Physicians, nurses, and other medical providers aren’t the only professionals who must demonstrate conscientious health information management. All individuals who handle sensitive data need regular and comprehensive training to understand the proper use, storage, analysis, and sharing of health information. Fortunately, compliance officers and other professionals have access to software and support services to ensure they conduct proper health information management.
What is Health Information Management?
Patient health information typically includes:
- Medical history: Past illnesses, surgeries, treatments, allergies, immunizations, medications
- Treatment plans: Prescribed medications, therapies, follow-up visits, and post-procedure care instructions
- Test results: Diagnostic assessments, imaging, and lab reports
- Family medical history: Genetic test results, hereditary conditions, genetic risk factors, and conditions of close family members
Health information management refers to the precise and secure handling of patient and other sensitive data, including proper analysis, coding, storage, and sharing. Proper health information management enhances the quality of patient care, makes work processes more efficient, and supports informed health-related decision-making.
The Need for Health Information Systems Training
People in charge of health information management are essential custodians of medical data, and they assume multiple responsibilities. Without comprehensive health information management training, medical providers and staff can fail to protect sensitive data and electronic medical records (EMRs) and to ensure that everything is accurate, complete, and accessible to individuals who need it.
The technical and analytical aspects of managing medical data require health information technology training that equips personnel with special skills to handle such complex data appropriately and effectively. This training also helps staff understand how to apply compliance standards to collecting, storing, using, analyzing, and sharing sensitive information.
Training in health information management should also reinforce analytical skills and problem-solving. For example, people handling sensitive patient data need to know which codes to use to accurately record medical procedures and treatments. Other valuable skills are knowing how to share medical information and identifying necessary changes to processes and systems, which are typically part of health information systems training.
Support From Compliance Software and Services
Even the most dedicated and skilled compliance officers need resources, tools, and support to manage health information effectively and efficiently. Service providers like Compliancy Group provide software packages that help professionals safeguard sensitive data, train staff on necessary technical and soft skills, and use technology securely.
Besides compliance software, another essential resource is an online system that provides comprehensive health information management training. When searching for a training provider, it’s beneficial to go with a company that offers instruction in regulatory compliance and cybersecurity best practices. They should also provide training on core regulations, including the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act, Occupational Safety and Health Act, and the False Claims Act (also Federal Wide Assurance), in addition to advanced courses that can be altered for employees’ duties, learning styles, and experience levels.
At Compliancy Group, we’re committed to helping you meet your health information management training and other compliance needs. Our healthcare compliance training offers over 90 training courses, continuing education credits, and certificates that healthcare professionals need to stay compliant. We specialize in courses on healthcare regulatory compliance and cybersecurity.
