The World Health Organization (WHO) defines health as "a state of complete physical, mental, and social well-being, free from disease and infirmity." There are many different definitions of health, but the general concept is the same: a person who is healthy is in good physical, mental, and social condition. The World Health Organization also has specific standards for health. Below are some resources to learn more about health and the career of health information management. Meaning of PHI The most common uses of PHI are treatment, payment, and healthcare operations. For example, a clinician may use PHI to determine if the patient needs surgery, or to review the patient's past health care history. The information may also be used to bill the patient for services rendered. Some PHI is also shared with third-party covered entities with a relationship to the patient, but the purpose must be similar. This information may be electronic, oral, or paper, and can contain any information that identifies an individual. Examples of protected health information include past and present medical records, laboratory results, complementary health services, and payment information. Anything that can be used to identify a person qualifies as PHI. It is also illegal to use PHI for research purposes. Therefore, healthcare professionals should understand the responsibilities of protecting this information. Protected health information, also known as PHI, is any type of information that can be used to identify a person. This type of information may appear in medical records, billing information, and in the computer systems of health insurance companies. It is essential to protect this information to ensure it is kept confidential. By following the law, healthcare providers and other entities can keep patient PHI secure. If you have any questions about PHI, contact the Office for Civil Rights. In addition to electronic PHI, covered entities must also ensure that paper records are secure. HIPAA has outlined specific requirements for protecting PHI. In the past, paper files are typically stored in locked cabinets. Physical storage requires an authorization and control mechanism. The PIN pad may also be required for access. There are also several other requirements for protecting PHI. You should know the specific rules for your organization. They will be helpful in protecting your PHI and keeping it secure. As a general rule, it is best to remove all PHI from datasets to ensure that no identifiable person can be identified from them. This is important for research purposes. HIPAA does not require companies to delete all PHI. However, there are many exceptions, and you should be aware of these before sharing PHI. This can be a concern for everyone. The national framework was created to protect the privacy of PHI. HIPAA regulations The Privacy Rule requires medical providers to give individuals access to their protected health information (PHI). An individual must request access in writing, and the provider must try to provide it in the format requested. Under the Privacy Rule, covered entities are permitted to provide PHI to individuals for certain purposes, such as treatment, payment, and referral. They must also comply with requests for electronic records, and may provide electronic records promptly if requested. The Affordable Care Act also prevents group health plans from denying coverage and prohibits lifetime limits on coverage. Title II of the Act directs the United States Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) to standardize the electronic transmission of healthcare information. HIPAA regulations for health information also require organizations to implement safe electronic access to patient health information and maintain privacy standards. This law relates to general medical care guidelines and tax-related provisions. HIPAA fines for violations of the Privacy Rule vary greatly. Under this regulation, healthcare organizations must notify patients or their representatives if they are the victim of a security breach. In some cases,healthcare providers can also face criminal charges. The fines for violating the HIPAA regulations are quite significant. In some cases, healthcare providers can be held liable for tens of thousands of dollars in fines. Whether the information is protected under the HIPAA privacy rule depends on the type of health care provided to the patient. Some providers may share information about the treatment of a patient with a family member. However, others may not. In such cases, HIPAA regulations do not require a physician to disclose personal health information. In other cases, a parent may have signed an agreement with the patient for confidentiality purposes. Generally, HIPAA defines protected health information as information that can identify an individual. That information can include a patient's name, Social Security number, medical record number, specific dates, and demographic information. Under HIPAA, protected health information can be used to make decisions about a patient's treatment or to perform employment applications. De-identification is a difficult task, but it is necessary to ensure privacy. Education requirements for health information managers A bachelor's degree in health information management is an excellent start. A master's program will require at least 59 general education credits, a 2.75 undergraduate GPA, and an essay on your educational goals. The education for a career in health information management should also include a 21-credit certificate in medical coding. To prepare for the RHIA exam, you should take the program. An MSHIIM from a university like Dakota State University will require a minimum of 30 credits. In addition to the Bachelor's degree, health information managers will also supervise billing and coding departments. A master's degree focuses on systems implementation, leadership, and in-depth knowledge of health information and healthcare operations. The master's program is two years long and requires a solid undergraduate GPA. Some universities may also require the take of the GRE. In addition to a bachelor's degree, you'll need to complete prerequisite courses, and a master's degree is an ideal option if you're seeking a more advanced position. Graduates with a master's degree in health information management will have the highest job prospects. Admission requirements for master's programs in health information management will vary depending on the program and the school. Many programs require standardized test scores, letters of recommendation, and an undergraduate GPA of at least 3.5. Some health information management programs are CAHIIM accredited, so you can be sure that they meet quality standards and will prepare you for the RHIA exam. You'll also want to find a program that publishes statistics on the number of graduates who have passed the exam. If you're considering enrolling in a program, look for the ones with high pass rates and a good job placement history. In addition to the above-mentioned skills, aspiring health information managers should possess a good understanding of medical terminology and the processes used in disease and injury diagnosis. In addition to this, you should have basic first aid and CPR training. Additionally, you should have good technical skills, and be knowledgeable about medical transcription and spreadsheet programs. Pay attention to details and you'll likely succeed in this field. So, start planning your future by completing the education requirements for health information managers! Career opportunities The field of health information technology (HIT) offers many exciting job opportunities for individuals with a technical background. Careers in health IT include system analysts, data architects, project managers, informatics researchers, data quality managers, and data engineers. As the world's population grows older, the need for medical services increases. Additionally, healthcare IT is moving towards an electronic records management (EHR) system and a data-centric approach. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the field is expected to grow 22% over the next decade. RHIA-certified professionals can find employment inhealth information technology in a number of different settings including insurance companies, government agencies, pharmaceutical development firms, and software firms. HIM jobs are highly technical, and they require management skills to make them successful. Health information managers oversee the work of department employees and guide them in adherence to regulatory issues and policies. They also oversee hiring practices and ongoing training for existing employees. Managing HIM departments requires distinct leadership skills, so individuals with strong management skills are likely to be successful. Entry-level HIM jobs may not require leadership skills, but if you'd like to move up to management positions, you'll likely need to pursue a formal degree program. If you'd like to advance in your career, consider becoming a health information manager. Several positions in health information management require more advanced coursework and training. You can advance from being a patient registrar to a director of coding. If you're interested in a career in health information management, consider hiring a Career Coach to help you navigate the job market and improve your resume. Your skills will be in high demand in the future, so start building your resume today! A degree in health information management is the first step in a lucrative career in healthcare information management. With the growth of healthcare organizations and the rise of data-driven decision-making, this field is expected to be a top choice for those looking for a career in health information technology. You can earn a bachelor's degree in health information management from a reputable institution, such as Herzing University. When you graduate, you'll be positioned for leadership and executive positions in the field.