Health information is the data related to a person's medical history, including symptoms, diagnoses, procedures, and outcomes. Health information records include patient histories, lab results, x-rays, clinical information, and notes. A patient's health information can be viewed individually, to see how a patient's health has changed; it can also be viewed as a part of a larger data set to understand how a population's health has changed and how medical interventions can change health outcomes.

Health information management (HIM) is the practice of acquiring, analyzing, and protecting digital and traditional medical information vital to providing quality patient care. It is a combination of business, science, and information technology.

Associate of Applied Science Degrees in Health Information Management are available from Lord Fairfax Community College.

Apply knowledge of health care and database management to analyze clinical data, and to identify and report trends.

The CCPE Technical and Employability Competencies serve as quality indicators of an individual’s readiness to enter an industry or to pursue further education. Competency statements apply to current industry needs, contain both employability skills and technical skills, and leave opportunity for specialized training and career advancement.

Compile, process, and maintain medical records of hospital and clinic patients in a manner consistent with medical, administrative, ethical, legal, and regulatory requirements of the health care system. Process, maintain, compile, and report patient information for health requirements and standards in a manner consistent with the healthcare industry's numerical coding system.

Associate of Applied Science Degrees in Health Information Management are available from Lord Fairfax Community College.
 

Coding professionals use coding conventions and guidelines to abstract, analyze, and accurately assign International Classification of Diseases, Current Procedural Terminology, and other classification systems, as well as principal and secondary diagnostic and procedural codes to inpatient, ambulatory, and outpatient medical records. Coding professionals also query physicians when diagnosis is unclear, audit records, and perform peer reviews. These professionals use encoder, grouper, and other Health Information Management software, including electronic health records. Job requirements include a current credential, such as Registered Health Information Administrator, Registered Health Information Technician, Certified Coding Associate, or other designated credential from a nationally recognized organization.

Coding professionals assign clinical classification codes for medical services. They also use abstracting databases, internal and external audit results, Quality Improvement Organization reports, and revenue cycle edit and denial information, and they are a resource to the clinical team. This position requires effective interaction with coding staff, clinical staff, and different levels of management throughout the health care system.

Work Process Schedule PDF