it is his job to fill it. 

The responsibilities of the health information manager are different than before. The following are some of the redefined duties of the healthcare information manager:

• ADMINISTRATIVE DUTIES

Organizations need people who are from a business background so that they can look after administrative affairs. Health information managers have a deep insight into the business arena and acquire the necessary skills for managing departments. Various universities offer degrees and specializations, such as online HIM programs, that enable students to utilize healthcare data for informed management, planning, and implementation. These professionals then serve as an asset for large organizations that deal with extensive data daily. 

• IT EFFICIENCY

IT proficiency has become essential to survive in today’s competitive world, and the healthcare industry is no different. In the neurology department, integrating cognitive science, healthcare services, and computer science is essential. It became possible due to the technology combined with the information extracted. Due to IT efficiency, healthcare information managers alert patients that it is time for them to visit hospitals or have their monthly scans done. IT proficient healthcare information managers provide exemplary services and enhance the working of the organization.

• KEEPING TRACK OF PATIENTS

Gone are the times when patients had to carry their medical records for every visit to a clinic. Now, lab technicians help record all scan and test records electronically, which has saved patients from the hassle of keeping a record of hard copies. In most organizations, patients get a code, and behind that code, they hold all the relevant documents.

• ORGANIZE PATIENTS’ DATA

Most patients require more than one laboratory test and various scans to diagnose illness and prescribe treatment and medicines. In most organizations, the health information manager makes sure that patients record, either manually or electronically, are correctly organized. They make sure that they send data to the relevant departments and doctors and sometimes send them miles away to get a second opinion.

• WORK ALONGSIDE PHYSICIANS TO PROVIDE BETTER HEALTHCARE SERVICES

Healthcare information managers have a fundamental knowledge of medical sciences and have skills of basic level. They work alongside physicians and other healthcare workers to provide super quality assistance. They make sure that the documentation is appropriate and contains all the essential information. Since they are the ones who connect several departments of the organization, they have a better idea about workers and operations of the fields. They can help patients in accessing relevant departments.

• ANALYZE CLINICAL DATA

One of the critical aspects of health information administration is to analyze all the clinical data and provide concerned people with analyzed data. The proper analysis helps a doctor inspect the situation from every angle and conclude the treatment in the best interest of patients and help them recover.

• COMPLIANCE WITH FEDERAL AND STATE LAWS

The redefined duties of healthcare information administration include making sure that the organization is complying with federal laws. Many times countries and states modify rules and bring forth new regulations. Healthcare information managers keep an eye on laws, intimate the relevant parties about the latest practices, and ensure that all the departments follow them. Besides, healthcare information makes sure that the data travels fast and reaches all the relevant fields.

CONCLUSION

Healthcare information has become one of the sought after careers, and many students strive to earn a degree in it. The field is expansive, and it helps in enhancing managerial expertise. Healthcare is a dramatic field, and no two days are ever the same in the sector. Medical workers deal with people from all walks of life. With every case, they get enriching experiences. Healthcare information managers improve the organization’s workability and enable effective decision-making.