Top Jobs in Health Information Management
For many seeking a new, rewarding career, pursuing a future in health information management is certainly an option worth considering. Healthcare specialists will always be in demand along with dedicated professionals capable of organizing and processing vast amounts of information. Health information managers are responsible for transcoding diagnoses, ensuring compliance with local or federal laws, and operating as a point of contact between main parties in the healthcare industry. Due to the varied nature of the job, health information managers may choose to work in a myriad of environments.
Compliance Officer
Compliance officers in the health industry are responsible for ensuring the safety of the work environment, employees and patients. Taking measures to remain in compliance with both state and federal laws is also an integral component of the job. Compliance officers can expect to make a very competitive salary. In fact, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor and Statistics, compliance officers make an annual median salary of $65,640 a year. Those interested in pursuing a career in this field should be prepared to work fluctuating hours and travel on a regular basis.
Admissions
The work of an admissions clerk entails collecting patient information, verifying insurance, managing staff and facilitating open communication with other healthcare providers. Those who work in patient admissions may also be expected to perform database maintenance from time to time. According to the Bureau of Labor and Statistics, those who seek careers in this field can expect to earn up to $37,110 annually. The Bureau of Labor and Statistics estimates that the demand for professionals to work in this position is estimated to grow as much as 15% by 2024.
Medical Records Administrator
This job encompasses all aspects of acquiring, organizing, coding and safely storing the health records of patients. To work as a medical records administrator, an associate’s degree in a pertinent field is required. An associate degree in health information management could take as little as two years to complete. However, those seeking employment in medical records administration tend to seek a bachelor’s or master’s to broaden the scope of their career options. Medical records administrators are required to possess registration as a Registered Health Information Administrator (RHIA) as well.
Reimbursement and Insurance Manager
An essential component to any clinic, hospital or healthcare facility, the reimbursement and insurance manager is responsible for a variety of tasks. The reimbursement and insurance manager analyzes cost reports while ensuring caregivers are properly compensated for services rendered. Those interested in this career will be expected to communicate with insurance companies often to finalize reimbursements and may be required to assist customers confronted with reimbursement issues. Aside from possessing a bachelor’s in a relevant field, reimbursement and insurance managers are often expected to have several years of experience as an auditor or supervisor.
Professor of Health Information Management
After years of education and many more years of direct experience in the healthcare industry, a career as a professor is certainly a possibility. This gratifying job focuses on providing students with the tools they need to succeed and prepare for a career as a health information manager. Professors of health information management often have spent many years in the healthcare industry and have an enormous amount of valuable wisdom to lend individuals. As a professor, you will have the unique opportunity to reshape the future of health information management one student at a time.
Risk Management
The role of risk management specialists in a healthcare environment is to process patient injuries, evaluate worker's compensation claims and update work environment policies on a regular basis. Risk management professionals should seek new, efficient ways to enhance the safety, reputation and overall functionality of a hospital, clinic or another healthcare environment. The role of a risk manager is especially important to help alleviate unnecessary expenses or legal fines by implementing more cost-effective, consistent approaches to patient care. Risk management professionals are also expected to search for liabilities or sources of strain on the budget and develop approaches to reduce possible financial exposure. The role of a risk manager doubles over as a financial consultant and serves as a shield protecting a healthcare facility from potentially damaging financial strain.