The HIM specialist is the expert in processing, analyzing, and reporting information vital to the healthcare industry. Combining knowledge in computers, medical vocabulary, health science, ethics, legal requirements, and management, the HIM professional develops systems that support patient care, medical research, health planning, health care, evaluation systems and financial reimbursement for the health care institution. HIM professionals work in hospitals, accounting firms, insurance companies, information system vendors, law firms, individual or group physician practices, home health organizations, nursing homes and a wide variety of health related organizations. There are many diverse positions available in the HIM profession. The Bureau of Labor Statistics estimates that more than 47,000 additional HIM professionals will be needed by the year 2005.
Salaries tend to increase quickly with experience.