I’m sure like most people, I had no idea HIM existed until I discovered while trying to desperately find a major.  Not that I turned to it as a last resort.  I knew I wanted to work in the health care industry, I just had no desire to be a doctor, nurse, or other clinician.  I always enjoyed working with computers and problem solving. Then along came Health Information Management.  A combination of health care, computers, and problem solving.

What exactly is HIM all about?  Essentially, HIM is the study of medical record science. Back in the day, HIM was centered in the medical record department in Hospitals.  Clerks filing paper and keeping track of patients medical records. Nowadays, HIM was evolved to encompass medical coding and reimbursement, management of a hybrid medical record (both paper and electronic), and the knowledge of ever increasing technology advances.  My career has always been focused on the electronic side of the medical record.  In my current position, I’m akin to a liaison between my Coding and Reimbursement Department and the IT department.  I understand computers and technology and can speak the language.

HIM classes involve coding, medical sciences (study of anatomy and disease), documentation, and computer/technology.  HIM professionals should be experts in standards and regulations in regards to health care documentation and need to be flexible to the changing roles.  With the passing of HIPAA (and yes, it really is spelled HIPAA) and the addition of e-Discovery rules, HIM professionals are taking on new projects and roles within the ever changing aspects of health care.  For more information, visit the American Health Information Management Association website (www.ahima.org).