The health care industry has witnessed significant growth in recent years. Along with this growth, the demand for health care professionals has also surged. One such profession is a director of Health Information Management (HIM). In this blog, we’ll explore what a director of HIM is, what they do, and how to become one. Keep reading to learn more about this career path.
What Is a Director of Health Information Management?
According to O*Net Online, a director of health information management is a senior-level professional who oversees the management and maintenance of patient health information within a health care organization and is responsible for the accuracy, completeness, and security of that patient health information.
A director of HIM typically reports to the chief information officer or chief operating officer and leads a team of health information management professionals. They are also responsible for overseeing the management of release of information requests, responding to audits, and leading quality improvement initiatives related to health information management.
What Does a Director of Health Information Management Do?
The primary responsibility of a director of health information management, notes career search site Ziprecruiter, is to ensure the accuracy, completeness, and security of patient health information. Following are some of the responsibilities of a director of HIM:
1. Develop policies and procedures for the collection, storage, and retrieval of patient health data
The HIM director must develop policies and procedures for the collection, storage, and retrieval of patient health data. This includes ensuring that all health data is recorded accurately and completely, as well as ensuring that the data is securely stored to prevent unauthorized access.
2. Select and implement appropriate Electronic Health Record (EHR) systems
The HIM director is responsible for selecting and implementing the appropriate EHR system. This involves assessing the needs of the health care organization and selecting the EHR system that best fits those needs. The HIM director must also ensure the system is being used in electronic health records compliance with all relevant laws and regulations.
3. Train staff members on the use of EHR systems
The HIM director must train staff members how to use the EHR system. This includes providing training on how to record health data accurately, as well as training on how to use the EHR system to access and retrieve patient health information.
4. Ensure compliance with all relevant laws and regulations
The HIM director is responsible for ensuring compliance with all relevant laws and regulations related to health information management. This includes the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA), the EHR Incentive Program, and other regulations.
5. Oversee the management of release of information requests
The HIM director must oversee the management of release of information requests. This includes ensuring patient health information is released only to authorized individuals and all release of information requests are handled in compliance with all relevant laws and regulations.
6. Respond to audits
The HIM director must respond to audits related to health information management. This includes providing information to auditors and ensuring all information provided is accurate and complete.
7. Lead quality improvement initiatives
The HIM director leads quality improvement initiatives related to health information management. This includes identifying areas in need of improvement, developing and implementing improvement plans, and monitoring the effectiveness of those plans.
8. Collaborate with other health care professionals to help improve patient outcomes
The HIM director must collaborate with other health care professionals to help improve patient outcomes through the use of health information. This includes sharing health information with other health care professionals as needed to help improve patient care and outcomes. The HIM director must also stay up-to-date with new and emerging technologies and industry developments to ensure the health care organization is using the most effective and efficient health information management practices.
How Do I Become a Director of Health Information Management?
To become a director of health information management, a candidate typically needs to have a combination of education and experience, according to the requisite education cited by the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. The following steps can help individuals pursue a career as a director of HIM:
1. Obtain a bachelor’s degree
A bachelor’s degree in health information management or a related field is typically required to become a director of health information management. This degree program typically covers courses in health care management, legal aspects of health information, health informatics, and electronic health records.
2. Gain relevant work experience
To become a director of health information management, a candidate typically needs to have several years of experience working in a health information management role. This experience is gained by working in positions such as medical coder, health information technician, or medical records supervisor.
3. Obtain certification
Certification is not always required, but it is beneficial for advancing in the field. One of the most recognized for health information management professionals is the Registered Health Information Administrator (RHIA) certification from the American Health Information Management Association (AHIMA).
4. Pursue a master’s degree (if desired)
Pursuing a master’s degree in health information management* or a related field can help individuals advance to a director of health information management position. This degree program typically covers courses in health care management, strategic planning, health care policy, and health information technology.
5. Gain leadership experience
To become a director of health information management, a candidate must have experience in a leadership role. This experience can be gained by working as a team leader or supervisor in a health information management role.
What Are the Primary Responsibilities of an HIM Director?
As described above and by O*Net Online, the primary responsibilities of a director of health information management include developing policies and procedures for the collection, storage, and retrieval of patient health data, selecting and implementing the appropriate EHR system, training staff members on the use of EHR systems, ensuring compliance with all relevant laws and regulations, overseeing the management of release of information requests, responding to audits, leading quality improvement initiatives, and collaborating with other health care professionals to improve patient outcomes.
In addition to these responsibilities, a director of health information management must have strong leadership skills, excellent communication skills, and the ability to manage a team of health information management professionals. They must also have a deep understanding of health care regulations and laws related to health information management. O*NET Online is a helpful resource for providing up-to-date data on salary information.
Overview: What Does a Director of Health Information Management Do?
In conclusion, a director of health information management is a critical health care professional responsible for overseeing the management and maintenance of patient health information within a health care organization.
The HIM director’s primary responsibilities include developing policies and procedures for the collection, storage, and retrieval of patient health data, selecting and implementing the appropriate EHR system, training staff members on the use of EHR systems, ensuring compliance with all relevant laws and regulations, overseeing the management of release of information requests, responding to audits, leading quality improvement initiatives, and collaborating with other health care professionals to improve patient outcomes through the use of health information.
To become a director of health information management, a candidate typically needs a bachelor’s degree in health information management or a related field, several years of work experience, certification, and leadership experience.
The director of health information management plays a vital role in the health care industry. They are responsible for ensuring patient health information is secure and easily accessible to health care professionals when needed. As the health care industry continues to evolve, the role of the HIM director will continue to grow in importance, making it an exciting and rewarding career path for those who are passionate about health care and technology.
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*The University of Arizona Global Campus does not offer this degree. For more information, review the course catalog.