Health Information Management

Why get a degree in Health Information Management?

Quality information is essential in all aspects of today's health care system. Health Information Management is the body of knowledge that prepares a practitioner with a variety of health information critical for decision making across diverse health care organizations, settings, and disciplines. The HIM degree opens many doors for a graduate and employment is expected to grow faster than average in the next few years.

Entrants in this field usually have an associates' degree, and technicians with a strong background in medical coding are in high demand. This is one of the few health care occupations that do not require direct clinical contact with patients. Course requirements typically involve the following:

Anatomy and Physiology, Medical Terminology, Concepts of Disease Statistics, and Health Care Quality Improvement Research Computer Information, and Health Care Technologies Legal Aspects of Health Information Management and Supervision of Health information Functions

Technicians are responsible for the patient's health information and make sure that charts are complete, properly signed and identified, and the correct information is put into the computer. Some technicians specialize in coding patient information for insurance reimbursement, and for health care quality improvement research.

Anyone considering a career in Health Information Management must understand that lifelong learning, and a continual sharpening and upgrading of skills are important ingredients for success in this challenging and ever changing area of health care.

AAS Degree in Health Information Management

This degree enables a graduate to take the national examination to qualify as a registered Health Information Technician (RHIT). An RHIT is qualified at the entry level to obtain employment in virtually any health care environment:

Managing health data; Ensuring that standards are met for health care information; Coding medical records for insurance reimbursement; Doing health care statistics and research; Ensuring quality management and performance improvement; Overseeing the legal and ethical aspects of health information; Working with health care technologies and information systems; Managing the financial and physical resources of an HIM department.

College Credit Certificate in Medical Information Coding and Billing

This certificate requires classes needed to code medical records in any health care environment. Hospital coding generally requires national certification. Our certificate provides the graduate with the necessary foundation to prepare for the national exams. These exams are for the following licenses:

Certified Coding Specialist- Hospital Based (CCS) Health Information Mangt. Assoc. Certified Coding Specialist – Physician Based (CCS-P) Health Information Mangt. Assoc. Certified Professional Coder – Physician Based (CPC) Amer. Academy Professional Coders Certified Professional Coder – Hospital Based (CPC-H) Amer. Academy Professional Coders

AAS Degree Specializing in Medical Office Management

This degree provides the foundation needed to perform every non-clinical job in a physicians office including:

General medical office management Medical record transcription; Medical insurance billing.