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Health Informatics and Health Information Management: The Difference Explained

Health Informatics

Emerging technologies have brought changes even in the healthcare field. The rise of modern tech blurred the boundaries between two distinct disciplines. In this article, we focus on health informatics VS health information management.

As closely related fields, people thought that both were similar. We cannot blame them, as HI and HIM practitioners rely on technology to carry out various tasks to improve patient care. The College of St. Scholastica HI and HIM Department Chair David Marc, PhD, explained that their level of interaction with data and technology sets them apart.

Health Informatics

Health Informatics

The American Medical Informatics Association (AMIA) defined health informatics (HI) as the science of using data, information, and knowledge to improve patient care delivery. 

HI professionals, through the application of computer and information science principles, can collect and access health-related data faster and easier. At the same time, make the needed info available as requested.

Some of their duties are as follows:

  • Improve care quality and efficiency by developing information systems/processes;
  • Create, polish, and maintain electronic health record (EHR) systems;
  • Establish data analysis and utilization protocols; and
  • Create systems for data managing and privacy and security policies.

On the whole, HI leverages healthcare data processing with current and new information technology (IT) systems to cultivate knowledge. Medical institutions benefit from it in the following ways:

  • boost efficiency;
  • reduce cost; and
  • improve patient outcomes.

Health Information Management

In contrast to HI, health information management (HIM) focuses on acquiring, analyzing, and protecting digital and traditional medical info. HIM combines business, science, and information technology to provide quality patient care, per the American Health Information Management Association (AHIMA).

Health Care Information and Management Systems Society (HIMSS) Chief Technology and Innovation Officer Steve Wretling shared that HIM practitioners ensure that information is available when asked while keeping its confidentiality safe.

Among their duties are namely:

  • Patient data organization and management
  • Health data processing for billing and reporting purposes
  • Follow and observe patient data regulatory compliance standards
  • Keep patient health information (HIPAA) private and secure

If the HI’s job is to use data and technology for patient care, the HIM’s responsibilities are more on managing and governing medical records.

Though with different roles performed, HI and HIM are vital in giving care of the highest quality. 

For cutting-edge HI solutions, connect with Riveraxe by calling us at 336-493-3665 (phone) or 866-506-5075 (fax). Interested clients may also email our CEO at david@riveraxe.com or inquire through our contact page.

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