Health Information Management Professional

Health Information Management Professional are information management specialists who review health records for completeness and accuracy, assign codes to the information in the record, assign the record to one of several hundred categories and store and retrieve information as required.

An Exciting Field of Work

In general, Health Information Management Professional:

• Safeguard the integrity and confidentiality of the information in health records
• Turn the information in health records into data that can be used for statistics, research, planning and education
• Collect information about patients and their hospital stays to generate data about the patient population
• Using computer applications to compile, sort, group, retrieve, analyze and present health data in a meaningful, relevant and timely way
• Identify risk management issues as it relates to documentation
• Monitor the quality of data including coding and abstracting, data collection, assuring the accuracy and the integrity of the master patient index
• Ensure that every patient's record is complete, filed and kept secure, but still readily accessible
• Maintain filing and numbering systems
• May assist in health records software management
• May be involvement in special projects related to health record process and data collection

Personal Characteristics / Skills

• Excellent oral and written communication skills
• Good analytical skills
• Good interpersonal skills
• Highly organized with the ability to give great attention to detail
• Good computer skills

Education and Training

A college diploma in a Medical Records or Health Information Management program is required.

Education program offered in New Brunswick

The diploma in Health Information Management program is not available in New Brunswick.

Length of Study / Training

2.0 - 3.0 years

Licence and certification

Registration and membership with the Canadian Health Information Management Association is required

Helpful High School Courses

• Math
• Biology
• Science
• Computer related courses

Employment and Common Working Conditions

Health Information Management Professional work in a variety of settings such as:

• Hospitals and clinics
• Doctor’s offices
• Government departments and agencies
• Pharmaceutical and insurance companies

Health Information Management Professional generally work a standard work week, with occasional overtime work required. Where health record departments are open longer hours, they may be required to work shifts.

A significant part of a typical day is spent working at a computer. Because mistakes could have a negative effect on patient care or hospital funding, there is considerable pressure to be accurate as well as fast.

Employment Prospects - Very GOOD

A significant shortage is anticipated in this profession.