Where Do Health Information Managers Work?

Health Information Managers

Medical care is advancing rapidly thanks to health information managers. While many people are aware of the medical advancements that have improved treatment, far fewer people realize the way technology has revolutionized how patient information is stored and accessed. This is the domain of a health information manager. These managers serve as a bridge between the technical and the medical, making them critical players in the medical community. Although this is a growing field, many people fail to realize where such positions exist.

Hospitals

A hospital serves as a place for centralized patient care. From acute cases to routine surgeries, hospitals are among the most hectic medical climates. With so many people coming and going, it is imperative for hospitals to have a streamlined technical system for patient information. This is why many hospitals employ a health information manager. These managers are able to facilitate easy information access for doctors, nurses and patients. In this context, the manager will probably be expected to coordinate between the technology support staff and the medical personnel to ensure that all access is handled appropriately.

Doctor Offices

While many doctors cannot afford the same bells and whistles as a hospital, many have become responsive to the needs of modern patients. By now, most practices have electronic files, and many provide patients with electronic access to their medical records at all times. In order to facilitate these upgrades, many doctors must hire a health information manager. A health information manager in this context can oversee the necessary upgrades, helping older practices transition from outdated filing systems while promoting new patient engagement in the updated system.

Public Health Agencies

Health information managers are in high demand at public health agencies. These agencies operate at all levels from local to federal. While exact duties vary, managers in these positions will be expected to develop improvements to information systems. Moreover, they may be responsible for promoting upgrades to medical practices and hospitals within their jurisdiction. This will require managers to not only understand the technology but to also promote its benefits. For example, managers will need to be aware of the economic incentives of updating patient information access. According to Healthcare IT News, data suggests that information technology can be an important tool for medical practices to make money. By using this kind of research, managers can better appeal to medical practices to continue with upgrades.

Clinical Settings

There are countless other medical contexts where a health information manager can find employment. Rehabilitation clinics and other outpatient care facilities often operate in conjunction with other medical facilities, which means that electronically shared files are imperative. Mental health facilities and long-term care clinics are also commonly looking for candidates who are equipped to manage patient information with ease and professionalism. In some cases, these facilities are connected to a wider network of medical practices. Health information managers may be employed by the wider network in order to oversee patient information on a much broader scale.

Related Resource: The 25 Best Associates in Health Information Online Degree Programs

With so many employment opportunities, it is easy to see why more people are starting to consider this career path. Fortunately, there are plenty of programs that offer the necessary training for these positions. This way, it is easy for anyone to start their journey as a health information manager today.