Description

Health information management (HIM) director is the primary person accountable for the medical and coding records departments. Since this person is responsible for multiple departments, they are able to manage a lot of employees based upon the scale of the establishment. Directors typically are employed in health and educational institutions. They are accountable for ensuring that the facility is in compliance with all laws and guidelines for compliance. The HIM director must be able to implement innovative technologies that can improve productivity and efficiency. In addition, they are usually responsible for monitoring the performance in relation to the competition and other facilities within the same industry.

HIM directors usually operate during normal working hours, however certain facilities may need longer hours to ensure that they are performing their duties and compliance with the law and regulations. Directors typically work directly with the operator or general manager of the facility.

The job usually requires a minimum bachelor's degree as well as up to three years work experience in the medical field of medical records or coding. Registered Health Information Administrator (RHIA) certification is required in addition. Since this job carries management responsibilities, previous experience in managing teams is a plus. HIM directors should have a good working understanding regarding HIPAA as well as Joint Commission on Accreditation of Healthcare Organizations (JCAHO) regulations and regulations.

Roles & Responsibilities

As a Health Information Management HIM Director with 3-6 years of experience in the United States, your main responsibilities include:

  • Oversee the implementation and maintenance of electronic health record EHR systems, ensuring compliance with regulations and standards. Manage the EHR system's implementation and upkeep, adhering to industry guidelines and rules.
  • Develop policies and procedures for privacy and security of health information, ensuring compliance with HIPAA regulations. Create guidelines to safeguard patient privacy and information security in accordance with HIPAA requirements.
  • Collaborate with healthcare professionals and IT teams to optimize data collection, reporting, and analysis for healthcare operations and decision-making. Work closely with medical staff and IT personnel to enhance data gathering, analysis, and reporting processes for better healthcare administration and decision-making.
  • Monitor and evaluate the performance of HIM staff, providing training and support to ensure accurate and efficient management of health information.

Qualifications & Work Experience

For a Health Information Management (HIM) Director job role, the following qualifications are required:

  • In-depth knowledge and understanding of healthcare information systems, including electronic health records (EHRs), health data management, and health information exchange.
  • Strong leadership and managerial skills to effectively oversee and coordinate the HIM department, including staff management, resource allocation, and strategic planning.
  • Comprehensive knowledge of healthcare regulations and compliance requirements, such as HIPAA and CMS guidelines, to ensure the confidentiality, integrity, and availability of health information.
  • Excellent communication and interpersonal skills to collaborate with healthcare professionals, IT teams, and other stakeholders in optimizing health information processes and promoting data-driven decision-making.

Essential Skills For Health Information Management (HIM) Director

1

Healthcare Analytics

2

Public Health

3

Healthcare Management

4

Healthcare Operations

5

Health Reporting

Skills That Affect Health Information Management (HIM) Director Salaries

Different skills can affect your salary. Below are the most popular skills and their effect on salary.

Operations Management

5%

Medical Coding

4%

Career Prospects

The role of the Health Information Management HIM Director is crucial in overseeing health-related data and information management. For professionals with 3-6 years of experience in the United States, here are following alternative roles to consider within the healthcare industry:

  • Quality Improvement Coordinator: A position dedicated to improving patient outcomes by analyzing data, implementing quality improvement initiatives, and ensuring compliance with regulatory standards.
  • Electronic Health Record EHR Implementation Specialist: A role focused on implementing and managing electronic health record systems, training staff on their usage, and ensuring data accuracy and accessibility.
  • Privacy Officer: A position responsible for safeguarding patients' confidential information, ensuring compliance with privacy laws and regulations, and implementing security measures to protect sensitive data.
  • Coding Manager: A role that involves overseeing the coding and classification of medical records, ensuring accurate and timely coding practices, and optimizing reimbursement processes.

How to Learn

The Health Information Management (HIM) Director role is expected to experience significant growth in the United States job market. According to a 10-year analysis, this position is projected to increase in demand, offering numerous employment opportunities for professionals in the field. With the advancements in technology and increased emphasis on data management within the healthcare industry, the demand for qualified HIM Directors is expected to rise. These professionals are crucial in managing and safeguarding patient healthcare information, ensuring compliance with regulations. As per Google's latest data points, the projected growth of the HIM Director role indicates a promising and promising future for individuals pursuing this career path.