The switch from paper to electronic health records will help doctors, nurses and other medical staff make important health care decisions on a real-time basis. But who ensures the information is complete, accurate and kept confidential? This is the role of the health information management professional.

This week through Nov. 11 is Health Information & Technology Week, an annual event recognizing the work of the growing field of professionals who manage patient health information.

"HIM is dedicated to the effective management of patient information and healthcare data needed to deliver quality treatment and care to the public," said Kim Wells-Ball, Director of HIM/Privacy Officer for Barton HealthCare System.

"As the healthcare industry moves further into the information age, the role of the health information management professional is becoming even more critical. On top of that, we have a severe shortage of personnel in this part of the health care field," she said.

Fast-paced changes in technology have accelerated the demand for HIM professionals. The U.S. Department of Labor, Bureau of Labor Statistics, projects a 49 percent growth in the number of HIM workers by 2010, making HIM one of the nation's fastest-growing health occupations. The field currently offers nearly 40 different work settings and more than 125 job titles.

Wells-Ball heads a department of 22, with one position that she has been trying to fill for nearly a year.

"There are so many opportunities in this field, especially for coders, people just wouldn't believe it," said Wells-Ball. A coder is someone who transfers the medical diagnosis and the medical treatment of each patient into insurance codes to ensure the bills get paid. There are three levels of coders.

Barton may consider setting up its own coder classes to help fill these employee gaps. It takes about a year to complete a coder course. Coders must then take a test to become certified. The beginning wages for a coder, on a national average, are in the $15 to $24 an hour range. Barton's starting pay scale is within that range.

According to the AHIMA Web site salary survey, certified coders in Western states generally make more than $42,000 a year to start.

Career opportunities in HIM include coders, management, implementation of the electronic records or designing health information systems for software vendors.

"Health Information & Technology Week is a great opportunity to learn more about the roles these professionals play in our healthcare system and to recognize and celebrate their contributions to patient care. I know we're going to have a party," Wells-Ball said. "I can't tell you what an outstanding staff I have here at Barton's HIM. They are all wonderful, hard working and an absolute delight to spend part of my life with."



On the Web

For more information about the Health Information Management profession, visit www.ahima.org