August 31, 2011
We live in an information age. Nowhere is this more evident than in the field of medicine. Folks who have a degree in managing health information can be assured of a stable and well paying career. The folks at ECPI University have put together an outstanding program that will lead you to a degree in Health Information Management.
Here are some program details from their web site:
“The Health Information Management Program will prepare graduates to demonstrate proficiency in the arena of health data management.
Students can:
Gain the experience necessary to ensure adequate and complete medical records.
Participate in cost effective information processing.
Learn coding skills as well as the regulatory processes and revenue cycles which impact health care facilities.
In 1.5 years, you can earn your Associate of Applied Science Degree - Health Information Management. Graduates will be prepared to ensure the availability of accurate health data through the application of healthcare technologies such as the electronic health record.
The program offers an Associate of Applied Science degree in Health Information Management that teaches each student to be a competent health information technician.
Graduates of this program will be skilled in the management of health data. Students will learn to ensure adequate and complete medical records, and they will be able to participate in cost-effective information processing. They will learn proficient coding skills as well as an understanding of the regulatory process and the revenue cycle. Students will learn to participate in maintaining health care data integrity through implementation of technology, such as electronic health records.
Students will learn about using information systems in a healthcare setting, such as a hospital or doctor’s office. They will learn to maintain adequate and complete medical records, and they will be able to do so while respecting patient privacy. Students learn about medical terminology and human anatomy so that they may understand and record medical information accurately. They will learn to be skilled liaisons among clinicians, regulators, and patients, and they will be able to apply current technologies in doing so. Students learn about functioning as an integral part of the healthcare team.
Health Information Management (HIM) professionals use a wide spectrum of health information technologies and concepts. Some individuals may choose to work with electronic health records. Graduates may also find employment maintaining physical control of medical records, auditing medical records, providing quality assurance in recordkeeping, and working to ensure compliance with all laws regarding creation, maintenance, and use of medical records. Agencies that coordinate disease and implant registries will also want to hire health information management professionals.
Requirements for Typical Employment Opportunities (i.e., background checks, drug screening, security clearances.)
Requirements may vary depending on employer. Students will generally need to pass a background check, credit check, drug screening, and Mantoux test for tuberculosis. Students must be able to comply with all federal regulations on access, use, and release of all medical information.
Entry Level Employment Opportunities By Job Title and/or Industry
Graduates will be prepared to demonstrate proficiency in health data management, information policy, information systems, administration and clinical work flow. These graduates will not only function as a bridge between clinicians, payers, regulators, patients, consumers, and technology but will also function as part of that team in a variety of settings. Jobs may be found working for health departments, insurance carriers, medical supply companies, healthcare facilities, pharmaceutical manufacturers, disease and implant registries, and physician practices. HIM professionals will be in demand anywhere there is a medical record.
Physical Requirements
Requirements may vary depending on employer. Most positions involve working in an office environment. Generally, someone working in this field must be able to work at a computer for extended periods of time, and he or she may be required to lift up to 50 lbs occasionally.
Certifications Recommended for Entry Level Career.
Certifications are not required for completion of this program but are encouraged. ECPI University provides vouchers allowing students to take certification exams at a greatly reduced cost. The Registered Health Information Technician (RHIT) certification is recommended for entry-level HIM applicants.
Program Specific Academic Policies
A detailed record of students’ attendance is maintained by the instructors and becomes a part of their permanent records. Every absence from class, no matter what the reason, is recorded and counted as such by the instructor, beginning with the first day of class. It is sometimes necessary for the school to give employment recommendations for a student. The employer often takes attendance into consideration.”
The time is now to get started. Click here to get free information headed your way.
